IRVING, Texas (April 25, 2013)... This month, pedal boat rides were added to the mix of things to do on Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn located in the heart of Las Colinas in Irving. More than 200 residents and visitors showed up during Pedal Boat Open House weekend on April 12 - 14.

Single-seater and (up to) three-passenger propeller driven pedal boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted. Operating days are Friday - Sunday only and hours vary. Rates are $10 plus tax per ½ hour for adults (ages 13 and up); $5 plus tax per ½ hour for children (ages 3 - 12); and children under age 3 are free. View pedal boat operating hours and more information at irvingwaterfun.com or facebook.com/gondolaadventures.

The pedal boats share the same home, and are owned and operated by the same company as Irving's Gondola Adventures. First launched in Irving in 2002 by Gondola Adventures, Inc., gondola excursions on Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn are one of the world's last remaining romantic symbols, the only gondola operator in Texas, and one of a handful in the entire United States.

Gondola Adventures provides one of the most unique and memorable "Venice-reverent" experiences, offering romantic opportunities throughout the year. The company currently operates gondolas in Newport Beach, Calif., which boasts the highest concentration of gondolas outside of Venice, and Las Vegas, Nev.

"While the gondolas are a wonderful amenity for couples and groups celebrating special events, over the years we've learned that families and individuals are looking for a more casual or athletic daytime lake activity, said Greg Mohr, president of Gondola Adventures, Inc.

Pedal boats are perfect for Lake Carolyn because of the scenic surroundings to explore and open areas to pedal."

Plans are also in the works to add stand-up paddleboards to the list of lake activities this May.

"I love seeing pedal boats on the lake. Lake Carolyn is such as treasure in the middle of our city, and this added activity offers people even more ways to enjoy it, said Maura Allen Gast, executive director of the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau.

As construction of the promenade continues around the lake, more people will enjoy it in a multitude of ways.  And, with new connections coming to Campión Trails, there continues to be opportunities for people to enjoy being outdoors in our ‘urban-natural' community."

Gondola Adventures and Pedal Boats are located at 357 Westfork St. at the marina on Lake Carolyn in Irving's Las Colinas Urban Center. Gondola docks are also on-site at two Irving hotels - the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas and the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas. Advance reservations are required for gondola rides.  For more information, visit gondola.com.

About Irving, Texas
Located immediately adjacent to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving, Texas, boasts more than 75 hotels and nearly 12,000 rooms.  Las Colinas, a 12,000-acre master-planned community within the city of Irving, is known worldwide for its quality and uniqueness. The city is home to 10,000+ companies, 50 Fortune 500 companies, and the world headquarters of six Fortune 500 companies.  For more information, visit irvingtexas.com.

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