My trip to Venice, Florida began as a meaningful mission tied to a deeply personal project.
Years ago, while sorting through my late mother-in-law’s belongings, I discovered a remarkable World War I poster printed in Port Talbot, Wales. It features my mother‑in‑law, Hannah, alongside three local women — a piece of history tucked quietly in the back of her wardrobe.
This fragile artifact traveled across the ocean, survived decades of moves, and was now in a restoration studio in downtown Venice that specializes in vintage paper preservation.
I extended this trip into an overnight stay — just enough time to deliver the poster and enjoy a little fresh seafood and coastal ambiance before driving home.
Venice is one of those charming beach towns that feels equal parts laid-back surf town, old Florida charm, and a sun-washed stretch of coastal calm.
The day started at Nokomis Public Beach.
Of course, I turned the wrong way at a dead-end and drove a few scenic miles before being redirected by a friendly bicyclist.
My internal GPS clearly thinks this is hilarious. But the payoff?
Warm, green Gulf waters, seashell sand, and a few hours of pure bliss.
Nokomis beach is one of those understated treasures. It’s an uncrowded beach with free parking and lifeguards on duty.
I sat quietly on the beach, letting myself sink into the rhythm of green surf, drifting seabirds, and the soft hum of people-watching.
The Gulf was calm and warm.
The sand gritty from decades of crushed seashells washing ashore.
Shells stretched along the shoreline like scattered evidence of the ocean’s long memory.
There’s something about the Gulf Coast that slows your heartbeat the second you arrive.
No rush. No agenda.
Just the perfect combination of warm breeze, salt air, sunscreen, and the distant sound of flip-flops slapping pavement.
I didn’t collect any of the shark’s teeth Nokomis Beach is known for.
But as I sat there, toes buried in the sand, my fingers brushed against a pale lilac shell — delicate, luminous — the kind you instantly decide is special enough to keep, even if you can’t explain why.
I ended up at nearby Pelican Alley for lunch— a casual seafood spot with good food and apparently… paranormal activity.
Which nobody warned me about.
My server, Hannah, continuously refilled my iced tea.
But somehow, the tea level seemed to drop faster than I could drink it.
By the third refill, I casually mentioned it to my server.
That’s when I learned Pelican Alley is infamous for ghost stories and paranormal encounters.
Which explained a lot.
Because at some point during lunch, I’m fairly certain someone whispered lottery numbers into my ear.
And of course, I played them.
Because if a ghost takes the time to communicate financial guidance, it just feels rude not to participate.
Sadly, the spirits and I did not achieve generational wealth together.
But I respect the effort.
After lunch, I went to historic downtown Venice — brick sidewalks, breezy palms, and that soft golden light that makes you want to linger.
Everywhere you look there’s another little café, boutique, or wine bar.
And then I saw it.
A blackboard sign outside Trattoria da Mino restaurant that simply read:
“Mino’s Favorite: Naughty Woman Pizza.”
I had to know what was on a Naughty Woman Pizza. Turns out it’s a simple, yet divine combination: buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Elegant. Fiery. Tempting. Exactly like the name promised.
I don’t know what else I was expecting.
But there’s absolutely no scenario where I can walk past a sign like that without stopping to investigate.
This is how road trips become stories.
Less planning and more discovery.
No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to Siesta Key Village.
I arrived with a loose plan for dinner. After previewing menus, I decided on the outdoor dining patio at The Cottage.
I ordered the grilled salmon with asparagus and black rice. It was restorative — simple, coastal, and quietly perfect.
Driving around Nokomis and Venice is never the same twice; every turn feels like a new little adventure. You never know what treasure you’ll stumble across — like a pelican mailbox so colorful it practically waves you down.
Like most Florida coastal towns, Venice has an abundance of fresh seafood restaurants.
Even more memorable are the cold drinks with little lime wedges that somehow make everything seem healthier.
I happened upon Burgundy Square Cafe on Miami Avenue and sampled the grilled lobster roll sandwich with cucumber and tomato salad. The vinaigrette dressing was memorable, and my server was quick to point out that it’s a custom, proprietary blend.
Venice has that effortless coastal energy that encourages you to linger with just one more iced tea to watch the world stroll by.
It has a relaxed vibe without even trying.
A little quirky.
A little haunted.
A little sun kissed.
By the end of my short beach reset, I realized…
I had stumbled on the fun part of Venice entirely by accident.
Ghosts. Naughty Pizza. Unexpected laughs.
Sometimes the best trips happen when you just follow the coastline and see what finds you there.
Even if it’s a ghost.
Or pizza with questionable branding.
Part of the Coastal Cowgirl series
Romancing the Herd 