If a romantic proposal on a Newport Harbor Gondola was in your future plans, you may need to rethink that. Gondolas in the area may soon be floating off into the sunset due to the belief that the "commercial" business attracts drunk partiers.
The business in question, Gondola Adventures, has only a few short months to find a new location. The LA Times reports that its current home, 3101 W. Coast Highway, will be undertaking a complete remodel expected to last nearly two years. With its lease ending soon, the business is having a hard time finding new dock managers to work with. In addition, the narrow channel around Newport Island makes the current location ideal as it mimics the waterways of Venice.
Gondola Adventures, owned and operated by Greg Mohr for 25 years, is a staple in the community. The family-run business has multiple local partnerships including picks up and drops off at harborfront hotels and cafés, sourcing flowers from local florists for its proposal and wedding ride, as well as pairing with local restaurants for dining cruises. Greg Mohr says people have been using the romantic ride to propose for 25 years.
"Nobody really understands the romantic and charming atmosphere that we bring to any building," says co-owner, Elisa Mohr.
"We have a fleet of 15 gondolas and a large staff of gondoliers in striped shirts and I've got to find a home for all of them, and it's got to be in a place that people can find," adds Greg.
The family has until November to find a new dock otherwise they will need to move their 15 gondolas to their other location in Texas.