Finger Lakes area question (New York, Niagara Falls: crime rate, hotels, theatre)

[Duff in VT]

We are going to Niagara Falls in early May. Would love advice on a town to stop in for one night as we travel from VT to the Falls. Thinking of one of the towns at the "top" of the Finger Lakes. A nice town to walk in with decent restaurants, shops, and advice on a decent but clean motel (we are not so much into B & B's), museums, etc. Also, advice on Niagara Falls as we have never been there. Thanks !

[ckhthankgod]

I'm thinking Canadaigua, Seneca Falls, Waterloo, Skaneateles and maybe Geneva or Auburn. Here's information on each of these communities:
Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce : Supporting tourism, a healthy business climate and responsible economic growth.
Canandaigua, NY -- The City of Canandaigua Government's Official Website
Town of Canandaigua Web Site

Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce
http://www.geneva.ny.us/index.asp?Ty...B-2F5F5E489CAA}

Waterloo, New York- Birthplace of Memorial Day
Waterloo Business And Professional Association

Seneca Falls, NY - Historic Gateway to the Finger Lakes
Visit Seneca County, NY - Home

Auburn, NY History & Tourism ~ Central NY Attractions ~ Cayuga and Finger Lakes Wine Trails
Welcome to the City of Auburn, New York
Cayuga county visitor information Finger Lakes New York - Auburn Skaneateles Aurora hotels wine tour packages attractions events

New York Tourism -VisitFingerLakes- FingerLakes NY - Official info for Ontario County Accommodations, Dining, Events, Lodging, Wineries, Recreation

Skaneateles Area Chamber Of Commerce - HOME
Town Of Skaneateles Government Site

I hope this helps you out.

[Duff in VT]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

I'm thinking Canadaigua, Seneca Falls, Waterloo, Skaneateles and maybe Geneva or Auburn. Here's information on each of these communities:
Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce : Supporting tourism, a healthy business climate and responsible economic growth.
Canandaigua, NY -- The City of Canandaigua Government's Official Website
Town of Canandaigua Web Site

Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce
http://www.geneva.ny.us/index.asp?Ty...B-2F5F5E489CAA}

Waterloo, New York- Birthplace of Memorial Day
Waterloo Business And Professional Association

Seneca Falls, NY - Historic Gateway to the Finger Lakes
Visit Seneca County, NY - Home

Auburn, NY History & Tourism ~ Central NY Attractions ~ Cayuga and Finger Lakes Wine Trails
Welcome to the City of Auburn, New York
Cayuga county visitor information Finger Lakes New York - Auburn Skaneateles Aurora hotels wine tour packages attractions events

New York Tourism -VisitFingerLakes- FingerLakes NY - Official info for Ontario County Accommodations, Dining, Events, Lodging, Wineries, Recreation

Skaneateles Area Chamber Of Commerce - HOME
Town Of Skaneateles Government Site

I hope this helps you out.

It certainly will give us some homework for a few nights ! Thanks so much !

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Duff in VT

It certainly will give us some homework for a few nights ! Thanks so much !

No problem and you really can't go wrong with any of the communities on that list. They all have something to offer in terms of history and beauty.

[oberon_1]

Its one of the areas I love most in the US. That is exactly the nature mix that appeals to me - forests, waterfalls, just beautiful!
In 1987, I visited there for the first time and after seeing the falls, we stayed overnight at a little hotel. It was a family owned period hotel, (which was quite funny) with the bed too small for 2 grown adults... I have no idea if it still exists and can't remember the name.

[warm heatherette]

Originally Posted by Duff in VT

We are going to Niagara Falls in early May....advice on Niagara Falls as we have never been there.!

You'll want to view the falls on both sides of the border, because each view is quite unique, but once you've seen it in NY, you'll want to head straight over the border to the Canadian side. Niagara Falls, NY offers little in the way of tourist amenities, and the city is rather shabby (sorry, but it's true).

There's much to do on the Canadian side. For 'tacky' tourism, Clifton Hill will be right in your face as soon as you cross the border - museums, gift & souvenir shops, and expensive chain restaurants are all within walking distance of the falls. For 'nature' tourism, there's the world's largest indoor aviary just across the border and the butterfly conservatory on the Niagara River Parkway.

Some things are common to both sides of the border. If you're into hiking, you can hike into the Niagara Gorge on either side - this is actually quite awesome, and the hikes are not strenuous. If you're not into hiking, but want to see the Niagara Gorge, you can board a boat. Both sides (I think) offer the Whirlpool Jet Boat rapids tour, and the Maid of the Mist tour to the base of the falls.

Once you've had enough of Niagara Falls, and you're ready to wind down and relax, I would suggest a leisurely drive along the Niagara River Parkway on the Canadian side, from Niagara Falls through Queenston to Niagara-on-the-Lake - this is an absolutely beautiful drive, about 10 miles. In May all the orchards will be in blossom, and there's lots of wineries to stop at along the way. NOTL has great upscale shops, restaurants, accommodation and the Shaw Festival Theatre.

If you're determined to stay on the NY side, you can also take a nice river drive along the Robert Moses Parkway from Niagara Falls through Lewiston to Youngstown. Lewiston is a lovely hamlet with good restaurants and shops, one of them overlooking the Niagara River.

Hope this helps.

[Ellie C.]

Originally Posted by warm heatherette

You'll want to view the falls on both sides of the border, because each view is quite unique, but once you've seen it in NY, you'll want to head straight over the border to the Canadian side. Niagara Falls, NY offers little in the way of tourist amenities, and the city is rather shabby (sorry, but it's true).

I have to agree here. In fact, outside the park itself, Niagara Falls, NY can be outright dangerous. The crime rate according to City Data is 66% higher than the national average. It's no surprise with 20% of the city's population living below the poverty level and 10% living at 50% below the poverty level. It's a very sad place.

The Canadian side is very touristy and commercial, but the surrounding areas are beautiful.

The falls are breathtaking. I'm amazed the city has fallen so far away from what it could be. That should be a bustling town with all kinds of great shops and hotels. I think there's only the casino hotel, the Super 8, and a Howard Johnson's there.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Ellie C.

I have to agree here. In fact, outside the park itself, Niagara Falls, NY can be outright dangerous. The crime rate according to City Data is 66% higher than the national average. It's no surprise with 20% of the city's population living below the poverty level and 10% living at 50% below the poverty level. It's a very sad place.

The Canadian side is very touristy and commercial, but the surrounding areas are beautiful.

The falls are breathtaking. I'm amazed the city has fallen so far away from what it could be. That should be a bustling town with all kinds of great shops and hotels. I think there's only the casino hotel, the Super 8, and a Howard Johnson's there.

If you do venture around Niagara Falls, NY, they have a nice outlet mall there. Like others have said though, the Canadian side has much more. I have heard some Canadians say that their side of the Falls had or has some iffy spots as well, but that might be in terms of Canadian standards too.

[rubygreta]

Niagara Falls State Park on the NY side is gorgeous. The Canadian side is loaded with tacky tourist traps, bad restaurants and garish casinos. But at night, the view from the Canadian side is the best.

[annerk]

My vote would be for Skaneateles and stay here: Mirbeau Inn and Spa - The Perfect Romantic Getaway. Call 877-MIRBEAU (647-2328)

Skaneateles is in my opnion by far the nicest of the Finger Lakes communities, and there are some great restaurants in the area.