Venice

National Doughnut Day – June 7 2019

Birgit Laniewski Restaurants, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , , ,
National Doughnut Day

Do you like doughnuts? I do! These delicious treats have conquered the world. How wonderful that there is even a National Doughnut Day!

National Doughnut Day

History

On the first Friday in June each year, people in the US celebrate National Doughnut Day. It remembers The Salvation Army Lassies, the women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I at the front lines in Europe. With home made foods those brave volunteers brought a morale boost to the troops. The doughnuts were often baked in oil inside the metal helmets of the soldiers.

In 1938 National Doughnut Day was created by The Salvation Army to honor these women and to start a fund-raising for Chicago’s Salvation Army. The goal was to help the needy during the Great Depression. National Doughnut Day was born.

National Doughnut Day

About the Doughnut

A doughnut is a ring-shaped sweet snack that is made of fried dough. It can be rolled in sugar or topped or glazed with icing. There are also doughnuts filled with jam, custard, or cream.

Food historians believe, that the doughnut came to the US with Dutch immigrants in the 19th century.

In the late 20th century, the shortened form “donuts” became popular with a successful doughnut chain, but still “doughnut” remains the most common spelling.

National doughnut day

 

Let’s celebrate!

Take some friends and enjoy the sweet snacks at your local doughnut store. Many doughnut stores have special offers on this day, so be sure to check.

Maybe you love baking? Try a new recipe and treat you and your loved ones at home.

Or continue the spirit of charity and volunteer for the local Salvation Army chapter or another non-profit organization that works with the armed forces.

National Doughnut Day

 

Doughnuts in Venice Florida

You are in Venice at National Doughnut Day? Be sure to visit Yummies Donuts, they are amazing.

On Friday June 7th, they will give ONE FREE glazed doughnut to everyone!!! (Until running out, so hurry!)

For more info, visit their website yummiesdonuts.com

National Doughnut Day

10 Great Beach Bars & Grills in and around Venice Florida

Birgit Laniewski Restaurants , , , , , , , , , ,
Beach Bars in Venice

Beach Bars – Tiki Bars – Grills – This is Florida!

Figure yourself sitting together with friends and family, having a cool drink and good food, leaning back, letting your eyes wandering over the water – this is true joy of life!

Venice Florida is a top destination for great beach bars, tiki bars and grills directly at the water. Let me present a few of my favorite locations from Englewood to Venice and Sarasota:

 

Sharky’s on the Pier Venice

Sharky’s is a great award winning beach bar and restaurant directly at Venice Beach. With a wonderful breeze coming off the water, this is a fantastic place for a meal. They offer all sorts of drinks and great food. Enjoy the sunsets and have fun. The location is simply unbeatable.

Go to their website sharkysonthepier.com to inquire about hours, events and menu.

Sharky's on the Pier - Villa Happy Gator

 

Pop’s Sunset Grille Nokomis

Pop’s Sunset Grill in Nokomis is THE place to take your friends and family for a taste of Old Florida. It has become one of Western Florida’s favorite landmark over the past 30 years. Guests love the casual atmosphere and fresh local fare.

Have a Cesar’s Salad or some bay scallops while enjoying the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway and the fabulous natural wildlife. Sip a delicious cocktail with the scenic view of boats and ships sailing by. Mostly at weekends, they offer some of the best live local entertainment in the Venice and Nokomis area. Be sure to check the calendar!

Please visit the website for opening hours, events and menu: popssunsetgrill.net

Pops Sunset Grill Nokomis

 

Dockside Waterfront Grill Venice

They offer casual waterfront dining & authentic Florida charm at Dockside Waterfront Grill. Enjoy sitting under Tiki Huts directly at the dock and admiring colorful sunsets.

For info and menu, please visit their website geckosgrill.com. For promotions and offers also see their facebook site.

Dockside waterfront

 

Casey Key Fish House & Tiki Bar Osprey

Casey Key Fish House in Osprey, FL, is an “Old Florida” waterfront restaurant with excellent food and a laid back casual atmosphere. The dining room is over the bay and EVERY seat has a view of the water! At sunset, even the local birds flock to the docks as they scramble for the scraps of the night’s leftovers.

Their great food is moderately priced. With 200 feet of deep water dockage, you can get to the restaurant by car or boat (Dockage Marker 32). Also, if you’re on the adventurous side, there are on-site rentals for jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, fishing charters, and boat rentals too!

Read more at their website caseykeyfishhouse.com

Casey Key

 

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill Sarasota

Imaging yourself sitting with your toes in the sand, sipping on an ice cold and delicious cocktail, watching the sun reflecting on the water and feeling a breeze that is pushing through the palm trees – wouldn’t that be a perfect moment?

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill offers decently priced drinks and tasty food combined with that laid back vibe.

For more info please go to their website olearystikibar.com.

Olearys

 

Lido Key Tiki Bar Sarasota

This place is truly a slice of paradise! The Lido Key Tiki Bar is located directly on the beach behind The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club – you can’t beat the views, the cool white sand, the relaxed atmosphere. The rustic décor has its unique charm.

They serve amazing cocktails and delicious food together with an excellent service. Don’t miss their popular fish sandwich, it is simply irresistible.

Please see their website ritzcarlton.com.

Lido Key Tiki Bar

 

Lido Beach Resort Tiki Bar Sarasota

A favorite among locals, the resort’s Tiki Bar, which is open to the public, is the perfect place to meet new friends, mingle over tropical cocktails and enjoy southwest Florida’s breathtaking sunsets. While relaxing at the Gulf front bar, choose from a tempting menu of satisfying sandwiches, salads and appetizers along with tropical libations that perfectly complement the beachfront surroundings. Don’t miss their Happy Hour specials!

More on their website lidobeachresort.com

Lido Beach Resort

 

White Elephant Englewood

How about bringing your boat to the deepwater harbor? Of course you can also arrive by car and enjoy great food and drinks. The ‘Old Florida’ style structure was originally as a resort, and now houses the popular cold drinks and delicious food spot on Chadwick’s Cove. The idyllic location with the public beach across the highway and the marina at the bay make it a favorite eating-place, with fantastic entertainment a regular feature!

Please visit the website whiteelephantpub.com

white elephant

 

SandBar Tiki&Grille Englewood

This is a perfect place to eat and drink after a day on the beach or shopping in Port Charlotte. Some say they are serving the best food on the key. And there always seems to be someone singing or playing music for entertainment, so bring some time to enjoy – The place to be on Manasota Key!

See their website sandbartikigrille.com.

sandbar tiki grille

 

Lock’nKey Englewood

They serve great food at great prices and have great entertainment several nights a week. Soak up gorgeous sunsets or come for lunch and glory in the warmth of Florida. Every entree is a “Specialty of the House.” All menu items are made fresh from the finest available sources and prepared with loving care – just steps from Englewood Beach.

See their website lockandkeyrestaurant.com

Lock n Key

 

 

10 Things to do with Kids in Venice Florida

Birgit Laniewski Kids , , , , , , ,
Kids in Venice

10 Things to do with Kids in Venice Florida

Venice, the City on the Gulf, is the perfect place for a vacation with the whole family.

You are looking for ideas what to do with kids? Let me present 10 great ideas for kid’s activities in and around Venice Florida:

1. Looking for Shark Teeth

Who finds the most? Who find the largest one? Kids and adults alike love looking for Shark Teeth. All beaches around Venice are wonderful for the search for the fossil shark teeth. However, the greatest success in finding them you will have at our private beach, which you can reach with our South Venice Beach Ferry. The only visitors of this piece of paradise come with the ferry, so this beach is never overcrowded. Bring our “Shark Tooth Sifter Tool” and we guarantee you will find them – Fossil Shark Teeth of Venice!

Learn more about Fossil Shark Teeth Here

Kids in Venice - 1

2. Children’s Fountain in Venice

All kids love this water attraction. Be prepared – they could spend hours! The interactive fountain is located on 200 W. Venice Ave in Centennial Park near the Gazebo.
Please visit the Venice site for more info.

Kids in Venice - 2

3. Mote – Marine Laboratory + Aquarium in Sarasota

Explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable-working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. See sharks, manatees and sea turtles, along with more than 100 other species of marine life. Especially families love interactive, hands-on eco-adventures on the Sea Life Encounter Cruise.

Please visit their website mote.org.

Kids in Venice - 3

4. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota

This large-animal rescue is located in eastern Sarasota County. Founded in 1987 by Kay Rosaire, the nonprofit sanctuary is a permanent home for dozens of exotic animals, offers placement for animals in need, and works to educate the public about animal care and conservation.

Please visit their website for more info.

Kids in Venice - 4

5. Kayak Rental at the Jetty

Kayak or PaddleBoard to Snake Island, around Cactus Island and Bird Island.  Take some time to pick shells or look for sharks teeth on one of the islands.  Pack a lunch and explore some of the waterfront parks and water only access parks in Lyons Bay, Dona Bay, and Roberts Bay. Or head out the inlet to the beach!  The launch site is located in a Manatee Zone so you may see dolphin, manatee and a variety of fish and birds.

Personal flotation devices come in sizes from toddler to adult.
More info on their website or find them on faceebook under venicejettyrentals.

Kids in Venice - 5

6. Dakin Dairy Farm in Myakka City

Country life is displayed at the “Dakin Dairy Farm” in Myakka City. On a guided tour through the dairy farm, visitors can learn where milk comes from. Children can breathe fresh country air, caressing little piglets and play in the hay.

For directions and opening hours, please see their website dakindairyfarms,com.

Kids in Venice - 6

7. Airboat Ride and Gator Watch

Enjoy a real authentic Florida airboat ride! Located on the beautiful Peace River in Arcadia, Florida, they offer Peace River Airboat Tours, Private Charters and Swamp Buggy rides to the public.

Please see their website peacerivercharters.com for more info.

Kids in Venice - 7

8. Treeumph Bradenton – Playtime in the trees

They got over 10 football fields of challenging terrain and hundreds of aerial adventure games. Plus, thousands of smiling faces both young & young at heart . Fly through a dense forest from tree to tree on crazy-fun obstacles that defy gravity. Get in sync with nature. Love every single moment spent with your friends and family as you experience one of the most unique attractions in Florida. Rise Above!

Learn more about them on treeumph.com.

Kids in Venice - 8

9. Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Jungle Gardens is a small zoological animal park in Sarasota on the west coast of Florida. The small zoo is nestled in a beautifully designed tropical garden with dense vegetation. Already since 1939, the Jungle Gardens with the quiet and relaxed atmosphere is the ideal destination for families with young children. You will not find great attractions or rides.

Alligators, snakes, parrots and macaws, monkeys and some exotic birds can be admired from the park visitors. Highlight, especially for the children,is the Flamingo enclosure where you can feed the proud animals out of hand.

Three 20-minute shows are offered daily, in which you can learn more about the animals (wild birds, parrots and alligators).

For more info please see sarasotajunglegardens.com.

Kids in Venice - 9

10. Indoor Fun – Skyzone

Bounce, Play and Climb Challenge

Whether it’s a birthday party, an afternoon pickup game of Ultimate Dodgeball, a charity event, or just a day out with the family, Sky Zone is a place to gather with friends, family, and your community. We provide ways for people to play together, as well as spaces for parents and non-jumpers to enjoy themselves while keeping an eye on the action.

More info on skyzone.com/Sarasota

Kids in Venice - 10

Vacation in Venice Florida – Pack your Running Shoes!

Birgit Laniewski Sports , , , , , , , ,
running in Venice Florida

Vacation in Venice Florida – Pack Your Running Shoes!

The wonderful climate of Florida offers year round running experience. A lot of us select their vacation spot by running opportunies in the neighborhood.

To sporty friends of Forida’s Gulf Coast I can warmly recommend Venice. Within a good 10 minutes you can choose between 5 beautiful nature parks.

Of course you can start your running directly from your door. As there are no canals or dead end streets, a great variety of rounds are possible. The typical American neighborhood with small lakes and unique buildings – new and modern, lovingly restored or aging – has its own charm.

I love to run in a nature surrounding. In Venice, I can recommend the following parks:

 

  1. Shamrock Park

The park encompasses some of the last remaining scrub habitat in the coastal area of Sarasota County. Visitors will meet a lot of animals such as Gopher Tortoises, snakes, rabbits, Iguanas, birds – even the famous Florida Scrub Jays live here. With some luck you will see jumping dolphins. A trail system of about 3 miles in total and in 2 courses is ideal for walking, jogging or biking.

  1. Alligator Creek Trail

This beautiful Trail starts at Woodmere Park and is a an insider tip. Enjoy the quietness and seclusion when running along the creek within lush vegetation.

  1. Pinebrook Park

The almost 2 miles long trail partly leads along Curry Creek within picturesque surrounding. Integrated is a fitness parcours – well kept and usable. Even a small slope is included.

  1. Manasota Scrub Preserve

You run softly on pine needles in this beautiful nature preserve at the border of South Venice. Trails are marked and can be combined easily into larger rounds. The typical Florida vegetation is always an experience.

  1. Lemon Bay Park

This 210 acre Nature Park is in Englewood, still in Sarasota County and only minutes from Venice. It is beautifully located at Lemon Bay. If you like you may attach a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk trail and enjoy the gorgeous view.

 

 

 

3 Great Places You Must Take Your Camera in Venice

Birgit Laniewski Family, Nature , , , , , , , ,
Caspersen Beach Venice

Taking pictures is a wonderful way to make memories alive. We love to remember happy moments with family and friends, beautiful nature surroundings or impressive buildings. Let me show you today my favorite 3 places where I can never resist using my camera:

  1. Caspersen Beach

  2. Shamrock Park

  3. Venice Ave Drawbridge

I love Caspersen Beach. This beach is a beautiful and long sandy beach that has been left almost untouched in its natural state. With about 4 miles the longest beach in Sarasota County, it is the perfect place to enjoy unspoiled beauty far away from the crowds and a great spot to find the famous fossil shark teeth.

There is a beautiful short nature trail through a coastal hammock from where you always have a fantastic view. The unique look with the large rocks always reminds me a bit of the California coastline. Every time I visit this beach, I add some new photos to my “beach folder”.

Shamrock Park, only minutes away from our Villa Happy Gator, is my favorite place for walking and running – and for meeting all kind of animals. I love animals and get never tired of capturing them on pictures. My special friends are tortoises and scrub jays – although the latter are a real challenge to focus.

Biking along the Venetian Waterway Park at the Intracoastal Waterway is a must when I am in Venice. Away from the traffic, this trail provides exercise and relaxation alike. You pass the 2 Venice draw bridges – the Circus Bridge and the Venice Ave Bridge. I always admire those impressive monuments, that replaced the old small bridges in the 1980s. After crossing under Circus Bridge and just before reaching the Old Venice Train Depot, you have a great view of the Venice Ave Bridge. When a high boat is coming, the drawbridge is raised – and my camera is ready!

Kids in Venice Florida: Ultimate Family Fun at Sky Zone Sarasota

Birgit Laniewski Family, Kids, Sports , , , , , , , , , ,
Sky Zone Sarasota

What to do with kids in Venice?

You are looking for ideas what to do with kids and teenagers on a cold or rainy day? How about a visit to Sky Zone Sarasota? This exceptional indoor trampoline park has lots of places to play for all ages to burn off energy. Just put on a pair of orange trampoline socks and here you go!

Have fun with Freestyle Jumping and let go of gravity! It is so amazing!


Next is: Test your parkour skills to the next level. Conquer the tricky curved incline of the Warped Wall. Or battle your friends in the gladiator style combat Sky Joust. Do you think you can keep your balance?

Foam Zone is all about big air and soft landings while with Sky Line you have to manage to keep your balance. Grab a friend and challenge them in a test of strength with a round of Tug of War! In the Challenge Zone you put your coordination and balance to the test across a series of obstacles. Ultimate Dodgeball takes the classic game to a whole new level.

Sky Zone Sarasota         Sky Zone Sarasota

Rock the rim on Skyslam or rip a Dodge Ball as fast as you can at a target in the Speed Zone. Sky Ladder and Free Climb are also Zones that challenge your strength and balance.

Sky Zone Sarasota

The Toddler Zone is an exclusive area for Toddlers to Jump and Play. Separated from the main jumping area, protected from the older jumpers. Parents can watch their child play and interact from the platform directly in front of their little one.

Info

Sky Zone is located on 6180 Edgelake Dr in Sarasota, FL 34240, only a short 30 minutes drive from your vacation home in Venice .

For prices, events and opening hours, please got to their website.

Have in mind that they participate with Groupon – so you might get a deal.

Welcome to the Downtown Venice Craft Festival January 26 + 27

Birgit Laniewski Event , , , , , , ,
craft festival Venice

Downtown Venice Florida with its lovely historic buildings is the perfect setting for a Craft Festival. Along West Venice Avenue, some of the nation’s best crafters offer a wide variety of ceramics, jewelry, metal works and much more. Stroll along the numerous small stands and talk directly with the artists. Chances are good that you fell in love with something that seems to be perfect for you or your home.

There is also a Green Market with live flora and delicious food such as freshly popped kettle corn and spicy sauces.

Combine your visit with some shopping in the unique little stores and enjoy a rest at one of the cozy cafés, restaurants and bars within the charming downtown streets of Venice, the City on the Gulf.

12th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival

When:                       Saturday, January 26th, 2019 – 10:00am to 5:00pm

Sunday, January 27th, 2019 – 10:00am to 5:00pm

Where:                     401 West Venice Ave in Venice, FL

Cost:                         Free Admission

Info:                         artfestival.com

For Animal Friends: Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary in Punta Gorda Florida

Birgit Laniewski Nature , , , , , , ,
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary

You love animals? How about a trip to Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary in Punta Gorda?

Since 1970 this truly impressive private non-for-profit organization has been rescuing and rehabilitating exotic wildlife. The Sanctuary is not a zoo, but a nursing home/retirement village for abused and unwanted animals.

You will see bears, lions, tigers, birds and a lot more other species. Each animal has a name and its own story, sometimes really touching.

You may pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a whole day at Octagon. Especially kids will love it. They are wheelchair accessible and have beverages available for purchase.  There are multiple beautiful areas to sit, eat, relax, or cool off at the misting stations. Always check the weather before you come!

For more information, please go to their website www.octagonwildlife.org

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary
41660 Horseshoe Rd
Punta Gorda, FL 33982, USA

Enjoy the Venice Christmas Boat Parade on Dec 1st

Birgit Laniewski Event , , , , , , , ,
Venice Christmas Boat Parade

The Venice Christmas Boat Parade is an amazing attraction since 1989. Every year it gets bigger and better. Off course, Venice with its Intercoastal Waterway is the perfect place for a boat parade, as there are a lot of public areas for visitors to enoy the beautifully lighted and decorated boats passing by. There are also several great restaurants along the water that offer spectacular views.

The parade starts December 1st at 6 pm just north of the Albee Rd. Bridge near Casey Key. It continues down the Intracoastal Waterway and out to the channel marker in the jetty. The parade continues south and turns around before Circus Bridge.

Best is to have a look at the map to pick your favorite location. And be sure to be early as this event is very popular!

For info please visit the website VeniceChristmasBoatParade.com.

Venice Christmas Boat Parade