Burgundy Square

Many times I have been by Burgundy Square on Miami Ave. in Venice Florida but I hadn't noticed it in the morning light from this angle before.  I thought it looked very inviting over the knoll and through the trees. 

Wall Flower

 

This medallion is on the wall of the historic Granada Apartments in Venice Florida, I don't know if the lady it may have been modeled after was herself a wall flower or not.  Regardless, as she is on a wall and wearing a flower I could not resist the pun!

Outdoor Room

There is a new show on HGTV called the Outdoor Room it's all about creating outdoor spaces that have a sense of place like a room.  As I was walking around town the other day I saw this space at the Emeritus at Venice.  It is an assisted living facility in one of our historic buildings.  This space between a couple buildings really gave me that sense of an outdoor room.  A delightful space to spend some contemplative time in.

Historic train depot and Legacy Trail

In 1927 the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers built this train depot to bring people in and market Venice.  It was the last stop of the rail line and for many years it also welcomed students from the Kentucky Military Academy and The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus to their winter homes here in Venice.

Today the depot is on the national register of historic places it also serves as a bus transfer station for Sarasota county transit.  The rail tracks between Venice and Sarasota are a walking and biking path known as the Legacy Trail.  There is a park just west of the depot that features a public boat ramp to the Inland Waterway and there is soon to be a new city park just to the east. 

More information on the depot history can be found at the Venice Area Historical Society web site and through tours, please see their web site for tour times.

Heritage Park

It's good to see someone besides myself enjoy this delightful park.  I know other people do, but most drive right by it heading for the beach.   

Heritage Park is a four block long narrow park between the East and West bound lanes of Venice Ave. that ends right at the beach.


Here you will find very pleasant winding trails, several monuments, and wonderful landscaping including some very impressive banyan trees.

Merry Christmas from TheVeniceBridge.com

This wonderful display is at one of the most beautiful historic homes on the island.  About three blocks east of the beach on Venice Ave.  See the daytime photo below as well. 

The candles have words on them such as peace, joy, love, health, prosperity, this got me thinking about the most important things in live.  The things in life that make it a gift and a joy.  I received this from a friend and wanted to pass it on today.

In the Christian tradition, Christmas
is a time for families and friends to
gather together.

So today I'd like to invite you, no
matter what your tradition is, to
stop and consider the people in
your life.

See what they have brought you,
think about how they have supported
you, realize how different your life
would be without them.

Then tell them. Appreciation that
is not expressed is wasted.

The people that you care about,
and that care about you, are the
greatest treasure in your life!

So, go ahead, make someone's
day brighter. You'll be grateful
that you did, and so will they.

One of the greatest gifts in life is our relationships with others.  Tell those you love how much you appreciate them.

I wish you all a year filled with peace, joy, love, health, and prosperity in all your relationships.

Blessings,

David

Venice Mall Tree

The Venice Mall has a very nice tree and other Christmas decorations among it's shops.  This is not one of those big suburban malls. This delightful mall is in the old historic KMI building in the heart of downtown next to Centennial Park.  It is a delightful place with some great shops, but sadly most people seem to miss it.  It just doesn't get the foot traffic that Venice Ave. on the other side of the park does.  If you are downtown I encourage you to walk across the park and see what you've been missing.

Christmas at the Historic Triangle Inn

Originally built as an inn today this beautiful building is residence to the Venice Archives with changing exhibits on the history of Venice Florida.  Through the holidays it is featuring "Yes, Venice, there is a Santa" A delightful fun exhibit if Santa's donated over the years.  See photo below.

The Inn is officially open Mon - Wed 10 am to 4 pm in season, however someone is usually there every weekday and will always open to the public if someone would like to stop by.  It is located at 351 S. Nassau St. behind the library and community center.  It is also right across from the Venice Arboretum.  With a park full of tropical trees decked out for the season, this makes for a wonderful holiday destination in Venice.

 

Tasty Treat

One of the homes in Venice's historic area looks like a pretty tasty treat for the holidays.  One of the things I really like here is that this is an attractive holiday display both day and night.  Many homes Christmas decorations look great at night but not so tasty during the day, some even look awful in daylight with deflated inflatables.  This one looks just as delightful in daylight if not more so.

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.