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GETTING HERE | LOCATION | THE BEACHES | VENICE

Venice is so called because the town was built around an island and network of waterways. Even though you’ll see signs to ‘Historic Venice’, don’t think you’re in for gondola’s and Canaletto views. However, Venice downtown is graced by northern Italian architecture and beautifully landscaped boulevards that date back to the original city plans of 1925.

Lots to do – a local cinema, retail therapy, bowling alley, theatre, music groups, the restored railway station (no trains now), six public tennis courts – floodlit at night, and we have tennis just around the corner from the villa too. Go to www.venicemainstreet.com a must visit. For What’s On in Venice look at www.venice-florida.com. And try www.flusa.com clicking on Destinations > Explore a City by typing Venice. Also take a look at www.venice-fla.com a great site for local info.

In terms of eating out you are spoilt for choice. A few of our favourites include The Crow’s Nest Marina Restaurant which is highly recommended. If you want to hang out and chill out, you’ve just got to do Shanky’s On The Pier, and Daiquiri Deck. Then there’s Outback, Chilli’s, Bonefish, and Luna’s Italian Restaurant (at Luna’s one course will stuff and feed three!). With a great choice of restaurants five minutes drive from the villa by car, watch your waistline with those big American helpings.

In Englewood you have Mango Bistro, Compadres Mexican, and Mama’s. All-round you’ll be spoilt for choice — there’s a wealth to choose from and we have reviews for over 50 in our villa guide.

Shopping wise, you’ll have more supermarkets than you’ll know what to do with, and as for clothes, the range, choice, and value is outstanding.