NOTL / Falls
Nov 8th, 2005, 11:25 AM
#1
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NOTL / Falls
Hi,
I have been reading posts, but want to be sure that our idea is feasible. We are flying into Buffalo and want to stay two nights at the Falls (Candadian side) and two nights at NOTL. We are looking at the Hilton for the Falls and perhaps Harbor House or Riverbend Inn for NOTL. Is this too much for 4 nites? Is upgrading to a premium fallsviews at the Hilton a waste of $$? Is two nights too much at the Falls? We will be there at 3 on Friday and leaving 5 on Tuesday. We are renting a car as well, so we can putz.
Thanks for any input.
Nicole
I have been reading posts, but want to be sure that our idea is feasible. We are flying into Buffalo and want to stay two nights at the Falls (Candadian side) and two nights at NOTL. We are looking at the Hilton for the Falls and perhaps Harbor House or Riverbend Inn for NOTL. Is this too much for 4 nites? Is upgrading to a premium fallsviews at the Hilton a waste of $$? Is two nights too much at the Falls? We will be there at 3 on Friday and leaving 5 on Tuesday. We are renting a car as well, so we can putz.
Thanks for any input.
Nicole
Nov 8th, 2005, 12:00 PM
#2
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Personally, I don't think this is too much. Buffalo, NF and NOTL are only short drives from each other so it's not like you'll spend a lot of time driving. (I assume you're picking up the car in Buffalo.) NF has two main attractions, aside from the actual falls -- the cheesy horror-house, wax museum area which you should at least walk around because it's fun and the casino. You don't have to gamble or spend much money to spend an evening here. You can buy a drink and wander around watching people and then go into one of the nightclubs for a bit of a show and/or some dancing. Check out www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com. The only hotel I've ever stayed at there was the one attached to the casino and it was very nice -- great view, right 'on top' of the Horseshoe Falls. There are shops and restaurants in that complex as well.
Re NOTL, I've stayed at the Moffatt Inn and the little hotel attached to the Guardino (?) restaurant and both were nice.
Not only will you have enough time, but you may find yourselves with time on your hands. Maybe you should reconsider and spend Friday night and Saturday in NF, Saturday night and Sunday in NOTL, and then come to Toronto till Tuesday. Drive back to Buffalo on Tuesday and then fly home.
Re NOTL, I've stayed at the Moffatt Inn and the little hotel attached to the Guardino (?) restaurant and both were nice.
Not only will you have enough time, but you may find yourselves with time on your hands. Maybe you should reconsider and spend Friday night and Saturday in NF, Saturday night and Sunday in NOTL, and then come to Toronto till Tuesday. Drive back to Buffalo on Tuesday and then fly home.
Nov 8th, 2005, 12:27 PM
#3
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Thank you. maybe we will stay in Toronto and NOTL and visit the Falls (not stay there), it reallly is not too much our cup of tea. Touristy.
What would you propose as far as where to stay first from Buffalo - Toronto or NOTL?
Thanks!
Nicole
What would you propose as far as where to stay first from Buffalo - Toronto or NOTL?
Thanks!
Nicole
Nov 8th, 2005, 12:34 PM
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Hi bellabella,
It depends on what time of year you're visiting as to whether or not it might be too much. There's much more to do when the weather is nice from May to October than this time of year. As well, the Shaw Festival, winery events, artisan shows and more casino acts are also on in that time period.
We didn't stay at the Fallsview Casino Resort Hotel but attended a show there and were impressed as well, though the Marriott Fallsview gets very good reviews too.
We love the Riverbend Inn but have also stayed at several of the other hotels in Niagara on the Lake. Even though the reviews for Harbor House are wonderful, it is in a very congested area near the marina and the jetboat operations. Riverbend Inn is on the outskirts of town, surrounded by vineyards with a lovely patio and grounds, with the Niagara Parkway running in front of it.
Personally one night in Niagara Falls would be enough for me. I would gladly spend 3 nights in NOTL if I was attending the theatre, a culinary event at a winery, a show in Niagara Falls or spending a day travelling in the Twenty Valley area doing wine tastings.
Otherwise I might be tempted to stay one night in Buffalo and go outlet shopping before going home.
But that's just me.
See riverbendinn.ca~niagaraonthelake.com
~niagaraonthelakewineries.com ~niagaragetaways.com~20valley.ca
**Just noticed your other inquiry.
If you're coming from Buffalo at 3pm, you have lots of time to drive to Toronto. I'd start there and work my way back to Niagara on the Lake.
It depends on what time of year you're visiting as to whether or not it might be too much. There's much more to do when the weather is nice from May to October than this time of year. As well, the Shaw Festival, winery events, artisan shows and more casino acts are also on in that time period.
We didn't stay at the Fallsview Casino Resort Hotel but attended a show there and were impressed as well, though the Marriott Fallsview gets very good reviews too.
We love the Riverbend Inn but have also stayed at several of the other hotels in Niagara on the Lake. Even though the reviews for Harbor House are wonderful, it is in a very congested area near the marina and the jetboat operations. Riverbend Inn is on the outskirts of town, surrounded by vineyards with a lovely patio and grounds, with the Niagara Parkway running in front of it.
Personally one night in Niagara Falls would be enough for me. I would gladly spend 3 nights in NOTL if I was attending the theatre, a culinary event at a winery, a show in Niagara Falls or spending a day travelling in the Twenty Valley area doing wine tastings.
Otherwise I might be tempted to stay one night in Buffalo and go outlet shopping before going home.
But that's just me.
See riverbendinn.ca~niagaraonthelake.com
~niagaraonthelakewineries.com ~niagaragetaways.com~20valley.ca
**Just noticed your other inquiry.
If you're coming from Buffalo at 3pm, you have lots of time to drive to Toronto. I'd start there and work my way back to Niagara on the Lake.
Nov 8th, 2005, 01:02 PM
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I agree with TobieT about starting in Toronto.
How does this sound: drive into Toronto from Buffalo (2 hours) on Friday and you'll get here in time to check into your hotel and enjoy the evening. Spend Saturday and Saturday night in Toronto. Drive to NOTL (1.5 hours) on Sunday afternoon, stay over Sunday night, drive to NF on Monday, stay over Monday night, drive back to Buffalo and fly home on Tuesday.
Then you get to see everything and spend an appropriate (re things to do) amount of time in each place. The nice thing about it is that they're all so close together that you can easily adjust your plans if you want more or less time in each place.
How does this sound: drive into Toronto from Buffalo (2 hours) on Friday and you'll get here in time to check into your hotel and enjoy the evening. Spend Saturday and Saturday night in Toronto. Drive to NOTL (1.5 hours) on Sunday afternoon, stay over Sunday night, drive to NF on Monday, stay over Monday night, drive back to Buffalo and fly home on Tuesday.
Then you get to see everything and spend an appropriate (re things to do) amount of time in each place. The nice thing about it is that they're all so close together that you can easily adjust your plans if you want more or less time in each place.
Nov 8th, 2005, 01:02 PM
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Hi,
Thanks for the info. We are flying in November 25th for 4 nites. Is it very cold there yet? Is there much to do at NOTL? We are looking for a quiet romantic getaway - love wineries and festivals - as it will be our anniversary. We are 34 years old.
NOTL looks wonderful. We may just stay there the majority of the time.
Any other suggestions are welcome
Nicole
Thanks for the info. We are flying in November 25th for 4 nites. Is it very cold there yet? Is there much to do at NOTL? We are looking for a quiet romantic getaway - love wineries and festivals - as it will be our anniversary. We are 34 years old.
NOTL looks wonderful. We may just stay there the majority of the time.
Any other suggestions are welcome
Nicole
Nov 8th, 2005, 01:06 PM
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just read your note HDM, thank you.
I think we would prefer more P&Q as we live in DC and city life is what we are getting away from. I should have mentioned that. I would love to incorporate 1 nite in Toronto if possible but not more.
Nicole
I think we would prefer more P&Q as we live in DC and city life is what we are getting away from. I should have mentioned that. I would love to incorporate 1 nite in Toronto if possible but not more.
Nicole
Nov 8th, 2005, 01:24 PM
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Here's some info from one of the websites I gave you:
The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake
5th Annual 'Taste the Season' Winery Passport - November 26 & 27
Weekends of November 12/13, 19/20 and 26/27. Hosted by the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Enjoy a wine and food pairing at each of the 17 wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake AND discover great holiday gift selections, wines for your seasonal entertaining, and wines to cellar for enjoyment later. Present your passport at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce at 26 Queen Street in the Historical Shopping District and receive your "Vintage 2005 Collectible Ornament" as a keepsake of your trip. Your touring passport also supports Second Harvest and its programs to help feed those who would otherwise go hungry. Passports are $30 and available by calling Second Harvest at 416-408-2594. Passports and accommodation bookings are available online at www.niagaraonthelake.com. Wine and Food pairings can be viewed at www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com.
Nicole,
Friends have done one similar to this in May and loved it. There might a show on at the Casino Resort so check that website too. The lights and or fireworks at Niagara Falls can be lovely this time of year, but you can always enjoy the Falls and go back to your romantic room in Niagara on the Lake afterward (my preference).
Check the Niagara Falls tourism websites for exact times and dates for their winter displays. The weather here has been milder than normal but you should check weathernetwork.ca for temperatures before you go. I'd plan to dress in layers with warm shoes and gloves.
The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake
5th Annual 'Taste the Season' Winery Passport - November 26 & 27
Weekends of November 12/13, 19/20 and 26/27. Hosted by the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Enjoy a wine and food pairing at each of the 17 wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake AND discover great holiday gift selections, wines for your seasonal entertaining, and wines to cellar for enjoyment later. Present your passport at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce at 26 Queen Street in the Historical Shopping District and receive your "Vintage 2005 Collectible Ornament" as a keepsake of your trip. Your touring passport also supports Second Harvest and its programs to help feed those who would otherwise go hungry. Passports are $30 and available by calling Second Harvest at 416-408-2594. Passports and accommodation bookings are available online at www.niagaraonthelake.com. Wine and Food pairings can be viewed at www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com.
Nicole,
Friends have done one similar to this in May and loved it. There might a show on at the Casino Resort so check that website too. The lights and or fireworks at Niagara Falls can be lovely this time of year, but you can always enjoy the Falls and go back to your romantic room in Niagara on the Lake afterward (my preference).
Check the Niagara Falls tourism websites for exact times and dates for their winter displays. The weather here has been milder than normal but you should check weathernetwork.ca for temperatures before you go. I'd plan to dress in layers with warm shoes and gloves.
Nov 8th, 2005, 02:03 PM
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Thank you for the info! Looks great!
I think we have decided. One night at the Falls - Fri - to watch the fireworks and three nites at the Riverbend Inn. We have booked a room with a veranda. There are no pictures, have you seen the room? Sounds lovely.
Thanks so much.
Nicole
I think we have decided. One night at the Falls - Fri - to watch the fireworks and three nites at the Riverbend Inn. We have booked a room with a veranda. There are no pictures, have you seen the room? Sounds lovely.
Thanks so much.
Nicole
Nov 9th, 2005, 05:33 AM
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Hi Nicole,
We had a lovely room on the first floor with a gas fireplace, a sofa, as well as a desk and arm chairs. It's exactly like the room pictured on the website so I'm sure yours will be similar.
There have been recent discussions on restaurants in the area on this forum so perhaps have a look to see what might interest you. It's always best to have reservations. We enjoyed dinner one night at Riverbend but did dine elsewhere too. Less expensive, but memorable, was The Stone Road Grille.
I really would venture into the Twenty Valley area (only 30 minutes away from NOTL) to visit Jordan village and Vinelands Estate Winery if you have time.
There's also a wonderful little cheese shop in Virgil near Pillitteri Wineries if you want to have any wine and cheese in your room. It's Tony Deluca's Cheese Shop in the red barn. Also Pillitteri has beautiful little wine flavoured jellies from Niagara on the Lake to purchase. They are among the nicest we've had.
Have a wonderful time and best wishes on your anniversary! (*Bring a corkscrew....not in your carry on of course)
We had a lovely room on the first floor with a gas fireplace, a sofa, as well as a desk and arm chairs. It's exactly like the room pictured on the website so I'm sure yours will be similar.
There have been recent discussions on restaurants in the area on this forum so perhaps have a look to see what might interest you. It's always best to have reservations. We enjoyed dinner one night at Riverbend but did dine elsewhere too. Less expensive, but memorable, was The Stone Road Grille.
I really would venture into the Twenty Valley area (only 30 minutes away from NOTL) to visit Jordan village and Vinelands Estate Winery if you have time.
There's also a wonderful little cheese shop in Virgil near Pillitteri Wineries if you want to have any wine and cheese in your room. It's Tony Deluca's Cheese Shop in the red barn. Also Pillitteri has beautiful little wine flavoured jellies from Niagara on the Lake to purchase. They are among the nicest we've had.
Have a wonderful time and best wishes on your anniversary! (*Bring a corkscrew....not in your carry on of course)
Nov 9th, 2005, 07:40 PM
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Plan to dine at Peller Estates - easily the best meal I've had this year.
http://www.peller.com/peller/index.asp
http://www.peller.com/peller/index.asp
Nov 19th, 2005, 04:49 PM
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NOTL and Buffalo are 40 minutes apart, very convenient. If you like art, Buffalo's Albright Knox Art Museum is fantastic and Buffalo has some great architecture inlcuding a 30,000,000 dollar restoration of one of frank Lloyd wrights amazing homes, the Darwin Martin House. You can make reservation for tour by calling or go on line. When in NOTL, there is only one place to stay for amazing romantic getaway in my opinion- Harbour House Hotel,definitely the best.
