Dreamy December Evening

How about a dreamy December evening at the Dream Cafe in Venice?  I haven't eaten there myself yet, but it does look good, and always seems to be busy, a very good sign.  These folks look like they are enjoying a good meal before the Christmas Parade.  Folks up north would be jealous to see they are in short sleeves!

Art Center Trees

During the holiday season the Venice Art Center features an extravagant display of artfully decorated trees.  This year the central tree is decked out in gold and white with splashes of red among it's flowers, sea shells, cherubs and baubles. 

An abundance of smaller trees are also bedecked in a verity of colors and themes.  There is also an abundance of local art to enjoy here, including several Christmas themed paintings, I particularly enjoyed a very close up portrait of Santa with his hat hanging on the corner.

The center is open all year long Monday through Saturday 9-5 except major holidays.  It features the work of many local artists, traveling exhibitions, and many classes for artists to enhance their skill.  The Art Center is at 390 Nokomis Ave. Right across from the public library and adjacent to the community center.

Christmas Parade

The largest Christmas Parade in Florida is right here in Venice.  As you can till it's after dark with lots of light, rather difficult to shoot with my camera but I got some worthwhile images that I will share over the next few weeks.  I highly recommend the parade if you are in the Venice area on Thanksgiving weekend in the future.

Lolly pop, Lolly pop

These two lolly pops are part of the Christmas Decore that you can buy at Holiday Tresures right on Venice Ave downtown, a wonderful shop bursting with the hilidays all year long.

Happy Thanksgiving

A photo of city workers decorating for Christmas on Thanksgiving? Yes, I took this a bit over a week ago (not too early these days) posting it today is a rather nostalgic trip down memory lane when such decorating in stores malls and cites actually did happen on this day.  When Thanksgiving really marked the start of the Christmas season with this seemingly magical transformation over the Thanksgiving holiday.

It does mark it here as I hope to have some element of Christmas in my photos here from today through Christmas. 

I wish all who enjoy this blog a very Happy Thanksgiving today, I hope you are able to enjoy it with family and friends.  May you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.

Inviting Entry

Walking around one of the Islands historic districs I came across this older home with a very inviting entry.  The landscaping, fountian, and arched porch give a real sense of welcoming people in.

Urn

Part of the charm of Luna Cafe downtown is the outside patio area with plant filled urns, wine barrels, and more.  Additionally there are a couple very nice water fountains, it makes for a wonderful setting to enjoy a good meal.

Another Angle

Clearly I couldn't resist taking another angle on the fishing pier, or using a pun on fishing.  It looks like there is someone else that fishing from another angle here as well.

Venice FL Fishing Pier

While browsing through old posts I realized that I wasn't showing the Fishing Pier yet on this blog.  Not sure how it escaped as it is one of my (and many other folks) favorite places  around these parts.  It is in fact the only fishing pier located directly on a gulf beach in Sarasota county.

This photo is taken from Sharky's On The Pier, one of very few beach front resturants in the Venice/Sarasota area.  All in all this is a great beach to enjoy for many activities and facilities.

On the Trail

One of many nature trails in Shamrock Park, it's a great place to get close to nature, close to the city.  The park also features a nature center with educational programs as well as a great play area, picnic area, tennis courts and more.

Morning Sun

Beautiful morning sun, hours before Luna Cafe opens.  Always nice, I thought this was a very serene view of this popular Venice spot downtown.  Especially with the Venice theater across the street there are many times this place is very busy.

Decking the Streets

In remembrance of my childhood when malls, towns, and cities seemed to magically transform into Christmas wonderlands over Thanksgiving I wasn't going to start with Christmas photos till the day after.  However I was downtown today just as city employees where working to bring some Christmas cheer to sunny and warm Venice FL.

So here is a little sneak peak of Venice at Christmas.  But no more until at least Thanksgiving day.

Art Festival

The 22nd annual Art Fest is happening this weekend.  It covers three blocks of Venice Ave. downtown and is well worth a visit.  I saw several new artists this year.  There is art in the form of jewelry, music, paintings, photography, sculpture and more.  Styles range from the sublime to the whimsical such as these fanciful creatures.

Garden Bird Feeder

I'm essentially going to allow this photo speak for itself.  Let the tranqulity of the garden bring you peace this day.

Bird on Fence

I have to admit that I don't know birds that well, so I can't identify this little one.  The reason I'm sharing it is that I really like the lines and composition of this photo. 

What may look like snow in the background is actually foam on the surf.  This photo was taken on the Venice fishing pier and the bird is most likely looking for scraps from those on the pier fishing.

November in the 80's

Unusual even for central Florida but in right now in November while most of the nation is in the 50's and lower we are still having temperatures in the 80's!  I'm sure it can't last much longer so we should get out to the beach and enjoy it while we can.

Doorway

The 1st of the month is always my favorite time in the City Daily Photo Community as it's Theme Day.  Here is my entry for this months theme of Doorways.  Entry, Doorways, cute play with words huh?  Oh well, this Doorway is on the old KMI building downtown.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants