The Opening Line
Good Morning, Pensacola! Strawberry season is happening right now and there are u-pick farms within about 30 miles that you should check out. We're also covering the Odd Colony Spring Market (nearly 1,000 people interested), a movie night at a cemetery, a beginner stained glass class, the Ice Flyers playoffs, and more. Big couple of weeks ahead.
In today's line:
The Digest - Where to pick strawberries within 30 miles before the season ends, plus tips and a quick jam recipe
Around Town - Fourteen events worth knowing about
Find Your People - Two organizations to check out this spring
The Music Line - Live music across the area
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- The Bay Line Crew
The Digest
The window is open and it's not going to stay that way long. Strawberry season along the Gulf Coast typically runs from late February through mid-May, and April is the sweet spot the berries are at peak ripeness, the weather is still manageable, and the patches haven't been picked over yet. If you have been meaning to do this with your family and you keep pushing it, now is the time. Our family has gone the last two years and enjoyed it.
There are five u-pick options within roughly 30 miles of Pensacola, each a little different. Here's what we know:
AnnaPearl's Strawberry Patch 2470 Molino Bridge Rd, Pace, FL 32571
This is the closest option and the one most people don't know about. AnnaPearl's is a small, family-owned and operated patch that opened to the public in 2024 so it's still relatively new. They pick by the pound, the 2024 price was $3.50 per pound (not sure about this year) for u-pick and they accept cash, check, or Venmo. Because this is a smaller operation, hours vary based on crop availability and weather. Check their Facebook page before you make the drive. No phone number is publicly listed, so their page is your best source for current-day updates.
The Strawberry Farm 8687 Evers Road, Milton, FL 32570 | (850) 957-4124 | [email protected]
They grow three varieties and offer both u-pick and pre-picked options, which is useful if you've got people in your group who'd rather skip the field and just take berries home. They can be reached by phone or email for hours and current availability. Calling ahead is your best move since field conditions change week to week. Check their Facebook page here.
Brooks Farm Produce and Strawberry Patch 5760 Griffith Mill Rd, Baker, FL 32531 | (850) 902-3465
This one is the furthest out but we have visited and they had a large field. Baker is about 40 miles northeast of Pensacola, which puts it slightly outside our usual 30-mile window, but it's worth including because they offer a fuller experience and an easy morning drive. The 2024 u-pick price was $2.50 per pound, and they also sell yogurt, shortcake, and jam on-site. Season runs March through May. Cash or checks only. They furnish baskets, but you're welcome to bring your own containers. One tip from their listing: expect your feet to get a little wet in the field, so dress accordingly.
Sweet Southern Farms- 1074 Melton Rd, Baker, FL 32531
Sweet Southern Farms is a seasonal u-pick strawberry farm (February through May) It's also a bit of a stretch for "within 30 miles" but close enough that some readers in Pace, Milton, or the eastern part of the county might find it relevant. Check their Facebook page for current hours, and whether they're full of berries. We haven’t been but their page looks like they have items all year long.
Pettis Strawberry Farm - 71 Pettis Ln, Brewton, AL 36426
If you live in Jay, Milton or Pace another option is this farm in Brewton. We have not been but may check this one out this year. Check their Facebook page for availability but it looks like they are just right, right now.
A few universal tips before you go:
Berries don't ripen after they're picked, so only grab the ones that are fully red. Arrive early because strawberry patches can be picked clean by noon on busy spring weekends. Bring cash to any farm you're not sure about. Wear closed-toe shoes because you'll be walking in rows and things can get muddy. Bring a small cooler to keep the berries cool on the drive home, and don't wash them until you're ready to use them because moisture speeds up spoiling.
Quick Homemade Strawberry Jam
For a quick homemade strawberry jam, simply simmer chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. As the fruit softens, mash it to your preferred consistency and let the mixture boil for about 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens into a glossy syrup. The longer you simmer the thicker it will be.
Let it come to room temperature with the lid off before refrigerating or freezing. For the best flavor and texture, keep it in a tightly sealed glass jar and always use a clean spoon to prevent spoilage. This fresh, preservative-free jam will stay in your refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something’s sponsored.
Around Town
SPHL Playoffs: Ice Flyers vs. Thunderbolts, Game 2 - Friday April 11, 7:00 PM - The Ice Flyers are in the first round of the SPHL playoffs hosting the Huntsville Thunderbolts. Playoff hockey at the Bay Center is genuinely a different atmosphere than regular season — louder, faster, higher stakes. Tickets via Ticketmaster. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St.
Flea Across Florida - April 10–11, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM - 1,600 people interested on Facebook. That's a strong number for a flea market weekend. Antiques, goods, vendors of all kinds. Pea Ridge Market, 5186 US-90, Pace.
Movie in the Cemetery - Friday April 10, 6:30–9:00 PM - The Westside Garden District Neighborhood Association is screening a film outdoors at St. John's Cemetery, which is exactly as cool as it sounds. This repeats monthly on Fridays through at least June. 301 N G St, Pensacola. Free.
Odd Colony Spring Market - Sunday April 12, 12:00–4:00 PM - Nearly 1,000 people interested. Odd Colony's seasonal market draws local makers, vendors, and a good crowd. Beer is available, the space is comfortable, and it's a good Sunday afternoon way to browse local goods without having to drive anywhere complicated. 260 N. Palafox St. Free to attend.
Argentine Tango Lessons with PensaTango - Saturdays April 11 and 18, 5:30–8:00 PM - Beginner-friendly Argentine tango at Ever'man Educational Center. No partner required. Runs 5:30–8 PM. 327 W. Garden St, Pensacola. Check their Facebook for cost.
West Coast Swing at Ragon Hall - Mondays April 13, 20+, 5:30–10:30 PM - The Pensacola Swing Dance Society runs weekly West Coast Swing nights at Ragon Hall. Lessons start at 6 PM, open dancing runs 8–10:30 PM. Everyone is welcome and no partner is needed. Ages 18–25 get in free. 2600 Stratford Rd, Pensacola.
Panhandle Butterfly House Grand Re-Opening - Saturday April 18, 10:00 AM - The Panhandle Butterfly House and Nature Center in Milton is reopening. If you've never been, it's a genuine local gem — a nature center with live butterflies, native plants, and educational programming. Great for kids and adults who actually like that kind of thing. 4966 Henry St, Milton.
Getting Crabby with Lolo - Saturday April 18, 1:00–3:00 PM - A glass and resin crab art class at Blue Sky Trading Company just over the Alabama line in Lillian. This is the kind of class that sounds random until you see the finished product and immediately want to make one. 33860 US-98, Lillian, AL. Check their Facebook for pricing and registration.
Beginner Stained Glass Class - Sunday April 19, 2:00–5:00 PM - 477 people interested on Facebook, which is one of the stronger signals we've seen for a local workshop. UB–The Unique Boutique is hosting this at their Del Mar Plaza location. Limited seats — register ahead. 1625 W. Garden St, Pensacola.
Paws and Popcorn Movie Night - Friday April 11, 7:00 PM - The Pensacola Humane Society is hosting an outdoor movie screening of Rescued by Ruby (a dog movie, fittingly) with shelter dogs present. If you've ever thought about adopting, this is a painless way to spend an evening and meet some of the animals available. 5 N Q St, Pensacola. Free.
Big Spring Book Sale - April 24–26, opens 3:00 PM on the 24th - The Friends of West Florida Public Libraries' annual spring book sale. This one draws 1,400 people on Facebook. Thousands of books, very low prices, multiple categories. If you haven't been, it's worth the trip. West Florida Public Libraries, 214 N. Spring St, Pensacola.
Crestview Night at Blue Wahoos Stadium - Thursday April 30, 6:05 PM - A themed community night at the ballpark organized by the City of Crestview. Baseball by the bay with a community angle — 106 people interested. Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. Ticketed.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something’s sponsored.
Find Your People
Each month we spotlight local organizations and clubs that are worth knowing about specifically the kind that most people don't find until someone tells them. Dancing has been listed in our Around Town and digest section this year but thought we could highlight two groups.
PensaTango runs Saturday evening lessons at Ever'man Educational Center (327 W. Garden St) through at least mid-April, with open dancing following the lesson. No partner required to show up, and the Argentine style is very different from ballroom tango if that's your reference point. Good for people who want to try something that takes real effort to learn and is rewarding in a way that's hard to explain.
We mentioned them in the new year but I think it is worth mentioning again. PSDS runs West Coast Swing nights every Monday at Ragon Hall (2600 Stratford Rd). West Coast Swing is one of those dances that looks smooth from the outside and feels incredibly awkward the first three times you try it. Lessons start at 6 PM for newcomers, open dancing runs until 10:30. Ages 18–25 get in free, which is nice for a local organization. People show up alone all the time.
The Music Line
April 10 - Bands on the Blackwater - 7:00-9:00 PM - Jernigan’s Landing is: 5158 South Willing Street, Milton
April 11 and 18 - Spring Jam Series at Andy D's Roadhouse - 10:00 AM–2:00 PM - Vendors, food, and live music out in Milton. Stationery, plants, accessories, local food. Andy D's has a good casual outdoor atmosphere and this is a nice Saturday morning option if you're already out that way. 5887 US-90, Milton. Free.
April 14 - Bands on the Beach - White Sands Panhandle Band - 7-9pm 20 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
April 18 - Brandon Lake @ Pensacola Bay Center - Listen here
August 22 - Vince Gill: 50 Years From Home @ Saenger Theatre - Listen here
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