Pop into the Wellen Park Welcome Center for exclusive pop-up events and experiences

Whiskey and rum tasting, art programs in May; outdoor adventures in June

VENICE, Fla. (April 22, 2022) – Wellen Park continues its Countdown to Downtown with unique pop-up experiences in May and June honoring the Kentucky Derby, kayaking, outdoor adventures and art. The free open-to-the-public events are hosted by Wellen Park at its Welcome Center and offer a taste of the community’s vibrant, friendly lifestyle and things to come at the adjacent Downtown Wellen, under construction.

Wellen Park kicks off Derby Day with a complimentary whiskey and rum tasting by Hard Truth Distillery Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Indiana-based Hard Truth’s award-winning small-batch spirits include the top 100-charting inaugural 2021 sweet mash rye whiskey, Indiana straight rye whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, maple bourbon cream, toasted coconut rum, toasted coconut rum cream and peanut butter whiskey. Participants must be 21 years of age or older.

After the Welcome Center closes at 6 p.m., race enthusiasts can migrate over to their choice of restaurants in the Wellen Park Marketplace or the Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill at CoolToday Park, Wellen Park’s spring training stadium for the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves, to tune into the 148th Run for the Roses, the most exciting two minutes in sports. The tiki bar will also show the Braves’ match-up with the Milwaukee Brewers at 7:20 p.m.

Kind Vibes Outfitters will host the June Welcome Center pop-up event. The outfitter is Downtown Wellen’s kayak, paddleboard and bicycle rental destination for exploring the 80-acre Grand Lake and 2.8-mile lakefront trail. Kind Vibes Outfitters will have displays of kayaks, e-bikes, regular bikes and fishing poles. The outfitter will be offering discounted rentals during the event.

Artwork by local artists is always on display at the Welcome Center’s pop-up mobile cart featuring short-term exhibits by local artists from the North Port Arts Center and Wellen Park’s artists-in-residence program. All artwork is available for purchase.

Additional pop-ups in the works include wine tastings, caricature artist, craft beer tasting. For additional information about pop-up events and other summertime experiences, visit the events tab at wellenpark.com.

Countdown to Downtown is a monthslong series of special events and pop-up experiences celebrating Downtown Wellen, anticipated to open in the fourth quarter of 2022. Past events have featured craft artisans, fitness and wellness experts, painting parties, book clubs and a three-course wine dinner.

Regularly scheduled Countdown events include weekly Yoga on the Lawn and monthly running, walking and cycling groups.

As a social destination for residents of Wellen Park and visitors interested in learning about the community’s neighborhoods, homes and lifestyle, the Welcome Center is the National Association of Home Builder’s 2022 gold award winner for Best Welcome Center.

The Welcome Center is located at 12275 Mercado Dr., Venice, Fla.

Pedestrian-friendly Downtown Wellen, the vibrant hub and central gathering place for Wellen Park and the region, offers retail shops, waterfront dining, public community spaces, and outdoor recreational opportunities along the lakefront trail and on the water.

The first phase features a picturesque setting of intimate waterfront park and sitting areas, a large event lawn, the 80-acre Grand Lake and Solis Hall for concerts, community and private events.

Diners will discover an array of cuisine choices in Downtown Wellen – from new American and Italian, steak and seafood to super-premium ice cream, pizza and tavern fare. Restaurants include The Banyan House along the lake, Mirabella’s Italian Coastal Cuisine, Oak & Stone, Villani & Co. and Bright Ice. The Yard, a collection of shipping containers retrofitted as food kiosks, expands casual food and beverage options and offers outdoor seating and an activity center.

Also coming to Downtown Wellen are Capstan Financial Consulting Group, Breakwater Home Fashions, Paint Nail Bar, with more businesses and retailers to be announced soon.

Designed for connections to nature and community, downtown also offers a hammock grove and a lounge area underneath a nearly century-old heritage oak tree. A unique playground blends into its natural surroundings and provides an imagination spot for young visitors.

Consistently ranked among the U.S.’s top fastest-selling master planned communities annually by prominent real estate consulting firm RCLCO, Wellen Park offers a mix of residential, commercial and recreational options. The community currently has approximately 9,500 residents, and at full build-out will have more than 50,000 residents and 22,500 homes within its three distinct districts: West Villages, Downtown Wellen and Playmore.

For more information about living at Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, visit wellenpark.com or the Welcome Center. The Welcome Center is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Contact:

Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, [email protected]