If Florida was a person, it’s name would be Sybil. You’ve heard the expression ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait an hour?’ Well, if you don’t like where you are in Florida, drive an hour in any direction and you will find something different.
There truly is something for everyone in the sunshine state. Whether you gravitate toward sophisticated, upscale areas (Palm Beach, Naples), or you prefer more laid back, rustic locales (Central Florida), or you like funky, artsy places (Key West), or maybe something in between (Venice), Florida’s got you covered.
Having now spent a total of 5 months throughout different areas of Florida, I think I can safely say Venice is our favorite area.
Last year when we went to Florida for two months, we spent quite a bit of time checking out RV resorts so we could feel comfortable with our choices this year, because let’s face it, sometimes the internet isn’t all that honest ;).
But as we learned, you really can’t know what it’s like to stay somewhere until you’ve actually done it, and I’m happy to say the resort we choose in Venice exceeded our expectations. I knew when we first saw it last year it was a step up from many of the others we had seen…the pool area looks like it belongs in an upscale resort, many sites are on the Myakka River, and they have more activities than you could ever have time for (more on that later).
When we first arrived, however, we were very disappointed in our site. It was waaaayyyyy too small for our motorhome, but after we (and our neighbors) complained, we were moved to a much more spacious site a few days later, and all was right with the world.
The first night after we arrived, we went to a Mexican restaurant where we were treated to this lovely view, (and I indulged in a margarita that was so big it should be illegal).
Once we got settled, I started looking into some of the many activities that were offered. One of several that was of interest happened to be a photography club that met every Tuesday. They alternated between going on an outing or staying at the resort and critiquing photos/answering questions.
The first outing was to a bird sanctuary about 20 minutes away called The Rookery. At the time that we went the birds were nesting on a very small island in the middle of the lake, which happens to be the background of these pics.
Venice’s annual orchid show happened to be taking place in February, so we went with our friends Penny & Ted who also were wintering in Naples and Venice while we were there (remember Penny from the diva dinner?).
There was an Abba concert at the resort which was great fun, and I couldn’t resist hamming it up with the band!
Every year the resort puts on a Variety Show and this particular act had everyone in stitches. The ‘arms’ belong to another person just behind them and the feet and head belong to the same person. Got that? lol It’s one of those things that really should be viewed as a video rather than a photo, but I think you get the idea.
This next shot was taken in Punta Gorda, a short drive away from Venice. We didn’t bring our bikes but there were bikes available for free so we took advantage of that. Banyan trees are plentiful in Florida, and I can never get enough of them!
The main tourist attraction in Punta Gorda is a place called Fisherman’s Village, where there are numerous shops and restaurants right on the water. This little guy, and I do mean little (about the size of your hand), was being displayed and I just wanted to slip him into my bag and take him home!
All over Florida, there are endless bike trails and since it’s mostly flat, you can bike almost all day and not get tired. I joined a bike group that bikes various trails every Friday morning and we would ride anywhere from 8-13 miles then go out to brunch. This next shot was taken outside one of the restaurants we stopped at. Notice the small shipwrecked boat in the background? And that’s an actual yellow submarine you can rent!
I also made tons of jewelry…
and took a couple of painting classes, and a few computer classes also.
As for local attractions, the Ringling Museum is well worth a visit if you’re every in the area. Located in Sarasota, about 25 minutes away, it’s an easy drive. There is a large building that houses duplicates of everything about the circus in miniature, and when I think about the amount of work that went into this it blows my mind.
And no post about Venice would be complete without a mention of the drum circle on the beach. Tons of people gather to drink, dance and party while awaiting the sunset. Next year I’ll bring my belly dancing outfit ;).
In other news…
Most of the photos I took in this post were with my cell phone, with the exception of the birds and flowers, so please excuse the blurriness.
Since getting home home last week, we’ve done tons of laundry, some cleaning (but not nearly enough), ‘Springified’ the house a bit by changing out some drapes and pillows, purged a little, recovered some bar stools, and did lots of grocery shopping because we had nothing to eat in the house except stale Doritos. We picked up the boys Friday for the weekend. It’s been more than three months since we’ve seen them so it will be nice to spend some time with them.
I still have some photos to share of our stay in central Florida and the Panhandle, so stay tuned for that.
Olympia says
How much those kind of trips are regenerating! Aren’t they? Never been to the USA, my brother has. I’m also spingifieding the house… Good luck!
Happy weekend Doreen, all the best across the ocean!
Olympia
Cecilia says
All sounds like fun! I didn’t know those places offered activities – nice! Love the idea of bike riding everywhere. Sounds like you are settling in nicely at home again. Enjoy your time with the boys.
Hugs,
Cecilia
Emily says
After reading your post and enjoying the photos has me wanting to pack up and head to FL! It looks like your trip was everything you hoped for. What a trip, I’m exhausted just hearing all you’ve done. After being away from home I always enjoy taking care of home, sounds like you do too. Hope you are all rested up, and I suspect you already have a tentative plan for your trip next yearβ¦β¦
Have a great Saturday.
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Beautiful photos, and I love that flower print! Reminds me of my new header on my blog and on FB. I would love to go there simply to photograph the wildlife.
Brenda
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Okay! Now you’ve gone and done it!! I just want to get an RV NOW and pack up and head for fun like this! And I’m probably 10 to 15 years too early for our plans. Boo!
Thanks for all the wonderful input. I’m going to tuck it away for later. π How perfect does Venice sound? I mean really: biking, scenic, resort-like, photography, jewelry making, painting, fun shows, MARGARITAS – sign me up!!
Hope you’re settling back in okay and eating more than doritos. I bet you’re loving boys catch up time. π
Have a great weekend. Blessings Doreen! xoxo
Debbie from MountainMama says
Look at you hanging out with the band and drumming it up!! Sounds like Venice is the winner in your book! It’s been years since I’ve been to Florida….your blog is so helpful in helping me decide where I would want to go the next time I visit! Looking good, lady – looking good!
Kim says
You did a lot during your time in Florida! It all looks like fun. I miss painting. I would like to take a class. If it were in Florida, that would be even better!! :))
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
The wild life looks amazing! Great pictures!
tammy j says
nary a blurry picture in sight!!!
ONLY BEAUTIFUL ones!
and fun!
and thank you for the wonderful insider information.
I just love your posts.
and…
your little painting… lovely! the colors sing.
yup. this has been a happy way to start my day. XOβ₯
Karen S. Frost says
Hi Doreen, I am new to your blog and I am enjoying your adventures in Florida! Love seeing all the birds, flowers, places and fun times. I really love your painting π Take care xo Karen
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Nothing like a trip to get you to clean your house, I have the same problem. Or is it a blessing. Doreen I love your photos. You obviously had a great time and got to take a lot of fun and educational classes. Looking forward to more pics.
Poppy says
Your scoop on Venice sounds very tempting! From delicious drinks, exciting entertainment (you on drums!), and adorable animals, one can easily satisfy their ‘sweet tooth’ with so many fun and fabulous ‘flavours’. What a delectable treat!
xx
Poppy
Cindi says
It looks like you had a fabulous time!
Everything looks so fun!
You really did a lot of biking! I need to get back into that. Hopefully they are right about remembering how! Lol!
I love the birds, and the flowers and the trees… Well, everything!
So glad you had a great time!
Glad you made it back safely and had some quality time with the boys!
Xoxoxo – Cindi
Dewena says
So would an eventual retirement to FL be possible someday? You sure make it sound like fun, Doreen, not a boring day possible. Or maybe it’s just Doreen that’s never boring? I bet that’s it!
Vera says
Hi Doreen this was a fun read. Now I want to experience Venice Florida more than ever! My first Margarita for the season is on Cinco de Mayo and I’m counting the days ;-D I love the waterfall fountain and the atmosphetic mood lighting. The Rookery photos are fascinating and the Orchids gorgeous. Love the photo of you in Punta Gorda in front of the Banyan tree. In Key West I was fell under the spell of a very old beautiful one. I would have to rent the yellow submarine, I would think it would be so much fun!
I used to making jewelry out of sterling silver wire years ago and now I wonder why I ever stopped. You’ve inspired me to play with jewelry again.
Looking forward to your photo essay of central Florida.
xoxo,
Vera
Leanne says
LOVE your new site! Gorgeous! Loving your branding too. Who did your logo etc?
susan says
Looks like you found a fabulous place to stay, Doreen. And I can’t believe all the activities they offer – good for you for taking advantage of all this. Sounds like you really had a ball!
AnnMarie says
Thank you for this great review of different places in Florida! I have only been to Miami and Tampa, besides Disney, and we know you don’t see Orlando at all when you are there!
Jemma says
Colorful and beautiful times you had on your stay in Florida!
I love that you stayed so busy and I also think yesterday I saw a FB a saying you posted on remaining engaged in life.
Otherwise we just die a slow death.
I really loved that and I think Doreen you are a great example for us all on living life to the fullest-it’s a really good thing:)
xx
Jemma
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
That little owl is adorable ! I’d want to bring him home as well π
kelly says
I enjoyed seeing pics from Venice. I loved those big trees! It sounds like you found a lot of fun things to do. I’ve been to that Ringling Bros. museum before when I was young. I stayed with my grandparents one summer in Port Charlotte which isn’t too far from Sarasota. Looking forward to more pics from your trip!
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen!
I am so glad that you found ‘the place’ in Florida to go back to! You are so right about driving an hour in either direction – you will find a totally different vibe! Venice is beautiful!!
My Mother-In-Law/Father-In-Law winter in Florida every year and I swear it has kept them younger…no snow and no ice to deal with! I can’t wait to retire and winter there too! π
Beautiful photos and the jewelry and painting you did are amazing…you’ve got mad skills girl! Pretty!!
Hugs, Kimberley
Pinky says
It sounds like you had a blast while in Fl.!!! I want to go to Venice now too! Thanks for all the info. Glad you got to do so many things!!
Julie says
Wow Doreen! It sounds like you had a great time doing such fun things! I love your painting. Enjoy the rest of the week and weekend.
Julie
Amy says
It sounds like camp, with all of those classes! I would LOVE that! The bird photos are spectacular, Doreeen! I want to go to a drum circle! Take me with you next year π
Vicky Hunt says
It’s amazing how different the scenery is in various parts of Florida…kind of like the weather. Those trees area amazing! We’re trying to decide where to go on vacation this summer and I am thinking of going down south. I have never been tto far south. This area looks really pretty. We’ll see! Great photos! Have a great rest of the week!!
Vashti Q says
Hi Doreen! You changed your blog! I’ve missed you and your posts. You’ve inspired me to explore more of Florida. I’ve never been to Venice. Looks like you had a blast! Great post! π xx