About 24 or so years ago I visited Venice, Italy and it made quite the impression on me. I was in awe of everything and everyone: the history and architecture, the food, and of course, the natives! We zoomed in on a water taxi, navigating our way across cobblestone streets — don’t even think about wearing high heels, fancy or otherwise — and through crowds of tourists and locals alike. (This was way before the age of social media, when selfie sticks became such a nuisance and were subsequently banned.)

We had coffee at the iconic Caffe Florian which dates back to 1720 (celebrated patrons over the years include marquee names like Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, Picasso, Warhol, and Clark Gable) on St. Mark’s Square and lunch al fresco nearby at Caffe Lavena which overlooks Saint Mark’s Basilica. We also took a gondola ride around the city’s canals, a must do there that’s akin to touring the Eiffel Tower when in Paris or the Coliseum ruins when in Roma.

I have since been back to Italy, but sadly, not to Venizia. Now with COVID and the dangers that has added into the travel equation, who knows when a return would be a real possibility? I say this because whether you’ve had to postpone travel this year or you’re just itching to get out of the house safely this summer, La Gondola Providence could be the answer! They are reopening this Monday, June 1st (with Phase 2 in Rhode Island) and they are an incredible way to channel some of that Italian lifestyle right now while we’re all staying closer to home.

We took our first ride a few years back and it was such a treat! Our gondolier and guide also looped us in on some local history that up to that point, we were completely unaware of. All in all, it was a delightful afternoon on the water in Providence and I cannot recommend it enough, especially if you and your S.O. need a break from the drudgery of cooking and laundry or the sameness of zoning out on the couch in front of this month’s must watch Netflix documentary.

If this sounds like something fantastic for your June 2020 agenda, please check out their site: GondolaRI.com.