After a full day of running all over Indianapolis, I was long due for a relaxing sit... and some wine. As the clouds rolled in and offered some relief from the sweltering sun, the team at Old World Gondoliers welcomed me with a song... and some ice cream. I loved both!
I was told that a lot of people don't realize there is a canal running through Indianapolis. Well, there is. And here is the proof.
As I chatted with Jeff Hutson, the owner of the gondolas, we were entertained by our singing chaperone. Jeff told me that his floating crafts are the scene of many a marriage proposal. Make note if you are planning to pop the question in Indy.
We pass people riding bikes, rollerblading and going for walks, most of whom give us a hello and are also entertained by the singing.
They offer different packages, from shorter, daytime rides to longer, more romantic sunset cruises. My visit was mid afternoon and, as I said, a relief that the sun disappeared for the cruise.
The gondola, beautifully crafted and adorned, bobbed on the water. The gondolier, dressed in traditional striped shirt and straw hat, sang as he paddled along.
The water was calm, gently rocking the gondola. The canal itself is surprisingly peaceful, a little oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gondolier expertly navigated the waterway, sharing interesting facts about the canal's history and pointing out landmarks along the way.
He regaled us with stories about the canal’s origins, its purpose, and even a few local legends. I learned that the Central Canal was originally conceived as a grand project to connect the Great Lakes to the Ohio River, but the plan was ultimately abandoned. Now, it serves as a beautiful recreational space and a unique feature of downtown Indy.
But the best part? The singing! Our gondolier had a great voice and serenaded us with classic Italian songs. Even if you don't understand Italian, the emotion in the music is palpable. It truly added to the romantic atmosphere. Imagine gliding along the calm water, the city lights twinkling around you, and the sound of a gondolier singing an Italian love song. It's pure magic!
The ride itself lasted about 45 minutes, which I found to be the perfect amount of time. It was long enough to feel relaxed and immersed in the experience, but not so long that it felt tedious. As we drifted along, we passed under bridges adorned with flowering vines, waved to passersby on the canal walk, and simply soaked in the ambiance.
Honestly, for a brief moment, I forgot I was in Indianapolis. The combination of the beautiful gondola, the skilled gondolier, the soothing water, and the enchanting music created a truly immersive experience.