Summertime in our area brings thoughts of fun and sun at the beach. While I expect to see plenty of events this month, I am excited to see so many options. I have seen the GoRetro buses driving around downtown recently. This newer service touted as Pensacola's most flexible, fun and, affordable sightseeing tour that offers a fully narrated tour with 14 stops. Included is a guided tour of the oldest house still on its original foundations and a self-guided old cemetery tour. Selected nearby businesses and restaurants offer over $100 in discounts or giveaways by simply showing them your Go Retro wristband. The fare is available at any stop. Public parking is available at New World Inn, Visitors' Information Center, or Go Retro Tours. Hop-On Hop-Off Tours are available Fridays Saturdays thru September 1, 2017. Call 850-466-5220 for more info.
Being an empty nester has given me time to have a hobby, so I recently started doing stained glass again after many years. I have meant to get over to meet the artist Lyn Gentry before the chance ends on June 6, 2017, to get some inspiration. Lyn studied with the renowned glass artist and designer, Narcissus Quagliata. Quagliata has artwork in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum and the Corning Museum of Glass. Quagliata is said to have developed the concept of using glass rather than canvas to express the nature of light within a design. Lyn's pieces vary from functional glassware to large, custom-designed architectural pieces. You can check out her work at www.hotsandsglass.com or call 850-602-9279 or more information.
My knees do not let me run anymore, so I will not be participating in the 2017 Island Triathlon on June 10 in beautiful Pensacola Beach. I think I am paddle boarding that morning anyway. Santa Rosa Island Triathlon, Inc. is producing this quality event to welcome first-timers to the sport and to provide an outstanding racing experience for seasoned triathletes. A sold-out field of 500 athletes is expected to compete. The race distances are a 300-yard swim, ten-mile bike, and two-mile run. Perhaps Bill and I can make the after party at 8:00 at the Gulf-side Pavilion.
The 8th Annual Junefest Music Festival is scheduled for downtown June 23, 2017 - June 24, 2017. This family-oriented festival offers a wide variety of performing artists and bands from all genres: Rock, County, Blues, Pop, Reggae, Jazz, and Gospel. Details are still in the works so call beforehand at 850-889-8157.
Finally, this month's Gallery Night Pensacola will be held on June 16, 2017, from 4:00 - 8:00 with the after party following. See you there.
