Niagra Falls (New York)

[Deleted User] · July 2010

FI and I are on a tight budget, but would love to take a honeymoon. We don't want to have to get passports, so going out of the country (canada side) is out of the question. Niagra falls is about 5 hours away from our house, so we could drive. Has anyone been to niagra falls (on vacation or on a honeymoon?) What hotel did you stay at and did you like it? What did you do while there (other then see the waterfalls?)

strlzfan11 · July 2010

It's been a while since I've been there (about eleven years), but there is the Maid of the Mist tour. If I remember correctly, a lot of the touristy stuff is on the Canadian side, so I don't know that there will be a lot for you to do. Have you considered just getting the passport cards? You can go to Canada on those.

alithebride · July 2010

sorry=have only been to CA side, which is the best side. if it were me i'd get passports and go to CA side (never mind you'll have them for 10 years and not have to worry about getting them later).

Eriberry · July 2010

I also went to Niagara Falls for my honeymoon but on the Canadian side. The passport cards are really easy to get and only $45 per person. We got ours in under three weeks. If you do decide to go to the Canadian side, we stayed at the Sterling Inn and Spa and I highly recommend it. It was very romantic and off the main drag. They also give you free breakfast in bed. I also suggest doing wine tours (you can get free tasting passes from the hotel) in Niagara on the Lake. Just be prepared, it's very expensive. We also wanted something cheap and figured with no airfare we'd make out. I think we could have gone to an all inclusive in Mexico for less money. Dinner was over $100 every night and lunch was 50-80. Let me know if you have any other questions. We just went in April and loved it!

kaesha · July 2010

I'm afraid the Canadian side is a lot more exciting.

smokyhills · July 2010

The problem is that the US side is largely very economically depressed. I drive through the Rainbow Bridge crossing about once a month, and the difference is downright stark. That being said, if you have an enhanced license, or can get one, you can also use that.

lililuvsrocky · July 2010

I am seriously scared of Niagra Falls, hmm... did you know that Niagra Falls is the #1 suicide place in the whole nation?? which is pretty scary, why don't you try going somewhere else lol, or I guess I'm just paranoid. Sorry.

kristinanddan · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_niagra-falls-new-york?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:43c803c0-0f13-4ee1-8f94-1fa4850252dePost:22b623d2-29df-4385-b540-547806abce4b">Re: Niagra Falls (New York)</a>:
[QUOTE]I am seriously scared of Niagra Falls, hmm... did you know that Niagra Falls is the #1 suicide place in the whole nation?? which is pretty scary, why don't you try going somewhere else lol, or <strong>I guess I'm just paranoid</strong>. Sorry.
Posted by lililuvsrocky[/QUOTE]

Indeed. What do you think would happen if you went there - you would be overcome with suicidal thoughts?

kristinanddan · July 2010

To the OP:
If you stay on the NY side, here are 3 things you can do, all of which are a lot of fun:
1) Maid of the Mist
2) Cave of the Winds
3) Adventure Jetboat tour - they leave from the American and Canadian sides - we had an absolute blast doing this. They take you out to class 5 rapids on this flat-bottom boat and you get absolutely drenched.

mjsmc10 · July 2010

I live near Niagara Falls... there is not a lot to do on the American side. People have mentioned the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds which are cool. You can also hike in the gorge, if you are into that sort of thing. The Canadian side is gorgeous- if you go to Niagara on the Lake there are adorable B&Bs and wineries and cute shops and such. They also have the Maid of the Mist, plus it's just nicer in every way. The American Niagara Falls is a sketchy and run-down city...

marisah83 · July 2010

There is a jet boat tour that is soooo much fun! You get totally soaked, but it is a blast.

There is also a casino, if you're into gambling and buffets.

Definitely do the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds.

You can also go into Buffalo to do stuff and visit Lake Erie.

pandasquishy · July 2010

If you're set on the falls, I highly suggest you get passport cards and go to the Canadian side. As others have said, there's not much on the American side, it's a depressed and depressing area. The Canadian side has a lot more to offer and Niagara on the Lake (wineries) is a short drive from the falls.

kimp67 · August 2010

We're going to the Canadian side for our HM & I can't wait!!!!! Keep the suggestions coming!!!

smokyhills · August 2010

Well, there is another option if you're terribly opposed to entering Canada - Buffalo is really, really close (less than a 20 minute drive) to NFUSA, and actually has some really nice stuff to do in the spring. There's the Albright-Knox art gallery, there's the Museum of Science, a number of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, the Buffalo Zoo, the Anchor Bar, the Japanese Garden - if you're driving up, you'll be able to do a number of these things as day trips. Lewiston is a very pretty small town, as well - geographically it's directly opposite Niagara On the Lake and has some golf courses if you're into that (one right at the top of the escarpment.)

neelynicole · August 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_niagra-falls-new-york?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:43c803c0-0f13-4ee1-8f94-1fa4850252dePost:415b82f4-d0a4-4744-ad76-eb023356c295">Re: Niagra Falls (New York)</a>:
[QUOTE]I also went to Niagara Falls for my honeymoon but on the Canadian side. The passport cards are really easy to get and only $45 per person. We got ours in under three weeks. If you do decide to go to the Canadian side, we stayed at the Sterling Inn and Spa and I highly recommend it. It was very romantic and off the main drag. They also give you free breakfast in bed. I also suggest doing wine tours (you can get free tasting passes from the hotel) in Niagara on the Lake. Just be prepared, it's very expensive. We also wanted something cheap and figured with no airfare we'd make out. I think we could have gone to an all inclusive in Mexico for less money. Dinner was over $100 every night and lunch was 50-80. Let me know if you have any other questions. We just went in April and loved it!
Posted by Eriberry[/QUOTE]

I definitely second this.

I've been to Niagara a couple of times (FI knows I love waterfalls, so of course we had to go there!). We've stayed on the Canadian side both times. The first trip, we stopped off on the NY side for a few minutes, and comparing the two sides, I definitely think that if you really want to get some great views of the falls, the Canadian side is the way to go.

As stated above, you should only need a passport card, not a full passport book. Much cheaper to do. Aalthough, a full passport book isn't grossly overpriced in my opinion. Your call.

When we were in Niagara in June this year, we also stayed at the Sterling Inn & Spa. If you're on your honeymoon, this is definitely a great place to stay. The rooms are huge. Whirlpool tub, massive shower with side jets, the breakfast in bed every day is wonderful, and the staff is extremely sweet. Plus, let's face it, on your honeymoon you'll probably be in the room for some good periods of time ;)

Sterling doesn't have a view of the falls, but it's a very short walk to the main waterfront. And being that it's off the main drag I think is a good thing. There's a LOT of 'touristy' things around there. Madam Tussauds, fright houses, things like that.

However, the ferris wheel (about 3-5 minutes' walk from Sterling), which is along the most 'touristy' street, is a must do. Great views of the falls, and I found it to be quite romantic.

If you're looking to do an up close and personal view of the falls, we've done the 'Journey Beinnd the Falls' which takes you right next to the horseshoe and also tunnels behind it (also done on the Canadian side). It's pretty wet, but well worth it in my opinion.

So basically I guess I'm saying you might reconsider trying to just stay on the American side lol.

Patineuse1124 · August 2010

I disagree with PPs. I like the American side better. Yes the Canadian side has a better view of the whole falls, but on the American side you are right on top of the falls which I think is also an amazing view. Plus I think the Canadian side is over commercialized, while the American side has national parks where you can hike (I love hiking the Niagara gorge). I think you can get one pass for all of the touristy things to do (maid of the mist, cave of the winds, aquarium, etc). The city of Niagara Falls is actually pretty dumpy, so I wouldn't really stray from the falls area. Buffalo is nearby and there is a ton of stuff to do there (I think PP mentioned a bunch). I grew up just outside of Buffalo, so if you have any questions feel free to PM me.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown · August 2010

I grew up in Buffalo and I'll add my hat to the ring of NFNY not being very honeymoon-esque. Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario is definitely more romantic.

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