Explore Wellen Park: The Must-See, Must-Do, and Must-Taste
Dive into the heart of Venice, Florida's Wellen Park, where the air is rich with the scent of artisan coffee and the promise of culinary adventures beckons from every freshly minted corner.
Welcome to the sun-kissed pathways of Wellen Park in Venice, Florida, where the latest chapter in dining and leisure unfolds with each new storefront. This blog post will serve as your guide to the burgeoning scene in this charming enclave, where artisan coffee shops like Foxtail Coffee Co. beckon with the promise of the perfect brew, and culinary gems such as Oak and Stone and an array of new eateries offer a taste of local flavor. Best of all, the amenities are 100% open to the public!
From rustic charm to contemporary flair, Wellen Park is rapidly establishing itself as a destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life, all set against the backdrop of Florida's enchanting Gulf Coast. Join us as we explore the finest spots to dine, sip, and savor in the heart of Venice's most talked-about new development.
Oak & Stone Restaurant
Brunch Beginnings
Oak & Stone at Wellen Park is not just another dining destination; it's a brunch haven on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m., where guests can revel in a delightful spread of classic brunch favorites with a twist. Picture yourself basking in the Florida sunshine while indulging in sweet and savory delights, all the while sipping on bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys. This isn't just a meal; it's a brunch experience designed to kickstart your weekend with zest and flavor.
Lunch & Dinner Delicacies
As the day unfolds, Oak & Stone transitions smoothly from its lively brunch scene into a sanctuary for lunch and dinner, offering everything from light bites to hearty, gourmet twists on tavern classics. The menu, crafted from scratch, features imaginative dishes like philly cheesesteak eggrolls, smoky gouda mac’ n cheese, and a crispy grouper BLT that promise to satisfy diverse palates and cravings. It's a place where every meal is an opportunity to explore new flavors, all created with a commitment to quality and a dash of culinary creativity.
Beverages & Brews
But let's not overlook the liquid treasures Oak & Stone holds. Boasting the region's largest self-serve beer wall, this establishment highlights an emphasis on American craft beers and local breweries, allowing you to tailor your own beer adventure. If beer isn't your brew of choice, fear not; you can craft your own bourbon flights or select from a list of wines and craft cocktails. Each beverage is a masterpiece, artfully prepared by bartenders who pour the same love into their drinks as they do into every aspect of their service.
Their doors are open throughout the week, with hours extending later into the night on Fridays and Saturdays, inviting you to make any day a celebration of good food and great company.
Foxtail Coffee Co.
A Cozy Hub for Coffee Aficionados
Foxtail Coffee Co. has carved out a niche in Wellen Park as the quintessential spot for coffee enthusiasts. With its expertly crafted coffee, rustic charm, and an inviting atmosphere, it stands as a cozy hub for community gathering and caffeine indulgence. Whether you're looking to unwind in a warm, friendly space or simply grab a delicious ice cream to go, Foxtail Coffee offers an enriching experience that caters to both the coffee purist and the casual sipper alike.
Convenient Comfort
Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Foxtail Coffee Co. is as convenient as it is comforting. It's a place where you can start your day with a robust espresso or wind down with an evening latte, accompanied by the welcoming smiles of a passionate staff. The coffee shop's extended hours ensure that no matter when your coffee craving strikes, Foxtail is ready to serve you with a perfect cup of joe.
More Than Just Coffee
While coffee is at the heart of Foxtail Coffee Co., the Wellen Park location goes beyond with additional offerings. With spacious indoor seating, fast and free Wi-Fi, and the availability of beer and wine, it creates a versatile environment where you can work, relax, or socialize. And for those with a sweet tooth, the inclusion of Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream, featuring a variety of dairy and non-dairy options, adds another layer of delight to this community-centric spot.
This vibrant coffee shop is more than a place to grab a beverage—it's a cornerstone of Wellen Park's social fabric, a place where every visit promises to be as memorable as the flavors it serves.
The Banyan House Restaurant
Gastronomic Adventure with a View
The Banyan House Restaurant stands as a beacon of New American Cuisine within Downtown Wellen Park's landscape, offering guests a chance to indulge in citruswood-fired steaks, seafood, pasta, and a collection of creative chef-driven small plates. This lakefront dining experience is complemented by stunning scenic views, making it not just a meal, but a visual and sensory escapade.
Catering to Your Occasions
Aside from the regular dining experience, The Banyan House also elevates Wellen Park's event offerings as the exclusive caterer for Solis Hall. This venue caters to a variety of special events, from weddings to family reunions, ensuring that every occasion is marked with exceptional food and service. For those planning an event, The Banyan House promises to make it memorable with their specialized catering options.
Hours and Contact
Open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., The Banyan House invites you to make a reservation and enjoy their crafted culinary delights. With their contact information readily available for general inquiries or catering services, planning your visit or event is made easy for a seamless experience.
Bright Ice Scoop Shop
Natural Flavors and Bold Creations
Bright Ice is a refreshing addition to Wellen Park's vibrant scene, where natural ingredients take center stage in their ice cream creations. Packed with real fruits and devoid of artificial additives, each flavor — from Caramelized Bananas with Peanut Butter and Honey to Orange Kissed Coconut Cake — is a testament to the brand's dedication to quality and the Florida lifestyle. Their commitment to natural, bold flavors that build on the palate sets them apart and aligns perfectly with the community's ethos.
Design That Reflects Florida
The aesthetic of Bright Ice is a deliberate homage to Florida's sunny disposition, with modern, textural interiors that give a nod to the state's mid-century heritage. The Wellen Park location amplifies this with a Venice beach feel, featuring weathered wood paneling and a unique sand-like striped concrete floor, creating an ambiance that's both upscale and inviting, a departure from traditional ice cream parlors.
Community-Centric Vision
The founders of Bright Ice resonate with Wellen Park's vision of a connected, walkable community that reflects the true Floridian way of life. Their excitement to be part of this innovative development is evident, as they see Wellen Park as a new standard for living, working, and socializing in Southwest Florida. This aligns with their goal of offering a local spot where families and friends can enjoy a sweet treat as part of their everyday activities or special gatherings.
Diverse and Rotating Menu
With 17 permanent flavors and a rotation of limited-time offerings, Bright Ice keeps its menu dynamic and exciting. They spotlight unique flavors like Deepest Darkest Chocolate Secret and Coffee Toffee, ensuring there's something for every palate. The focus on a limited number of flavors at any given time allows them to maintain an unwavering focus on the quality of each scoop.
More Than Ice Cream
For those who might prefer something other than ice cream, Bright Ice also offers a varied coffee menu, with lattes, cappuccinos, and specialty drinks available both hot and iced. The option to add a shot of espresso to any milkshake brings a delightful twist, while homemade dessert bars and ice cream sandwiches provide more sweet indulgences.
Wellen park Farmers Market
Local Delights Every Sunday
Fresh Harvest Farmers Market is Wellen Park's weekly celebration of local produce and artisanal goods. Launched on May 21, 2023, this market is more than a place to shop; it's a community gathering space that buzzes with life from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday. Visitors can explore over 30 vendor booths, each offering a bounty of local products ranging from fresh produce, spices, and baked goods to specialty cheeses and prepared foods. It's a place where residents and visitors alike can connect with local farmers, savor the freshest ingredients, and discover unique goods that showcase the region's diverse offerings.
A Hub for Culinary Exploration
In addition to the market stalls, Fresh Harvest will soon host cooking demonstrations led by local chefs who will share their knowledge on food preservation and other culinary skills. This educational aspect will not only provide shopping entertainment but also enrich visitors' home cooking experiences. It reinforces the market's role as a producer-only farmers market, where every item is locally grown and prepared, ensuring that the community enjoys the highest quality and most sustainable options available.
A Heartfelt Addition to Downtown Wellen
Fresh Harvest is a key component of Downtown Wellen, the region's newest social hub. With its pedestrian-friendly layout, the downtown area offers a waterfront experience along the 80-acre Grand Lake, complete with fishing and paddle sports. The Yard, an outdoor area within Downtown Wellen, provides a playful environment for dining and activities, featuring food and beverage choices from retrofitted shipping containers, including gourmet ballpark favorites and New England-style seafood from Claw & Co. These surroundings provide a picturesque backdrop for the market, enhancing the overall experience of shopping and socializing at Fresh Harvest.
Claw and Company Food Truck
A Taste of New England in Florida
Claw & Co. brings the essence of New England seafood to the heart of Wellen Park. As part of The Yard—Downtown Wellen's eclectic food park—Claw & Co. offers a menu brimming with coastal favorites like succulent lobster rolls, fried clams, and rich clam chowder. Their offerings are a perfect fit for seafood enthusiasts looking for a casual yet authentic dining experience.
Casual and Engaging Atmosphere
The Yard itself is designed as an all-ages recreational space, complete with a dining courtyard where Claw & Co. stands out with its maritime-themed menu. It's a place where you can enjoy a meal outdoors, soak in the scenic views by the lake, or even grab a bite to go for a picnic under the shade of a century-old oak tree. This outdoor dining venue encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Wellen Park, offering a playful yet relaxing environment.
Open Daily for Varied Dining Needs
With daily operations catering to lunch, dinner, and late-evening cravings, Claw & Co. ensures that New England-style seafood is available for every palate at almost any time. The variety extends beyond the famed lobster rolls to include fried clam bellies, lobster bisque, onion rings, and traditional French fries, providing a well-rounded menu for a full meal or a quick snack.
Friday Night Live Music
Melodic Evenings to Start the Weekend
Friday Night Live is a central part of Downtown Wellen's Fall Music Series, setting the stage for a vibrant weekend. Every Friday evening, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Solis Hall stage becomes alive with bands that bring a diverse array of music to the community's ears. On special dates, the times may vary, such as from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on November 17th, so it's always a good idea to check the schedule for any changes.
A Community Affair
This musical event encourages you to bring lawn chairs and blankets, creating a cozy, picnic-like atmosphere right in the heart of Wellen Park. With no need to RSVP, it's an easy-going affair that invites residents and visitors to unwind and enjoy the melodies under the stars. While outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted, you can purchase to-go drinks from local restaurants to enjoy during the show.
Part of a Musical Tapestry
Friday Night Live is just one thread in the broader tapestry of Wellen Park's music series, which includes Wellen Wednesdays, Thursday Tunes, Saturday Sounds, and Sunday Groove, each offering its own unique musical experience under the Heritage Tree. It's a series that celebrates music and community throughout the week, with Friday nights being the perfect segue into the weekend.
You must be hungry after all that reading👀 Check out our hand picked list of the top restaurants in Venice while you’re here!
Lakeside Bites Food Truck
Casual Waterfront Dining Redefined
Lakeside Bites has elevated the casual dining scene in Downtown Wellen, serving up a menu that's as fresh as the Florida breeze. This latest addition to The Yard offers a range of flavors from fresh-caught seafood to inventive paninis, rice bowls, and more. Operating daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., it's the go-to spot for a relaxed meal, whether it's breakfast on the go, a leisurely lunch, or an early dinner with views of the waterfront.
A Melting Pot of Flavors
With a menu curated to cater to a variety of tastes, Lakeside Bites boasts dishes like gator and chicken bites, veggie fried rice bowls, and an assortment of paninis. Their dedication to local, fresh ingredients is evident in every bite, especially their just-caught blue crab, fish, and seafood, making it a standout in Wellen Park's burgeoning culinary landscape.
Beyond Just a Meal
The experience at Lakeside Bites is about more than just the food; it's about the ambiance of The Yard's family-friendly environment, complete with outdoor dining, games, and activities. It's a place that celebrates the waterfront lifestyle, with on-site kayak, paddleboard, bicycle, and e-bike rentals from Kind Vibes Outfitters, inviting diners to not only taste the local flavors but also to immerse themselves in the Wellen Park way of life.
Villani & Co Wellen Park Steak Seafood Raw Bar
Fine Dining with a Local Twist
Villani & Co. brings a luxurious dining experience to Wellen Park, featuring a menu that combines classic steakhouse fare with the fresh flavors of the sea. This sophisticated eatery is known for its mouthwatering steaks, seafood, and a raw bar that's stocked with the freshest ingredients. Situated in the bustling heart of Wellen Park, it's an inviting spot for locals and visitors seeking a delightful dining experience.
Elegant Ambiance and Accommodating Service
The restaurant's ambiance is designed to offer comfort and elegance, aligning with the refined tastes of its clientele. With a commitment to exceptional service, the team at Villani & Co. is dedicated to ensuring each visit is memorable. They welcome diners to explore their array of dishes, promising a culinary journey that's both satisfying and visually appealing.
Operational Details and Reservations
Villani & Co. is open from 11 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday, and 10 am to 8 pm on Sundays. Reservations are made through OpenTable, making it convenient for patrons to secure a spot in advance. The location also boasts a full-service bar, outdoor seating, and several other amenities that cater to diverse dining preferences and needs.
As the sun sets on another balmy day in Venice, Florida, we wrap up our journey through the vibrant heart of Wellen Park. From the artisanal brews of Foxtail Coffee Co. to the sumptuous feasts at Villani & Co., each destination we've explored offers a unique slice of this community's burgeoning lifestyle. Whether you're tantalized by the local flavors at the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, or enchanted by the seaside serenades of Friday Night Live, Wellen Park is not just a place you visit—it's an experience to savor, a moment to cherish, and a story to continue on your next visit.
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Hungry for more? Check out our top picks for the best dining destinations in Venice!
