Here's what you'll find in this edition:

• Splash into Summer Fun
• 10 Ways to Escape the Summer Heat
• Paddleboarding
• Blue Angels Fly High July 8-9
• Fireworks Spark the Coast
• Pensacola's Finest Gourmet Meal at Home
• Deals on Accommodations

July 2011 E-Newsletter from Visit Pensacola

Splash into Summer Fun

If you're looking for fun summer activities the whole family can enjoy, hurry to the Pensacola Bay Area! Soak in the sun during Red, White and Blues week – an entire week packed with events, including Fourth of July fireworks shows across Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay and the Blue Angels soaring over Pensacola Beach. If you need to cool off after playing in the sun, the area's thrilling water activities, entertaining attractions and Southern-inspired gourmet restaurants are calling your name.

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Paddleboarding

The hottest new trend on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key is stand up paddle boarding. Fun and enjoyable for all ages, the sport even provides a great core workout. Fitness Onboard has teamed with Margaritaville Beach Hotel to offer rentals and yoga, boot camp and pilates classes starting at $25. Key Sailing and Big Lagoon State Park also have paddle boards available for rent.

Deals on Accommodations

• Get the 4th night free at Perdido RV Park & Marina
• Save up to 20% off at Southern Vacation Rentals
• The Gulf and Golf Getaway at Margaritaville Beach Hotel
• Get 25% off four nights stay at Paradise Inn
• Save up to 10% off at Perdido Key Resort Management, LLC

10 Ways to Escape the Summer Heat

1. Whisk across Santa Rosa Sound on a jet ski.
2. Parasail over the Gulf of Mexico for a bird's eye view.
3. View an incredible show at the Pensacola State College Planetarium.
4. Explore sea life while scuba diving in the Gulf of Mexico.
5. Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the world's largest aviation museums.
6. Tour Pensacola's art museums and galleries located downtown.
7. Enjoy a cold beer or frozen bushwacker after the sun goes down.
8. Dock and dine at a variety of restaurants along the coast and in marinas.
9. Make a shopping trip to Cordova Mall which features three department stores and 125 specialty stores, as well as a bungee and other activities for kids.
10. Treat yourself to a little pampering with a massage or rejuvenating facial.

Fireworks Spark the Coast

Red, White and Blues week kicks off July 4 with lots of fun activities and events. For a family-oriented Fourth of July celebration, head to Seville Square where free activities for children will be going on all day under the shade. Then, watch the fireworks fly at Palafox Pier at 9 p.m. Pensacola Beach will launch its fiery show over Santa Rosa Sound at dusk. Admire the fireworks from your hotel balcony or find a spot in the sand. And you can watch fireworks on Perdido Key from the Flora-Bama.

Blue Angels Fly High July 8-9

One of Pensacola's proudest and most popular attractions is the Blue Angels. Every year, they perform two spectacular air shows. Pilots perform breathtaking aerial stunts as they gracefully speed through the sky at up to 700 mph. Grab the family, pack a lunch and beach bag and spend the day on Pensacola Beach's powdery sand and clear water. If you miss this show, visit Naval Air Station Pensacola where the Blue Angels practice at 8:30 a.m. most Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Pensacola's Finest Gourmet Meal at Home

Are you planning on hosting a dinner party this summer? We have the perfect Pensacola-themed menu that will thrill your guests' taste buds.

1. Start the party with cocktails: the Cherry Blossom Margarita from Angus Steak House.
2. Provide a tempting appetizer: lump crab cakes, topped with roasted corn relish and creole mustard butter, from The Grand Marlin.
3. Present the delicious entrée: world-famous Grits á Ya Ya, spiced Gulf shrimp atop smoked Gouda cheese grits, from The Fish House.
4. Finish with a mouth-watering dessert: triple-decker key lime pie from Flounder's.