Niagra Falls/Cleveland trip
Dec 28th, 2005, 08:50 AM
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Niagra Falls/Cleveland trip
This summer, either late May or early June, my family (husband, wife, two boys (age 14 and one daughter age 10)is going on a trip to Niagra Falls and Cleveland Ohio. We have never been to this part of the U.S. before. I have heard the Canadian side of Niagra Falls is better than the US side. Can anyone give me some pointers of where to stay, what to do, what not to do, etc? Also, we plan to go to Cleveland, Ohio, when we leave the Falls, for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Anything else in Ohio we should be sure not to miss?? Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Dec 28th, 2005, 09:13 AM
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Stop halfway between Buffalo and Cleveland and spend some time in Erie at Presque Isle State Park.
http://www.presqueisle.org/
http://www.presqueisle.org/
Dec 28th, 2005, 11:00 AM
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The Canadian side is much nicer. The U.S. side is pretty dismal but there are views of the falls you will want to see from the U.S. side. The walk across the bridge is an easy stroll. When we visited we stayed on the U.S. side & didn't mind the walk to the other side - the exercise did us good, but if I was to do it again I would opt for the Canadian side. While you are there drive to the village of Niagara On the Lake for a visit. As for Cleveland I recommend the Hyatt downtown which is within walking distance of the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. The hotel is also on the Register of Historical Buildings & the interior of this building is absolutely gorgeous.
Dec 28th, 2005, 12:05 PM
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You could choose a hotel in Buffalo and see a little bit of that city, which was once a shining star. The Albright Knox Art Gallery is lovely, and there are several extremely interesting buildings and Frederick Law Olmstead parks there. it is on the way to Cleveland.
Dec 28th, 2005, 01:33 PM
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Another option of where to stay in Cleveland, is the Renaissance. Great location downtown, and very nice (I thought). There is also a Ritz next door (both are connected to a large mall, although the mall is going downhill lately).
If you and your kids are in to amusement parks/rollar coasters, you can't miss Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio. I think you could get to it in an hour, hour and 15 minutes. Some of the best (highest and all that) rollarcoasters in the world.
If you and your kids are in to amusement parks/rollar coasters, you can't miss Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio. I think you could get to it in an hour, hour and 15 minutes. Some of the best (highest and all that) rollarcoasters in the world.
Dec 28th, 2005, 07:03 PM
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Where will you be traveling from? It sounds like you will begin in The Falls area and then on to CLE. Will this be a one week trip? Nonetheless, stay on the Canadian side at one of the recognizable name hotels (Marriott, etc). The entire area is easily navigated on foot. Parking becomes a bit of a challenge in the summer months. Also, I would definitely recommend at least a half day into Niagara-On-The-Lake, north of the falls about a half hour. It's a nice drive along the parkway and the town is a great place to pass a few hours. You can include the Butterfly Pavilion as well as The Floral Clock along the parkway. My wife and I would spend a weekend every summer visiting the town and attending the theatre. Then it's about 3 hours from there to CLE. If you'd like to include a little beach, Presque Isle is a good stop- about mid-way between Buffalo and CLE. I'd say start from the Falls area early and toe the sand for as much time as you'd like on the way. Then, stay at one of the previously recommended hotels in downtown CLE, all good suggestions (Rennaissance, Marriott, Hyatt, Ritz if you can afford it). It's an easy city to navigate and parking is also easy. The Rock Hall is a fun day and can be combined with the Science Center next to The Hall. If possible, catch The Indians at Jacobs Field, one of the best ballparks in the nation. I agree with amelie that Cedar Point should not be missed. With 10-14 year olds it might well be the highlight of your trip (along with The Falls). There is not a better park in the USA for a wide variety of thrilling coasters and assorted other "easier" rides. It is almost 2 hours west. Even though I've relocated, I do think it's a great area to spend a summer week and I never hesitate to recommend the area. My wife still begs every year to take her back for a visit, especially to Niagara-On-The-Lake.
Dec 29th, 2005, 04:29 AM
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sable
I recommend staying at Sheraton on the Falls. You can get a floor to ceiling view of both the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls and it's right around the corner from a street your teens will love with all it's games.
You will want to go behind Horseshoe Falls, take a Maid of the Mist ride, and drive over to the American side to Goat Island where you can walk very up close and personal to the Falls. It is great.
I also agree, if you have time, in driving to Niagara on the Lake. There is a boat ride you can take from there that your teen will love, very fast and wet.
Sorry, forgot the name but a google would find it.
Also, FOR SURE you want to do Cedar Point. You will enjoy it almost as much as your kids. Plan on the whole day as it is huge. The hotel in the park is old but a good location if you want to stay on Lake Erie. We enjoy walking the beach there. There are many, many hotels if you want to stay right outside of the park.
Have fun planning!
I recommend staying at Sheraton on the Falls. You can get a floor to ceiling view of both the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls and it's right around the corner from a street your teens will love with all it's games.
You will want to go behind Horseshoe Falls, take a Maid of the Mist ride, and drive over to the American side to Goat Island where you can walk very up close and personal to the Falls. It is great.
I also agree, if you have time, in driving to Niagara on the Lake. There is a boat ride you can take from there that your teen will love, very fast and wet.
Sorry, forgot the name but a google would find it.Also, FOR SURE you want to do Cedar Point. You will enjoy it almost as much as your kids. Plan on the whole day as it is huge. The hotel in the park is old but a good location if you want to stay on Lake Erie. We enjoy walking the beach there. There are many, many hotels if you want to stay right outside of the park.
Have fun planning!
Dec 29th, 2005, 07:12 AM
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All of this info is really helping a lot. I think we are going to try to leave SC (where we live) on June 1 (that way we can avoid the Memorial Day prices and traffic hopefully). We will be driving so we will stop somewhere on the way up - any suggestions on where a good place would be about half way there?
Dec 29th, 2005, 07:14 PM
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As others have suggested, stay on the Canadian side, but definitely view the falls from the American side as well. Goat Island offers many vantage points to stand at the brink, which is awesome. Terrapin Point is my favorite. Also visit Three Sisters Island and view the upper rapids.
The Canadian side has all the restaurants, video arcades, tacky museums (but fun), and entertainment venues. Do a search of the Canadian forums for more info.
Everyone recommends the Maid of the Mist boat ride that rides very close the the base of the falls. You can take it from both sides.
Personally, with two 14 year old boys, I would skip Niagara on the Lake. It is a lovely historic town (and VERY touristy and expensive), but I can't imagine teenage boys having a good time. Your daughter would probably enjoy the shopping. Just my opinion. People really love it. Maybe it's worth a day to stroll around if you plan on taking a ride on the jet boat ride.
CD is talking about the Jetboat rides. I have not been, but have hiked into the gorge and watched them. Looked like fun. My nephew loved his ride! The jet boat rides over the lower rapids. Speaking of rapids, visit the Whitewater Walkway (I'm screwing up that name, but it's something like that). You can take an elevator and short walk down into the lower gorge to view the rapids....the strongest in the world. Don't bother, though, if you decide to take the jetboat tour. (You can google jetboat tours).
I recommend Old Fort Niagara on the American side (about a 15 minute drive north of the falls). The fort is in pristine condition and built around the time of the French and Indian war. It is a beautiful, historic, piece of American history, and something the entire family can enjoy. The French Castle is the oldest building on the Great Lakes. There is a wonderful museum, as well. The fort sits across from Niagara on the Lake (Canadian side) on Lake Ontario where the Niagara River ends. On a clear day you can view Toronto. I HIGHLY recommend the fort. My son is 14 and we've been taking him since he was five. He never gets sick of it.
Check out www.oldfortniagara.org.
Have a great time!
The Canadian side has all the restaurants, video arcades, tacky museums (but fun), and entertainment venues. Do a search of the Canadian forums for more info.
Everyone recommends the Maid of the Mist boat ride that rides very close the the base of the falls. You can take it from both sides.
Personally, with two 14 year old boys, I would skip Niagara on the Lake. It is a lovely historic town (and VERY touristy and expensive), but I can't imagine teenage boys having a good time. Your daughter would probably enjoy the shopping. Just my opinion. People really love it. Maybe it's worth a day to stroll around if you plan on taking a ride on the jet boat ride.
CD is talking about the Jetboat rides. I have not been, but have hiked into the gorge and watched them. Looked like fun. My nephew loved his ride! The jet boat rides over the lower rapids. Speaking of rapids, visit the Whitewater Walkway (I'm screwing up that name, but it's something like that). You can take an elevator and short walk down into the lower gorge to view the rapids....the strongest in the world. Don't bother, though, if you decide to take the jetboat tour. (You can google jetboat tours).
I recommend Old Fort Niagara on the American side (about a 15 minute drive north of the falls). The fort is in pristine condition and built around the time of the French and Indian war. It is a beautiful, historic, piece of American history, and something the entire family can enjoy. The French Castle is the oldest building on the Great Lakes. There is a wonderful museum, as well. The fort sits across from Niagara on the Lake (Canadian side) on Lake Ontario where the Niagara River ends. On a clear day you can view Toronto. I HIGHLY recommend the fort. My son is 14 and we've been taking him since he was five. He never gets sick of it.
Check out www.oldfortniagara.org.
Have a great time!
Dec 29th, 2005, 07:16 PM
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The boat ride mentioned above is the whirlpool jet boat...it was featured in the last episode of The Amazing Race and I will guarantee your kids will find it to be the highlight of the trip...they will also enjoy Cave of the Winds on the US side as well as the Maid of the Mist... all are WET so you should plan a day to do all three and wear swimsuits, tees, and bring a clothing change for after the Jetboat.
Many of the attractions are available in a discount booklet that is sold at the Goat Island ticket booth... the Jetboat is separate and look for discounts on their website or in tourist handouts... have fun!
Many of the attractions are available in a discount booklet that is sold at the Goat Island ticket booth... the Jetboat is separate and look for discounts on their website or in tourist handouts... have fun!
Dec 30th, 2005, 05:36 AM
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I am so glad a friend of mine put me on to this site - I hope to start making definite plans within the next two weeks and this info will help me tremendously. Please forgive my ignorance - I have never traveled outside the continental US before (other than Jamaica)- how do I exchange money to have some Canadian money?
Dec 30th, 2005, 06:20 AM
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IMO the best way to pay for most things is to charge it on your Mastercard or Visa. That way they do the conversion for you. I just, right before Christmas, called Sheraton on the Falls and bought 300.00 in gift certificates. I charged it to Mastercard and it came out to 260.00 in American on my Mastercard. I just find charging as easier way to go.
Dec 30th, 2005, 07:37 AM
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There are also money exchange booths in all of the Duty Free shops at the border and any bank will exchange your $$. Charge the big stuff such as rooms and meals but keep some CDN for fudge, souveniers, and postcards...
Also the very best place to exchange your $$ is the casino... you will get the best rate there because they think you are going to leave it there!!
Also the very best place to exchange your $$ is the casino... you will get the best rate there because they think you are going to leave it there!!
Dec 30th, 2005, 08:27 AM
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We did this trip two years ago with son (13) and daughter (11).
Canadian side is nicer at Niagara. We stayed at Sheraton FallsView with a room overlooking the falls - it was worth the splurge.
In Ohio, we particularly enjoyed Cedar Point, a huge amusement park right on the lake about 80 miles from Cleveland - it is billed to be the best place to ride roller coasters in the country and we wouldn't quarrel with that.
The Rock&Roll Hall of Fame was my favorite stop on the trip and a definite don't miss. The kids found it a little boring, though - I could have stayed longer.
Good luck!
PS: We also stopped in Toronto for a few days. It is only a couple of hours from Niagara Falls and is a very interesting and cosmopolitan city.
Canadian side is nicer at Niagara. We stayed at Sheraton FallsView with a room overlooking the falls - it was worth the splurge.
In Ohio, we particularly enjoyed Cedar Point, a huge amusement park right on the lake about 80 miles from Cleveland - it is billed to be the best place to ride roller coasters in the country and we wouldn't quarrel with that.
The Rock&Roll Hall of Fame was my favorite stop on the trip and a definite don't miss. The kids found it a little boring, though - I could have stayed longer.
Good luck!
PS: We also stopped in Toronto for a few days. It is only a couple of hours from Niagara Falls and is a very interesting and cosmopolitan city.
Jan 5th, 2006, 05:27 AM
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I would charge everything to your credit card as well. You'll usually get the best exchange this way. But, in many of the restaurants/shops in Niagara Falls, there are prices printed in both Canadian and US dollars. The US prices are often much better because the exchange has fluctuated to the point that it is around $.85 Canadian to $1 US (it used to be as low as $.55 or so). Whenever I go to Niagara Falls, I pay in US dollars if it is the lower priced option. Just be sure to know the current exchange when you go, and carry along a small calculator.
If you are heading from NF to Cleveland, you'll probably travel on the I-190S through Buffalo to get to the I-90W. Your family might want to try authentic Buffalo wings or a Beef on Weck sandwich and there are hundreds of places to choose from. I live outside of Buffalo and would suggest the Anchor Bar or Laughlin's Beef & Barrel.
Have a great time!
If you are heading from NF to Cleveland, you'll probably travel on the I-190S through Buffalo to get to the I-90W. Your family might want to try authentic Buffalo wings or a Beef on Weck sandwich and there are hundreds of places to choose from. I live outside of Buffalo and would suggest the Anchor Bar or Laughlin's Beef & Barrel.
Have a great time!
