There’s something about fresh, sea air that makes me smile.

Last week, I made the trek down to Pensacola, Fla., for the 2016 East-West All-Star football game at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

I had never been to the stadium before and the area in a long time.

When I drove into town, I didn’t really recognize the area as it has been a few years since I’ve been downtown. If we were to make the drive to Pensacola, it’s usually to go to Joe Patty’s for some seafood.

Once I made it to the stadium for the game, which featured Florida’s best senior football players from eastern and western portions of the state, I couldn’t help but notice my surroundings.

It looked like the stadium and area around it was developed recently. It looked fresh and new, to me.

When I was walking toward the field, I couldn’t help but notice how warm and humid the weather was.

The stadium’s location positioned it right next to a mini port and the Gulf of Mexico.

As the wind blew threw the palm trees that lined the stadium outfield, the smell of salty seawater hit my nostrils.

That smell is one of the best I have ever taken in, and one that I always recognize.

With it being so warm outside, I couldn’t help but get goose bumps.

As I watched and took pictures of the game, I made sure to inhale as much of the air as possible.

Two Northview football players made the team — Luke Ward and Ohijie Elliot — and both played quite well.

Ward, who played quarterback, was used more as a wide receiver. Elliot spent time as a linebacker and made some good plays.

The game ended and I knew what was to come next — the journey home.

Walking back to my car, I made sure to savor the moment, taking the fresh, sea air with me back to Atmore.

Maybe I’ll breath it in again this week as I go home for the Christmas holiday in Fairhope.