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Sea sickness will not be a problem on Maid of the Mist. The boat does not rock at all.
We took in the observation tower last month as part of a package. If you eat in one of the restaurants (with spectacular views of the falls), you get to go to the deck free. We didn't spend much time up the deck because the restaurant gives you the same view.
I wonder if the Olcott Beach area would be worth a trip as well: Home - olcottnewfane
SCR's lack of interest is noted...and in my opinion, it wouldn't be worth the trip anyway unless you're like me and you just like to investigate any random place. I live about 1 mile from Rte. 78, which happens to end at the Lake Ontario shoreline in Olcott...albeit probably about 35 miles from where I live. But I've made the drive many a time, just because I sometimes get in the car, stop at a nearby Tim Hortons, and start driving. There's not much activity in Olcott, at all, even in season. There's a nice little park/camping area and a couple semi-old-fashioned restaurants/bars...but you can drive up there on a weekend afternoon and see 5 people in the entire (admittedly small) 'area of interest'.
Wilson is closer to NF and is a similar sort of destination, although I'm not sure if there's a beach there that is accessible to the public
We are looking for a more scenic route home since we're taking the quickest way up there from Pittsburgh via the Interstates. I was thinking of detouring on the way home to take Route 5 along the lake to Westfield, where I'd pick up Route 394 along Lake Chautauqua to Jamestown to 60 to 62 to 8 in Franklin, PA. If you think Ellicottville is more scenic than Route 5/Lake Chautauqua, then we'll go 219 instead, though.
No, Lake Chautauqua and 62 to 8 will be more scenic. Chautauqua will be a little quiet since it is out of tourist season but still worth the trip.
Very nice this time of year to drive thru the vineyards along Lake Erie (the sight and aroma of ripe concords, so lovely). Route 62 along the Allegany in PA is one of my favorite drives. But 219 is also very nice, maybe detour along the Allegheny Reservoir, the Kinzua Danm, then take route 666 over to 62. I recall a route from 219 to Pitt where in PA I drove up and down seemingly endless steep, big hills, it was crazy, can't remember which route.
Having a great time so far! Arrived in Niagara Falls around 11:00 AM yesterday morning and ate at Subway on Pine Avenue. We enjoyed watching a woman who appeared to be strung out on meth arguing with and throwing things at her significant other on a porch across the street. The two older women working at Subway were very sweet!
From here we parked for free on Fourth Avenue and walked to the falls. We loved the views framed by intense foliage! The crowds were only of medium density, which was nice, too. We were able to board the Maid of the Mist literally 30 seconds before it left the dock, and the boat was only half-full. We were absolutely mesmerized by the sheer force and beauty of the water!
Next we went to a nearby wax museum----a sad one at that, Talk about a tourist trap! From there we scoped out the casino but didn't gamble at all. We then walked back to the car, and I drove us to Devil's Hole State Park. We continued north on the Moses Parkway and walked around Youngstown a bit. We enjoyed picking up so many Toronto radio stations! On the way back we stopped at Whirlpool State Park and marveled at the beauty!
From here we grabbed an early dinner at The Griffon Gastropub! Superb! We split an order of poutine as an appetizer and then enjoyed our entrees. My partner had chicken and waffles. I had gouda macaroni and cheese with grilled chicken and tomatoes. We have leftovers to bring home for Monday dinner!
We then drove to Buffalo and checked into the Adam's Mark Hotel. After getting settled and showered we headed out to explore Downtown. We were dismayed by how dead and depressing most of the city seemed on a Saturday night, but we did finally find some activity along Chippewa Street. We went to The Chocolate Bar and each had an amazing dessert! As we left we made friends with a party that asked if I would take some group pictures for them. We were then "treated" to seeing a road rage incident nearby, but given how bad the drivers are in Pittsburgh I expected no better from New Yorkers.
Now I'm laying in bed planning out today while my partner is in the shower. We're going to start with coffee and pastries at Spot Coffee a few blocks from our hotel. We will then walk up and explore Elmwood Village and Allentown. Still trying to figure out what else to do. So far we've noticed that Buffalo is a very clean city with much less street life and pedestrian activity than we were expecting. Hopefully Elmwood Village will be fun!
Having a great time so far! Arrived in Niagara Falls around 11:00 AM yesterday morning and ate at Subway on Pine Avenue. We enjoyed watching a woman who appeared to be strung out on meth arguing with and throwing things at her significant other on a porch across the street. The two older women working at Subway were very sweet!
From here we parked for free on Fourth Avenue and walked to the falls. We loved the views framed by intense foliage! The crowds were only of medium density, which was nice, too. We were able to board the Maid of the Mist literally 30 seconds before it left the dock, and the boat was only half-full. We were absolutely mesmerized by the sheer force and beauty of the water!
Next we went to a nearby wax museum----a sad one at that, Talk about a tourist trap! From there we scoped out the casino but didn't gamble at all. We then walked back to the car, and I drove us to Devil's Hole State Park. We continued north on the Moses Parkway and walked around Youngstown a bit. We enjoyed picking up so many Toronto radio stations! On the way back we stopped at Whirlpool State Park and marveled at the beauty!
From here we grabbed an early dinner at The Griffon Gastropub! Superb! We split an order of poutine as an appetizer and then enjoyed our entrees. My partner had chicken and waffles. I had gouda macaroni and cheese with grilled chicken and tomatoes. We have leftovers to bring home for Monday dinner!
We then drove to Buffalo and checked into the Adam's Mark Hotel. After getting settled and showered we headed out to explore Downtown. We were dismayed by how dead and depressing most of the city seemed on a Saturday night, but we did finally find some activity along Chippewa Street. We went to The Chocolate Bar and each had an amazing dessert! As we left we made friends with a party that asked if I would take some group pictures for them. We were then "treated" to seeing a road rage incident nearby, but given how bad the drivers are in Pittsburgh I expected no better from New Yorkers.
Now I'm laying in bed planning out today while my partner is in the shower. We're going to start with coffee and pastries at Spot Coffee a few blocks from our hotel. We will then walk up and explore Elmwood Village and Allentown. Still trying to figure out what else to do. So far we've noticed that Buffalo is a very clean city with much less street life and pedestrian activity than we were expecting. Hopefully Elmwood Village will be fun!
I don't know if you were warned, but Buffalo's Downtown is more of a 9-5 Downtown versus a Downtown that also has entertainment districts. It has more of those things in select neighborhoods. Hertel Avenue may be another neighborhood to check out, if you have time.
Having a great time so far! Arrived in Niagara Falls around 11:00 AM yesterday morning and ate at Subway on Pine Avenue. We enjoyed watching a woman who appeared to be strung out on meth arguing with and throwing things at her significant other on a porch across the street. The two older women working at Subway were very sweet!
From here we parked for free on Fourth Avenue and walked to the falls. We loved the views framed by intense foliage! The crowds were only of medium density, which was nice, too. We were able to board the Maid of the Mist literally 30 seconds before it left the dock, and the boat was only half-full. We were absolutely mesmerized by the sheer force and beauty of the water!
Next we went to a nearby wax museum----a sad one at that, Talk about a tourist trap! From there we scoped out the casino but didn't gamble at all. We then walked back to the car, and I drove us to Devil's Hole State Park. We continued north on the Moses Parkway and walked around Youngstown a bit. We enjoyed picking up so many Toronto radio stations! On the way back we stopped at Whirlpool State Park and marveled at the beauty!
From here we grabbed an early dinner at The Griffon Gastropub! Superb! We split an order of poutine as an appetizer and then enjoyed our entrees. My partner had chicken and waffles. I had gouda macaroni and cheese with grilled chicken and tomatoes. We have leftovers to bring home for Monday dinner!
We then drove to Buffalo and checked into the Adam's Mark Hotel. After getting settled and showered we headed out to explore Downtown. We were dismayed by how dead and depressing most of the city seemed on a Saturday night, but we did finally find some activity along Chippewa Street. We went to The Chocolate Bar and each had an amazing dessert! As we left we made friends with a party that asked if I would take some group pictures for them. We were then "treated" to seeing a road rage incident nearby, but given how bad the drivers are in Pittsburgh I expected no better from New Yorkers.
Now I'm laying in bed planning out today while my partner is in the shower. We're going to start with coffee and pastries at Spot Coffee a few blocks from our hotel. We will then walk up and explore Elmwood Village and Allentown. Still trying to figure out what else to do. So far we've noticed that Buffalo is a very clean city with much less street life and pedestrian activity than we were expecting. Hopefully Elmwood Village will be fun!
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How about some more indoor-oriented suggestions, please?! 
