Weekend Trip: Niagara Falls

With winter coming soon, I felt this was a good trip to post about despite that I visited last March. It was still cold when we went, and the falls were frozen over. So I can definitely give my perspective about visiting during the colder months. I just went with my parents, it was a long weekend trip in the middle of March. I can recommend packing layers, a parka, gloves, hat, and heavy socks/boots. The falls were gorgeous frozen over, but it is COLD. When you walk from place to place, it isn't terrible, but the wind is what really can be tough to bear . We had a really nice weekend trying some of the local eats as listed below, enjoying the casino and other activities. I can't say I'd would go for longer than 3 days, but it is an awesome weekend trip for all ages!

Upon visiting, I was told about other popular places I'd love to go in Canada. They are famous for their wineries, known as being some of the best wine in the world. I'd love to visit for that specifically next time I go! There was also a very ornate and beautiful restaurant we did not try, but it was always busy and it looked amazing. It was called Queen Victoria Place Restaurant. It was off the main highway that runs below all the shopping and hotels. I have listed our accommodations, restaurants, and activities below!

Hotel: Marriott on The Falls

Our hotel was beautiful! Our view from our room could not have been better. It was clean, updated, it had a lovely bar and shuttle service. The staff were very friendly. My only complaint is that the walls were thin and you could easily hear other people.

Restaurants

Skylon Tower: This is considered a fine dining experience in Niagara falls. It is perfect for a date or special occasion while you're visiting the falls. The views at night are incredible! It is very expensive, I believe around $40-$50 a plate. You take a glass elevator up to arrive in the dining room and bar. The tower does rotate so you are able to see in entire city. I got the beef, and truthfully I was disappointed for the price. My drink was an ice wine martini, it was fabulous! Niagara falls is known for some of the best wine in the world, so this was definitely on point. The meals here are simple, but good. You definitely pay for the experience.

Kelsey's Restaurant: My parents brought us to the falls when I was a little kid, they took me to Kelsey's because that's my name! I fell asleep in my mac n' cheese, so of course it was on our list to visit again some 15 years later! The food was awesome comfort food. I had scrumptious tomato bisque soup with fun little grilled cheese croutons. It was so comforting and scrumptious! Strange to admit, but the bathrooms were also very unique and interesting.

Napoli Ristorante Pizzeria: Wood fired delicious pizzaaa! Who doesn't love pizza?! It was very good. I'm becoming a snob about my pizza because I've tried so many places, but this did not disappoint. It was very fresh, crispy, and delicious. It was a busy spot, so I would definitely plan ahead of time. We went here on our first night in per recommendation of a local. It was very crowded and fast-paced. We ordered a side salad that was large enough for three of us and split to pizzas. We underestimated how big they were for three of us to eat.

Sweet Jesus Ice Cream: This ice cream was delicious. The location was in the bottom of a hotel towards the main hustle and bustle attractions. The portion was huge for starters. I had the hazelnut flavor, it was packed with wafers, sprinkles, and nuts! They had so many amazing flavors. It isn't cheap, I think my cone was around $9.00, but it was awesome! Definitely worth stopping if you're an ice cream fan.

Paris Crepes Cafe: One of the best dining experiences and meals I have ever eaten hands down! The atmosphere was incredible. I haven't been to France, but this place is exactly what I picture it to be. It appears lost in the area it is situated in, but I can promise you will not be disappointed! The section of town is a bit rough and a lot of the store fronts are empty. It is very deceiving this gem would be hidden here. I had the Niagara Falls and Complete crepes. They were OUTSTANDING and the staff were wonderful. The owner moved over from France. He is very friendly and happy to please! This is a must do.

Tim Horton's: Tim Horton's is a coffee place featuring donuts, pastries, coffee and other assorted drinks! Personally, it is my favorite cup of coffee I have had from a chain. It was like a combo of Dunkin' and Starbucks. Little did I know there is one in my backyard, but I didn't try it until I went to Canada!

Activities

Casinos: We went to Fallsview casino. They had a grand entrance and lots of lights/signs to attract you in! It was very busy, so we figured we would check it out. It lead into a plaza with a beautiful fountain and lots of unique shops and foods. The casino itself was great! It was medium sized, with several sections to try out. I'm not a frequent gambler, but I won $60.00 bucks so I cannot complain. The money exchange process was also very easy. We were nervous about it, but there were no issues. They actually recommended using your credit card, because it automatically converts the money.

Monastery Cellars: This winery was very unique. It was placed in a large church a block away from our hotel. I was very interested in the fact it was indeed a church, but it was a beautiful building. Again, it is a bit tough to find. GPS it on your smart phone. We walked past it the first time. It would make for beautiful pictures. It has large columns and beautiful stone work. The ice wine is incredible, but pricey. I did get a bottle of the moscato and ice wine chocolates to take home!

Butterfly Conservatory: This was by far my favorite activity of the trip. It is something anyone can enjoy and be amazed by! Our hotel offered a free bus pass for each of us, so we took the public transportation to get here. It only took about 25 minutes or so. The buses do stop and go quickly, so make sure you're where you need to be! the butterfly conservatory was extremely popular, so again plan ahead. I think it was $15.00 or so a person? Somewhere around there, but people of all ages can enjoy this! They had the cocoons out so you could see the butterflies in various stages of metamorphosis which is awesome. the butterflies soar throughout the entire exhibit. Sometimes they will even land on you! It is so peaceful and such a unique experience.

Daredevil Exhibit: This was located in the same building as the Skylon tower, it was very interesting to see! It included the daredevils who attempted to go down the falls! It even displayed the remnants of their barrels. bombs, etc. It was worth the admission for sure! It gave facts of each person's life, what they built to attempt going down the falls, and if they lived or died.

Review: Three out of Five Stars

PROS; food, entertainment, hotel, views, short drive from Pittsburgh, easy to plan, easy to navigate, money exchange was easy, people were very friendly, walk everywhere, public transportation, lots of activities, family friendly, good for all ages,

CONS: extremely cold, lots of trash and dirt, crowded, shops vacant, limited activities in off season, high wind, rain,