Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell
Every year thousands of Memphians head south for their annual pilgrimage to the beach. Whether it’s for fall break, spring break, or summer vacation, parents and kids both enjoy at least a week on the coast with all it has to offer. Many end up on a stretch of land between Pensacola Beach, Florida and Fort Morgan, Alabama. They are drawn to the powdery white sands, gentle waves, readily available accommodations as well as it being only about a seven-hour drive.
For the past 20 years, my family has made this trip and loves it. In fact, we make the journey multiple times each year. We started when our children were toddlers and have continued as they have begun their college years. For all stages of life, we have discovered fun and exciting experiences that have also painlessly taught us a few things that I would like to share with you.
Along this stretch of beach are the Gulf Islands National Seashore, state parks, and local parks. Park rangers offer a wide variety of tours where you can learn about the interesting flora and fauna as well as historic sites and points of interest. Some of our favorites are the numerous forts dating from the Spanish colonial times to W.W. II defense networks — all offering ranger-led tours. These include Fort Pickens in Pensacola, Fort Barrancas near Perdido Key, and Fort Morgan, in of course Fort Morgan. Other cool parks include Tarkilyn Bayou Preserve State Park, where you can walk, view, and learn about carnivorous plants on a path that leads to an amazing view of a bay. Gulf State Park’s numerous trails offer up close experiences with alligators, turtles, eagles, and other coastal wildlife.
In Pensacola proper, you will find Pensacola Historical Village offering tours of the Museum of Industry, Museum of Commerce, several cottages, a church, and the nearby T. T. Wentworth Museum. From these, you will gain insight into what life was like as a pioneer in Florida’s panhandle. Take a stroll down historic Palafox Street, starting at the Plaza de Luna honoring the Spanish explorer who established America’s first settlement in 1559 in what is now Pensacola. Check out the statue of General Galvez who defeated the British in the Siege of Pensacola and the numerous other monuments to U.S. Presidents, Civil Rights Leaders, and other notables. If you are there on a Saturday, be sure to stop in the festive Farmers Market. One of the more remarkable Pensacola attractions is Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park. This curious preserve for mistreated, unwanted, and/or injured birds will provide you with a one of a kind learning experience as you discuss, observe, and feed these marvelous creatures.
The Pensacola Naval Air Station presents a number of intriguing learning opportunities. The National Museum of Naval Aviation has artifacts from the dawn of naval aviation. A few of these include the first plane to cross the Atlantic, George W. Bush’s Presidential helicopter, W.W. I fighter planes, and much more, with tours led by actual naval air veterans. The Blue Angels are based here and practices can frequently be attended when they are on base. The historic Pensacola Lighthouse is open for tours. This is also the location for Fort Barrancas, which overlooks the gulf and surrounding islands. Ranger-led tours are very informative and provide an overview of the strategic importance of this base from colonial times to present.
I know this is a stretch but even the Flora-Bama, a world-famous beach bar not surprisingly located on the Florida-Alabama state line) offers weekday bingo for the whole family, which can encourage number recognition in younger children while the adults partake of tasty local seafood and bevvies. Check out gift and souvenir shops up and down the coast for books and other guides to local birds, fish and shells that you can find on your family’s daily outings. These nature hunts provide not only learning opportunities but a fun challenge for everyone.
One of the darnedest things I have ever seen in the area is Bamahenge located a short drive from the beach in Elberta, Alabama. The historic to scale recreation of Stonehenge gives your family a chance to walk among the “stones” without having to travel to Wiltshire, England. On the drive to Bamahenge, try to spot the dinosaurs in the woods and make sure to visit the marina to see the statue of the Roman god Neptune, a huge steel spider, and the gigantic reclining Lady of the Lake. Photo Ops galore to send to friends and family!
Anyway, the main reason for a trip to the beach is fun and relaxation. However, there are always rainy days or days when everyone has had too much sun and are looking for something to do. The places and activities I listed have been perfect side attractions our family have enjoyed over the years while managing to teach us something new. If you or your family visit this stretch of coast, keep these ideas in mind when you need a brief respite from the sand and sun. Enjoy!
Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell is an educator and freelance writer. If you have any questions or comments, please contact him at: djacksonmaxwell@gmail.com.
