Hello friends,

We are leaving Michigan (with a stop at Greenfield Village) and heading to Niagara Falls in May via Hamilton,ON. Have never been to the Falls or NY and are very interested in a quiet upstate experience including some quaint villages, wineries, antiques and incredible scenery. Would appreciate any ideas.

Thanks,
Karen

The Niagara Wine Region on the Canadian side has over 100 wineries along with restaurants, parks, the village of Niagara on the Lake and plenty of the character you are seeking...the area features thousands of acres of vineyards plus the busier tourist area around the Falls...

Across the border on the US side is a newer wine trail and the villages of Lewiston and Youngstown... a few dozen wineries have sprung up and the US side of the Falls features more of the Nature of the Falls...

If you are willing to drive a bit, head to Letchworth State Park, known as the "grand Canyon of the east" and the Finger Lakes region... the drive along RT 20 takes you through villages, farms, fruit stands, and the character you are looking for...

Both areas meet your needs, depending on your time, pick one and we can give you more info...

Gary,
Thanks for your reply. I am getting so excited about exploring this area for the first time. I think we'll have about 7 days or more so both areas might be doable.

Any suggestions about restaurants or special places are appreciated. I find that locals or the well-traveled always know the best places to go.

karen... a lot has to do with budget... are you spending or budget traveling?... I can help you better also if you let me know if you are big hikers, bikers, or nature people...

or wine sippers, shoppers, and shop browsers? also do you want the full Niagara Falls experience or just a look?

We "budget" by not staying in expensive hotels or B and B's (I love a wonderful B and B, but am not the kind to hang around all day, would rather get out and about). Would rather spend money on excursions etc. We love nature but don't want to climb mountains. Hiking trails are great and love to take photos of great scenery. I did go zip lining in the Caribbean. We used to be tent campers and bring bikes but not this trip. By "full Niagara Falls experience" I don't want to go over in a barrel, lol. Are you talking about a boat ride?


We enjoy the wine tasting but aren't ones to sit around all day and drink wine, instead we find a bottle we like and then on to the next. I do love to wander antique malls and love farmer's markets with fresh fruit to eat on the way.

thx

By Full Niagara, I meant that there are a few must do attractions at the Falls...

First of all Maid of the Mist is now only available on the US side (Canada now uses Hornblower Catamarans) so I would recommend the Discovery Pass which offers the Maid plus Cave of the winds... www.niagarafallsstatepark.com


the season starts May 22nd or earlier if weather permits... also the best attraction at the Falls is the whirlpool jet boats... www.whirlpooljet.com

the drive around Niagara wine region is beautiful with dozens of stops for tasting www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com along with farmstands and parks

For lodging, start with www.niagaraonthelake.com for all prices and types of lodging... since may is still off season, there will be some good pricing... you could also stay at the Falls using any of the chains or even a local like the Oakes Hotel with a Falls view...

You can also stay on the US side of the Falls with somewhat cheaper rates but less of a view of the Falls.

Once you leave the Falls, its well worth the drive to East Aurora NY for a visit to the home of the Roycroft Mission Arts and Crafts movement as well as Vidlers 5 and dime, a charming store with a bit of everything on earth.

From there take RT 20 east to Letchworth State Park for unbelievable scenery, and then continue along Rt20 through villages, farms and along the top of the Finger Lakes.

Geneva, Scaneateles, Watkins Glen, Corning, Ithaca are all worthy stops in the area with plenty of Lake tours and attractions...

There's plenty more you can do if you have special interests or questions...

Gary,

Can't thank you enough for all your input. I love to do the same for those interested in traveling Michigan. I live in Indiana currently and have helped several friends plan wonderful trips to MI.

I've done some research on the ideas you provided and we are looking forward to a new adventure. I will keep you updated and get back to you if I have questions.

Thanks again,