We're driving from New Hampshire to Niagara Falls over the July 4th weekend (leaving Thursday afternoon) and will need a place to stay overnight on the way and on the return trip. We'd like to stop halfway each time (but are flexible if you have a great place to stay along the way)

I would appreciate suggestions on interesting hotels and/or towns to stop at along the way.

Plus, any suggestions on "don't miss" in Niagara Falls - besides the Maid of the Mist?

Thanks, Sonia

don't miss (forget) the sun lotion ... the mist from the fall will make you feel very good under the sun and in the evening you'll have a sunburn.


Celine

We've driven from New Hampshire to Niagara Falls many times. There really is no "great" place to stay. Going, we usually stay just east of Buffalo (to get most of the driving out of the way), where all the moderately priced hotels are represented and there's a variety of reasonable places for dinner then breakfast. Coming home, we usually stay in the Troy/Albany area. But, then, we like to go about 3/4 or more the first day, so as to have only a 1/4 of the trip left the second day.

There are terrific websites that list all the attractions in and near the Falls, so you can select those most appealing to you.

Don't miss a drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Last June we stayed at the Sheraton Fallsview for $34 American per night (through Priceline). Next to the casino and close to everything on the Canadian side. Info at:

HTTP://WWW.INFONIAGARA.COM/D-HOTEL-SHERATON.HTML

For info on other accomodations try one of these links:

HTTP://WWW.INFONIAGARA.COM/D-HOTELS.HTML

HTTP://WWW.INFONIAGARA.COM/D-LODGING.HTML

You already stated that you know Maid of the Mist is a must. Also the walk behind the falls was a lot of fun.

In Niagara Falls, don't miss the white water boardwalk. It's down in the lower gorge and goes along the rapids, which are considered to be the strongest in the world. It's really an awesome experience to be down there along the rapids and looking up at the gorge walls.

If you like American history, a few miles away on the American side is Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org), which has been standing since the French & Indian war. It's absolutely fascinating. It sits within a state park where the lower Niagara empties into Lake Ontario. On a clear day you can see the Toronto skyline.

Also, I suggest to everyone that even if they're staying on the Canadian side, you should view the Falls from the American side. On the Canadian side you get a panaramic view from a distance. On the American side, you can stand at the railing right where the water drops over. You can literally reach out and touch it (although I don't recommend it)! Also, you can walk along the upper rapids.

Have a great time.

If you like to gamble, there are casino's on both sides.

Buffalo Girl: How does one get to the white water boardwalk? Is this on the American side? Is is near "Devil's Hole"?

Try Rochester NY, Much better than buffalo any day

The walk behind the Falls is probably what is called the Cave of the Winds. You will see signs for it and it is really fun to do. Niagara on the Lake is great-quaint town, lovely shops and restaurants. On your way from NF to NOTL stop at the butterfly conservatory-live butterflies all over-its beautiful. You will find the gardens at NF, NOTL and the butterfly place beautiful. Also, lots of wineries around NOTL, which offer tours and tasting. The region is famous for ice wine. Note that in Canada, they apparently cant give free samples of alcohol so you are charged for the tastings.

Sonia,
Go on the Canada board and type in Niagara in the text search. You'll come up with lots of good stuff.

Niagaraonthelake.com is a wonderful place. If you don't stay there, at least do a day trip. Great shopping, wineries, and a wonderful pub called Olde Angel Inn Pub & Restaurant.

White water boardwalk is on the Canadian side just a little north of the falls. To be honest with you, I recommend it over Devil's Hole on the American side. The steps down to the lower river from Devil'Hole isn't really a tourist destination. The entrance is not well marked, and it's a steep, narrow walk on slippery stairs with no railings. When you get below, there is a muddy trail and lots of overgrown trees and bushes. Mostly local hikers and fisherman hike down there. I hiked it two years ago with my husband and son. It was worth it, but not something I would recommend to the casual traveler to Niagara Falls. Therefore, I suggest the WW Boardwalk on the Canadian side, which is set up as a tourist attraction and is much safer.

Jibboo: Rochester better than Buffalo.....now that's funny!!

Thanks BuffaloGirl. All the times I've been to Niagara Falls and didn't know about that boardwalk ... I'll be sure to check it out next time.

Here's the web address:

http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/whitewater.php

what the heck could be in Roch a cha!!! give me a break! Buffalo blows Roch. away.........try the burbs..like clarence williamsville.....posh areas..million dollar homes there!!tons of stores! malls!! and fun for all!the food is awesome when I visited there too!!!!!!!!!!!!try harrys on the waterfront..excellent dining..and nice atmosphere!

Here's another recommendation for Clarence (east of Buffalo) versus Rochester. We found Rochester to be a bit gloomy and seedy. The Sheraton was the worst hotel we've ever experienced. Positively awful. Except for a restaurant 4 Vine there (I think it's "4") which we visited on the way there and again on the way back. Spectacular! (And, in a "nicer" section of the city.)

If you are in the falls..a MUST IS RED COACH INN. Fabulous food.!!accomodations there as a bed and berakfast..and also just to dine.!! it overlooks the rapids! it is really pretty!!!
YEs.Clarence is definitely a pretty town outside of Buffalo!!

Go to www.Skylon.com and reserve a table for dinner, this is a revolving restaurant 530 feet above the falls, make your reservs for just before sunset and you get that too, then you can see the falls lit up after dark when you come back around. The walk behind the falls is called "JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS" these are all on the Canadian side.