Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
America's honeymoon with Niagara Falls is still going strong, owing to a strong tourism drive by the city of Buffalo, New York. Once they were the favorite destination of starry-eyed newlyweds and reckless thrill-seekers, now the second largest falls in the world are a year-round captivating backdrop to a place that offers something for everyone. Both "Niagara" and "Superman" were filmed here; even David Copperfield staged a television special in which he challenged the raging waters to consume him during a daring escape.
Neither movies nor TV, however, can adequately convey the energy and thunderous Surround-sound of Mother Nature. You're also in for a substantial soaking, whether you hop aboard the famous Maid of the Mist cruises, take an elevator ride down Niagara Gorge and the Cave of the Winds, or get sprayed by Bridal Veil Falls from the railing of the Hurricane Deck.
THE ERIE CANAL
For those who like their acquaintance with waterways to be a little less boisterous and drenching save a day for a cruise down the Erie Canal. Considered an engineering marvel in its time, the canal was hand-dug in the 1800's as a way to connect the Niagara River with the Hudson and allow for the movement of ships across New York. The daily, narrated cruises also let you experience the workings of the only set of double locks on the canal, raising the vessel almost 50 feet to allow passage. Folklore and, of course, songs about life on the river will round out your education. For more background on the canal and the history of Western New York, the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society operates a museum replete with vintage photos, journals, artifacts, and newspaper accounts heralding the exploits of early luminaries.
TRAVEL BY RAIL
At the time, it seemed a good idea to build a grand railroad terminal in Lovejoy that could service the denizens of Buffalo. Unfortunately, the opulent structure's completion in 1929 coincided with the Stock Market crash. With prospective passengers suddenly too poor to ride the train, the Art Deco station fell into a state of neglect and disrepair until the Second World War. It was finally restored to its original beauty in the 1990's and is well worth a visit.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PRESIDENTS
Buffalo has plenty of landmarks documenting the comings and, unfortunately, the goings as well of several of America's Commanders in Chief. Did you know, for instance, that Grover Cleveland was once the mayor of Buffalo? Millard Fillmore, a former Buffalo lawyer, is buried here. Artifacts from the Pan American Exposition--now housed at the Buffalo and Erie Historical Society--shed more light on the lives of these two men, as well as provide a glimpse into the burgeoning industrial power that would solidify America's place as a world leader. It's hard not to feel the enthusiasm so prevalent in that gilded era when you see the hype surrounding "labor-saving" inventions and motorized contraptions predating our modern transportation.
The optimism of the new 20th century was quickly marred, however, by an assassins bullet that took the life of President William McKinley while visiting the city. At Buffalo's stately Wilcox Mansion, McKinley's second in line, TR Roosevelt, was inaugurated and took the reins of command. If you plan to visit the Wilcox house during the month of August, be sure to pack a teddy bear. TR's enduring popularity and his long-time association with this favorite toy prompted the city officials to host an annual teddy bear picnic.
ARTPARK
If it's summer in Buffalo, the much celebrated Artpark above the Niagara River Gorge will be in full swing. This multi-media event is designed with families in mind and serves up artsy entertainment that includes live stage shows, a star-studded concert series, open galleries, dance productions and a film camp for kids. Artpark also pays tribute to Mother Nature's bountiful expressions of art by providing plenty of nature walks, photography expeditions, picnic facilities, play areas and fishing.
MURDER, ANYONE?
By day, the Miss Buffalo Cruises are a relaxing way to see this lakeside city. Keep your wits about you once the sun goes down, though; that person you just shared your dinner table with could be the next victim...or maybe even the killer. The introduction of summer weekend Murder Mystery Theatre has made the dinner cruises more popular than ever. Also popular is the option of Sunday brunch.
Your hotel concierge can make reservations for both.
HERSCHELL CAROUSEL MUSEUM
Where do carrousel horses come from? The Herschell Carrousel Factory, located between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, is where many of these colorful equines got their noble start near the end of World War I. The museum offers tours that explain the operational dynamics of carrousels, the techniques of woodcarving and applying paints, and a restoration unit where "injured" carrousel horses from around the country are sent for rehabilitation. At tour's end, the low cost of admission also gets you a ride.
EAT YOUR HEART OUT!
Buffalo is definitely a bad place to either start a diet or try to stick to one, especially if you get a chance to sample A Taste of Buffalo. This is the second biggest regional food festival in the U.S. and provides a chance for the area's restaurants, caterers and culinary shops to dazzle you with their cooking expertise. Although you pay for the samples themselves at each vendor booth that appeals to you, there's no admission fee to get in. Plan to spend a couple of hours of mega-nibbling here as well as enjoy free entertainment by local musicians. You can always restart that diet after you get back home.
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