If you live seven hours or less from Niagara Falls, like we do, then it is a PERFECT weekend trip. I can't believe that I haven't gone before! Well, I did, but I was two or three - all I remember from that trip is a waterbed, but no falls.
We got off to a late start due to a certain travel companion, but after a good bit of traffic getting out of Jersey, it was smooth sailing. When we hit the Canadian border, Julia, of course, failed miserably. Cops make her feel guilty; we clearly should have taken that into account before having her get us over the border. When asked the simple question, "What is the purpose of your visit?" her reply was, "uuum, er-uhh." Thankfully I was feeling heroic and came to the rescue with a loud, "Tourism" from the back seat, which she ever gratefully repeated and nodded along to. Like I said, we barely made it over the border.
First thing to do was see the falls, so we took on the five minute walk, which I'd say was pretty worth it. We felt the spray from the American Falls before they even came into view, and when they did, it was a sight to behold - they were lit up and as powerful as ever. (Or so we thought, come to find out, only half the amount of water that goes over the falls during the day goes over at night. They divert the other half to serve as a power source. It is restored to its full glory during the day for the sake of the tourists.)
We then meandered over to the 'Beer Garden Karaoke Patio'. My three favorite things all put into one - genius!! Even in high tourist areas, you can always get a decent priced beer - perks of having brothers that helped me acquire the taste! Julie, Julia and I performed, of course, as "Darren and the Jersey Girls," minus Darren. Super stoked about our Kesha pick, we were taken aback when Nicki Minaj came on, but being in the spotlight, we quickly adjusted and actually kept the people on the dance floor quite happy (believe it or not.)
After an overpriced midnight snack at Denny's and a Cuban cigar (of course, although I think they might be legal in the US now that the embargo is lifted? don't quote me on that) we meandered back to our hotel, welcoming our beds after the long day of travel.
Saturday began with the Horn Blower cruise for a very up close and personal view of the Falls. I would HIGHLY recommend it! Great views and perfect way to cool off on a hot day!!
American Falls
American Falls, along with Rainbow bridge, which is how we crossed the border into Canada
The legendary Horseshoe Falls! The one that people used to go down in barrels due to the fact that it didn't have the deadly rocks at the bottom like American Falls has... Definitely doesn't make it all that much safer though.
Next, was the museum that Julia and Chris were adamant about going to (OK, I totally wanted to go too). We walked for what seemed like forever, only to realize that the main thing that we wanted to see (the array of barrels that made the trip over the Falls) was moved to the IMAX of all places. After a quick break in the air conditioned museum, we made our way to lunch where we learned what plum sauce (sweet and sour sauce) and peameal (Canadian bacon) were. Our ignorance quickly gave us away as Americans.
We were finally able to see the barrels which were super cool and interesting to read about! We got to read all about who ventured over Horseshoe Falls, why they did it, what mechanism they used to go over and if they survived or not. There were even some videos too!
Next came the wonderful wine route. On this part of our journey we visited four different wineries, learning all about the Ontario wine region and their famous ice wine - which can only be harvested when it has been in -10 degrees Celsius for three days.
Although it might not look like it, this was Chris's favorite place.
After the wineries, we were directed to an awesome brewery, Oast, which Julia, Julie and I would highly recommend to all beer lovers. Although, I think Chris and Darren even enjoyed their time there too - they had ping-pong and everything!
Sometimes I try to be artsy.
A wonderful person at the brewery directed us to an awesome spot for dinner. Basically all we did to find all these awesome spots was ask. Canadians are so nice.
We then had another wonderful night hanging at the beer garden where we actually sang Kesha this time. OOPS. Not a crowd favorite. Who knew us singing Nicki Minaj would be a much better hit? We also went to the Casino, where Julia was once again looking suspicious as we handed over our IDs to the bouncers, "How old are you?" Julia's reply, "Oh, ha, uh - twenty-four!" Not entirely believing her, but with no other reason to doubt her than her guilty face, they let her through.
On Sunday we finally walked down to Horseshoe Falls for an absolutely incredible view. I never would have been able to even imagine the amount of power plummeting over the edge of that cliff.
After grabbing some Canadian candies that are just to die for, we hit the road once more and headed home! Clearly I'm a fan, you in? Get a passport so you can go to the jaw-dropping Canadian side!!
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