Toronto/Buffalo/Niagara Advice

[christie1111]

Husband1111 wants to go to the International Bowl.

Looks like a road trip is in the works.

I told him I would want to watch the Rose Bowl, D'uh, but other than that we go when he wants.

Probably will stay in the Buffalo/Niagara area the night before and after the game. I have been to the area but no one else in the family has.

Not the best time to see the Falls, but better than never.

Any advice is welcome, well except from BDM!

[MarleysGh0st]

Does everyone have their passports, for crossing the border?

I don't know if the Maid of the Mist still runs during the winter season, but that's the best way to experience the falls, IMHO. If you get a little chilly, that'll just be part of the experience!

[christie1111]

Yes, we travel to England regularly.

I think the Maid of the mist would be flirting with frostbite!

[MarleysGh0st]

I think the Maid of the mist would be flirting with frostbite!

So flirt a little!

[MarleysGh0st]

I think the Maid of the mist would be flirting with frostbite!

So flirt a little!

You're off the hook. Their last day of the 2008 season was October 24.

http://www.maidofthemist.com/en/

[christie1111]

Darn!

[frogman042]

I lived in that area from the mid 70's to the mid 80s and was last there about 10 years ago - but most of what follows should still hold.

Too bad the Maid of the Mist is closed - it is a great experience. I prefer the American side to the Canadian side but see both. The American side is more park like and not as commercial/vegasy as the Canadian side. On the American side if you have the time and it is not too cold, wander around the 3 sister islands. Also, the view by the little outlet by the bridal veil falls is really nice and you get to be right at the edge, something that can't be done on the Canadian side.

Also on the American side of there is a great shop (I hope it is still there its been a decade since I was last there) called Artisians Alley - it as some of the most unusual and interesting pieces. It is near the giant turtle building. Also close by and attached to small mall is the Atrium - its an inclosed 'forest' with multiple levels and quite nice.

In Buffalo you have to stop for wings. My personal favorite is the Anchor Bar on Main Street - where the dish was invented. Others prefer Duffs - if you want to start an argument in Buffalo - try the Duffs vs. Anchor Bar feud.

For ice cream one of the best places in the world is Antoinettes - the have a few locations but the original on Transit Road is the best - just walk in and inhale. Their Greek-Mint Special or their Raspberry Rhapsidy should not be missed - and their home-made whip cream is the best.

Finally, the Albright Knox art muesum is great and the mansions along Delaware Park (which is near the art museum) are great to admire.

If you are up in Toronto - don't miss the Onterio Science Centre - it is a must IMO. If you like zoos their zoo is top notch, integrated with nature and doesn't stink. The CN Tower if the weather is clear, is also worth it. The have a good Chinatown for food. Rumor has it that their is a dish called Poutine that is also available - although it didn't exist when I lived in that area (damn!).

Enjoy!

---Jay

[christie1111]

I lived in that area from the mid 70's to the mid 80s and was last there about 10 years ago - but most of what follows should still hold.

Too bad the Maid of the Mist is closed - it is a great experience. I prefer the American side to the Canadian side but see both. The American side is more park like and not as commercial/vegasy as the Canadian side. On the American side if you have the time and it is not too cold, wander around the 3 sister islands. Also, the view by the little outlet by the bridal veil falls is really nice and you get to be right at the edge, something that can't be done on the Canadian side.

Also on the American side of there is a great shop (I hope it is still there its been a decade since I was last there) called Artisians Alley - it as some of the most unusual and interesting pieces. It is near the giant turtle building. Also close by and attached to small mall is the Atrium - its an inclosed 'forest' with multiple levels and quite nice.

In Buffalo you have to stop for wings. My personal favorite is the Anchor Bar on Main Street - where the dish was invented. Others prefer Duffs - if you want to start an argument in Buffalo - try the Duffs vs. Anchor Bar feud.

For ice cream one of the best places in the world is Antoinettes - the have a few locations but the original on Transit Road is the best - just walk in and inhale. Their Greek-Mint Special or their Raspberry Rhapsidy should not be missed - and their home-made whip cream is the best.

Finally, the Albright Knox art muesum is great and the mansions along Delaware Park (which is near the art museum) are great to admire.

If you are up in Toronto - don't miss the Onterio Science Centre - it is a must IMO. If you like zoos their zoo is top notch, integrated with nature and doesn't stink. The CN Tower if the weather is clear, is also worth it. The have a good Chinatown for food. Rumor has it that their is a dish called Poutine that is also available - although it didn't exist when I lived in that area (damn!).

Enjoy!

---Jay

Excellent Jay!

I think we are staying on the Canadian side do to a good rate at a Marriot. The rest is negotiable. It seems like we are leaving early on the 1st so we can get up there in time to watch the Rose Bowl.

Only non-negotiable part!

[minimetoo26]

I haven't been there in 16 years, so all I have is the typical silly advice you'd expect from me:

If the mist freezes on your hair, don't try to brush it. Your hair will break off. Just wait until it thaws to deal with it.

Trust me on this one..........

[ulysses5019]

Why not come to the California side of the falls and see the Rose Bowl? The weather will be a lot warmer in Pasadena. I can work on getting you tickets.

[christie1111]

Why not come to the California side of the falls and see the Rose Bowl? The weather will be a lot warmer in Pasadena. I can work on getting you tickets.

You could be absolutely certain that the Blue and White team I want to be watching would be the one playing in California.

Alas, I can drive to CA (Canada) in 9 hours. Not quite true of CA (US).

[MarleysGh0st]

Alas, I can drive to CA (Canada) in 9 hours. Not quite true of CA (US).

What route are you planning on taking? There may be BB-get-together opportunities here!

[gsabc]

If you want to spend the money for some really great tasting steaks, visit The Keg Steakhouse, on the 9th floor of the Embassy Suites hotel on the Canadian Side (6700 Fallsview Blvd). Great view of the Falls, and easily the most flavorful steak I have ever eaten. When GW and I get back there, it's on our list of repeat performances.

[christie1111]

Alas, I can drive to CA (Canada) in 9 hours. Not quite true of CA (US).

What route are you planning on taking? There may be BB-get-together opportunities here!

What, and let Family1111 meet you?



Just kidding, I have no idea, but assume I will before long.

I will let you know as soon as I do.

[MarleysGh0st]

Alas, I can drive to CA (Canada) in 9 hours. Not quite true of CA (US).

What route are you planning on taking? There may be BB-get-together opportunities here!

What, and let Family1111 meet you?



Just kidding, I have no idea, but assume I will before long.

I will let you know as soon as I do.

How much does Family1111 know about the Bored?

Looks like the shortest route for you will be up to the Mass. Turnpike, then across the NY Thruway. That'd made the closest passage to me about an hour away, in Syracuse or thereabouts. I guess it would depend when you're passing through.

[christie1111]

I don't know if the answer to that is more than they should or more than they want to!

On the way up, we may be trying to get there so I don't miss any of the Rose Bowl. The way back may be more leisurely.

[ontellen]

We've stayed at the Marriott Fallsview several times. Every room overlooks the falls. Very nice hotel. They also have shuttle service to the casino. You can also do the wine tour through Niagara-on-the-Lake. Wonderful scenery.

Ask Kay about the Marriott. I sent her there on her way back to the U.S. in 2001.

[kayrharris]

Yep, Marriott was very nice and overlooked the falls. Very convenient, too.

[dimmzy]

Hey Christie and Marley, if you can travel just a few miles more we could have the get together in Rochester and you'd get to meet me too! You'd have a two-fer! And we could talk decluttering!! I'd also recommend a stop at the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls and then continue to Niagara on the Lake--a quaint English village just north of NF. It's really nice and it's a pretty drive along the NIagara Pkwy. It's just about 8 miles N of the Falls.

[WheresFanny]

So you need a passport just to jaunt over to the other side of the Falls? I don't want to go to the ends of the earth, just a mile into Canada for one day!

Is there some sort of Passport-Lite for stuff like this or do you have to go all out and get the Super Duper I Can Go to Timbuktu Passport?

[MarleysGh0st]

So you need a passport just to jaunt over to the other side of the Falls? I don't want to go to the ends of the earth, just a mile into Canada for one day!

Is there some sort of Passport-Lite for stuff like this or do you have to go all out and get the Super Duper I Can Go to Timbuktu Passport?

Canada may still allow you to visit without a passport, but returning home will be a problem. Homeland Security, you know!

And there is some kind of new passport card that can be used for these trips, which is cheaper than the standard passport booklet.

[kayrharris]

Actually, there is a Passport Card if you're going to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or
the Caribbean. I think it's $20.00.



http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_ca ... _3921.html

[Loco Rovo]

Who needs a passport?

[WheresFanny]

Thank you, Marley and Kiki. Good to know, although it's still $45 (an application fee AND an execution fee? They get you coming and going!) and it looks like you have to jump through the same hoops as getting a regular passport.

Maybe I'll just take Marley's advice and go into Canada and let them worry about my return. I'm sure Canada will somehow manage to force the US to take me back. Ha!

[littlebeast13]

Thank you, Marley and Kiki. Good to know, although it's still $45 (an application fee AND an execution fee? They get you coming and going!) and it looks like you have to jump through the same hoops as getting a regular passport.

Maybe I'll just take Marley's advice and go into Canada and let them worry about my return. I'm sure Canada will somehow manage to force the US to take me back. Ha!

They could always exhile you to Nunavut......

lb13