Cape Cod to Niagara
 

My husband and our three teenage kids are driving from Cape Cod to Niagara. any suggestions of where to stop overnight. Would prefer to be closer to Niagara so as to get there early next day <BR> <BR>Tks

Lots of inexpensive, easy-on-and-off-the-thruway hotels between Syracuse and Buffalo. Cape to Syracuse is about 6 hours, another 1-1/2 to Rochester, another 1 hour to Buffalo. Obviously the closer to Buffalo you are the faster you will get to Niagara the next morning. Pick up a hotel guide at any of the thruway rest areas for coupons.

We've made the trip from New Hampshire to Niagara Falls many times. We usually break up the trip with an overnight in Clarence, a few miles east of Buffalo, where there are a dozen or more moderately priced chain motels just off the NY State Parkway. There are also lots of terrific restaurants, including all the usual chains (even a Denny's for breakfast). From Clarence, it's about an hour and a half to Niagara Falls. Do hope you're planning to stay on the Canadian side. Due to the configuration of the Falls, the views and proximity of walking paths and viewing spots are far superior to the American side. The Canadian Parks Commission has done a wonderful job of landscaping and retaining the natural beauty of the area. All the "touristy" stuff is up the hill behind the trees. The hotels/motels are much nicer and very reasonably priced (especially with the favorable exchange rate). Be sure to ask the front desk for a form so you can be reimbursed for about half the taxes on your room (and any purchases on slips totalling $50 or more before the taxes are added). You can either mail in the form, or collect your refund at the duty-free shop on your way home. I highly recommend taking the Queenston Heights Bridge (rather that Rainbow, for example). It looks out of the way on the map, but it really isn't. You'll find much less traffic there. And, the drive down the parkway from there to the Falls is terrific. You'll never forget your first view of the falls as you round the bend and they come into your view.

If you have teenagers, perhaps they'd like to stop for an hour or so in Cooperstown,NY (off the NY St. Parkway). Not a place for overnight, tho. There are a lot in Buffalo and along the road. <BR>Try Hampton Inn in the Buffalo area. Free breakfast and a pool for the kids.

I'll have to disagree with bb. If your sons are baseball fans, Cooperstown would be a great place to stop overnight. It's a charming town, with a lot a nice b&bs.

If you are going to drive all the way to Buffalo to stay the night, you might as well just drive the extra 16 miles to Niagara Falls and stay there. Although, Buffalo would be a fun stop with three teenagers, if you're only going to get here in time to sleep, you should take my above advice.

Martina did not ask whether they should stop for the night along the way but where. It's eight or more hours driving from Cape Cod to Buffalo and she's smart to end the day driving at that point or sooner, especially with three teenagers.

Just don't stop in Utica, NY (near Cooperstown). What a pit!