Venice FL: Meandering Along Miami Avenue

In downtown Venice, Venice Avenue can sometimes get all of the attention. But just a block away, Miami Avenue also makes a great spot for strolling, shopping, sipping, and snacking.

Start at the intersection of Miami and Nokomis Avenues, where a gurgling fountain in a pretty pocket park provides a soothing soundtrack for the beginning of your visit. Then head west to get shopping.

Antiques & Vintage, Bath & Body, Quirk & Kitch

Love the thrill of the hunt? Several antiques and vintage shops call this stretch home. St. Mark’s Divine Consign boasts a grandma’s attic vibe, with merchandise ranging from floral couches and sets of china to broaches, beads, and other costume jewelry.

Richardson & Richardson trades in pieces with a bit more of a pedigree. Artwork-covered walls provide a backdrop for cases filled with pocket watches, cufflinks, cameos, and other adornments.

Whether you want to treat yourself or someone else, gift options abound on Miami Avenue. SM Bath & Body stocks its own line of all-natural, pure palm wax candles in scents like Blood Orange, Caribbean Rum, and Cherry Almond, along with essential oils, soaps, and other personal-care products.

At Venice Trading Company, find an enticing selection of fair-trade and eco-friendly goods. Shelves hold intricate African baskets, jewelry from Central and South America, and sweet kids’ items like knit finger puppets.

Art & Ephemera

Done up in shades of blue and pink, Tangi & Jess is a happy little spot carrying candles, bags, jewelry, and other gifts and home accessories. It’s also a showcase for owner Jessica Cloarec’s colorful mixed-media artwork depicting everything from the Eiffel Tower to trees in bloom.

And that’s not the only art to admire along the avenue. Occupying a contemporary, white-walled space, newcomer Kirby & Lawless Fine Art displays large-scale paintings by owner Ken Orton and other artists.

At Nautical Sand Sculptures, third-generation artists use natural sand and artistic cement to create one-of-a-kind, hand-painted pieces decorated with seahorses, sand dollars, and other tropical touches. Fans of fabric arts can find a rainbow-colored selection of yarn and other knitting supplies at Needlefish Yarns of Venice.

Dining & Drinks

Feeling hungry? There are lots of places to stop for sustenance no matter the time of day. Abby’s on Miami is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Done up in shades of burgundy and sage green, the restaurant offers old standbys and new twists on classics, like Coconut-Banana French Toast and Pot Roast Grilled Cheese.

Burgundy Square Cafe serves up omelets, sandwiches, and other comfort food at tables inside its window-lined dining room and outside in a covered breezeway. Health-conscious diners head to Island Organics for smoothies, salads, and lots of vegetarian options. Newcomers to the Miami Avenue dining scene include Caffe Le Sirene for Italian dishes and Cafe Longet for crepes and other French fare.

Close out your day at the Zebra Lounge, an intimate piano bar serving wines and beers from around the world. Raise a glass to time well spent exploring this little piece of Venice.