Niagra-on-the-Lake
 

Okay, tell me the truth -- is this place cheesy or is it really a nice place? I have reservations both at and about the Pillar and Post. I need some luxury and beauty in my life right now after a very tough year and don't want to be surprised that what I thought was going to be cool and luxurious is really just a cheesy town with candle shops and homemade fudge. I would go to the Post Hotel in Lake Louise but don't have that kind of time, to give you an idea of what I'm looking for.... Thanks.

Becca, in my opinion, it's a bit of both - cheesy and nicc. There are indeed a number of those candle and fudge stores, and other tourist oriented stuff, and it's a wee bit artificial. <BR> <BR>That said, the town and the area around it is nonetheless very nice, and I would go back for a visit. <BR> <BR>I'm quite sure, however, that I would call it "cool and luxurious". I'd reserve that for more urban settings, or very deluxe resorts. <BR> <BR>What sort of setting are you looking for? What would you like to do once there? <BR> <BR>Mike

Overall, NOTL is a nice small town. I have not stayed at the Pillar & Post since it underwent major renovation. Try to get tickets to Shaw Festival if you like theatre - it is highly regarded. A number of wineries are nearby and the Niagra Parkway is a beautiful drive or bike ride. Of course, there is Niagara Falls down the road which is both cheesy and nice. Enjoy.

Becca- The Pillar has a great Spa...include some treatments for that pampered affect...There are indoor and outdoor pools as well as a waterfall hot tub... for five star dining, go to the Prince of Wales (a sister property of the Pillar) for outside dining, walk down to the Queens Landing patio restaurant (vintageinns.com)... If you are in a romantic mood, grab a carriage ride $90CDN. The horsedrawn cart gives you a grand tour of the village area at a leisurely pace. <BR> There are over 40 wineries in the region, grab a wine map and drive it yourself, take a bus tour or if you are adventurous, the best way is to bike tour the wineries...just ask the hotel. <BR>The wineries are beautiful and several offer top restaurants... recommended eateries include Hildebrand, Pelham, Strewn and top wine tours include Chateau de Charmes and Hildebrand. If you really want to do something fun and crazy, take the Whirlpool Jetboat tour. It's an open boat run along the lower Niagara River (below the Falls) into the rapids. Its very wet and wild, but you will never forget it. Finish your stay with the theatre, stop for a pint at the Angel Inn Pub, and have an ice cream at the town park... don't forget to stop at Greeves for some souvenier preserves, jellies and sauces...have fun.

I'm thinking you must be a TROLL. The Pillar and Post is definitely "really nice". Both? You'll find candles and fudge in the local shops, but there is nothing "cheesy" about the town - all depending upon what you mean - you've give no one any idea of what you're looking for. AAR, NOTL is a charming lakeside village with the ubiquitous shops appealing to visitors (okay tourists).

Hey Becca! Give it up...we know you're just a troll and that you aren't going anywhere.

How funny and clever to call me a "troll" when what I really am is a snob! <BR> <BR>In answer to the serious question of what I want to do, the true answer: not sure. Won't know till I get there. We're traveling with a baby and are completely usure what to expect. We are all (baby included) quite adventurous and well-traveled. But since our activities will be limited, I just wanted to make sure we'd like the place we were going.