In the canals of Venice, calm, beauty and inspiration prevail at all times. The "Venice of America," that is. A turn-key creation by Abbot Kinney, and tribute to his love of Italy.
The city opened in 1905, "with a wonderful pier and exciting attractions," says the Venice Historical Society. "Italian gondoliers poling their boats down fairy-lit canals, a concert orchestra supplying music that could be heard nearly all over town, camel rides, exotic hotels catering to the best tastes and a miniature railroad circling the entire scene." [more]
Venice's grandiose times are long gone, but a modern version persists on the Boardwalk -- while the more private canals doze discreetly in the background. photos LA Frog
