The American Side of Niagara Falls, An Overlooked Gem

When most people visit Niagara Falls, they often head straight for the Canadian Side of the falls. Just across the Niagara River, in the United States, are some too-often-overlooked attractions and views of these majestic wonders. In the USA, one would be hard-pressed to differentiate Niagara Falls, New York from any other small upstate town. Aside from a small collection of hotels and attractions around the falls, and the towering Seneca Niagara Casino, the American side of the falls has little to distinguish itself as one of the most-visited vacation destinations in the country. It is only until visitors approach almost the brink of the falls themselves where they see that the American side has many wonders to behold.

1. Niagara Falls State Park
The United States’ part of Niagara Falls is in the Niagara Falls State Park (sometimes called "New York State Park" or "Niagara Reservation State Park"). Started in 1885, the park is the oldest state park in the United States. It was landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted who was one of the initiators and designers of the Niagara Falls State Park – but he is better known for another creation: New York City's Central Park.

The Niagara Falls State Park manages and operates many of the attractions on this side of the falls. The park encompasses all of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Goat Island (and surrounding islands), and about one third of Horseshoe Falls. Although the park itself is open year-round, including the Visitors Center, most of the attractions are seasonal and thus off-season adventures offer less direct activity with the falls.

The Visitors Center features general information about the falls, including a snack bar and gift shop. The large garden outside is maintained seasonally. Also in the Visitors Center is the Festival Theater, a year-round attraction which features the 1999 History Channel movie, "Niagara Falls: A History of the Falls."

While most Niagara Falls visitors will agree that the Canadian side of the falls is superior, with better views of all that great water, a distinct advantage to the American side is – interestingly enough – much closer access to the falls themselves, by actually standing "on top" of them (plus, visitors get a great view of Canada!).

2. Goat Island
Goat Island is the piece of land that separates Bridal Veil Falls from Horseshoe Falls. Accessible by car and part of the Niagara Falls State Park, Goat Island has an interesting location. From here, visitors can see rapids up close, which lead to the American / Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. It is additionally the location of several of the park’s best attractions. Though the island is big, because of its location and the surrounding hostile waters, it is slowly eroding and will eventually disappear as the three Niagara Falls move upstream over many years. Goat Island is where several of the Niagara Falls State Park attractions are located, including Cave of the Winds. Shuttles take visitors around Goat Island and throughout the park, but there are additionally many walking paths, benches, and scenic vistas on which to stroll around endlessly.

3. Luna Island
Luna Island is the tiny island that separates the Bridal Veil Falls from the American Falls. It is accessible on foot, but no cars are allowed (the island is so small, more than a few cars wouldn’t fit, anyway). The walkway to Luna Island is on Goat Island. The walk to Luna Island is worth it, as it situates you in between two waterfalls, which is an unusual place to be.

4. American Rapids
The rapids approaching the American Falls – visible only on the American side, roar through the middle of the park and around the several small islands before toppling over the brink of the American Falls. The rapids reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. At night, they may be illuminated with bright spotlights for a more unusual view.

5. Terrapin Point
Horseshoe Falls is bordered on the Canadian side by Table Rock Point, and on the American side by Terrapin Point. Here, visi-tors can feel the mist of Horseshoe Falls as they look across the gorge at Canada. More remote than Table Rock Point, Terrapin Point has great views of the Canadian Fallsview resort sections, and the mist here can be just as powerful as Table Rock, if the conditions are right.

6. Cave of the Winds
The curious name of this quintessential attraction is misleading. Cave of the Winds is not a cave, but rather a walkway that leads visitors over to the base of Bridal Veil Falls – the smallest of the three Niagara Falls. The attraction, however, used to be a cave. Named after the Aeolus, Greek God of Wind, it stood behind Bridal Veil Falls and was a popular tourist spot as early as the 1800s. The earliest tourists had to climb down a rope, and eventually a staircase, to reach the cave. However, there were occasionally cave-ins, which killed or injured tourist. It was intentionally destroyed in 1955 because it was in danger of collapsing.

Visitors are given a poncho and special footwear prior to commencing the hour-long adventure. In groups, they are led with a tour guide down an elevator to near the base of Bridal Veil Falls. From there, they walk on a wooden walkway to what has been dubbed the "Hurricane Deck" – the closest accessible point to the falls. It is at this point where visitors get positively soaked, sometimes even more than on Maid of the Mist. Ice makes the attraction largely inaccessible in the winter, and also requires the decks to be completely re-built each year – a process which can take weeks.

7. Observation Tower
Located just beyond the Visitors Center in the Niagara Falls State Park, the Observation Tower is the best place in the United States to view the American and Horseshoe Falls. The tower extends out a little bit from the mainland, but still does not come close to the spectacular views from the Canadian side of the falls. Still, the tower offers a very different point of view than the one most visitors are used to. Also, there is a Maid of the Mist dock at the Observation Tower. When boarding here, the tour encompasses basically the same experience. However, near the dock, there is (when weather permits) a path where visitors can walk up next to the American Falls – kind of like the Cave of the Winds, but free, and you don’t get as wet.

8. Whirlpool State Park
Located on the American side of the Whirlpool Rapids area, the Whirlpool State Park is a hearty adventurer’s place. Here, a crude cement staircase makes a long descent into the Great Gorge, down to nearly the water level of the rapids. For those who don’t wish to make the difficult descent, there is still the perfect place for picnics and play on the upper level, with great views of the whirlpool and rapids.

Britain's Top 10 Picnic Spots

In the hope of a sunny August (fingers crossed, touch wood etc), here’s a list of Britain’s top picnic spots, as recommended by the Waitrose website.

1. Mottisfont Abbey Garden (Near Romsey, Hampshire )



Though Mottisfont’s pride – the National Collection of Old-Fashioned Roses – tends to be at its best in July, this year’s weird weather may have delayed their bloom somewhat. Even if you miss the roses’ prime, you will enjoy the gorgeous gardens and the beautiful house. Perfect for an evening’s Jane Austen re-enactment…

2. Bodiam Castle (Near Robertsbridge, East Sussex)



If you prefer Monty Python to Jane Austen – this castle is for you! It featured in the Python film The Holy Grail and boasts a splendidly well-preserved medieval castle complete with moat, battlements and all the trimmings. “Niiii!”.

3. Fountains Abbey (Fountains Ripon, N. Yorkshire)



A treat for the whole family! Borrow monks’ robes on site and join the “It’s a monk’s life” tour of this World Heritage Site.

4. Stourhead (Near Mere, Wiltshire)



Wander through the renowned landscape garden and enjoy your picnic by the lake with a backdrop of temples and rare trees. If you’re feeling energetic after lunch, climb King Alfred’s Tower and enjoy the magnificent view.

5. Avebury (Near Marlborough, Wiltshire )



This is one of Europe’s most impressive prehistoric stone circles – it even predates Stonehenge! Speculate about what the site was originally used for… and walk where centuries of lovers have walked before you. If you’re feeling didactic, there’s an interactive museum to enjoy.

6. Lyme Park (Near Diesly, Stockport, Chesire)

What girl can forget the scene in Pride and Prejudice (the ‘real’ BBC version) where Colin Firth emerges from the water? Well, Lyme Park is where it was filmed! With 1,400 acres of parkland to choose from, you’re bound to find your perfect picnic spot to play at being Mr Darcy and Lizzie Bennett.

7. Wimpole Home Farm (Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire)

This is one for the animal lovers! The working farm specialises in rare breeds of sheep, goats, cows and horses from the 1700s. The perfect spot for a traditional farmhouse picnic, followed by meetings with Shire horses and lambs. This spot is a favourite with families as there’s plenty to keep kids entertained.

8. Stowe Landscape Gardens (Buckingham, Buckinghamshire)

This is a picnickers dream – with over forty monuments, temples and secret nooks to explore you are guaranteed to find a secluded spot that suits your taste. The banks of the Octagon Lake near Palladian Bridge are a particular favourite.

9. Dinefwr Park & Castle (Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire)

A medieval castle, a park with deer, and bog woods – now that’s what I call picnic perfect! Newton House, dating back to 1660, is open Thursday-Monday throughout the summer.

10. Morden Hall (Morden, Surrey)

This proves that you don’t have to go far from London to feel as though you have! Explore meadow, wetlands, waterways and an exquisite Rose Garden. The latter is in bloom all summer and holds over 2000 plants.

Traveling with Kids - 5 Tips

Are you traveling with kids on a long awaited vacation? In order to make them happy and excited, include them in the planning of your vacation. Don't forget to let them help you pack. They get so excited even if it's one night away.

If you're unsure of where to visit, ask the kids what they really want. Once the destination is chosen, have the kids help plan some of the activities. Amusement parks, water slides, and general activities that entertain the younger crowd are a must. Also include downtime so that both parents and kids can get refreshed.

Driving

If you're driving a long way, make sure to stop every two hours. Kids can't stay in a car that long. Frequent stops will help stretch the body. Plan your trip around parks or swimming areas so that kids can get out and be active.

Another great idea is to leave early in the morning or late at night when the kids are tired and more likely to take a nap. You can also plan your trip around meals. Decide when and where to stop to eat lunch or dinner and leave so that you're in that area during that timeframe. Also, think about traffic. If you have to sit in rush hour traffic, kids get antsy. Make sure you're going through a major city during off hours.

Things to Do

Bring plenty of kid stuff in the car. It doesn't have to be large. When we go somewhere, my girls bring coloring items, craft items, sewing, knitting, dolls, books, etc.

• Sample of Activities to bring:
• Simple craft items are usually a hit
• Activity books
• Whiteboards and markers
• Magnadoodles
• Magnetic board games
• Deck of cards
• Ipods or MP3 players
• Gameboys
• DVD players and movies
• Books on tape
• Scrapbooks to collect mementos - they can create a page while in the car or plane

Games to Play

There are simple games that everyone in the car can participate. Just by looking around as your traveling, your imagination can run wild.

• Alphabetical words - Try finding words in alphabetical order. Someone can try to find a word that starts with A and the next person can find one that starts with B, etc.
• License plates - This is where everyone tries to find a license plate from as many different states as possible. I remember playing this as a kid. It was fun.
• Q - This is an inexpensive game you buy at the store or you can play it with two or more people without the electronic version. This is where someone thinks of something and the other person has to ask questions to help find clues to the answer.
• I Spy - One person can say I spy something green, then the others can try to guess what it is.

Things to Bring

If you're going to a beach, make sure you bring some beach toys: this includes, pails, shovels, little boats, forms to build castles, floats, boogie boards, goggles, snorkel gear. If you're going by car, much of this can be brought with you. If you're flying, you may have to buy it there or bring just a couple of things.

Don't forget to bring things to keep the baby occupied like rattles, squeaky toys, mirrors, things they can chew on, etc.

Once you're there, find something to do right away so the kids feel like the long travel was worth it and they won't be so whiny. Even if it means going to the beach at dusk, an arcade, hotel pool or mini-golf. That way the kids will be more willing to do what you want next.

Relax!

Remember, this is a vacation where you should relax and go with the flow. Try not to set a schedule because then it becomes stressful and not as enjoyable. Don't try to put too much in one day. The kids can't handle it. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and downtime. Kids love staying somewhere else. As long as there is a pool or beach, they're happy.

When the kids are happy, everyone's happy!

Visit The Coliseum In Rome - One Of The Newly-Elected 'Seven Wonders Of The World'

The eternal city of Rome provides the venue for many a romantic weekend or holiday break, offering a memorable mix of activities and sights guaranteed to keep even the hardest-to-please tourist happy! The capital of Italy is home to great designer shopping, a long impressive history and, of course, a gorgeous Mediterranean climate. Furthermore, Rome is currently in the news due to the election of the Coliseum - its iconic ancient stadium - as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

The Coliseum is Europe’s sole representative in the new Seven Wonders list, for which 90 million people voted in an online poll. The results, announced during a star-studded ceremony in Lisbon in early July, also revealed the remaining six of the new Seven Wonders of the World to be: the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Taj Mahal in India, Chichén Itzá in Mexico, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio, Brazil, and the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. The poll has attracted criticism in some quarters, most notably by UNESCO who has its own list of wonders and argues that a popular vote is not the way to determine the world’s wonders.

However, whether or not you agree with the poll results, Rome’s Coliseum is undeniably an impressive ancient wonder. In its heyday it could accommodate 50,000 spectators seated over three tiers, many of which were witnesses to the incredible gladiatorial contests held therein. Opened in 80AD, this marvel of ancient engineering still stands proudly in the centre of modern-day Rome and draws millions of visitors each year. The Coliseum bears witness to the sheer opulence and decadence prevalent at the height of the Roman Empire, and leaves many a visitor awed.

There are other notable sights in Rome from the same age worth a visit, such as the ancient Pantheon with its massive dome - an architectural and engineering marvel. Other sites in Rome from a later age that should be included on a ‘must-see’ list are the Vatican City and the Trevi Fountain. Indeed, if you leave the city without throwing three coins into the fountain, legend dictates that you will never return.

Rome offers a varied range of hotels from cheap and cheerful all the way to top 5-star luxury. Those wishing to visit the Coliseum on a budget but not wanting to sacrifice comfort should consider renting an apartment in Rome, as such an option can offer an affordable alternative to expensive city centre hotels and are certainly more comfortable than budget hotels. You can rent fully-furnished, stylish apartments in Rome for stays of as little as one night.

But, wherever you choose to stay in the world’s eternal city, you must visit the Coliseum: one of the new seven modern wonders of the world.