Top 5 Pensacola Restaurants

RestaurantSo, you’ve just purchased real estate in Pensacola. Congrats! Now that you’re all moved in, and totally over pizza delivery, it’s time to start exploring your new city. Let’s start with all the good eats in town – and there are many!

We could literally go on and on about the various restaurants in Pensacola. Between downtown and Pensacola Beach, you will never go hungry here. But, we decided to narrow the field to the top five. It was very difficult, but here we go.

#5: Five Sisters Blues Cafe – Offering classic southern creations, this is the place to acquaint yourself with area favorites such as fried chicken, fried okra and fried green tomatoes. Yes, everything is better fried. The nightly jazz band is an added bonus.

#4: The Great Southern Restaurants – We’re cheating here. The Great Southern Restaurants are actually three restaurants: Atlas Oyster House, Jackson’s Steakhouse and The Fish House. Their names say it all and you won’t be disappointed, no matter which one you choose!

#3: Pot Roast & Pinot – The Tripadvisor reviews say it all, a “gem of a place with a twist.” Step inside to find a sleek interior, food made from scratch and an incredible wine selection. For added fun, have a seat at the bar to watch your food prepared.

#2: Joe Patti’s Seafood – While their is only a small area to sit down to eat, this lands on our list for being the best fresh seafood market in town, hands down. Even if you order your seafood and take it home to eat, you will still consider this one of your best meals. But, whatever you do, don’t forget to order beignets.

#1: McGuire’s Irish Pub & Brewery – Delicious food, beer brewed in-house and years of tradition literally stapled to the wall, this is the impression you will leave with after a visit to McGuire’s. Head on over, order an Irish Red and an order of reuben eggrolls – a personal favorite – and don’t forget to leave a dollar bill on the wall (or kiss the moose!).

2016 Mardi Gras Celebrations!

Mardi GrasMardi Gras was born right here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, so you know we love to let the good times roll. If you’ve recently purchased real estate near Mobile, you won’t want to miss these upcoming festivities!

If you want big parades and truly incredible celebrations, Mobile is the place to be. The events kick off as early as January 23 and take place almost daily leading up to Fat Tuesday, which falls on February 9 this year. The Mobile Mardi Gras parade schedule is quite lenghty, but we encourage you to experience as many as possible.

If you live in Gulf Shores or own a home in Orange Beach, consider visiting The Wharf on February 8 for their Mardi Gras on Main Street party. Performers, floats and live music will begin at 6pm and culminate with a spectacular Spectra light show.

In Pensacola, parades begin on Friday, February 5 with the illuminated Krewe of Lafitte parade in downtown. Saturday afternoon, line the streets of downtown for the annual Grand Mardi Gras Parade. You can also find much revelry in downtown on actual Fat Tuesday.

Gulf Side Villa Condo For Sale

PCOLA-RESAD-491746-1What better way to ring in the New Year than with a new investment property bound to generate some peace (of mind) and prosperity? If that is what you are in the market for, you should consider adding this gulf front condo for sale in Perdido Key to the top of your shopping list.

Recently listed by our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton, this partially furnished condo is bound to sell quick. This two-story, two bedroom unit at Gulf Side Villas offers incredible views at an unbeatable price. Listed affordably at $297,500, deals like this are once in a lifetime.

The condo also comes partially furnished with updated kitchen features – this includes sleek, black granite countertops. On the first floor of this home, you will find the main living areas in addition to one bedroom and bath. The second floor boasts a large master bedroom suite with mesmerizing views and a spacious balcony to boot. In addition to a convenient location, this private beach retreat also comes with one covered parking space and a storage unit.

Contact Susan Carleton today to learn more about this and other Pensacola real estate opportunities.

Orange Beach Named a Destination on the Rise

DSC_1105Are you considering investing in Alabama real estate in the new year? You may want to think about buying a beachfront rental in Orange Beach, as Tripadvisor has just named it a top travel destination for 2016.

Tripadvisor recently released their list of “Destinations on the Rise in the U.S.”and named Orange Beach to their #2 spot. As a dominant source of travel information, it is likely that our white sand beaches and green cascading waters will, in fact, continue to draw more and more visitors in 2016 and beyond. This will certainly increase the likelihood that your new Orange Beach investment property will be an overwhelming financial success.

In addition to the scenic highlights of the area, visitors also flock to Coastal Alabama for the many attractions and water sports activities, delicious gulf to table dining and the incredible fishing.Fun festivals and family-friendly events make Orange Beach a year-round vacation favorite.

If you’re shopping for beachfront real estate in Orange Beach, call our agents today. We will be happy to help, as well as introduce you to our friends at Southern Vacation Rentals, leaders in vacation rental property management in Alabama and Florida.

Considering property farther east along the Gulf Coast? Shop Destin, Florida, named to the #2 spot on the same list. Our friends at RE/MAX Southern Real Estate will be happy to find your perfect investment property!

 

America’s First Settlement Found in Pensacola!

UWF-DeLuna-1Property values in Pensacola may have just risen in the East Pensacola Heights neighborhood. Trending in today’s news is the fact that University of West Florida archaeologists discovered the site of the de Luna settlement.

The location of de Luna settlement has been a mystery for centuries – since 1559 to be exact. That is when the first multi-year European settlement was established somewhere in the Southeast. Well, it is a mystery no longer.

Archaeologists from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, “discovered and can support the statement that the land settlement of site Tristan de Luna has been located within the city limits of Pensacola, Florida.” That is according to University President, Dr. Judy Bense.

The unearthing began in early October when Pensacola native, Tom Garner uncovered Spanish colonial and Native American artifacts at a privately owned residential lot in Pensacola. Since then, and with the cooperation of residents and property owners, UWF began to text excavations at the site and recovered remaining artifacts. The team will continue to examine the neighborhood to determine the extent and organization of the site.

We should know more within the next few weeks what all these archaeologists dig up! For more details on America’s first settlement and the excavation in Pensacola, visit uwf.edu/luna.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations on the Coast

The-Wharf7-300x200Did you just purchase a home on the Gulf Coast? If so, you may be looking for the best New Year’s celebration near your new home. We’re happy to help!

If you own a home in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, reel in the New Year at The Wharf! The fun begins at 6pm. The beer garden, ice rink, Ferris Wheel and more will be available for family fun and the Marlin Drop will take place, along with fireworks, at midnight. Also near Orange Beach is the party at the Flora-Bama. Three stages, food, party favors and champagne will highlight this party before the countdown commences at midnight.

In Pensacola there is a little something known as the Pelican Drop. A favorite area tradition, this is a must-experience event when you live on the Gulf Coast. Hit the Little Pelican Party downtown, where you will enjoy family friendly games and entertainment, or party in downtown before the crystal Pelican drops to mark the beginning of 2016.

We’re Hiring an Inside Sales Agent

Untitled-1If you or someone you know is looking for jobs in Pensacola, Southern Real Estate Sales can help! We have a new opportunity available for someone who might want to transition into the world of real estate sales. The even better news is that no real estate license is required!

We have revamped our approach to qualifying and cultivating leads. With that in mind, we have decided to hire an Inside Sales Agent. This position will prospect and obtain new clients on a daily basis, using various inbound and outbound lead sources.

Maintaining client relationships is one of our top priorities here at Southern, and the Inside Sales Agent will be a key player in doing just that.

For more information on this position and other opportunities to become a part of the Southern Real Estate Sales team, please search our Career Opportunities. We are always looking for talented people to join our Florida and Alabama real estate sales team!

New Home For Sale in Pensacola!

PCOLA-RESAD-491744-1If shopping for real estate in Pensacola is on your holiday to-do list, then you may want to add 3406 Esplanade Drive to the top of your must-sees. Recently listed by Southern Real Estate Sales, Owner/Broker, this beautiful four bedroom, two bathroom home sits in the charming neighborhood of Cypress Gardens.

From the exterior’s curb appeal to the interior’s finishes, no detail of this classic Florida cottage has been overlooked.

Enter through the front door and find that this home has an open floor plan, beautiful laminate floors and a focal fireplace that is perfect for gathering around on those cooler winter evenings. Connected to the main living area and dining room is a large, galley-like kitchen with a built-in pantry and oversized refrigerator.The master bedroom has two spacious walk-in closets and an attached master bathroom suite. Outside is a well-maintained (fenced) backyard and cozy little patio.

All of this and a convenient location to boot! Cypress Gardens is a sought-after neighborhood in Pensacola, close to schools and just minutes away from the beautiful beaches of Perdido, and Pensacola Naval Air Station.

For more information on this and other homes for sale in Pensacola, please contact 850.492.1826. Just remember to reference MLS #491744.

Holiday Events this Weekend

IMG_7938 editIt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the Gulf Coast and this weekend you will find plenty of holiday events to enjoy, after you’re done shopping for your next Perdido Key or Pensacola real estate investment, of course.

Near our Perdido Key homes for sale you can attend the always popular Santa Drop at the Flora-Bama. Santa will literally drop in from the sky and land safely at the Flora-Bama to visit and take pictures at 10Am on Saturday, December 12, 2015. There will also be yummy food and fun activities following the drop.

Also on Saturday is the arrival of Billy Claus to LuLu’s at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores. Billy, Santa’s younger, beach-loving brother, will arrive in style with his LuLuBelles at 2PM and celebrate with photos and fun until 5PM. But, the fun at LuLu’s doesn’t stop at 5PM. Keep your seats and watch as the 30th annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade launches from LuLu’s at 5:30PM. You’ll be captivated by this beautiful event.

We hope to see you and your loved ones out at these fun community events taking place this holiday season!

A New Home For the Holidays

SOLDIs a new home for sale in Pensacola on your holiday wish list? If so, our agents have a few listings that might be up your alley. Recently listed (within the past 10 days) these properties each offer something unique to satisfy your individual buying needs.

If you are in the market for a condo with incredible views, our very own Jim Bomar can help. He added a six bedroom, three bathroom condo in Gulf Shores at the luxurious Bayshore Towers. In addition to spectacular views, this condo comes fully upgraded with incredible complex amenities to boot.

For those of you interested in buying a single-family home in the greater Pensacola area, Ouida Jones and Denise Kinne both added homes to the MLS this past week. The classic brick homes are located in the Emerald Shores community priced affordably within the $180,000 range.

Interested in seeing more of what our agents have to offer? Search the entire Baldwin County and Pensacola MLS today to find exactly what you are looking for!