Venice Beach...water was crystal clear blue...
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BEACH....
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!
Continuing our series of self-guided tours, we visit an area that’s popular with residents and visitors alike—the shopping district located in Historic Downtown Venice. In addition to its outstanding shopping, dining and other services, this popular destination is also home to a number of historic markers that will pique your interest.
SHOPPING DISTRICT TOUR
Positioned in the heart of the shopping district along West Venice Avenue and Nokomis Avenue are some interesting inscriptions and intriguing markers that are sure to capture your attention.
• Founders Walkway—head east along the shops on West Venice Avenue between Nassau Street and Nokomis Avenue, and walk until you reach the breezeway (an opening between the buildings). Here, you’ll find five plaques on display honoring four of the city’s important figures. Learn who they were and why they were so vital to the community.
• Ennes Arcade and Hotel Valencia—return to Venice Avenue and continue walking toward Tamiami Trail until you find a historical plate mounted on the building next to the El Patio Hotel. Discover who the first occupants were and how they made their income.
• Johnson-Schoolcraft Building—stroll to the end of the block and turn right onto Nokomis Avenue. Walk two-thirds of the way down alongside the building and you’ll find this next marker stamped on the wall. Learn about the structure’s original purpose and how much it cost to construct.
• “Fountain Park”—walk to the end of the sidewalk and cross over Miami Avenue to the courtyard area. Enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water as you read the plaques and discover who built this park and when it was presented to the public.
• Time Capsule—meander north, across Ponce de Leon Avenue and uncover the company responsible for this monument as well as the date when it contents will be revealed.
After you finish the third tour, you are welcome to post your pictures, videos and comments below, or to include your friends and family in the fun
CENTENNIAL PARK TOUR
Placed in and near Centennial Park, on the corners of Nassau Street North, West Venice Avenue and Tampa Avenue, the following collection of historical markers and monuments will increase your knowledge and curiosity about our city.
• Venice—look for this sign on the corner of Nassau Street North and West Venice Avenue, and find out what economical resources helped contribute to the survival of the city.
• The Hotel Venice—head north on the sidewalk, cross over Tampa Avenue and take in the sight of this important landmark to your right. Then walk back to Tampa Avenue and turn left. An inscription on the wall reveals three well-known guests who once stayed in this colorful historic building.
• San Marco Hotel—continue heading east on Tampa Avenue and walk to the second set of doors at the Venice Centre Mall entrance. Here, you’ll find a plaque on the building where you can read about this multi-functional facility and the surprising amount of time it took to construct.
• Kentucky Military Institute—turn around and walk across Tampa Avenue. Next to the sidewalk you’ll find a sign that explains how this particular school breathed new life into Venice.
• Gazebo—walk west on the sidewalk and you’ll soon encounter one of the city’s iconic treasures. Step up onto the platform and appreciate its beautiful architecture.
Now that you’ve completed the second tour, we invite you to post your pictures and videos in the comments section, or to share this post with your friends and family. Join us next week for our third tour, which will bring you into one of the city’s most vibrant, thriving areas!
Historic Walking Tour
Get to know some Venice area history! The following tour, the first in our series of self-guided walking tours, will give you a fascinating glimpse back into time that ranges from centuries ago to more modern times.
VENICE AVENUE MEDIAN TOUR
Located on West Venice Avenue in the median just east of Venice Beach and west of Avenue Des Parques, the plaques and fixtures found in this section will give you a peek into the prehistory of our area as well as highlights from the city’s early beginnings.
• Welcome to Heritage Court—start at the median where Venice Avenue and Avenue Des Parques meet, and learn about the men who played an important role in the development of the city.
• Pioneer Court—keep walking west just a short distance and you’ll soon discover what was on the menu in the Venice area for the 19th century settlers.
• In Loving Memory—cross over Park Blvd. and take notice of the large oak tree to your right. At the foot of the tree is an unassuming marker in memory of a couple who each worked for the city of Venice—Paul served as a city administrator from 1960 to 1975 and Sandy was an administrative assistant for 30 years. Their love for each other and for their city lives on for all to see.
• 1926 Article from “Venice News”—meander to the left of the path and get ready to uncover an astonishing archaeological find so big that it made headlines!
• The Calusa and Seminole Peoples—stop just before you reach Armada Road and take a few moments to meet some of the area’s earliest natives who once lived along the Gulf Coast.
• Venice Army Air Base—walk across the street into the final portion of the median and find out about the history of this important landmark.
• Veterans Memorial—continue on just before you reach the beach and read the touching words dedicated to those who fought for our country’s freedom.
We hope you’ve enjoyed the first tour! We welcome you to post your pictures and videos in the comments section, or to share this post with your fr
