Niagara Falls-suggestions please
Aug 30th, 2003, 08:22 AM
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Niagara Falls-suggestions please
Going to the falls on Sept 10th for about 5 days.Im from long Island so it is not very far from here, flying into Buffalo and driving .
1)is that to many days?
2) is a car suggested for the trip?
3) bed and Breakfast or big hotel?Any suggestions
4) looking for fun, romantic things to do,
5)resturant suggestions
6) anything that should not be missed?
1)is that to many days?
2) is a car suggested for the trip?
3) bed and Breakfast or big hotel?Any suggestions
4) looking for fun, romantic things to do,
5)resturant suggestions
6) anything that should not be missed?
Aug 30th, 2003, 08:34 AM
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Yes, it is too long, but gointo Toronto in the caryou rent,; maybe 2 days in Niagara Falls, one day in Niagara on the Lake, and two in Toronto. Or one in NF, one in NotL, and three in Toronto.
Niagara on the lake is more romanatic than Niagra Falls.
BAK
Niagara on the lake is more romanatic than Niagra Falls.
BAK
Aug 30th, 2003, 09:30 AM
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BAK is right. Unless you've been to Toronto many times before there is much more to do and see there than in NF or NOTL but the two latter could warrant about 2-3 days. Niagara Falls is the most Honky-Tonk city in Canada and while there's lot's to see and do, (including a pretty good Casino), I think the 'romance' has long been gone from it. Niagara on the Lake is very quaint and since I think the annual summer Shaw Festival is over on Labour Day, it is fairly peaceful. I think the romance of NF migrated there a few decades ago.
You might want to visit some of the Wineries in the Niagara region especially around Vineland and St. Catherines - all within less than a Half hour of NF. You of course will need a car for any travelling outside of NF.
Toronto is what all big American Cities would like to be when they grow up. Superficially it's very much like any big US city but when you get down to the ground you find a clean, people friendly city that has more different ethnic groups of over 5,000 people than any other city in the world. And it's wealth of neighbourhoods and restaurants are a result of that. Even if you've been there before, and especially if you havn't, it's worth 5 days on it's own.
You might want to visit some of the Wineries in the Niagara region especially around Vineland and St. Catherines - all within less than a Half hour of NF. You of course will need a car for any travelling outside of NF.
Toronto is what all big American Cities would like to be when they grow up. Superficially it's very much like any big US city but when you get down to the ground you find a clean, people friendly city that has more different ethnic groups of over 5,000 people than any other city in the world. And it's wealth of neighbourhoods and restaurants are a result of that. Even if you've been there before, and especially if you havn't, it's worth 5 days on it's own.
Aug 30th, 2003, 04:38 PM
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As usual I agree with pretty much everything GaryA says. He's right on about Niagara Falls. The falls and parklands along the river are nice, but otherwise the place reminded me of Coney Island. Honky-Tonk is right! I would just spend a couple of days there. No more.
Haven't been to NOTL so can't comment.
Also agree about Toronto. BIG, BIG city that reminded me of New York in that it felt sophisticated and massive (steel canyons and everything). Much cleaner and safer feeling however (a trait common in most Canadian cities in my opinion). Wasn't there long, but even so, it was obvious that it was a nice place with a whole lot to do.
Ken
Haven't been to NOTL so can't comment.
Also agree about Toronto. BIG, BIG city that reminded me of New York in that it felt sophisticated and massive (steel canyons and everything). Much cleaner and safer feeling however (a trait common in most Canadian cities in my opinion). Wasn't there long, but even so, it was obvious that it was a nice place with a whole lot to do.
Ken
Aug 30th, 2003, 11:33 PM
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I'd recommend staying at Niagara on the Lake, particularly if you are looking for a romantic holiday. Really pretty little town with lots of B&Bs. Niagara itself seems more like a fun park apart from the falls and parkway itself. As an overseas visitor, I was horrified at how sleazy Niagara looked, which is such a shame when the falls are so magnificent.
It's only about 30 minutes drive to Niagara Falls from the lake, so easy to drive in for a few hours.
It's only about 30 minutes drive to Niagara Falls from the lake, so easy to drive in for a few hours.
Aug 31st, 2003, 03:03 PM
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A friend and I went to Niagara Falls during spring break last march. Fun, we stayed a bit too long though.
1)we stayed from sunday to friday. We got bored by about wednesday and were begging for things to do. take into consideration that we went into march, a lot of the snow was still there (Even at the end of March!!) the falls were frozen and the maid of the mist wasn't running. We had a lot of fun at the casino but if your not looking to spend a ton of money, then I would avoid it all together.
2) we had a car and yes, the city isn't too big but the streets aren't paved that well and somewhat dirty unless your down near the clifton hill/casino area.
3) we stayed at the Park Plaza hotel. It's quite tall, but its nice. We pretended we were newlyweds on our honeymoon and they gave us free continental breakfast vouchers. I would suggest one of the bed and breakfasts in Nigara on the Lake though, very pretty area and far enough away from the city to pretend your in the country side (its only a 5minute drive from the falls if that though).
4) well, we weren't romantically involved, but dinner at one the towers could be romantic, there are two towers, from what we saw there were a bit pricey and opted not to, but very charming nonetheless. A stroll along the falls at night can be a bit chilly, but there are very few people there at night so it was relaxing, though a bit tiring from the long walk from the casino to the falls.
5) We love our food. we went to a dinner show called "O, Canada, eh?" BEST dinner show i've seen in a bit, but i must say it wasn't what I expected. Its pretty much a bunch of canadian songs we thought were american sung during a 4-5 course meal. FOOD IS EXCELLENT!!! about 35 bucks a person, i dunno exactly, she paid. but it was fun. We also ate at the restaurant inside our hotel, it was called West Side Tonys i think. A little italian pizza place, food is ok, 1/2 price appatizers during happy hour and a fairly empty bar. Bartenders there were some of the nicest i've met, though all canadians were impressively hospitable.
6) hmmm OH!! The wineries in Niagara on the lake, we spent a whole day going from winery to winery (they're all next door to each other. Superb wine, picturesque vineyards and the same great service. It was nice to get out of the city for the day, plus the Ice Wine is unbelieveable. One of the wineries, i can't remember which, had a dining room with a wall of glass looking out on the vineyard, very romantic setting, again looked pricey so we stuck to our samples of wine. But very nice in the early morning hours or early afternoon.
I hope that helps some, please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Walt
1)we stayed from sunday to friday. We got bored by about wednesday and were begging for things to do. take into consideration that we went into march, a lot of the snow was still there (Even at the end of March!!) the falls were frozen and the maid of the mist wasn't running. We had a lot of fun at the casino but if your not looking to spend a ton of money, then I would avoid it all together.
2) we had a car and yes, the city isn't too big but the streets aren't paved that well and somewhat dirty unless your down near the clifton hill/casino area.
3) we stayed at the Park Plaza hotel. It's quite tall, but its nice. We pretended we were newlyweds on our honeymoon and they gave us free continental breakfast vouchers. I would suggest one of the bed and breakfasts in Nigara on the Lake though, very pretty area and far enough away from the city to pretend your in the country side (its only a 5minute drive from the falls if that though).
4) well, we weren't romantically involved, but dinner at one the towers could be romantic, there are two towers, from what we saw there were a bit pricey and opted not to, but very charming nonetheless. A stroll along the falls at night can be a bit chilly, but there are very few people there at night so it was relaxing, though a bit tiring from the long walk from the casino to the falls.
5) We love our food. we went to a dinner show called "O, Canada, eh?" BEST dinner show i've seen in a bit, but i must say it wasn't what I expected. Its pretty much a bunch of canadian songs we thought were american sung during a 4-5 course meal. FOOD IS EXCELLENT!!! about 35 bucks a person, i dunno exactly, she paid. but it was fun. We also ate at the restaurant inside our hotel, it was called West Side Tonys i think. A little italian pizza place, food is ok, 1/2 price appatizers during happy hour and a fairly empty bar. Bartenders there were some of the nicest i've met, though all canadians were impressively hospitable.
6) hmmm OH!! The wineries in Niagara on the lake, we spent a whole day going from winery to winery (they're all next door to each other. Superb wine, picturesque vineyards and the same great service. It was nice to get out of the city for the day, plus the Ice Wine is unbelieveable. One of the wineries, i can't remember which, had a dining room with a wall of glass looking out on the vineyard, very romantic setting, again looked pricey so we stuck to our samples of wine. But very nice in the early morning hours or early afternoon.
I hope that helps some, please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Walt
Aug 31st, 2003, 04:58 PM
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Hi, let me give you a few tried and true insider tips to Niagara.
1) Not too many days if your interests are varied - golf, jetboating, romantic dinners, history, beautiful bike trails and tacky tourist all in one trip.
2) Have to drive - you will want to bounce between NOTL ( Niagara on the Lake) and NF - parts of Jordan, Vineland and areas are beautiful.
3) You can have your pick, but my suggestion is that you look on the web for the best deal - there is a brand new Embassy Suites in NF which is gorgeous and giving great rates as it just opened. There are some lovely b & B's in both NF and NOTL but the best ones will be booked by now - you need to book far in advance for those!
4) Fun romantic things...hmmm, do a dinner after dark on one of the revolving towers ( Skylon or Minolta), do a bike tour of the wineries (Steve Bauer Bike Tours is great) - rent a bike (you can do this in NOTL - there is a store at the edge of town or ask at the hotel)and do the parkway out of NOTL - lots of pretty, shaded places to stop and...well, you can also take a carriage ride around old NOTL, or go Jetboating - you get soaked to the skin and you can scream and hang onto each other ( maybe not "romantic" but could be fun!!), do the Maid of the Mist, because it's the tacky tourist thing, and get dressed up, have dinner at the casino and play roulette and craps - (he can pretend he's James Bond!)...do a helicopter tour of the Falls (Niagara Helicopters) and if you are a golfer, you should golf here - it's cheap and gorgeous - but will probably not stay cheap for long. Do Legends, and Hunter's Pointe.
5) For great, cheap Italian food, The Capri, or Antica - it's where all the locals go. The winery the other gentleman was referring to could be Peller Estates, on the Niagara Parkway between NOTL and NF, or Hillebrand, off Niagara Stone Road. They are sister properties and both overlook vineyards - if you are ok with directions, get on the highway and try Vineland Estates - that's very romantic - overlooks the vineyards and Lake Ontario. When in NOTL you have to go to the Angel Inn - ok pub, but you MUST go check out the cherub in the ladies washroom - when you pick up the vine leaf the front doorbell rings and the locals clap when you come back downstairs ( ok, now you know where I live!)
If you are on a budget and want the best meal for the best price, that would be at "21" at the Casino - make a reservation - they do a straight mark up on wine and won the Wine Spectator Award last 2 years.
6) The choc. dipped strawberries at the Hershey store on Falls Ave, the fireworks over the falls on Friday evening, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly conservatory, the Imax Niagara Falls movie, and Icewine. For variety, and something your friends may not have tried, try the sparkling icewine at Inniskillin Winery ( just off the parkway, again) - it's also got a lovely loft and self tour. Oh, and buy fruit - it's all local grown - the stands are all over the place - the peaches were great this year, you may be able to still catch some.
Have a wonderful time,
Natalie
1) Not too many days if your interests are varied - golf, jetboating, romantic dinners, history, beautiful bike trails and tacky tourist all in one trip.
2) Have to drive - you will want to bounce between NOTL ( Niagara on the Lake) and NF - parts of Jordan, Vineland and areas are beautiful.
3) You can have your pick, but my suggestion is that you look on the web for the best deal - there is a brand new Embassy Suites in NF which is gorgeous and giving great rates as it just opened. There are some lovely b & B's in both NF and NOTL but the best ones will be booked by now - you need to book far in advance for those!
4) Fun romantic things...hmmm, do a dinner after dark on one of the revolving towers ( Skylon or Minolta), do a bike tour of the wineries (Steve Bauer Bike Tours is great) - rent a bike (you can do this in NOTL - there is a store at the edge of town or ask at the hotel)and do the parkway out of NOTL - lots of pretty, shaded places to stop and...well, you can also take a carriage ride around old NOTL, or go Jetboating - you get soaked to the skin and you can scream and hang onto each other ( maybe not "romantic" but could be fun!!), do the Maid of the Mist, because it's the tacky tourist thing, and get dressed up, have dinner at the casino and play roulette and craps - (he can pretend he's James Bond!)...do a helicopter tour of the Falls (Niagara Helicopters) and if you are a golfer, you should golf here - it's cheap and gorgeous - but will probably not stay cheap for long. Do Legends, and Hunter's Pointe.
5) For great, cheap Italian food, The Capri, or Antica - it's where all the locals go. The winery the other gentleman was referring to could be Peller Estates, on the Niagara Parkway between NOTL and NF, or Hillebrand, off Niagara Stone Road. They are sister properties and both overlook vineyards - if you are ok with directions, get on the highway and try Vineland Estates - that's very romantic - overlooks the vineyards and Lake Ontario. When in NOTL you have to go to the Angel Inn - ok pub, but you MUST go check out the cherub in the ladies washroom - when you pick up the vine leaf the front doorbell rings and the locals clap when you come back downstairs ( ok, now you know where I live!)
If you are on a budget and want the best meal for the best price, that would be at "21" at the Casino - make a reservation - they do a straight mark up on wine and won the Wine Spectator Award last 2 years.
6) The choc. dipped strawberries at the Hershey store on Falls Ave, the fireworks over the falls on Friday evening, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly conservatory, the Imax Niagara Falls movie, and Icewine. For variety, and something your friends may not have tried, try the sparkling icewine at Inniskillin Winery ( just off the parkway, again) - it's also got a lovely loft and self tour. Oh, and buy fruit - it's all local grown - the stands are all over the place - the peaches were great this year, you may be able to still catch some.
Have a wonderful time,
Natalie
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Aug 31st, 2003, 08:39 PM
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You have to do the Whirlpool Jet Boat . They get you totally soaked. its a mix of white water rapids and tour boat. great fun. you can get it on the NY side, or in Niagra on the lake. Check it out. its a must see (i did it last week. )send regards to Captain Vick and charles. "the boat guys"
Sep 1st, 2003, 04:59 AM
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If you like history, go to Old Fort Niagara (about a 10 minute ride from the American side). Check out www.oldfortniagara.org. The fort, museum, the history, the location are just fabulous. It dates back to before the French & Indian war. The French Castle is the oldest building on the Great Lakes.
Sep 2nd, 2003, 11:32 AM
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If you can visit only one wine maker be sure it is Inniskillin at http://www.inniskillin.com/
SUPERB WINES!
SUPERB WINES!
