Bordered by the emerald shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Venice, Florida, like it's namesake in Italy is surrounded by waterways. There are three bridges that provide access to the downtown area known as "The Island of Venice."
Venice is about two hours drive from Tampa, Orlando and Naples. It's also an hour from Ft. Myers and a half-hour drive from Sarasota. Many vacationers use Venice as home base while traveling for the day to the surrounding metropolitan cities.
Downtown Venice features Italian architecture and boulevards that are true to the city's original 1925 plans. There are over 100 shops and boutiques in Venice and there are a variety of restaurants including those serving American, Irish, French and Japanese cuisine. The Venice Area Archives and Historical Society conducts regular tours that highlight the city's past, and parades are frequent events.
The Venice Art Center features changing exhibitions of American artists, spotlighting media such as jewelry, sculpture and oil paintings. The center also offers classes from beginner to advanced and has other events during the year. The Venice Little Theater has earned several state and national awards.
Venice's fall and spring outdoor art shows feature local artists as well as national painters, jewelers, sculptors and artisans. There are also outdoor music performances in the Centennial Park Gazebo, holiday parties and winter and summer craft fairs.
