5 Star Florida Vacation Homes in Venice and Englewood
We have ordered and installed new smart TVs for our guests in the living room, master bedroom, and guest room.
The guest room now has a new 43“ TV, while we have upgraded the living room to a 65” TV and the master bedroom to a 43″ TV. All devices
are smart TVs that can receive Samsung TV channels.
If you wish, you can log in to all devices with your personal streaming service, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.
If you regularly go to the gym and don’t want to completely skip your workout schedule while on vacation, I can recommend our Venice branch of Planet Fitness. Just 5 minutes from your vacation home, you’ll find almost 20,000 square feet of cardio and strength training equipment, special training equipment, changing rooms with lockers and showers, flat-screen TVs, massage chairs, tanning beds, and much more.
The crowd is diverse, with an impressive number of older people keeping fit here.
The opening hours are terrific: Monday through Thursday around the clock, Friday through Sunday slightly shorter.
The first day pass is free, and each additional day of training can be booked for approximately $10.
4125 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293
What’s open on ENGLEWOOD BEACH on MANASOTA KEY in FL:
BEACHES Check out the beach conditions, such as red tide HERE
RESTAURANTS:(and in a little while, Magnolia’s will reopen.)
BUSINESSES
see what Englewood has to offer: a webcam is a great way to get a glimpse of this charming town. (You can peek in on the nearby island of Boca Grande and Venice, too.)
Credits to: Kathy Emilie
We discovered this little park by chance, which we would like to introduce to you today:
the “Alligator Creek Conservation and Recreation Area” on Venice East Blvd
The inconspicuous sign at the entrance is easy to miss when driving past. But if you stop, you will discover a pretty trail along a nature reserve. Opposite, a chain of lakes lines the path, behind which you can see beautifully laid out houses in the residential areas.
A small boardwalk leads over a piece of “jungle”.
The trail is hardly frequented due to its hidden location. If you fancy a quiet walk in natural surroundings but don’t want to drive far, this is the place for you.
You can find more information HERE.
We already presented Mama Maria’s on our Local Guide’s Section – have a look at the article HERE.
Today we want to point out, that Mama Maria’s is a perfect place for ordering a delicious meal directly to your vacation home Villa Happy Gator, if you want to enjoy your food in the cozy atmosphere of your dining room or at the pool side.
Please have a look at the MENU or check their Facebook Site.
You love fresh sandwiches with only the finest ingredients? Try D’Angelo’s Subs, Salads, & More and you will discover a new favorite place.
Their motto “Let the Subs do the Talking” is nailing it:
· The sub rolls are made with care using artisanal techniques, resulting in a delicious and satisfying bite every time.
· The salads are loaded with fresh ingredients, making them a delicious and healthy option for any meal.
· The daily specials, a kid’s menu, soups and more insures, there is something for everyone
Best of all: You can have it all at the convenience of your vacation home. Simply check the online menu and order it directly to Villa Happy Gator. Relax at the poolside and enjoy.
1203 US 41 Byp S Venice, FL 34293
(941) 484-6644
(941) 484-6443
Monday – Friday
10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday
10:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday
Closed
As it is well known, Florida is the flattest state in the USA, there are only a few mini hills in the Panhandle at the border to Alabama or within the Lakes Wales Ridge near Orlando.
Visitors are all the more surprised when they enter Alafia River State Park. This park was once a phosphate mine and is now a mecca for mountain bikers. It offers maybe the steepest grades you can find in Florida. There are several trails divided into 5 levels of difficulty.
But you can also experience the charm of the “Mountains” by foot on nearly 20 miles of Hiking Trails – fun for the whole family.
The gorgeous vegetation and an abundant wildlife make the photographer’s heart beat faster.
For info we recommend the following sites:
Alafia River State, 14326 South County Rd 39 Lithia, Fl 33547 – accessible via I-75 and FL-674E in less than 1.5 hours from Venice
“Venice was named the place in Florida that best balances big city living and suburban atmosphere and number 5 in the country in a survey conducted by STORAGECafe.The city was lauded for its lively streets, a diverse residential population and entertainment opportunities.”
Read more on Herald Tribune.
Come see Sharky’s not only at our Venice Pier, but also at world-famous white sand Siesta Beach!
If you didn’t know, they now manage the food, beverage & retail offerings at this location. Dine at the downstairs Sand Pavilion or upstairs Sun Deck (pictured) – they have starters, salads, sandwiches, mains, sushi & more to keep you fueled up for a day full of fun in the sun. Famous frozens, refreshing cocktails, beer, wine & non-alcoholic options are available for you to sip in the sunshine!
Stay in the loop with what’s happening at Siesta Beach! Have a look at their new Facebook page, Siesta Beach Eats – they post all about the fantastic things going on here. Or visit their website siestabeacheats.com.
A beachlover’s dream – Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key is one of the Barrier Islands in Southwest Florida and belongs to Sarasota County. The 7.5 mi long island with its unique subtropical flair and dream beaches is located between Roberts Bay/Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and has an area of 2.4 sqm.
The three main beaches of the island are Siesta Key Public Beach, Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach. In recent years, Siesta Key Beach, with its especially fine white sand, has been named the most beautiful beach in the U.S. several times.
The long wide beach offers a playground, tennis and beach volleyball courts, picnic areas and restrooms. Parking is free, but be sure to be early as lots fill up soon.
By the way, Siesta Key reminds a bit of Key West with its colorful Siesta Key Village in the northern part of the island. Bars, restaurants and pubs with live music attract locals and tourists alike.
In a good half hour you can reach Siesta Key from your vacation home Villa Happy Gator.
Info on how to get there and opening hours HERE.
