What are your plans for Saturday morning? Why not take a fun trip to the open-air Venice Farmer’s Market (VFM) on the island? Buying locally grown food is a great way to go green and get healthier. The market offers a bountiful selection of fresh produce grown locally and picked just before presentation, such as beautiful vegetables and fruits at their ripest peak. Squeeze one of the packages of baked bread and you will see just how fresh it is! A scrumptious variety of homemade pies, cakes, and crepes also awaits you, along with jars of nature’s amazing honey, different cuts of meat and fresh seafood.A recent addition to the VFM is Chef Steve Wahle’s menu of meals he has specially prepared using fresh vendor items. The delicious food is prepackaged for you to take home and enjoy at your leisure.

Building sandcastles on the beach is a favorite activity for children and adults alike. Quite often, while walking on our beautiful beaches, you will come across a playful attempt at sand art from a creative child or one made by a true sand-sculpture artist. Some may be huge mounds of sand in the shape of a fish with sculpted fins and scales overlaid with sea shells, while others look like accurate representations of castles surrounded by moats with bridges made of sea grass, and turrets with flags made from bird feathers. From simple designs to the most ornate sand art, people of all ages enjoy this creative recreation.

There are many ways to enjoy the summer!  Here are a few...

Taking a walk on the beach is a wonderful way to spend time with family, and enjoy nature at its best. The beautiful blue-green water, and the “gush” of each new wave that rolls in is a reminder that every day is a new day, and a time to enjoy life. In most places across the United States, it takes hours to get to the beach. For us, it is only minutes away to fun in the sun. Take pleasure in a walk, and revel in the fresh air!

When you look up the phrase in the dictionary you discover that "alfresco refers to "in the fresh air," so move your special lunch or dinner from inside to the beach, deck or garden, and enjoy a meal in paradise. Whether you select a gourmet menu for two or a casual meal with friends, choose the perfect spot for your table; drape it with a tablecloth and feast! 

Here is a link to all our wonderful recipes Gulf Gourmet

We are sure you will find just what you want to serve for that perfect meal. Remember to take some photos of your alfresco gathering. You can even send some photos to us if you come up with some wonderful design ideas or recipes.

Bon Appétit!

Holiday…

Painting the Night!

Bursting into the air against the backdrop of the black sky, fireworks light up the night with a dazzling array of vibrant colors leaving viewers of all ages breathless and captivated by their stunning beauty and spectacular display.

For centuries, fireworks have been used all over the world as a focal point for many cultural and religious celebrations. While research agrees their origination began in ancient China, the exact date is unclear. Still, China remains the largest manufacturer of fireworks in the world today. 

Different types of fireworks include Roman candles, single shot shooters, ground and wall spinners, fountains, cones, sparklers and various novelties. Each produces a different effect such as spinning away rapidly, dissipating gradually or free falling to the ground. Sounds include bangs, thunderclaps, whistling, crackling, whizzing and humming.

The end of a show is followed by a finale where numerous fireworks are launched into the air, one right after the other, leaving onlookers mesmerized and awestruck. When the finale is over, the sound that follows is cheers and applause!