Jennifer

I am taking my mother for a day trip to Niagra on the Lake next Saturday. We'll be driving from Niagra Falls on the NY side. It's only about a 20 minute drive yes? Also, where should I park so that my mom doesn't have to walk too far? We're looking to do some shopping and have a great lunch at a quaint restaurant. Any tips on must dos for a one day stay would be appreciated!

Flynn

Jennifer, the best lunch I had was just right outside Niagara on the Lake - Hillebrand Winery. They have an indoor restaurant and a nice outdoor terrace. Parking is available there.<BR><BR>The town of NOTL has metered street parking if you can find a spot. Also, there's an area that has free parking but it's a bit of a walk though not that much. There's many restaurants right on the main shopping drag - Queen Street - so take your pick.<BR><BR>There's also a website: <BR>http://www.niagaraonthelake.com <BR><BR>You're going to enjoy NOTL. Have fun.

Jennifer

Thanks Flynn! I can't wait!

R&J

Flynn is right. Hillebrand's Vintner's Cafe is certainly one of the best in the province. Another in the region is in Jordan, On The Twenty, attached to Cave Springs winery.<BR><BR>In downtown NOTL, food is ... well ... try to make it at least to Hillebrand. If you are looking for something quick and good, Epicurian (across from the Royal George Theatre) is good. The pub grub at Angel Inn (nearer the Courthouse Theatre)bar is good, too, if you can tolerate the smoke, but their dining room is quite overpriced for what you get. If you are looking for quaint, tho, at least take a walk thru this one.

Karen

Hi Jennifer for an extra special treat go to the corner of the main st. and Prince of Wales Hotel. At that corner your can rent a horse and buggy to tour NOTL, what an easy and special way for your mom to visit this wonderful town. The Prince of Wales has a nice restaurant but pricey. Have a great visit. Karen

Lauren

I recommend the Tiara in the Queen's Landing Hotel for a gourmet experience. I was NOT impressed with the restaurant in the Strewn Winery or the Escabeche in the Prince of Wales. I thought both of them were over priced and underwhelming. Tiara was wonderful! Do try the lamb chops--their specialty.<BR><BR>I had a trip report up recently on the Shaw Festival and NOTL. It got removed because it attracted flames (one person with many names can do a lot of damage). I am not going to put it up again because fodors seems unable or unwilling to really deal with the anonymous flamer problem. I will be happy to send it privately to anyone who wants it.<BR><BR>I did see all the plays and have some strong opinions about what is good and what I did not like. Of course, not everyone will agree with me. I also saw The Lion King in Toronto (fabulous, fabulous).

Donna

It's about 20 miles, but a 30 minute or more drive, plus the time it takes to cross the border. We've always found the Queenston bridge the least busy. At www.niagaraonthelake.com there's a map of the town with all the parking indicated. If you drive one block off the main street, then turn again, there's almost always a space available up or down the street, or you'll spot one on a cross street. There's wonderful shopping all up and down the main street, but be sure to look down the side streets for more wonderful shops. We love the Shaw Festival Cafe for lunch. Extensive menu, wonderful desserts, beautiful terrace. If you want "quaint", the Oban Inn is nice (you can drive there and park in their lot), and there are lots of quaint inns along the main street and along the cross streets. Donna's is an old fashioned ice cream parlor with very good food (and ice cream). But, there are any number of terrific places for lunch between the shops, so you're sure to find one that's really appealing to you. Be sure to stroll or drive over to the lake and have a look at the Gazebo. From there, you can see the skyline of Toronto on a clear day.

Jennifer

Thanks so much to everyone for your helpful replies. I printed the parking map from the website, and it will be very helpful. The horse and buggy ride sounds perfect! thanks again!