One of my favorite places to load up on Retro Roadmap worthy souvenirs when we’re in Florida is Nifty Nic Nacs in Venice FL. They have a huge selection of all sorts of vintage themed memorabilia with wonderful vacation postcard graphics, new old post cards, funky coasters, signs, magnets and more that bring back the feel of when Florida was the vacation spot to be!
Located on Venice Avenue the shop is coming up on it’s 7th anniversary in the adorable downtown section of Venice Florida, which is located on the gulf coast side of the state. Friendly owner Jeff O’Berry is a 5th generation Florida native, and had some wonderful places to suggest that we feature on Retro Roadmap, many of which his grandmother would bring visitors to when they were in the Sunshine State. I’ve got them on my list for sure, and can’t wait to head south again, especially after all the snow that welcomed us when we got home to chilly Philly.
Along with the vintage themed Floridania the shop is chock full with pop culture memorabilia, books, gag gifts and cards and all sorts of fun and wacky things. I am partial to the Ann Taintor collection of sassy and snarky vintage graphic inspired gifts and was pleased to see my fave Blue Q bags represented as well. If you’re into the Marilyn, Lucy, James Dean school of retro then you’ve found your spot too! Colorful and fun, I have a hard time focusing on all of it, as so many of the gift and decorative items would look perfect in the Hacienda, or on the Retro Roadmap mobile.
We have made a point to stop into Nifty Nic Nacs any time we’re in the area, and one of my favorite purchases has to be our tropical themed lampshade, with a picture of a sunset behind palm trees. Perfect to gaze at during the cold spells we have here at home.
If you like Retro Roadmap type vacation destinations, I cannot recommend Venice Florida highly enough- the folks are friendly, the historic downtown is well kept and you can find all of your souvenirs right here at Nifty Nic Nacs – and they are the only gift shop in Downtown Venice that stays open nights until 8pm Monday through Saturday – year ’round!
Nifty Nic Nacs
203 West Venice Avenue
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 488-8666
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You know I’ve never spent any time in Venice, but I’ll have to stop there now just for the shop!
Rick – We lucked into getting to know Venice as pals of ours from up here bought a house there, and after driving around other parts of FL during our trips I am even more charmed by it. They have a great diversity of architecture, lots of wonderful old beach homes from the 20′s to the 60′s and have done a great job at maintaining their downtown area. I’m even charmed by the mobile home parks! Swing on over some time and tell ‘em Retro Roadmap sent ya!
Wow, we have to go to Venice some time! That “Greetings from the Tamiami Trail” card brings back fond memories of my family driving from Conn. to Bradenton, Fla. in ’67 and ’70 to visit my grandparents who lived right near the Tamiami Trail. Those roadtrips left indelible marks on me that I’m still trying to relive to this day!
Gunnar- we were never lucky enough to have anyone to visit in Florida when I was growing up, so I think I’m making up lost time from back then! I told Retro Roadhusband I’m amazed we haven’t met more gals named Tamiami, I think it’s just perfect (another reason it’s good we don’t have little ‘uns
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Howdy! Finally made it to “Solomon’s Castle” in Lily, Florida (Hardee County, east of Bradenton). This is a MUST for your next visit. They are closed July/Aug/Sept. They have a restaurant there and even live entertainment with your lunch/dinner.
Kitsch and corny humor at its best!
Jeff
Jeff@ Thanks so much for the update! I always forget that Jul.Aug.Sept is off season for Fla, where it’s my fave time of year up north. Will definitely pencil it in – as if I need an excuse to get down to your neck of the woods.
Congrats on the Nifty Nic Nacs anniversary as well!
I live in the Venice, FL area and love this little store. If you like this old stuff, and remember artists like Elvgren, Vargas and Sunblom, you need to check out a cool local artist who has created a retro-styled series of paintings — available on postcards, notecards, small prints and fine art prints (www.brendancoudal.com).
Retro Nicole – glad you like Nifty Nic Nacs and those paintings are swell- I know a few retro vintage gals who will dig ‘em for sure. Thanks for bringing them to my attention!
Hi there! I work for Jeff at Nifty Nic Nacs, and I just wanted to post to say that we now have a website and web store at NiftyNicNacs.com, just click the “Shop” button!
Gianna – thanks for the update! I’ll have to check it out this holiday season myself!