new in town

[valkyra]

Hello all! I have recently moved from Rochester, NY to Pensacola, FL. My name is Valkyra, but my friends call me Val or V.
I was previously a full-time provider in the north, but have decided that I want to forge a new trail for myself / completely restart my life in a new area.
These days I find myself spending less time doing fancy photo shoots and more time attending classes for my eventual BA of Science in Psychology. I enjoy doom metal, video games and getting tattooed.
Recently, I tend to find myself wishing that I had someone to show me around a bit, or at the very least talk to about things worth exploring in the area! That being said~

I am hesitant to post my contact info outright as I do not want to get blown up with people wanting appointments- I am not interested in offering appointments at this time (but am open to an arrangement, if I feel like the vibes are right...)
Please interact on this post and do tell me, what should I absolutely experience while I am down here? What places to eat are the best bang for the buck (I love Indian food and a good taco)? I have a dog - are there any good dog parks around? I have seen a few neat "tourist-y" attractions but I want to know from the locals what I absolutely *must* not miss out on.
Also - I'm an avid hiker but the land here seems very... flat. How far away is the nearest mountain?!?

If I see anyone post who I think I would get along with, I'll DM with my email and we can go from there. ^_^

Thank you for taking the time to show a newb around! I will check back on this whenever I can - still in the process of moving and haven't gotten my PC back up and running again yet.

[whiskeybiscuits]

The highest elevation in Florida is like 500' above sea level and it's just a random spot on the side of the road a few counties east of here. The closest mountain would be up in Alabama around Birmingham.

But if you're looking for hikes that don't require mountains/hills, there are plenty of those around. Blackwater has lots of trails you can explore and the Florida Hikes website can suggest other trails not too far away.

If you're willing to drive over to Alabama they have a really nice elevated nature trail through a pitcher plant preserve that's worth checking out once the weather warms up.

For live music you'd probably want to go to The Handlebar.

For Indian food I like Taste of India on Gregory, but I've heard good things about Dinner India on New Warrington.

If you're looking for used video games there's a store on Davis Hwy just down from Airport that has tons of used games for modern and old-school consoles. There is also Grid barcade on Pace Blvd.

Hopefully that will help get you started. Welcome to the Emerald Coast!

[BulldogCountry]

For places to eat, definitely go to McGuire's at some point. You won't regret it.

I also enjoy video games (I'm more of a casual gamer).

If you're not making appointments, I'm open to chatting more and/or maybe arranging a date-night sometime. I enjoy going out and doing things with people, but hard to find women who actually WANT to go out and have dinner, go to a club/movie/show, etc. If things progress further, then so be it. XD

[njdevil211]

This Ethiopian restaurant is a lot cal diameter nd in the rough. https://ethiopian-cuisine-by-friends-tsxza.zensmb.com/? The owners are wonderful people and he food is in the authentic style.

For tacos El Assasor is very popular, but I prefer tacos Mexicanos on 12th Ave north. On thing I like to do locally that is not super popular is go out the national sea shore between Pensacola Beach and Navarre during a new moon and star gaze. Hit the middle parking lot. Starting 2 hours after sunset.

[Gottahavemore]

Tacos Mexicanos for the barbacoa burrito

Tacos el amigo on tippin hands down for the tacos !

[Moonpie87]

Welcome here! So as far as metal and music goes here, we do get some national metal acts here that aren’t bad, keep an eye on venues such as The Handle Bar and The Vinyl Music Hall. Food spots downtown are over priced and underwhelming IMO, some of the best taco trucks are hidden behind gas stations. There’s always some kind of event going on somewhere, but sometimes they’re a little over hyped and underwhelming. If anything else comes to mind I’ll add in more.

[hindenburg44]

Welcome to the area!

[rooster]

Welcome Val! I've been waiting for you to "announce"...and I'm glad to see you here!

I'm down towards Orlando, but maybe we can meet again sometime soon.

She's the real deal, boys. She deserves your respect, and will make you regret it if you don't give it to her.

.

[V31L]

Welcome val

[Thatguygis]

I’m interested in hearing about your psychology degree. I graduated with one. I’m no longer in the field but always interested in talking about the field

[valkyra]

hey there, rooster! glad to see a familiar face

[Pcola6971]

Valkyra! Welcome you to the area! I am a born and raised Pensacolian, and I would be happy to answer any questions you have. �� There's not much about this town I don't know �� feel free to dm me any time! ��

[biglittlemember1]

Birmingham is about 4 hours from you. Lots of good hiking....we call them mountains but they are more like really big hills. Mt. Cheha is a good spot.

Birmingham has a lot of good food spots too. If you ever make it this way, I would be happy to discuss. More on the Alabama side....but some great spots near you would include the FloraBama...a night spot/ honky tonk/ beach bar on the Alabama Florida line...hence the name. Also Fairhope, Alabama is an hour drive and is a quaint and beautiful town!

[Pladguy]

Welcome to the area Valkyra! A little cold right now but this is a beautiful spot to be. Unfortunately I haven’t found any restaurants around here that are a must try but I could sit and talk plants or nature with you for hours! Plenty of awesome scenery and outdoor exploring that’s for sure!