Niagara On The Lake For The Holidays?
 

I am looking for a place that will be pretty and have snow in December for a holiday or pre-holiday stay.

Is this a nice place for that kind of thing.

I'm thinking Norman Rockwell type scenery with some activities like sleigh rides, decorated trees, a holiday play or show and some good (not really expensive - less than $50. for two for a dinner w/ no alcoholic drinks) eateries.

I want something within a days drive of NYC.

All ideas are welcome - even ski lodges (non-skiers).

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Also, its not really related except I am planning a two part trip, any opinions on the Belvedere Hotel in NYC?

No snow in NOTL in Dec. If any, not enough for sleigh rides. Maybe late January/February. But, that area does not get a lot of snow. If you want lots of snow & sleigh rides you should head north of Toronto about 2.5 hours. But even there you may not get the Norman Rockwell thing that you are looking in December. You shd post your NOTL question on the Canada board for a better response.

Unless you are there after a "lake effect" snow I think you're headed in the wrong direction.

NOTL is a wonderful place but for what you really want and within a day's drive of NYC I suspect you'd be better off heading for someplace like Vermont.

Oh, and while you're at it why don't you stop off in Lee, Mass., and visit the Rockwell Museum?

I disagree with wow, there certainly could be snow in Niagara on the Lake in December. You can't count on it, but it's a real possiblity. It's hard to predict snow anywhere at Christmas time, but to say no possibility of snow for NOTL is not accurate.

Chocolate~
There may or may not be snow in Niagara on the Lake for the holidays, but it will be pretty. For snowy scenes, I think the advice about New England is great if you can drive that distance. Lots of lovely inns and places to enjoy the "Norman Rockwell" scene.

But in case you do want to think about Niagara on the Lake, I think these might be the settings you are thinking of:
http://www.romancecollection.com/

What about the Finger Lakes? I think there is usually more snow there with the "Buffalo effect" and there are lots of inns and the type of activities you're interested in.

Near that area you could also consider Ellicotville, a charming little village with exactly the type of atmosphere you like. We've been several times in all seasons since it is a ski/golf destination. Good restaurants in your price range too.

As for the Belvedere, I've stayed there on a family holiday and it was very good.....not 4* but good service, spacious rooms, great buffet breakfast, and unbeatable location for seeing the sights. Would definitely stay there again.

Tobie, what am I missing? That link to Romance Collection seems to be an ad for a gallery/store, not places to stay.

The "settings" I referred to are paintings.....sorry, I thought the Norman Rockwell image was indicative of an interest in art too.

My favourite place to stay in Niagara on the Lake is the Riverbend Inn:
http://www.riverbendinn.ca/

It's on the Niagara Parkway and is gorgeous any time of the year.

Just outside Niagara on the Lake proper is another wonderful inn located in the village of Jordan. With a winery and spa, and both a fine dining restaurant and tavern on site, it's lovely too:

http://innonthetwenty.com/

OK, Duh to me. The site showed those two pretty Victorian homes and I kept thinking they were B&Bs or something.

Meanwhile, we always stay at the Moffett Inn during the festival in the summer. It has old fashioned decor and nice sitting rooms in most "suites" with fireplaces. I've always pictured being there in the winter. Not an expensive place at all, but very pleasant and in the center of town.

Neopolitan~
Have you been through the Trisha Romance gallery in Niagara on the Lake?
The gallery used to be the family's residence till they built another. Portions of the home were an art gallery but you could always hear children behind the doors when the spaces were shared. It's quite a charming place now too....just kitty corner to the Prince of Wales across from the park.

Thanks everyone.

Tobie, how do you rate the Belvedere on cleanliness? It is really important to me.

Any other ideas for a snowy December holiday? Snow is my top fantasy for this part of my trip.

Thanks, again.

Yes, Tobie. When we go to NOTL, we spend 5 or 6 nights to see the full gambit of plays at the Festival, which gives us too much free daytime for such a small town. I don't think there's anyplace in town we haven't seen. Now that you mention its location, yes, I do remember it.

I meant no major/sleigh ride/"top fantasy" snow in NOTL in pre-holiday/holiday time in December. It was clear from the OP that
major snow was a pre-requisite. You may get snow but not the kind that Chocolate Water Ice is fantasizing about. That's all, KathyK!

Wow, I have to respectfully disagree again. I live 1/2 hour from Niagara on the Lake and it's possible to have several feet of snow in December. It's also possible to have no snow in December. You can't predict it.

<<Tobie, how do you rate the Belvedere on cleanliness? It is really important to me.>>

Me too! I have been known to stick post it notes on spots that needed attention so I know what you mean, and the Belvedere was very good in that regard.
Our teens were in a double room across the hall and my picky daughter found it passed her test too.
Apple doesn't fall far.......and all that!
***********
If you really are after a snowy holiday then flying to Quebec City for a little taste of Europe with a dusting of white would be perfect.
http://www.bonjourquebec.com/us-en/experiences0.html

But within a days drive of NYC, I might be thinking the Adirondacks. Lovely places there like Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid. Or what about the Berkshires... I've only seen it in the summer but it's gorgeous countryside.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/theberkshires

Hope that helps.

The thing is, NOTL is pretty far from NYC. If you are doing NYC, you do not have to be THAT far away to get the possibility of holiday charm. The Finger Lakes, areas of New England, even Montreal and Quebec offer more to do and see than NOTL. Nothing against the little village! But it just does not seem practical, for what you get.

The snow likelihood is closer to Western NY - that side of Lake Erie seems to bring the most snow - but no guarantee for the holidays.

But the charm element exists much closer to NYC and there would be lots more to see and do closer to New England. Just my opinion. Sounds like a nice vacation, though!

Why not fly & go to Montreal (my latest favorite city) or Quebec City?

Thanks for the help and advice.

After looking, I see that NOTL is a long drive from NYC.

Wow, we want to drive rather than fly for that road trip type experience.

Tobie, thanks a lot for the cleanliness info on the Belvedere. I feel a lot better now.

Thanks again, everyone.