As if our pristine, white-sand beaches and award-winning downtown aren't enough, head north just a bit where some of the most beautiful lakes, rivers and woodlands just beg to be explored.

Take a fishing trip up Escambia River, which happens to be home to roughly 85 different species. Break out your binoculars for a bird-watching expedition along the Edward Ball Nature Trail at the University of West Florida. Let your best (canine) friend run free at the Ashton Brosnaham Dog Park.

This part of Escambia County may seem a bit quieter than others, they still know how to throw a party. The Pensacola Interstate Fair and the Snowball Derby, for example, bring thousands in every year. The 151-acre equestrian center hosts a different event nearly every weekend, including everything from rodeos and dog shows to concerts and fun runs.

After your day of exploring, stretch out on a blanket and marvel at the star-filled sky as a choir of crickets serenades you.

Fun fact: In 1814 Andrew Jackson camped his troops in what is now the Cantonment area. This is also how the town received its name; as a cantonment is a temporary quarter for troops. Over the years, however, the pronunciation of the town's name has changed to differ from the pronunciation of the word cantonment. Locals generally refer to the town as "can-tone-ment."