You Must Visit Wellen Park, So Much Fun
I spent quite a bit of time over the summer exploring Wellen Park. Living in North Port for over 20 years, it is nice having new restaurants and shops to explore. As this sprawling development first became known, I, like many, was miffed that Wellen Park seemed to be seeking their own identity apart from North Port, despite clearly being on the southern side of the North Port/Venice border. Zoning and zip code issues came to light but throughout all of this Wellen Park continues to imprint their mid county position with a stamp of good restaurants, new schools, and plenty of outdoor events to keep the community engaged in their growth.
Here is what I enjoy about Wellen Park so far. I really like their Farmer’s Market which is held every Sunday from 9am until 1pm Fresh Harvest Farmers Market – Wellen Park. Steadily adding vendors to this already popular event has made finding a parking spot difficult at times but worth it. In addition to great produce and homemade wares and services, just relaxing around the water area, taking in the kids running through the splashpad and enjoying live music under the old oak tree is immensely relaxing. Their adapted seating is so fun and grabbing fish and chips or hot dogs from the vendors permanently onsite makes for a quick family picnic.
I love, love (worth repeating) dining at Oak and Stone, Oak & Stone – Craft Beer & Artisan Pizza (oakandstone.com) just one of the great restaurants at Wellen Park. A fun pizza and craft beer joint with upscale appetizers and atmosphere that’s abuzz, this place is a treat. Do not miss their Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, they are so delicious and gooey inside with a crunchy outer crust. This crazy mash up is one of those dishes you try and wonder why nobody ever thought of this before. If you are into the pickle trend, their Pickle Fries were so good with a creamy remoulade to dip. The showstopper though is their stone fire pizza with an excellent homemade dough. Thin and crispy is our favorite way to eat a pizza and the one we ordered with double meat was so amazing. There are a variety of restaurants in the area and if I can end my infatuation with Oak and Stone, I hope to try some of them. Check out this current top 10 list of Wellen Park restaurants from Yelp The Best 10 Restaurants near Stillwell at Wellen Park in Venice, FL – Yelp.
Whether you are planning for drinks and dinner out or looking for something more affordable, Wellen Park’s outdoor concerts, as part of their first Friday of every month series, have been amazing. They utilize the beautiful Solis Hall stage to highlight dueling pianos and great local music. Weather permitting, sitting on a blanket under the stars listening to live music is always a wonderful time. Though no outside food or drink is allowed, there are drink carts for beverage purchases and plenty of restaurants open for great eats. The final Friday concert for the season is August 30th at 6pm. Unveiling Solis Hall: Wellen Park’s Newest Waterfront Event Venue – Wellen Park
Don’t forget the matriarch of Wellen Park, Cool Today Park CoolToday Park | Spring Training Home of the Atlanta Braves always has something going and is much more than just the Spring Training site of the Atlanta Braves. From enjoying a drink at Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill or taking in a concert or music festival, the stadium is a hub for fun activities Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill | CoolToday Park.
For current events happening in and around Wellen Park please visit Events Archive – Wellen Park. Let us know your favorite aspect about visiting or living in Wellen Park.
Photos courtesy of Wellen Park Facebook page.