Downtown Venice: Our Personal Wonderland

A Community with the Arts at its Heart

By Tarah Hart, Arts Integration Specialist

 

“Every adventure requires a first step.”

~ Cheshire Cat in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Each time the opportunity arises to represent Venice Theatre at a Venice MainStreet event, I have the pleasure of interacting with folks who are new to the area, just visiting us for the day, or who are soaking up the sun on vacation. All of them eagerly express their love of our city and specifically our historic Downtown Venice district. Those conversations deepen my gratitude for a place that my grandmother and I adoringly call “the avenue,” which is at the center of my childhood memories.

Let’s chase the White Rabbit down the avenue…

Although some merchants and eateries have changed over the years, the charm of the avenue certainly has not. Like Alice, you will not lack in food or drink on this trip! From the well-loved grilled romaine heart salad at Café Venice, to delicious Italian fare at Made in Italy or Cassariano, or a homemade scoop of ice cream at the Venice Avenue Creamery, there is something to satisfy every craving. You can even have a tea party of your own at Upper Crust Café & Bakery—I highly recommend the scones!

In need of a hat or accessory to complete your tea party ensemble? Look no further than Scarlet Macaw Resort Wear or the St. Marco Boutique. Either stop will leave the Mad Hatter himself feeling jealous! In search of a gift for someone in your life? The avenue has you covered there too! Sea Pleasures & Treasures, Island Gift Nook, and Venice Stationers are cornerstone shops that I have many fond memories of visiting or continue down the avenue to Tangi&Jess. This newer shop has quickly become one of my personal favorites and includes artwork by Jess herself.

Right across the street is another Venice Avenue staple, Coldwell Banker Realty. With approximately 100 full-time sales associates, including Nancy Jordan, chair of the Coldwell Banker CARES Foundation, Coldwell is a top spot for buying and selling a new home. Jordan expressed that it is the foundation’s mission “to give back to the communities and neighborhoods in which we live, by providing charitable contributions and volunteer support, thus strengthening and reinforcing our commitment to creating a lasting source of unity, hope, and vision in Florida.”

Venice Theatre was chosen as one of the organizations that CB CARES supports because the theatre “has historically brought the arts, music, and entertainment to all ages…” Nancy Jordan chose Alice in Wonderland for CB CARES to sponsor because it is a “timeless” classic. The foundation hopes that “others will see the value of the theatre as an asset as our community theatre, that they will attend classes, attend performances, and see the value of being a donor.”

Oh, but wait! One last stop before you go! It would be mad of me not to mention our Venice City Council and their approval of a $125,000 matching grant to help fund Venice Theatre’s rebuild efforts. To make your next donation count toward the match, remember to write “City Match” on your memo line or description.

Just as we’ve supported the shops and merchants on our journey today, Venice Theatre does the same. In fact, the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County states that the total annual direct and indirect employment, labor income, and value-added impact of Venice Theatre to its community will be nearly $50,000,000 when the Jervey Theatre re-opens.

Unlike the White Rabbit, you’re never too late when it comes to experiencing all the “wonder” that comes with exploring Downtown Venice. Adventure awaits—take your first step today!

Volunteers help us out at Sun Fiesta in January.

For more information about the City of Venice’s $125,000 Match or Venice Theatre’s Have-A-Seat Campaign to raise the bulk of the $5,000,000 needed to complete Phase III (432 seats at $7,500 per seat), becoming a Sponsor and joining the Presidents Club, and to stay updated on programs and construction at Venice Theatre, please visit VeniceTheatre.org or contact Camille Cline at 941.867.8607 or camille@venicetheatre.net.