Visit Pensacola
You know, when you live near the beach for a long time... it's sounds terrible, but you stop wanting to go to the beach. There's so much traffic and sand and it's hot... Yes, like I said. Terrible. But I was introduced to the Staycation last month and I have to say, I'm kind of loving it. We were lucky enough to tag along with my good buddy, Lo of SipDineDesign, and Visit Pensacola for family friendly perspective. I have much to say.
Hotel. You guys, I can't remember the last time we stayed in a legit hotel. And we've definitely never done it with kids, but let me tell you. My boys handled it like champs and it didn't hurt that the Holiday Inn Resort was super kid friendly. They have entertainment to keep kids entertained. A pirate, a mermaid that paints faces, and even a movie night set up by the pool. Did I mention kids also eat free!? Not a bad deal.
I was super worried about how well Felix was sleep in his pack n play, but he really was a rock star. I did something that sounded crazy, but worked beautifully. My sister told me she put my nephew in the bathroom with the sound machine... So I was like okay, we can do this. Luckily we had friends one room over to borrow a bathroom... or like one night at 3 am, there's always the lobby. You guys, maybe it was the heat or the nonexistent naps, but both of the kids slept until well past 9! I mean, MIRACLES.
Rentals. Loved the beach set up from Lazy Days Beach Rentals and can we just talk about how nice these guys were. So friendly, so willing to help. They were also pretty easy on the eyes. HA! It was worth the money just to not have to lug chairs and an umbrella [along with the tons of other crap that come with having children] to the beach.
Food. We ate pretty darn good on this trip. I was happy to find the the hotel had a veggie burger on the menu, nothing fancy, but it hit the spot! We had a fun late night dinner at Casino Beach Club complete with live music and libations and the sweetest darn wait staff. And brunch... Can we talk about brunch!?! The Grand Marlin exceeded any expectations I had. The service was pretty wonderful. The food was delicious. The chef made me multiple vegan treats and I was oh-so-grateful. The drinks were INSANE. The head bartender and sommelier Wellie was a delight and her drinks could easily be served in the trendiest of LA hotspots. The summer elixir was my favorite. I love any libation with jalapeños worked in! We also enjoyed a meal at Red Fish, Blue Fish which is just so fun and such a great spot for kids, there's lawn games and plenty of things to keep them entertained. Really enjoyed the service here as well.
