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We have a lot of people ask us about the things they should do and see here in Venice. All of our employees live in the Venice area, and are active in the community, so they know what's going on!
Each Tuesday for the next 5 weeks, we will list one of our employees top ten things to do in Venice, Florida! Of course, we all think a trip to Venice isn't complete without at least one stop in at Nifty Nic Nacs, but here are our fearless leader, Nifty Jeff's,
other favorite things to do here.
Nifty Jeff's Top Ten Things to do in Venice Florida
#10: Walk from the downtown shops to the beach and back: This is my favorite way to spend a lunch break -- other than eating! I walk up one side of West Venice Avenue and back on the other. This will take you past City Hall, by some of the beautiful homes and apartments from various periods from the 1920's to the present, by several motels, to the iconic Venice Beach Pavilion and back by the tennis courts and basketball courts. A fifteen-minute-or-so walk with the perfect proportion of sun and shade!
#9: Visit the Jetties: This is what all the locals like to do, to watch surfers, fish, have a snack and people watch. Watching the variety of boats go by is fascinating as well.
#8: Ride the Island neighborhoods on bikes: While Venice Island is not a true barrier island, its separation by the Intracoastal Waterway creates a community of its own, where riding bikes on neighborhood streets is relaxing and safe. Other than a couple of main thoroughfares, you will not be fighting any traffic and will ride by several parks in which to stop for a break.
#7: Visit Snook Haven: This is the perfect break from the beach that will provide a real "Florida Cracker" experience. Venice Avenue runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Myakka River. For casual dining and live music, this laid-back locale instantly transports you to "old Florida".
#6: Ride or walk the Venetian Waterway Park Trail: Popular with joggers, walkers, runners, rollerbladers, stroller-pushers and people walkers, this option is perfect for the active visitor!
#5: Electric boats at Crow's Nest: Many a customer has told me how fun it is to do this. This is actually still on my "to-do" list!
#4: Drive along Casey Key: I ALWAYS tell people heading back north out of Venice to head out Albee Road and drive north on Casey Key until the road takes you back out to US 41 (Tamiami Trail). It is a narrow key with a switchback road that will lead you along both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico with only one house on the side of the road as you go --whether it be sitting on the Intracoastal or the Gulf. The bridge at the north end is the only one of its kind in Florida: it is a one-lane drawbridge that swings open to allow boats to pass. The state has tried to replace it in the past, but the locals fight for it to be maintained since it is a piece of our history. By the way, you'll see some awesome real estate on Casey Key as well!
#3: Watch the Sunset at Sharky's with a frozen drink from the tiki bar: A Venice tradition! Order a cool, colorful, tropical libation from the tiki bar out back and take it up on the second-floor deck at sunset. Ah, Florida!
#2: Look for shark's teeth at Casperson Beach: Use a "Florida Snow Shovel" (available at other shops downtown) to sift through the sand and find fossilized sharks' teeth will little effort. Great for kids and big kids, too!
#1: We know we've said it before, but it needs to be said again: of course, the number one thing you should do while in Venice is shop at Nifty Nic Nacs!: For a fun, memorable and light-hearted break from standard vacation shopping, this is THE place to be for those of us with a sense of humor. Sourpusses converted for free.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you come to Venice?
