Sunday, June 22, 2014

We Went to Venice this Weekend....

...Venice, CA, that is.

It has it's own vibe, this quirky beach town.


And a beautiful beach.




Hazy day in LA today, but at the beach, the air was cool and refreshing.


This lady was walking around with a smile on her face
 and a tub of fresh fruit for sale on her head.



My main goal was not necessarily to reach the beach, I was on the hunt for the Venice Canals.



A recent newspaper article featuring a walking tour of the canals was my inspiration.





Designed in the early 1900s by a man by the name of Abbot Kinney, these canals and canalfront homes were inspired by his trip to THE Venice.



He even went so far as to import some gondolas as well as authentic Italian Gondoliers to tour people about this quiet oasis.



The gondolas didn't last and today exist as canoes, but the neighborhood that emerged lining the canals persists, evolves and still delights those visitors and locals who know where to go for a pleasant stroll.



A lot of big homes here, some very modern.


I think I'd feel quite exposed in these fish bowls, but maybe that's the idea.


Our next rental, perhaps?


Not unless my numerous acting talents get discovered and I'm paid what I'm really worth!
Maybe then I can snap up this fixer-upper for a couple of Mil.

There's a house back there somewhere. Then we could be 
THOSE people in the neighborhood.

But my heart rests with these smaller, more quaint beauties -"the holdouts", I call them.







Real Estate is at a prime in this location and not many properties have much yard space, but oh, what they do with the space they have!





Beautiful plantings at every turn.



Fences and gates.










A serene spot before heading back out into reality to retrieve our cars.


Venice, CA.
 A small area of contrasting tastes and lifestyles that somehow meld together into a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere.


Come see for yourself!

If you'd like another look at the funkier part of the boardwalk
you can take a peek at a post I did a while back:

10 comments:

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Oh wow!
I loved seeing this neighborhood.
I'm a land-lubber myself-- but, a nice stroll thru a neighborhood like this is just purely EYE-CANDY!
I'm with you-- the "hold-outs" are more to my liking.
and that 'serene spot'? Oh! Don't think I didn't see those vintage swag lamps hanging in the tree!!
I know you took that picture just for me! :)
:P

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Did you ever see the movie "The Buddy System" with Richard Dreyfus and Susan Sarandan? It takes place in Venice and I always thought the setting was so interesting. Good movie too :-)

Anonymous said...

What interesting photos. A charming place to take a stroll. Hope you have a nice week.

Mildred

Mr. Connor said...

Wow ~ that looks really great. The holdouts look like a plan. Did you say a few MIL ? That near the water are there bugs ? Wonder what the " furkids" would think ?

eggzachary said...

Had a great time. I've lived here for several years now and never really explored the canals until yesterday.

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
This was such an interesting tour.
I like the holdouts better than the modern homes, too.
Have you read any of the mysteries by Donna Leon, they are set in Venice, Italy, they are so well written, and there is lots of interesting descriptions of the city. :)
I just read the post on Stanly, I'm glad it worked out. Poor guy!
He is pretty isn't he, and seems like such a good assistant.
I think it is very impressive that L.A.- a huge city- has this wonderful Animal Control dept.
Brenda

Unknown said...

Just loved taking the walk with you, look forwards to doing it in person.

Decor To Adore said...

Awww dear Ann, I have been to Venice, CA but never had the opportunity to tour the canals. I will have to go and see this. A++++ tour guide. :)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

You took so many wonderful pictures. Looks like you had an amazing day!
Debby

Kit said...

Thank you so much for this wonderful mini-vacation to Venice! I had no idea they had homes like that. HGTV should do a show on them. So lovely and I love all the plants. :) Have a great week! Kit