Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is an incredible sight to behold, and experiencing it for the first time was a life changer.
The sheer power and scale of the falls left us speechless. We witnessed millions of gallons of water cascading down, creating a thunderous roar and a misty spray that filled the air. The sight was both majestic and humbling.
Experiencing the Falls Up Close: There were many ways to get up close and personal with Niagara Falls
- Maid of the Mist: This iconic boat tour took our crew right into the heart of the mist, offering a unique perspective of the falls. I personally felt the power of the water and got quite soaked (ponchos provided!).
- Cave of the Winds: I descended into the Niagara Gorge and walked along a series of stairs and decks that led me to the "Hurricane Deck," where I felt the full force of the wind and mist from the Bridal Veil Falls. No one else wanted to go with me.
Exploring the Surroundings: Niagara Falls offered more than just the falls themselves:
- Niagara Falls State Park: This park on the American side offers various viewpoints, walking trails, and attractions like the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center.
- Clifton Hill: On the Canadian side, Clifton Hill was a lively street with attractions, restaurants, and shops.
- Niagara SkyWheel: Then we booked a ride on the huge Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the falls and surrounding area.
Tips for our first visit:
- Planning: We decided which attractions to experience and booked tickets in advance, especially since it was peak season.
- Explore both sides: The falls were impressive from both the American and Canadian sides, so we brought our passports and crossed the border to experience different perspectives.
- Allow enough time: There was a lot to see and do at Niagara Falls, so we spent a full day to fully enjoy our visit.
Overall, our first trip to Niagara Falls was an unforgettable experience. The natural beauty, the power of the falls, and the various attractions left the family with lasting memories.
Finger Lakes Exploring!
The Finger Lakes region of New York State was a fantastic destination for a summer trip! Here's why:
Natural Beauty: The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its stunning scenery. Eleven long, narrow glacial lakes stretch out like fingers across the landscape, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns. Summer brought lush greenery and perfect weather for enjoying the outdoors.
Things to do:
- Water Activities: With eleven lakes, there were endless opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
- Hiking and Biking: We explored numerous trails that wound through forests, gorges, and along the lakeshores, offering breathtaking views. Some popular spots included Watkins Glen State Park (our favorite) and Letchworth State Park.
- Wine Tasting: The Finger Lakes region is a major wine producer, particularly known for its Riesling wines. Many wineries offered tours and tastings.
- Charming Towns: We visited picturesque towns like Ithaca, Geneva, Canandaigua, and Skaneateles, each with unique attractions, shops, and restaurants.
- Arts and Culture: We also explored museums, art galleries, and historical sites, or attended a summer festival or concert.
Tips for planning our trip:
- Best time to visit: Summer (June through August) offers warm weather perfect for water activities.
- Accommodation: Options ranged from cozy bed and breakfasts to lakeside resorts and vacation rentals. We opted for an AirBnB.
- Book in advance: Popular accommodations and activities filled up quickly, especially during peak season.
Wrap Up
Niagara Falls was awe-inspiring. The sheer power and scale of the falls were breathtaking. We experienced them up close via the Maid of the Mist boat tour and I braved the Cave of the Winds myself. We also explored the surrounding area, including Niagara Falls State Park, the lively Clifton Hill, and the Niagara SkyWheel. We planned our visit well, explored both the American and Canadian sides, and dedicated a full day to the experience.
The Finger Lakes region offered a different kind of beauty. We enjoyed the stunning scenery of the eleven lakes, rolling hills, and charming towns. We took advantage of the numerous water activities, hiked and biked through scenic trails (Watkins Glen was a highlight!), sampled local wines, explored the towns, and even took in some arts and culture.