Wellen Park has transformed the Venice landscape into a vibrant destination where dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation come together beautifully. Built around the stunning 80-acre Grand Lake, this community hub welcomes visitors with artisan coffee shops, upscale restaurants, casual food trucks, and a packed calendar of events.
Best of all, everything is open to the public.
Where to Eat at Wellen Park
Oak & Stone Restaurant
Oak & Stone anchors the Wellen Park dining scene with craft beer and creative cuisine
A multi-concept eatery that's become the heart of Wellen Park's dining scene. Weekend brunch (Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM) features bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys, while the creative menu includes surprises like Philly cheesesteak eggrolls and crispy grouper sandwiches.
- Hours: Daily from 11 AM
- Cuisine: American, Craft Beer
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Groups, beer lovers, weekend brunch
- Don't miss: Self-serve beer wall, bourbon flights
- Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM
The Banyan House Restaurant
Lakeside New American dining at its finest. Citruswood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and chef-driven small plates make this the go-to for special occasions.
- Hours: Lunch 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Dinner 4 PM to 10 PM
- Cuisine: New American
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Special occasions, date nights
- Don't miss: Lakeside seating, citruswood-fired steaks
- Reservations: Recommended
Villani & Co Steakhouse
Premium steaks meet fresh seafood and raw bar selections at this upscale establishment. Perfect for a refined dining experience.
- Hours: Mon-Sat 11 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 8 PM
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood
- Price range: $$$$
- Best for: Steak lovers, special occasions
- Don't miss: Raw bar selections
- Reservations: Available on OpenTable
Foxtail Coffee Co.
Start your Wellen Park day with expertly crafted coffee in a welcoming atmosphere. Indoor seating, free WiFi, and a partnership with Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream (dairy and non-dairy options) make this more than just a coffee stop.
- Hours: Daily 7 AM to 8 PM
- Best for: Morning coffee, remote work
- Don't miss: Kelly's ice cream, free WiFi
- Pro tip: Great spot to start before exploring
Bright Ice Scoop Shop
17 permanent flavors plus rotating limited offerings, all made with natural ingredients (no artificial additives). The modern Florida-inspired design features weathered wood paneling and sand-colored floors.
- Flavors: 17 permanent plus rotating specials
- Best for: Dessert, families
- Also serves: Coffee beverages, homemade dessert bars
- Special: All natural ingredients
Quick Bites at The Yard
The Yard offers food trucks, lawn games, and waterfront access
Claw & Company Food Truck
New England-style coastal favorites including lobster rolls, fried clams, and creamy clam chowder.
- Best for: Lobster lovers, casual lunch
- Signature: Lobster rolls
Lakeside Bites Food Truck
Fresh-caught seafood, inventive paninis, rice bowls, gator bites, and vegetarian options.
- Hours: Daily 11 AM to 6 PM
- Best for: Variety seekers, vegetarians
- Don't miss: Gator bites, rice bowls
Entertainment & Events
Friday Night Live Music Series
Free weekly concerts on the Solis Hall stage from 6 PM to 10 PM. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor viewing. To-go beverages available from local restaurants.
- When: Every Friday, 6 PM to 10 PM
- Cost: Free
- Pro tip: Arrive early for the best spots
- Note: Outside alcohol prohibited
Weekly Music Programming
Wellen Park offers live music throughout the week:
- Wellen Wednesdays: Midweek tunes
- Thursday Tunes: Pre-weekend warmup
- Friday Night Live: Main concert series
- Saturday Sounds: Weekend vibes
- Sunday Groove: Relaxing close to the week
Fresh Harvest Farmers Market
The Sunday farmers market features over 30 vendor booths
Every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM, over 30 vendor booths showcase locally grown produce, spices, baked goods, artisanal cheeses, and prepared foods. Local chefs occasionally lead cooking demonstrations.
- When: Every Sunday, 9 AM to 1 PM
- Vendors: 30+ booths
- Best for: Foodies, local shopping
- Don't miss: Cooking demonstrations, local produce
Recreation at The Yard
The Yard is an all-ages recreational space with food vendors, outdoor dining, lawn games, and waterfront access along Grand Lake.
Rentals at Kind Vibes Outfitters
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Bicycles
- E-bikes
On the Water: Grand Lake
Grand Lake offers fishing and paddle sports opportunities right in the heart of the community. Whether you're launching a kayak at sunrise or casting a line at sunset, the 80-acre lake provides a peaceful escape.
- Size: 80 acres
- Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing
- Rentals: Available at Kind Vibes Outfitters
- Best for: Water sports, sunrise/sunset viewing
Tips for Visiting Wellen Park
Getting There
Located in the Venice area, Wellen Park is easily accessible from I-75. Ample free parking is available.
Best Times to Visit
- Mornings: Coffee and farmers market (Sundays)
- Afternoons: Lunch and recreation
- Evenings: Dinner and live music (especially Fridays)
Parking
Free parking available throughout the development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wellen Park open to the public?
Yes! All restaurants, shops, and public spaces at Wellen Park are open to everyone, not just residents.
When is the farmers market?
The Fresh Harvest Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Is there free live music?
Yes, Friday Night Live is a free weekly concert series from 6 PM to 10 PM.
What is Grand Lake?
Grand Lake is an 80-acre lake at the center of Wellen Park offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
More Venice Guides
Have a Wellen Park tip we missed? Let us know!
