Dallas/Forth Worth: Beat the Summer Heat

With summer officially upon us, Texas residents are looking for creative ways to beat the summer heat. For most of us that entails finding the nearest body of water and jumping in. However, Dallas residents have a more unique option when it comes to making a splash this summer. Instead of cooling off in the water, they can cool off on the water.

Gondola Adventures Inc., docked at the Omni Mandalay in Irving, Texas, just a mere 15 miles from downtown Dallas, offers guests a one of a kind experience on Venice-inspired gondolas on Mandalay Canals and Lake Carolyn. Guests can choose between electric gondolas or rowed gondolas for a more authentic feel. Each of the gondolas are manned by gondoliers who enhance the guests' experience by singing in Italian the length of the trip If you prefer, they can have them play music instead. Each gondola is equipped with a CD player. The gondoliers can also instructing guests how to in Italian greet people passing by, as well as encourage the romantically inclined to kiss beneath each bridge along the canals.

There are several cruise packages available so that the guest can tailor the cruise. A basic one-hour cruise for two includes non-alcoholic champagne and gourmet chocolates. The cost is $135, with a $20 fee for each additional guest. The price and amenities increase at different increments depending on the guest's requests. The choices for the higher-end packages can include a gourmet dinner, a basket lunch or an 'exquisite' catered dinner, served on crystal, silver and china. As the prices of the packages increase, some to nearly $400, so do the fees for additional guests. They range between $65 and $75, depending on the package. Guests can also choose from several special add-ons, depending on the occasion, such as roses or an authentic message in a bottle to be delivered to its intended by the gondolier at some point in the cruise.

Most of the gondolas have some type of roof structure that blocks the sun, and the lake winds breezing across the water are refreshing. The gondola tours are kid-friendly and children under five are admitted free. However, for packages that include dinner or lunch, their meal is not included and will be priced separately. Cruise times are at the guests' discretion, with tours being offered between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight, seven days a week. When making reservations, there are some caveats to be aware of. There are no refunds on purchased tickets and all sales are final. Additionally, if you need to make a change in your reservation, there is no guarantee the tour can accommodate you and will charge $20 to make the change, if they can. Such requests must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time. Ticket prices do include sales tax, but not gratuity. While the gondola tour is one of the pricier summer cool-off activities in the Dallas area, some might say it's a trade-off for having an authentic Venetian experience right in their own backyards.

For more information, log on to Gondola Adventures Inc's Web site or call 1-866-4-GONDOLA.