Unlike roller skates, a gondola can't be waylaid by firecrackers or a lake of chattering teeth chewing modeling clay. Take a trip in a stalwart boat with today's Groupon: for $125, you get a one-hour gondola ride in the Indianapolis Canal from Old World Gondoliers.

Moviegoers and visiting Venetians will immediately recognize the classic attire of Old World Gondoliers' gondoliers, who wear striped shirts, don dapper red kerchiefs, and put on their straw hats one leg at a time. The leisurely, romantic ride on the Indianapolis Canal floats through downtown Indianapolis and lasts for an hour, long enough to absorb every rippled reflection of a summer shrub, the stately buildings dotting each bank, and the trolls bungee jumping from bridges. Old World Gondoliers' trips are BYOB, so bring vino and let your imagination take you back to the time when giant handlebar mustaches and black-and-white stripes were haute couture.

The view from the canal is like seeing an old friend with a new haircut—it makes you ponder perspective and then wows you with a powerful punch in the kidneys. This Groupon is good for two to eight people, so pile into a gondola with pals and set out on an Old-World adventure. An on-site dinner is also available.