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The Joys of Venice, Florida

By Denise A. Manning

Looking for the perfect place to restore your inner calm, spend time with the family, and get tan all at the same time? Venice, Florida is the destination for you. This small city is one of the Sunshine State’s best kept secrets.

Venice is located just south of Sarasota and north of Fort Myers. It’s known as the “shark tooth capital of the world” but this does not seem to be a major tourist attractor. Instead of resort hotels lining the long, beautiful, stretches of beach, you find condo complexes of various shapes and sizes. Most have a minimum rental of one month but a few offer weekly slots. The only hotel in close proximity to the beach is the small but charming The Inn at the Beach located just across the street from public beach access. Any other hotel/motel/inn option is a more significant walk, if not a drive, to the Gulf. This scarcity of short term accommodations considerably influences the mix of folks who visit. Most out-of-towners have committed to stay for at least a month. The only visitors who are trying to a have a good “quickie” vacation are relatives visiting the more firmly ensconced. Therefore, the pace is vastly different from that of a city inundated by tourists. Although Sarasota is charming, it doesn’t provide the solitude of sitting on the beach with only a few other families. In Fort Myers, the Red Sox attract more short term tourists than I care to encounter. In Venice, the biggest decision of the day is what to have for lunch and where.

Not to be missed in Venice

Besides taking advantage of the length of Venice Beach by walking it for good exercise, you really must hunt for shark teeth. You can purchase the metal basket (the primary tool) almost anywhere in town. Develop your own technique for sifting through the sand you have dredged up from the shoreline and before you know it, you’ll be holding handfuls of sharp, sometimes fossilized teeth. It’s more fun than collecting shells and provides entertainment for the whole family. After enjoying a day in the sun, Venice Avenue, the city’s pride and joy, is a great spot to visit. This divided thoroughfare is something to marvel at. The first several blocks are filled with lovely shops and places to dine. The next half mile is a beautiful park untouched by development. You feel as if I have been transported to a time gone by.

Aiding in the nostalgia is The Soda Fountain. This establishment is a multigenerational mecca. Everyone loves ice cream, and a banana split is a huge family favorite. The milkshakes are thick and creamy, but it is hard to resist the old fashioned standbys like the “strawberry blonde” ice cream soda and the “purple cow” float. The soda jerk is happy to concoct whatever your favorite may be.

Just off Venice Avenue is the Luna Restorante. Locals love this cash only, Italian eatery. Their pizza has sesame seeds on the crust and is beyond delicious. Sharky’s on the Pier is another must. This popular restaurant is so close to the beach that its porch shares the decking of the pier itself. They have kids’ meals, live music, drink specials every night, and spectacular sunset views.

Day Trips

If you have had enough peace and quiet, there are numerous opportunities close by. The obvious is Busch Gardens in Tampa. This amusement park has shopping, food, kiddie rides, exotic animals, and huge roller coasters. If Fort Myers is too far, or if you are a National League fan, the Cincinnati Reds spring training camp is in Sarasota. The Mote Aquarium there is perfect for younger kids while the quaint shops in downtown are more appealing for adults.

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