Headed there next weekend. Any suggestions for accomodations/sights? Thanks in advance, I am amazed at the wealth of knowledge on this site.
Headed there next weekend. Any suggestions for accomodations/sights? Thanks in advance, I am amazed at the wealth of knowledge on this site.
I live there, so I'm probably the wrong one to ask! Bed and Breakfasts outside of town will beat the big hotels any day as far as I'm concerned. Check out much of the historical stuff (it's a hotbed for industrial revolution era sites, war of 1812 history, etc). Winery tours/tastings and cuisine are also fantastic. I don't see value in any of the usual tourist gouging commercial stuff, so I hesitate to recommend anything of that nature.
-Jeff
The Canadian side has a much better view of everything but in an odd twist, is vastly more commercialized than the US side, which is a National Park if I'm not mistaken.
If I ever go there with a girlfriend I'll be staying on the Canadian side. There's more to do and pretty much all of it is within walking distance of the nice hotels.
The Canadians get to see both falls far better from their side.
Oh, and it takes about a minute to cross into Canada and an hour to return to the US, where you'll be assumed to be Osama Bin Laden himself trying to get into the US.
Last time I was there, I stayed on the canadian side, which is as active as Reno at night. The view is spectacular. During the day, I rode a metric century out and back along the south side of the lake. the ride was flat and went past many wineries that were open for tours. It was a great day and a nice stay up there. For anyone interested in adult entertainment, the Canadian side is the place to be. It is my traveling companions fault that I know this.
We stayed at the Doubeltree in Niagara Falls a few years ago. It was fairly priced for the amenities that were offered, and it was located about two blocks from Horseshoe Falls. Make sure that you take the tunnel which opens to the Falls...it's impressive. Also leave some time to chill in the town of Niagara on the Lake.
If you like modern art head over to the Albright-Knox in Buffalo and then walk a few blocks down Elmwood for a few good beers at Cole's.
Go eat wings at Duff's.
It's in Amherst, just a short trip from Niagara Falls NY. Ask any local, they can tell you how to get there.
Best wings ever.
Slooooooowly I turned, step by step, inch by inch...
I am local to Niagara and it's my personal opinion that most of the attractions have become really hokey with the exception of the Maid of the Mist boat ride which gives you an absolutely spectacular view of the falls from the base. Unfortunately I don't think it will be open at this time of year.
At this time of year I would recommend visiting Niagara on the Lake and perhaps doing a winery tour, and certainly go down to table rock house to get a good look at the falls!
Thanks everyone for the ideas. I am looking forward to the trip!
Do the Whirlpool Rapids tourist attraction on the Canadian side. You will NOT be sorry. I'm in Canada and take all our visitors there. You get to take an elevator down to river level in the gorge just a bit downstream from the falls. OMG - the power of that river is immense.
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