Top 4 Places to Visit in Venice, Florida

Before booking a getaway to familiar vacation spots, consider Venice, Florida for your next reality escape. The Top 4 Places to Visit in Venice offer new sights, tastes and an uncrowned backdrop for memory making experiences. While vacationing along the Gulf of Mexico, you are within a 40 minute drive to Sarasota and two hours to the major theme parks in Orlando.

1 - Venice Beaches are separated by name only and offer an undisturbed strip of white sandy relaxation. You can walk from the North Jetty to Casperson Beach picking up shark's teeth, ocean glass and exquisitely shaped sea shells along the way. Venice Beach is located in the historic downtown area and within walking distance to art galleries and sweet hand-dipped ice cream cones. Manasota Beach is also home to ornate mansions and towering palm trees. Brohard Park is one of the only pet-friendly beaches in the "Sunshine State." Service Man's Park is a popular spot for sunset picnics and body-boarding.

2- Sharky's on the Pier is the place to go for fresh seafood and live entertainment. You can dine inside or venture to the outside dining area and Tiki Bar or even climb the spiral staircase to the second-floor deck to watch the sun set. While waiting your turn for a table, make sure to walk out onto the pier and look for passing dolphins and the wave jumping efforts of skilled surfers.

3- Snook Haven Resort is an "Old Florida" gem which has survived the test of time. You traverse an old dirt road just off a main thoroughfare and embark upon a journey into the past. Each Thursday afternoon the Gulf Coast Banjo Society performs on the outdoor stage entertaining those who opt to dine at a picnic table underneath a shade tree. Live entertainment occurs several days a week and you can even book a seat for a pontoon boat ride down the Myakka River. An old movie titled "Attack of the Killer Turtles" was filmed at Snook Haven during the 1950's and is commemorated with items found inside the gift shop. A floating deck offers superb views of the river and alligators sunning themselves along the bank of the river.

4- Drum circle excitement awaits you on Casey Key. Take a short five minute drive out of Venice to the small town of Nokomis. Unless you happen to see the corporation limit sign, you will not even notice you have exited one town and entered another. Each Saturday evening a drum circle occurs on Casey Key. Hundreds of spectators, musicians and dancers converge on the beach to celebrate the day and welcome another sunset. Musicians range from amateurs with homemade bongo drums to regionally know drummers. Local belly dancers and acrobats also join in the drum circle extravaganza. Make sure to arrive an hour before sunset to catch all of the show, and prepare to do a bit of walking due to the large crowd and limited number of parking spaces.