#holidayinvenice

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/south-venice-lemon-bay/

South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve - Great for Nature Lovers

Here in South Venice we are fortunate to have a real gem for nature lovers right at our doorsteps: the South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve with its 222 acres of protected land along Lemon Bay.

The preserve is nestled in the densely packed suburb of South Venice, is a refuge for several protected animals and plants.

There are several miles of trails through coastal habitats including mangroves, tidal swamp, tidal marsh, coastal hammock and upland communities such as mesic and scrubby flatwoods. On your walk you will have the chance to meet a variety of wildlife such as gopher tortoise, Florida scrub-jay, bald eagle, river otter and an assortment of snakes, including the eastern coachwhip. Also bobcats have been seen there. Boardwalks afford visitors access across the recreated and restored wetland slough.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as sand spurs are very common. Also carry some water as you may walk longer parts of the trails in the open. With so much to discover, your walk could always take longer than planned. If you are lucky, a bunch of scrub jays will play their games with you.

The Preserve is divided in 2 parts. Each part has 2 entrances, all of them only minutes from your vacation home Villa Happy Gator:

Northern part: 5472 Kenisco Road + 1101/1199 Ocelot Road South Venice

Southern part: 1101/1199 Ocelot Road + 6200 Osprey Road South Venice

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[redwrenstudios]

Swipe left to see more amazing shots of #veniceitaly. One of the things I adore about #venice is that everywhere you look there is not only beauty, but detail! Here are some of my favorite closeups in the city. - - #travel #visitvenice #holidayinvenice #holidayinitaly #italyvacations #winterbreak #venezia #details #detailshots #history #historiceurope #europeancity #veneziacityofficial #veneziagram #carnevalevenezia2019 (at Piazza San Marco Venezia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHPdt1gTv6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=x317f2tj40iw

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/mosquitoes-in-florida/

Mosquitoes in Florida

Florida and mosquitos

Mosquitoes in Florida: Every Florida visitor knows them: Mosquitos and No-see-ums.

Occurrence

Insects and vermin feel particularly comfortable in tropical climates, so Florida with sometimes high humidity and heavy downpours is a real paradise for them. It depends on the season, the current weather and the area whether you encounter the blood-hungry mosquitos and no-see-ums. In the Everglades, the chance is certainly much higher than when strolling around the city or on the beach.

Not everybody gets a bite

In addition, some are more popular as victims and can hardly save themselves from stings, while others - even within the same family - are spared. This may be due to blood type, personal smell mix or diet.

What helps?

If you are looking for recommendations on how to protect yourself from getting bitten, repellents such as "Off" or "Deet" are often mentioned. They are effective and widely used. However, the active ingredients of most common used repellents are not harmless and you may be looking for natural and safe alternatives.

Natural alternative

Without a doubt I can recommend a mixture that I found on the Internet. We tested them several times while hiking through nature reserves, both in Florida and in Germany. It's easy to mix. Just change the ratio to your needed amount and put it into a spray bottle.

Recipe

16 oz witch hazel

16 oz Listerine Original

1/3 ounce tea tree oil

Itching treatment

You have been bitten and it itches very badly? You are looking for help? For this purpose try "bite-away"! The itching disappears within seconds, without any chemicals. I bought mine on amazon.

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/north-jetty/

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

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/siesta-key-crystal-classic/

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.

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/national-taco-day-october-4th/

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.

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/venice-day/

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.

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/national-avocado-day-july-31/

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!

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.

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/englewood-beach/

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.

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/happy-world-chocolate-day/

Happy World Chocolate Day!

Today, July 7, is "World Chocolate Day"!

We love chocolate in all sorts and variations: as a bar, in ice cream, as spread and cake icing, in cereal or even as a face mask - the ideas für using are endless.

Here are some sweet facts about our favorite treat:

The earliest known cocoa bean cultivation regions were Mexico and South America, where Inca, Aztec and Maya people mixed ground seeds with spices to a drink they called "Chocolatl". The chocolate from the beans was considered a luxury commodity and was reserved for wealthy people.

Among the Aztecs, cocoa beans were even common as a means of payment. Taxes could be paid with them. For 100 perfect beans you could buy a slave!

In 1550, the first cocoa beans appeared in Europe, but it took until 1847 that the first chocolate bar was produced in England.

The worldwide most chocolate is cosumed in Germany and Switzerland: an impressive 10 kg per person per year. That's almost twice as much as in the US. By the way: Women are much more likely to be a chocolate lover than men.

Happy World Chocolate Day!

You are in Venice Florida these days? Be sure to stop by at Kilwin's on W Venice Ave, their choices are simply delicious!

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/national-doughnut-day-june-7-2019/

National Doughnut Day - June 7 2019

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

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.

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.

  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

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/10-great-beach-bars-grills-in-and-around-venice-florida/

10 Great Beach Bars & Grills in and around Venice Florida

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.

  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

  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.

  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

  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.

  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 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

  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

  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.

  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

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/10-things-to-do-with-kids-in-venice-florida/

10 Things to do with Kids in Venice Florida

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/vacation-in-venice-florida-pack-your-running-shoes/

Vacation in Venice Florida – Pack your Running Shoes!

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:

  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.

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.

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.

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.

  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.

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/3-great-places-you-must-take-your-camera-in-venice/

3 Great Places You Must Take Your Camera in 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:

Caspersen Beach

Shamrock Park

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 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!

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[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/ultimate-family-fun-at-sky-zone-sarasota/

Kids in Venice Florida: Ultimate Family Fun at 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.

          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.

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.