The Legacy Trail Between Sarasota and Venice Florida is a Great Place to Bike, Skate, Walk or Run!

This is paradise for the active traveler! The trail has no traffic, is scenic and runs for miles!

The Legacy Trail is a dedication of historical and environmental lands which  provide a place for visitors and residents to view wildlife in different habitats, relax in an undeveloped environment, discover local history and exercise.

Look at our visit to the Legacy Trail in this video and hear about the great features of this trail by watching us live!

THE LEGACY TRAIL HISTORY

The first passenger coach ran on the brand new Seaboard Air Line Railway Sarasota to Venice extension on November 12, 1911. The Venice Train Depot, built by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, was opened March 27, 1927. The railroad helped Venice survive during the Florida real estate bust and the Great Depression.

On April 30, 1971, the last passenger train arrived in Venice. Limited freight service continued until January 1992. Regarded as Florida’s number 1 tourist attraction prior to Disney, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was billed as “the greatest show on Earth!”  The circus used the railway to reach its Winter quarters in Venice from 1960 to 1992.

Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources

Sarasota County purchased and restored the Venice Train Depot and it was dedicated on October 24, 2003. Today, the Historic Depot serves as a historical resource with tours by the Venice Area Historical Society and as a regional transportation hub for Sarasota County Area Transit. The Depot is a wonderful place to stop for restrooms, shade and water, but most importantly to learn more about the local area.

In 2004 after more than a decade of planning, the county’s $11.75 million purchase of the scenic CSX railroad corridor was accomplished in partnership with The Trust for Public Land. At nearly 12.5 miles long, the 100-foot-wide CSX corridor stretches from just south of Clark Road in Sarasota to Center Road in Venice.

The Legacy Trail links to the Venetian Waterway Park (VWP) at the historic Venice Train Depot at the Venice Avenue Bridge, where trail users can continue south on VWP mainland trail to the Shamrock Park Nature Center or cross the Intercoastal Waterway to the VWP island-side trail and south to Caspersen Beach and Park. It is about 15 miles from the trail’s beginning point near Sawyers Loop Rd. in Sarasota to either of the southern trail heads at Caspersen Beach or Shamrock Park.


Historical markers are located all along the Legacy Trail providing often forgotten history of the local area including the unfortunate Turpentine Camps of the early 20th century.  The collection of turpentine, also known by its more formal name “Naval Stores,” started during the Colonial Era and continued into the 1950's.  No longer forced to work, many former slaves took jobs in the turpentine camps to supplement their incomes. Over time, this lead to the development of African-American communities within the turpentine camps. Large camps could have as many as 100 workers. The workers and their families would live at, or near, a main camp.  The history of the turpentine camps along the Legacy Trail are well described by historical markers.

Wildlife Galore!

Like much of the state, nature is close at hand along the trail and you’re likely to see many types of birds, lizards, snakes, tortoises, and rabbits. Watch for the trail’s many interpretive signs to identify and learn more about the regional flora and fauna!  In Venice along the water, look for Manatee, Dolphins, and birds of prey!

Since there are limited water stops available along the trail, we suggest a Camelbak hydration pack with the High Visibility color!  Click the photo below to learn more or buy at Amazon:

Tips:

• Want to visit the beach?  Should you have extra time and energy, explore the 8.6-mile Venetian Waterway Park Trail, which heads south from the Historic Venice Train Depot to Caspersen Beach (perhaps best known for the prehistoric shark teeth that wash up on shore) and then continues back up the other side of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
• Stop to view the bronze statue of circus star Gunther Gebel-Williams, heralded as “The Greatest Wild Animal Trainer of All Time" at the Venice Train Depot.
• The Historic Venice Train Depot (303 E. Venice Ave.) at the southern terminus of the trail before heading onto the Venetian Waterway Park Trail, offers parking, restrooms, and drinking water.
• Bike repair stations are located all along the trail (see our video to view them)
• Covered benches are available all along the trail to get some rest and shade
• 9-1-1 markers are present every 5/100 mile in case of emergency so you can be located expediently 
• Parking is available throughout the trail including the following locations: 

1. Patriots Park (800 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice)
2. Nokomis Community Park (234 Nippino Trail East, Nokomis)
3. Laurel Park (509 Collins Rd., Laurel)
4. Oscar Scherer State Park (1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey)
5. Bay Street Park (300 Bay St., Osprey)
6. Potter Park (8587 Potter Park Dr., Sarasota)

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Your Guide to the Best Mother's Day Gifts for your Favorite Globetrotting Mom!

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to splurge on your mom, or any loved one who is a mom, and give her something extra special!

Let's face it - she may not have the time or knowledge to look for great traveling items herself.  Fortunately, LTD can give you some outstanding selections for all budgets that will certainly put a smile on her face!!  Our guide includes items that are fashionable, healthy, useful and practical for the traveling female.  Click on the product photo if you wish to learn more!

1.  Our favorite travel pants are Prana Halle Pants  

Durable, moisture managing, water resistant, and reinforced at the knees, the versatile Halle Pant is prepared for mountain hikes, desert bouldering, a long day of touring and anything else she can throw at it.  Wear them long or as a capri, her imagination will limit her before the Halle ever does.

2. The MIZOO 120db Emergency Personal Alarm Keychain is perfect for Self Defense.  

While some may use their car key alarm as a safety when walking to your car, what do you do when you're traveling or away from your car?  This compact alarm has a flashlight and a loud Alarm.  Test it outside because it is LOUD.  It comes in 5 different colors with a wristlet and a chain hook to keep it handy.

3. Solar Escape Ladies' UV Sierra Hat. 

Remind her to stay healthy by reducing sun exposure and look great at the same time!  This product Features:

• UPF 50+ Sun Rating
• 3 1/2" Wide Brim
• Internal Adjustable Sizing
• Sunglasses Holder
• Wicking Sweatband
• Adjustable Chinstrap
• Fully Packable

4.  Steam Compact Steamer.  

Ever hear of a Mom who doesn't have time to Iron?  This is a great steamer for the price and is lightweight and effective. It's also easy to pack for a quick get away. Did we mention it's pink?

5.  Essential Oils for Travel 

Essential oils can have a healing effect mentally, physically, and emotionally.  Why not give your favorite Mom a variety of oils to take with her to help her well being?

6.  Wasserstein Square Handbag Light with Integrated External Battery Pack to Charge your Phone or Tablet.  

What a great idea!  This is perfect for the Mom who is always searching for something in her purse.  This light and charger attaches to her purse and allows for charging devices on the go.

7.  ONEHOPE Glitter Bottles.  Wine with a purpose.  

Buy these famous glitter bottles at great prices & support important causes with each bottle purchased. Enjoy wine & give back today!  LTD tasted this sparkling wine from California and it tastes delicious and makes you feel good about giving back! You must be 21 to purchase (see restrictions at https://www.onehopewine.com).  Wineskins are great if you think she will want to travel with this great looking bottle of bubbly! Or see another carrying suggestion which is our #12 recommendation!

Buy at OneHopeWine.com

8. Solo Mio Sonic Face Cleanser and Massager Brush.  

Know a Mom who uses a Clarisonic?  This is a great travel alternative that is lightweight and holds its charge for nearly a month.  

9.  Unidapt USB Wall Charger with US UK EU AUS International Travel Adapters

This gift is perfect for the Mom who travels internationally with more than one type of electronics.  This is compact, will charge multiple items at once and has all of the adapter built in - she will never forget the right adapter.

10.  Her Eyes Deserve the Good Stuff and Eyebobs have the most awesome glasses!  

For the Mom who just wants to read at the beach, why not get her a great pair of reader sunglasses?  We like this bifocal pair because she can read her book but still see the Sea through the top lens without looking like Grandma Moses looking over her spectacles!  The entire collection can be found at Eyebobs.com or you can find select pairs at Amazon.

11.  Tile is a tiny Bluetooth tracker and easy-to-use app that finds everyday items in seconds—like her phone, luggage, and passport.

The Tile Mate and Slim Combo pack allows for your favorite Mom to track anything that she cares about.  This GPS tracking system is useful for anyone who is absent-minded (Aren't we all???) but is especially important for the traveler.   See the last place you had your keys, luggage, phone, wallet or anything you attach it to, on a map and make it ring when you get close. 

12.  WineHug provides safe passage for air traveler with wine bottle

We've used a variety of travel bags, including neoprene and those that involve adhesives, but the WineHug is easy to use — and RE-USE. Its self-inflating action, provides precise protection. This is great for the Mom who travels with wine or comes home with bottles of wine or olive oils!

13. Travalo Refillable Perfume Spray

This is one of our favorite items!  Why spend huge amounts of money for travel size scents?  Just refill from your large bottle.  

14.  A Great gift For the Coffee Lover Mom

What Mom doesn't love coffee or need coffee? Cold brew on the go a portable and vacuum insulated way to brew coffee.  Cold brew is the next generation of the typical iced coffee. Using hot water on your coffee granules creates a more acidic bitter drink while using cold water with coffee and allowing it to steep as with the Asobu cold brew creates 80% lower acidity, deeper and smoother, naturally sweet taste and also gives it that extra punch of caffeine. Not having any heat in the process also preserves antioxidants making the cold brew coffee a healthier more natural choice.

15. Give Her the Perfect Portable Hair Styling Appliance

With its mini lightweight size that’s perfect for purses and dual voltage that works worldwide, this half-inch flat iron can be her constant companion where ever she goes.  The titanium plates allow for even heat that’s gentle on hair.  The 3D Floating plate provides better contact and straighter results.

It is a fully portable travel size, with 100-240V Dual voltage design for worldwide use.

Negative Ions to make her hair shiny and healthy.

Max Temp 410F within 60 seconds, helping hair retain natural moisture for silky shiny free styles.

16.  A fashionable But Functional Security Backpack

Stylish, practical, and boasting state-of-the-art safety technology, Baggallini’s anti-theft convertible backpack combines the functionality she will love with new features she can count on. Locking pickpocket-proof zippers, a removable RFID-protected phone wristlet, anti-cut straps, and innovative slash-proof Secure fabric panels protect your possessions (and her bag!) in beautiful fashion.

17. Bobeau Soft, Cozy & Comfortable Women’s Signature Sweater 

Bobeau Signature Sweater Cardigan, is available in more colors!

Made of signature brushed fabrication, this asymmetrical hem cardigan is as comfortable as it gets. Lightweight, yet cozy, you’ll want to wear this lounging around at the airport or on the plane. With the option to wear open or closed with the one button at the neckline. 

18.  Garmin fēnix 5s Plus, Multisport GPS Smartwatch

She will look great and stay healthy at the same time.  For athletes and outdoor adventurers, the Fenix 5S Plus multisport GPS watch is the rugged, high-performance timepiece that meets big challenges and fits smaller wrists.

19.  Bluetooth Headband Sleep Headphones

This Bluetooth headband will bring her great sound quality, style and comfort to wash out noise and light while sleeping on the plane or in a hotel.

20.  Diva AntiBacterial Pillow Mist

When traveling, there are so many surfaces that are full of germs!  Why let her worry about her pillow too?  Give her the gift of this pillow mist that is an all-natural formula designed to fight bacteria and kill germs that cause acne.  And it smells great too! 

21. AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones with Brilliant Reflective Strips

For the active, cycling or walking mom, these bone conducting headphones are a great item to keep her entertained and safe all at the same time!  They allow the user to listen out for oncoming traffic or other noises by keeping the ear clear.  Each side is fully adjustable with your phone to allow sound in only one ear for special circumstances like listening for traffic approaching on only one side.  Multiple colors are available.

Didn't find anything that interests you?  You can always find some other recommendations at our sister website Travel Gadget Depot or you may find something at our Valentine's Day Gift post.

If you don’t find any of our ideas perfect for your favorite mother, Amazon always has a sale page for every upcoming holiday! Click below!

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Remember, if you have questions related to your health, always consult your doctor or medical professional. The information presented here is informative only and is not medical advice.

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