Weekend ideas within ~3 hours drive from central NY
 

My sister and our husbands would like to go on a short weekend get-away in Sept or Oct. We will be leaving from the Rochester, NY or Corning, NY area. Kids are staying with Grandma. Leave on a Friday night, return Sunday morning. We are looking for fun activities (theme park, casino, tours, museums) and moderately priced resturants/bars/pubs. No shopping, camping, hiking, or dance clubs needed. We are ages 26-29.

Places that are out of the question: Any place in the Rochester / Corning / Binghamton / Syracuse square. NYC/Boston is too far and we've already visited Phila. I have 1 free night at a Mariott hotel that we can use. We have a few ideas, would like your thoughts and other suggestions.

Niagra Falls
Hershey Park
Toronto (could take the new ferry)

Thanks for your help! SenecaGirl

Well, Toronto has museums. However, if you've never been there, it's quite a large city to cover in only one day.

Niagara Falls has three casinos...one on the American side and two on the Canadian. The Canadian side boasts a brand new one...supposedly very Las Vegas style. I haven't checked it out yet, so can't really comment. The Falls also boasts a lot of tacky museums...was museum, Ripley's, etc.

Have fun!

How about Niagara on the Lake? Theater, wineries, inns. Have a quick read here

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/...oRightNow.xml/

Ouch! I just checked the prices of the Fast Ferry (The Breeze) RT from Rochester to Toronto, and for 4 people, total, including taxes is $255. I didn't realize it would be that much! I think I would rather upgrade a meal or hotel in Niagra Falls. I think we will focus our research efforts on Niagra. We've been plenty of times when we were kids, however we haven't been to Niagra as adults, so it will be a different experience!

Thanks for your help! SenecaGirl

My heart is not in this answer because you are coming from such a nice area but keep Central PA on your list.It is very convenient thanks to Rte.81.You could stay at the Harrisburg Marriott on Friday nite and then hit Hersheypark on Saturday(check their schedule).Nearby Mt. Gretna would be a nice change of pace for dinner.Hershey also hosts the national Antique Automobile Assoc. show every year in early October. It's a must-see, even for casual car fans.Would love to recommend half a day in Gettysburg or Lancaster but both are a good hour further from home.Try to avoid the Columbus Day weekend crowds.

My choice would be Toronto..I don't care for Niagara Falls. Too touristy and expensive. How about Cleveland...don't laugh, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is there....

Montreal? Not sure it's within 3 hours of Rochester. Many years ago, when we lived in Syracuse, we did it as a weekend trip. Ottawa is also a very nice city.

You can also go to Alexandria Bay area...not alot to do, but beautiful area. Take 81 north.