Niagra Falls & Lake Erie Areas
Jul 18th, 2015, 05:47 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Niagra Falls & Lake Erie Areas
Hi -- I will be traveling with my husband and 14 year old daughter this August to the Niagra Falls, Finger Lakes region. We are unfamiliar with the area and activities. Here's what we like...lakes, parks, hiking, nature, wine country, nice accommodations and restaurants. We're traveling from Columbus OH to this area and then to NYC. We don't have a specific itinerary, but looking to spend 4-5 days.. Can anyone recommend an itinerary including places to stay. I'm not that specific as I'm not familiar with this area at all, but this has been recommended to me by a few people. We're not planning on going to the Canadian side of the Falls. Thanks so much.
Jul 19th, 2015, 02:59 AM
#2
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think not going to the Canadian side is a big mistake. The views from there are much better than from the US side and the hotels in Canada are much more pleasant while many near the US side are quite unpleasant/subpar.
If you do stay on the US side do a LOT of research on the hotels to avoid the worst.
Also, Niagara on the Lake (Canada) is charming town with a lot to see/do.
Is the problem that you don;t have passports - it might still be posible to get them if you pay a rush service.
Also - does your 4 or 5 days include the RT from Chicago? If so, you really won;t have much time there since the trip is about 9 hours each way non-stop - so really closer to 10.5 to 11 hours on the road.
If you do stay on the US side do a LOT of research on the hotels to avoid the worst.
Also, Niagara on the Lake (Canada) is charming town with a lot to see/do.
Is the problem that you don;t have passports - it might still be posible to get them if you pay a rush service.
Also - does your 4 or 5 days include the RT from Chicago? If so, you really won;t have much time there since the trip is about 9 hours each way non-stop - so really closer to 10.5 to 11 hours on the road.
Jul 19th, 2015, 04:15 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree. Go to the Canadian side of the Falls if you can. Much more to do, more hotel choices and better views. Although the American side is worth a half day visit if you're staying on the Canadian side. Niagara on the Lake would also be a nice 1-2 day stay where you will find shopping, wineries and nice hotels and restaurants. On the way to the Finger Lakes I would recommend a stop at Letchworth State Park for a good hike and lunch at the Glen Iris Inn. Do you have an idea where you would like to visit in the Finger Lakes?
Jul 19th, 2015, 04:51 PM
#4
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with the Canadian guidance. The better hotels, restaurants and activities are on that side. Maid of the Mist and Cave behind the Falls are Canada side. You will need passports.
You pass Presque Isle near Erie PA is en route from Columbus to Niagara.
Columbus has an excellent zoo.
An hour south of Columbus is Hocking Hills State Park with beautiful light hiking to Old Mans Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and Rock House.
You pass Presque Isle near Erie PA is en route from Columbus to Niagara.
Columbus has an excellent zoo.
An hour south of Columbus is Hocking Hills State Park with beautiful light hiking to Old Mans Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and Rock House.
Jul 19th, 2015, 04:55 PM
#5
Here's my trip report from several years ago. I doubt much has changed.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-ny-finger.cfm
It's beautiful country. Enjoy your trip!
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-ny-finger.cfm
It's beautiful country. Enjoy your trip!
Jul 20th, 2015, 05:55 AM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,544
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another bunch of misguided nonsense... There are at least six new hotels on the U.S. Side within minutes of the Falls as well as a new food area and new Rainforest Cafe... Maid of the Mist is now only on the U.S. side.
For those who like nature, the U.S. side offers Goat Island, cave of the winds, Devils Hole, Gorge trails, sisters islands, a small aquarium, a nature center, people movers and close up views of the water as it goes over the falls... You should also consider the Whirlpool JetBoat tour from nearby Lewiston NY...
If you can't cross the border, just go over to the observation tower at the Maid of the Mist docks for a great view of the falls...
As for hotels, I don't like to recommend unless I have personally stayed there, and because they are new, I have no help...
For the Finger Lakes, I usually recommend that people drive along Route 20 along the northern end of the lakes... This gives you beautiful scenery, small villages and takes you right to Letchworth State Park, the #1 state park in America...known as "the Grand Canyon of the East"... There is a Country Inn and Suites on rt 36 near one of the park entrances... The Glen Iris Inn is the park hotel...
Once you leave Letchworth, head to Watkins Glen State park for an amazing nature trail hike and surrounding wine country... Tons of water activities... It is pricy, but the top hotel is the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel... You could also stay in Geneva on the lake, Ithaca, Corning, or anywhere along the Lakes...
Based on your nature oriented preferences, those are the two must do stops...
Have fun...
For those who like nature, the U.S. side offers Goat Island, cave of the winds, Devils Hole, Gorge trails, sisters islands, a small aquarium, a nature center, people movers and close up views of the water as it goes over the falls... You should also consider the Whirlpool JetBoat tour from nearby Lewiston NY...
If you can't cross the border, just go over to the observation tower at the Maid of the Mist docks for a great view of the falls...
As for hotels, I don't like to recommend unless I have personally stayed there, and because they are new, I have no help...
For the Finger Lakes, I usually recommend that people drive along Route 20 along the northern end of the lakes... This gives you beautiful scenery, small villages and takes you right to Letchworth State Park, the #1 state park in America...known as "the Grand Canyon of the East"... There is a Country Inn and Suites on rt 36 near one of the park entrances... The Glen Iris Inn is the park hotel...
Once you leave Letchworth, head to Watkins Glen State park for an amazing nature trail hike and surrounding wine country... Tons of water activities... It is pricy, but the top hotel is the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel... You could also stay in Geneva on the lake, Ithaca, Corning, or anywhere along the Lakes...
Based on your nature oriented preferences, those are the two must do stops...
Have fun...
Jul 20th, 2015, 06:50 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are interested in the humane treatment of farm animals, the Farm Sanctuary is near Watkins Glen and it is a worthwhile experience.
As was mentioned earlier, Watkins Glen State Park is right off the road and offers a great hiking/walking trail besides and under cascading falls.
Also, if you are staying on the American side, it is a short drive up to Fort Niagara where the Niagara river empties into Lake Ontario; interesting historical site.
I would highly recommend taking the Maid of the Mist boat; a great way to experience the power of the Falls.
Enjoy.
As was mentioned earlier, Watkins Glen State Park is right off the road and offers a great hiking/walking trail besides and under cascading falls.
Also, if you are staying on the American side, it is a short drive up to Fort Niagara where the Niagara river empties into Lake Ontario; interesting historical site.
I would highly recommend taking the Maid of the Mist boat; a great way to experience the power of the Falls.
Enjoy.
