10 great places to stream through cities
— -- Rivers and canals helped great cities grow — and many are spurring waterfront redevelopment with cruises and tours. Kit Cramer, president of the International Downtown Association, a non-profit organization that promotes creative development (www.ida-downtown.org), shares with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY her list of great places to take a boat ride.
Rideau Canal Ontario, Canada"The historic Rideau Canal is part of a network of lakes, rivers and canals that run between Kingston and Canada's capital city, Ottawa," Cramer says. "This cruise goes through a lock system, built in 1832, that is still maintained manually." Visitors can travel past towns and islands with cottages and cabins on them and enjoy the sounds of nature on a vintage boat refitted with an environmentally friendly engine that eliminates noise and exhaust. 613-272-0222; rideauboattours.com
James River/Kanawha Canal Richmond, Va. "Passengers on the River District Canal Cruises tour through Richmond's past and present," Cramer says. Towering stone abutments from a railroad bridge destroyed in the Civil War are phantom reminders of the city's role in history. Sleek skyscrapers representing major corporate headquarters symbolize its importance today. Richmond had the first towpath canal system in the USA. And today, pedestrians enjoy a 11/4-mile canal walk and historical exhibits along the way. 804-649-2800; venturerichmond.com
Providence River Providence "Enjoy a beautiful view of two very different sides of the city from a gondola on the Providence River here," Cramer says. The river neatly divides Providence between the colleges in historic neighborhoods with Colonial-style buildings and the modern skyscrapers downtown. The gondolier, wearing a traditional striped shirt and beribboned straw hat, sings under the bridges, and accordion and mandolin players are available for hire. 401-421-8877; gondolari.com
Cape Fear River Wilmington, N.C. "There's something for everyone on this cruise," Cramer says. "The Cape Fear River boat, a triple-decker dinner boat, goes past historic Wilmington, under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, to the state port." Kids enjoy the bustling container ships at the port, where the North Carolina, a World War II battleship, is on view. Portions of the appropriately named river are included in the Cape Fear Civil War Shipwreck Discontiguous District. 800-676-0162; CFRboats.com
St. Johns River Jacksonville "An authentic paddleboat ride along the St. Johns River is relaxing and picturesque," Carey says. "You'll see the downtown skyline, the Jacksonville Landing and homes along the river." The lunchtime cruise is narrated, and at night a DJ comes on board. Save time for the Riverwalk, a paved sidewalk on both sides of the river. Follow it to the new Riverside Arts Market, where there's live music, hands-on activities for kids and a farmers' market on Saturdays. 904-306-2200; jaxrivercruises.com
Missouri River Omaha "This cruise along the Missouri River goes under the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a one-of-a-kind design that looks like an art installation across the river," Cramer says about one of the longest footbridges ever built. There also are views of the Omaha skyline and Freedom Park, home of the USS Hazard (a minesweeper) and USS Marlin (a training sub). On the bluff, you'll see Lauritzen Gardens, a 100-plus-acre botanical garden. 866-227-7827; rivercitystar.com
Rio San Antonio San Antonio "Boat passengers, as well as pedestrians strolling along the 3-mile San Antonio River Walk, are in their own little world, 20 feet below street level," Cramer says. The river is lined with banks of foliage, giant cypress trees, rock bridges, grottoes and flowers. Along the newly expanded Museum Reach walkway, more than a dozen public art installations, museums and historic sites add to the mix. 800-447-3372; visitsanantonio.com
Hudson River Kingston, N.Y. "Take a fall foliage tour on the Hudson, less than two hours north of New York City," Cramer says. "The stunning landscape looks much as it did when many great artists of the Hudson River School of painting memorialized it." Explore the Hudson River Maritime Museum, galleries and restaurants at the downtown waterfront district or visit Kingston's Historic Stockade District uptown. 800-843-7472; hudsonrivercruises.com
Bricktown Canal Oklahoma City "The Bricktown Riverwalk and canal cruise are fun places to see and be seen," Cramer says. "Bricktown, named for the historic warehouse district that boomed during the railroad era, is now a thriving entertainment district." The bright yellow Water Taxi tours provide narration along the Bricktown Canal, with insider tips on where to go for good food and entertainment. 405-234-8294; bricktownwatertaxi.com
Milwaukee River Milwaukee "More than a dozen themed cruises, including some for families, provide first-hand views of this city's renaissance," Cramer says. Learn about the architecture, bridges and lighthouse on the Historical Milwaukee Tour, or sample the brew that made Milwaukee famous on the Beer and Bratwurst cruise. Stop in at the Milwaukee Art Museum. 414-276-7447; edelweissboats.com