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Sarasota And Venice, Florida
If you’re not too familiar with Florida (outside of the cluster of mega-theme parks), maybe Sarasota only faintly rings a bell. Perhaps the name “Venice” reminds you more of gondolas than beaches. But if you are familiar with this area of Florida’s Gulf Coast, you may have already been inspired by its warm community spirit and cool ocean breezes. Yes, the area is popular for retirees, but it seems that most of the population does anything but sit still.
Enthusiastic volunteerism drives everything from museums to theaters to every other kind of arts and culture organization under the Florida sun. And with an older demographic inevitably comes a younger one—visiting children and grandchildren, ready to take advantage of what Sarasota and Venice have to offer. Families flying or driving in for the weekend will find plenty to do, with or without Gram and Grandpa, at this ideal destination for multi-generational mingling.
Venice’s Sunny, Small Town Charm
The front page of the January 2006 issue of the Venice Gondelier Sun featured headlines like “Wharf Extension to Go to Hearing” and “American Legion Move Delayed: Builder Blamed.” Like Sarasota, its larger neighbor directly to the North, and like the rest of the state of Florida, Venice has encountered a wave of potentially explosive growth in recent years. This charming little town, however, has tempered its development to preserve breezy, walkable residential streets lined with palm trees.
Families visiting Venice will want to drive or stroll to The Soda Fountain (941/412-9860) for some good, old-fashioned nostalgia. As you gaze at the Americana plastering the wall above your booth, you can order burgers, hot dogs, wraps, and a variety of phosphates, all in liberal portions. Be sure to save room for dessert as well—ice cream dishes vary in size as massively as “Howard Huge’s Spruce Goose,” a 21-scoop sundae large enough for an entire family reunion! (Don’t worry; you can also just get a cone.)
But of course, eating isn’t the only thing to do in Venice. If you want to see the area’s golden volunteerism at work and take in a quality play or musical, pay a visit to the Venice Little Theatre (941/488-1115). VLT is the fifth largest community theater in the United States, and the largest per capita. The theatre’s over 600 volunteers contribute to several shows a year on both its MainStage and smaller, edgier Stage II. From Beauty and the Beast to Little Women to Tom Sawyer, there are plenty of shows with multigenerational appeal. To see what’s onstage lately, check out the website.
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