Best Beaches of SW Florida: Nokomis Beach Park at Casey Key

Birgit Laniewski Beaches, Venice Florida
Best Beaches of SW Florida: Nokomis Beach Park at Casey Key

Nokomis Beach is the second public beach access on Casey Key and also the oldest in Sarasota County. This Beach is rather quiet and mainly visited by locals. It is definitely a real insider tip for shell gathering, as Nokomis Beach is famous for the best shells in the area. The modern Beach Plaza offers clean sanitary facilities and a meeting room for events.

Drum Circle on Nokomis Beach

A true highlight on this Beach is certainly the famous Drum Circle, which takes place twice a week. Every Wednesday and Saturday, about 2 hours before sunset, people meet to make music, sing and dance together. The motto is: celebrate life!

Drum Circle

For more info about the Drum Circle on this Casey Key Beach, go to their Facebook Page.

Shark Tooth Beach Concessions

Do not miss to visit Shark Tooth Beach Concessions. The small restaurant right on the beach has a great menu, which provides something for every taste. Add a cool drink – and enjoy a perfect day!

For more info please go to their website sharktooth.biz.

Nokomis Beach

 

Location

Nokomis Beach is less than 20 minutes away from your vacation home in South Venice:

100 Casey Key Road
Nokomis, FL 34275
Sarasota County Website

 

Best Beaches of SW Florida: North Jetty Beach Park at Casey Key

Birgit Laniewski Beaches, Venice Florida , , , , , , ,
Best Beaches of SW Florida: North Jetty Beach Park at Casey Key

North Jetty Beach Park is on Casey Key, an approximately 8-mile barrier island stretching from Venice to Sarasota. The beautiful sandy beach is lined with numerous lovingly maintained houses. Since there are only 2 public beach accesses – another one is Nokomis Beach, it is never crowded, even in high season.

North Jetty Beach Park

The Park is situated at the southern end of Casey Key, on the northern side of the Venice Coastal Waterway that separates Venice from the mainland. Fishermen particularly love to meet at the North Jetty with its rocks, as it is a great place for catches.

The beautiful park has many old pine trees, that offer shade to several picnic tables as well as barbecues and a playground. At the weekends, this park is very popular among families with children. The restrooms are well maintained and of course parking is free.

Beach Bar and Bait Shop

North Jetty Fish Camp & Beach Park Concession offers baits and a nice variety of delicious snacks and drinks. Don’t miss their live music events! Location, food, drinks and music are a perfect combination.
Please see info on their Facebook Page facebook.com/NorthJetty/

Several boardwalks lead over the dunes to the beautiful beach.

Kayak Rentals

If you like to be active, you may visit Jetty Rentals and get a kayak or paddle board. They also offer guided tours, that are very popular. There is indeed a good chance to spot dolphins and manatees.
More info on their homepage venicejetty.com/jettyrentals/.

Directions

1000 S. Casey Key Road
Nokomis, FL 34275
Sarasota County website: scgov.net

 

Typical for Florida – What you may hear only in Florida

Birgit Laniewski Venice Florida
Typical for Florida – What you may hear only in Florida

What is typical for Florida? Each region has its own charm. Florida as a part of the South has many special features. Here is a collection of 10 terms that you may hear in Florida often:

1. “Literally”

“I’m literally sick of this humidity” is just one example of literally being used literally in every possible way. The phrase “like”, that is used so much elsewhere, is not so common here and has been “literally” replaced by the new “literally”. Pay attention! 😉

2. “It will pass”

This sentence refers to the rain showers, which can occur again and again in the summer months throughout the day. In Florida, the possibility of rain is always included when schedules are created. Doubts are suppressed with “It will pass”. It can rain in the garden while it is sunny and clear in front of the house. So do not cancel any plans just because there’s a dark cloud in the distance!

By the way: This is a great site for weather info: accuweather.com

3. “West Coast”

When you hear Floridians talking about the “West Coast,” they probably do not talk about California, but rather the Gulf Coast of Florida. This is common among locals, but it can easily be misunderstood by visitors. Also with “Venice Beach”, they mean of course not “Venice Beach” near Los Angeles, but our beautiful beach in Venice, Florida.

4. “Bobo”

“Bobo” is not a bird. In Florida, the word “Bobo” is often used to describe something that is either below average or mediocre. For example: “This place is Bobo.”

5. “Is it snowing?”

Many Floridians have never seen snow in their lives. Of course, if you are visiting a state north of Florida, you are naturally very interested in experiencing this natural phenomenon live. Even today, the cold winter of 1977 is a topic of conversation in which “Snow in Central Florida” made headlines.

6. “Where are my Uggs?”

When temperatures drop below 60 degrees, Floridians get out Ugg boots and winter jackets. They are also sometimes worn with shorts and T-shirts – visitors may be amused when noting this. 😉

7. “Pub-subs”

Publix is simply THE supermarket in Florida and known across the country for its chicken subs. “Pub subs,” as Floridians call them, are cooked to order at Publix-Deli. A successful trip usually does not start until everyone has picked up their pub subs – typical for Florida.

For info: “Sub” is the abbreviation of “Submarine Sandwich” and means a long, roll-shaped sandwich, which is longitudinally cut open and filled, usually with meat, vegetables, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, etc.

8. “I’ve never parked in parallel”

This sentence is more likely to be heard outside Florida, when Floridians are supposed to park longitudinally in another state.

You do not need parallel parking in Florida, because almost everywhere there are driveways and large parking lots. Moreover, it is also not part of the driver’s license test.

9, “Is that a roach or a palmetto?”

Palmetto bugs or American cockroaches can be found anywhere in Florida. In contrast to the more common German Cockroaches, which are smaller and more likely to be found in damp corners of the kitchen and bathrooms, Palmetto bugs can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm). They prefer to live outside, in mulch beds, drains or crawl spaces – and hide in the trunk area of palmetto palms.

Why is it good to know who you are facing? Palmetto bugs can fly!

10. “Yeah, no” and “No, yeah”

It is very helpful to know the difference between the two phrases. “Yeah, no” means “no” and “No, yeah” means “yes”. So ignore the starting “Yeah” and pay attention to the second word.

 

So enjoy, what is typical for Florida and have a great time!

Siesta Key Crystal Classic Nov 15 – 18

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Siesta Key Crystal Classic Nov 15 – 18

Sand Sculpting Festival in Sarasota

You are fascinated by sand artists who create magnificent sand buildings? Come to Siesta Key Beach from 15.-18. November 2019!

“The Siesta Key Crystal Classic” is an amazing Master Sand Sculpting competition. Since 2010, international sand sculpting artists meet every November to create numerous sculptures out of tons of fine sand. The jury selects winners for solo and team artists. The announcement will be made on Sunday afternoon.

Competitions

Even for amateurs there will be the opportunity to prove their skills in the “The Crystal Classic Amateur Competition”. For this competition on Saturday, there are different classes. The winners will be awarded the same day.

The “Quick Sand Contests”, which take place several times on Friday and Saturday, are also fascinating. Within 10 minutes, a participant has to create something out of a pile of sand, that fits to a given word. The applause of the audience will be used as an indicator for the best result. Winners advance to the next round. The competition culminates at the finals on Sunday at 12:30.

Highlights

Other highlights of the festival are:

– Learning Curve Tent with tips for building yourself

– Bearfoot Beach Party Tent with live music and bar

– Vendor Village with food, drink and stalls

– Evening illumination of the sculptures

Info

More info at siestakeycrystalclassic.com.

 

Siesta Key Sand Sculpting

NATIONAL TACO DAY – October 4th

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NATIONAL TACO DAY – October 4th

You love tacos? Then October 4th is your day, because it’s National Taco Day!

History and origin

The history of tacos dates back to the arrival of Europeans in Mexico. The indigenous people in the Lakes region of the Valley of Mexico traditionally ate tacos, which they filled with small fish. Already in the days of the Spanish conquistadors there was the first taco festival: Hernán Cortés, the famous conquistador, arranged this for his captains in Coyoacan.

Why the Spaniards called this local food “taco” is not exactly known. The Spanish word actually means “cone” or “peg”.

Difference between taco and tortilla

Do you know the difference between a taco and a tortilla? The tortilla is a Mexican flatbread, which is served as a side dish, e.g. to Chili con Carne, but is also used as a basis for tacos.

A taco is a tortilla stuffed with different ingredients. Popular fillings are ground beef, salad, onions, tomatoes and cheese. You can choose between corn and wheat tortillas. The original corn tortillas are crispy fried, while the wheat tortillas are soft.

What is your favorite?

Recipes

If you want to celebrate National Taco Day, here are two delicious recipe suggestions:

– Taco Pizza 

– Veggie Tacos 

Deals

Many restaurants in the US offer deals on National Taco Day offers. Here you find a selection.

How about visiting our South Venice Taco Bell? It is only minutes from our Villa Happy Gator. Get directions here.



National Taco Day

 

 

Restaurants in Venice – Vegetarian and Vegan in Florida

Birgit Laniewski Restaurants
Restaurants in Venice – Vegetarian and Vegan in Florida

Vegetarian and Vegan in Florida

Everybody loves going out to dinner, especially when you are on vacation. Venice and surrounding has a large selection of great restaurants and cafes, so that everyone will surely find their favorite spot. What we love is that many are also prepared for vegetarians and vegans. Let us present our top 5 restaurants, which have plant-based treats on the menu – vegetarian and vegan in Florida is easy!

1. Seed to Table – All Vegan Restaurant

Their Menu is composed of some of the favorite foods that they like to make at home and some from their favorite eateries in NYC & NJ.

The Christopher and Kimberly strive to provide you with the most healthy and appetizing food they possibly can. Everything they serve at Seed to Table is made with whole foods, organic ingredients, purchased locally whenever possible.

If you love food as much as they do or are looking to begin a healthy lifestyle then Seed to Table is for you! Seed to Table provides Pure. Good. Eats.

They also offer online ordering and deliver to your place in Venice, North Port and Port Charlotte.

2357 S Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34239
941-799-7137
eatseedtotable.com

 

Seed To Table Venice Seed To Table Venice

 

2. Island Organic & Smoothie

This is the place number one to get a delicious smoothie or a juice made with organic fruits and vegetables. They also offer a lunch menu and breakfast menu with so many great options, you will find it hard to choose. Be sure to try the pecan honey salad or the spinach salad!

Owner Alexa’s mission from the start has been to provide you with the best quality food in a fast-casual setting. At Island Organic they always try to get everything organic, local and fair trade when possible. You will find options for gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian diets.

231 W. Miami Ave
Venice Fl 34285
941-484-3565
islandorganicssmoothie.com

Island Organic Venice Island Organic Venice

 

3. Veg and Grill – “Veg”

The ”Veg” in Sarasota is a hidden gem. Enjoy fresh and delicious food from appetizer to desert. Try the Portobello mushroom burger and with vegan coleslaw and you will be excited. On hot summer days their berry sangria is just irresistible. They also carry great organic wines.

This Grill is definitely a must for anyone who enjoys high quality vegetarian, vegan or seafood dishes.

2164 Gulf Gate Dr
Sarasota FL 34232
941-312-6424
vegsrq.com

Veg and Grill Venice  Veg and Grill Venice

 

4. Café Evergreen

Annette’s and Ted’s personal philosophy is to be a leader in healthy foods and drinks that are fresh, great tasting and unique. You have lots of choices…something for vegans, vegetarians and meat lovers. Never boring, always changing and always delicious.

How about tasting baked sweet potato fries or a Kefir Mojito? You will be thrilled. At Café Evergreen they take things that people like and give them a healthier option.

Their food at the café is so vibrant and colorful because it is FRESH! When you use fresh ingredients there is always a difference you can taste.

801 Tamiami Trail South
Nokomis, FL 34275
941-412-4334
cafeevergreen.net

Cafe Evergreen Venice  Cafe Evergreen Venice

 

5. Baiyoke Thai Bistro

Famous for their great Sushi and Thai dishes, at Baiyoke also vegetarians and vegans will find a variety of delicious options. They are very proud to serve only the freshest and finest ingredients.

You will experience the liveliness and excitement of their exhibition kitchen. The extraordinary fast and friendly wait staff will happily help you to compose a plant-based meal.

1829 S Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293
941-408-8141
baiyokethaisushi.com

BaiyokeThai

 

More ideas for vegetarian and vegan in Florida

Besides these 5 locations, a lot of other restaurants have plant-based options on their menu or are pleased to serve you a special order. The following list should give you an inspiration, but is not complete:

– Blu’ Island Bistro, Venice
– Bodrum Restaurant, Venice
– Café Longet, Venice
– Canton Chinese, Venice
– Cassariano Italian Bakery, Venice
– Croissant&Co, Venice
– Crow’s Nest, Venice
– Fins at Sharky’s, Venice
– First Watch, Venice
– Joy’s Kouzine, Venice
– Mad Dog Hot Dogs
– Made in Italy, Venice
– Mango Bistro, Englewood
– Suncoast Café, Venice
– Thai Bistro, Venice
– The Original Word of Mouth, Venice
– Tikka Indian Cuisine, Venice
– Trattoria da Mino, Venice
– Upper Crust Café & Bakery, Venice

 

Sarasota Bay – A Safe Haven from a Hurricane in Florida?

Birgit Laniewski Nature , , , , ,
Sarasota Bay – A Safe Haven from a Hurricane in Florida?

Is the Sarasota Bay area …blessed? Depending on who you talk to, the answer is yes. There are various Sarasota Indian myths that the lands were blessed by Native Americans to be protected against hurricanes.

Indian Legends

Some hold the belief that Sarasota is protected from hurricanes because the Native Americans who first settled there knew that it was safe from the elements.

Others believe that they blessed the lands to stay eternally safe from destructive storms and hurricanes. Still others think that it’s an ancient Indian burial ground on the lands of Sarasota that keeps it protected.

There is not much known about those ancient ones, who were not Tocobaga, the people of Tampa Bay, nor Calusa, people centered by Charlotte Harbor. Isn’t it tempting to believe in those fascinating myths?

Hurricane in Florida

Facts about a hurricane in Florida

Fact is: Sarasota Bay has not been a bull’s-eye for a major hurricane in Florida since reliable records began in 1871.

Science

Science explains this luck with geography. The typical tracks are moving on a “hurricane highway” through the Bahamas and the Yucatan Channel. Then hurricanes curve towards the northeast. Cuba with its mountains is a major inhibitor of tropical systems. Heading to Sarasota would require an unlikely sharp curve into eastern direction, what would also significantly weaken any storm. Same is with the often seen scenario of landfall on the east coast of Florida, preventing Sarasota Bay from getting the worst of it.

Enjoy your vacation

So whether you choose to believe the legends or not, always be sensible and keep an eye on what’s going on – and enjoy your stay in the beautiful Sarasota Bay area from Venice to Bradenton.

By the way: Towns and cities in Florida are well prepared for severe weather conditions and will always inform the public if there is any action recommended. You have rented a vacation home? Ask your landlord if you have any questions.

Here is a link to the local weather news: mysuncoast.com/weather/

Celebrate Downtown Venice Day – August 11th 2019

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Celebrate Downtown Venice Day – August 11th 2019

The Venice Downtown Beaufication Project is finished. Come and enjoy the beautiful result on  Downtown Venice Day, Saturday, August 11, 2019.

The event starts at noon with a free trolley tour of the city. You will be accompanied by Harry Klinkhamer, Manager of Historical Resources. Learn interesting and amusing facts about the history of the “City on the Gulf”. One lap lasts 45 minutes and starts at the kiosk of the Centennial Park. The trolley will go until 3 pm in the afternoon.

Be active

If you like to be active, bring your bike! At 12.30 pm and at 4 pm, a guided tour will start at the Gazebo in Centennial Park. The bicycle experts from “Bicycles International” will bring you on a leisurely trip to and from the Jetties. For those interested, there is also a free “Fix-a-Flat” workshop where you will learn how to easily and quickly mend a flat tire yourself. The workshop starts at 3:30 pm at the Gazebo.

Local businesses

How about visiting a full-face-painting artist at work? You will meet him by the kiosk between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Or relax with with Afternoon High Tea – at 2 pm at “Café 124” and at 3 am in the “Upper Crust”. Other restaurants and shops along the roads offer specials, raffles and appetizers, such as the famous Rum Punch of the “Down Island Way Boutique”.

Moving into the evening, downtown goers will be able to enjoy extended Happy Hours at “Daiquiri Deck”, “TJ Carney’s”, “Made in Italy”, “Abby’s on Miami”, and “Ciao Gelato” (Wine & Gelato Floats) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Are you a wine lover? “Café Longet” between 5 and 7 pm, to “Olive Grove Wine Bar” or the “Zebra Piano Bar Lounge” welcome you for a wine tasting.

Organizers

Celebrate Downtown Venice Day is organized by Venice Newcomers Club and Newcomers of Venice Alumni.

Read more here.

Venice Day    Venice Day

National Avocado Day – July 31

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National Avocado Day – July 31

On July 31st, we celebrate avocados in the USA!

Did you know that avocados have been collected and consumed by humans for at least 10,000 years? Archaeologists found evidence in Central Mexico. About 3000 BC, avocados were cultivated by Central American peoples such as the Inca and Maya.

The name avocado – also called “alligator pear” in the Caribbean – was first mentioned by the Irish scientist and botanist Hans Sloane, who depicted it in his catalog of plants native to Jamaica.

In 1833, the first avocado trees were planted in Florida. However, it took until the 1950s, until they entered the grocery stores.

Today, avocados are popular worldwide. The creamy, vitamin-rich interior is extremely tasteful and perfect for salads or the famous Mexican guacamole. The beauty industry loves the skin friendly ingredients.

So let’s celebrate – maybe with a homemade guacamole?

Here is one of my favorite recipes

Ingredients:

  • 2 avocados
  • 1 lime
  • 1 onion small
  • 1 chili peppers e.g. pickled jalapeno or fresh green ones
  • 1 tomato
  • salt according taste

Preparation:

  • Peel the avocados and mash them in a bowl with a fork. Add the juice of a lime.
  • Cut the onion, chili and tomato into very small cubes. For tomatoes, it is best to leave out the seeds.
  • Stir the cubes into the avocado cream, season with salt and serve soon.

Enjoy!

National Avocado Day

Chipotle

By the way – If you would like to celebrate National Avocado Day away from home, you can use the Chipotle offer: On July 31, there will be a free portion of guacamole for every regular entree. You have to pre-order with the Chipotle App or online here on the Chipotle page.

Chipotle in Venice is located Bird Bay Plaza, 519 U.S. 41 Bypass, Venice, FL 34285.

Best Beaches of SW Florida: Englewood Beach

Birgit Laniewski Beaches , , , , , , , , ,
Best Beaches of SW Florida: Englewood Beach

Englewood Beach – locals call it also Middle Beach – is located in Chadwick Park and is a popular beach with beautiful white sand.

How to get there – Scenic Canopy Drive

From Englewood, take the Beach Road to Manasota Key. If you cross the bridge,be sure to stop and have a look! Very often you will enoy watching some Manatees and dolphins.

Alternatively choose the Manasota beach Road in South Venice and take the famous Canopy Drive on Manasota Key Road. You will love driving under the crowns of those old beautiful trees.

Fascilities

At Englewood Beach there are basketball courts, a beach volleyball court, shelters with picnic tables and barbecues, a nice playground and well kept sanitary facilities.

Larger pavilions are often rented for family gatherings. There is ample parking for which a small parking fee is due.

For more info go to charlottecountyfl.gov.