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Thursday, July 3, 2014

7/3/14: Niagara Falls USA Trip Itinerary

We love to travel and have the kids experience new things.  I was very excited when we were invited to travel to Niagara Falls USA as a family.  This post will go through the itinerary we followed thanks to the Niagara USA Official Visitor Center.  I will then have a series of posts over the next couple weeks of more in-depth posts on each of the areas.
It wasn't a bad drive from Boston taking us about 7 1/2 hours.  We first went to our hotel which was the Sheraton at the Falls.  It was convenient to all the attractions at Niagara Falls State Park.  We could walk to the Falls which was great.  Plus parking is included in the room rate so you don't need to worry about paying for parking.  We had a lovely suite which was probably the largest room I have ever stayed in!
First on our agenda was to head to Old Fort Niagara.  It was about 20 minutes to arrive there from our hotel.  What a beautiful place and gives you an opportunity to visit original 18th century buildings.  There are people reenacting being Fort garrisons.  Plus there is a self-guided or audio tour.  There are even hourly musket demonstrations.
From Old Fort Niagara we went to eat dinner at the Lewiston Silo Restaurant.  This restaurant is pretty cool looking and was even featured on Man Vs. Food on the Travel Channel.  Adam Richman called Beef on Weck "Beef on Wonderful".  The Silo Restaurant opened in April of 1998 however the Silo building has been around since the 1930s.  You can read more here about it's history.
Then we took a walk over to Niagara Falls.  We had been in Niagara for almost a day and had not seen the Falls yet so we had to.
This was the first time the kids had ever seen the Falls.  They thought it was pretty amazing!
 I love that on the USA side you can get so close to the Falls!
The next day we were up bright and early and off to explore Niagara Falls State Park.  If you are visiting you must buy the Discovery Pass!  This allows you to experience all that the Park has to offer at a discounted rate.  It includes the world famous Maid of the Mist Boat tour, walk within feet of the Falls at the Cave of the Winds, meet the legends at the Niagara Adventure Theatre, take the Trolley, get hands-on at the Discovery Center and go under the sea at the Aquarium of Niagara!  Adults are $36 and Children between 6 and 12 yrs of age are $29.  More about this when I do my followup post.
We also ate at the Top of the Falls Restaurant.  What breath-taking views and good food.  I had the Fish and Chips and it was really good.  The food was reasonably priced and really good.
The next day we ventured out to Lockport.  I would have never known to do this so I was excited that we had our itinerary set which included it.  We took a Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruise, Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Tour, and headed over to Sweet Ride Rentals for some lunch and a smoothie, and to Lake Effects Artisan Ice Cream for some very fancy ice cream.  I had an ice cream with Blue Cheese and it was awesome! 
 We then ate dinner at Wine on 3rds Pizza Bistro which was really yummy and within walking distance of the hotel.
Then it was back off to see the Falls at night.  This is my favorite time to see them.
It is so beautiful all lit up.  This happens every night at 9 pm but the lights don't really show up nicely like this until later when it gets a bit darker.  This viewing area is from where the Maid of the Mist observation deck is.  It was one of my favorite views.
 There are so many viewing areas.  This one is right next to the Horse Shoe Falls.
On the last day we headed out to Niagara Jet Adventures for an awesome boat ride!!!!  This was the highlight of my trip.  Not only did you get to experience the rapids up close and personal but you were in a beautiful new covered boat so you didn't get soaked.  This company has only been operating for 5 weeks and we loved it!  A must do!
Last but not least we went to Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum.  The lovely Director Rae gave us a wonderful tour and we all got to ride the Carrousel.
Follow along as I post more in this series on Niagara Falls USA!
Find the Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center Online: http://www.niagara-usa.com/
Twitter:  @NiagaraFallsUSA #NiagaraUSA

Disclosure:  This trip was sponsored by the Niagara Falls USA Tourism and Convention Corporation.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

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