by Sita

Created on: September 22, 2011

I grew up about four miles away from one of the wonders of the world, that majestic curtain of water that is Niagara Falls. There is a timeless grace to it all, standing there looking at this roaring waterfall that has fascinated and entranced people for hundreds of years, even before there was a city (or two) to hold the same name. No matter how often you see it, there is still that sense of awe and beauty- and while Niagara Falls, Ontario may have stolen away some of the "tourist" factor, that doesn't mean the New York side isn't worth the trip.

Of course, no visit to Niagara Falls is complete without seeing the actual waterfall. Yet the park in which it stands is a tourist attraction in its own right, bearing the honor of being the oldest state park in the United States. Overlooking the Niagara Gorge, the State Park also allows access to the famous Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist attractions. The Cave of the Winds is a deck walkway behind the Bridal Veil Falls that is rebuilt each year, allowing visitors to get close enough to feel the spray of water on their skin. For those looking for another close look, the Maid of the Mist boat tour will take passengers right up close to the American and Horseshoe Falls. If getting wet isn't quite your cup of tea, Goat Island offers wonderful views of the waterfalls, and Three Sisters Islands is a beautiful place to walk with the family, allowing perhaps the closest access to the Niagara River short of actually getting wet, and they are full of breathtaking photo spots. There are also museums, gift shops, and restaurants available, as well as a hot air balloon ride a short distance away.

Nearby attractions include the Aquarium of Niagara, and also the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel. The Hard Rock Cafe sits only a short walk away as well. Further along the River, there is the opportunity to go on the Whirlpool Jet Boats, and although not technically within the city, Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown is worth the trip, also. The Niagara Gorge, including Devil's Hole State Park, offers many hiking and picnic opportunities. If shopping is more your idea of fun, the Fashion Outlets Mall is only about a ten minute drive from the Falls themselves, and is rated among the top ten in the country. "Little Italy" along Pine Avenue in downtown Niagara Falls also offers shopping opportunities and dining experiences, as well as hosts a farmer's market. There are also numerous opportunities for wine tasting along the Niagara Wine Trail which will take you to many beautiful parts of Niagara County.

Although better left for a different article, one of the best things about Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas is the sheer number of outdoor festivals and entertainments, many of which are free, that happen throughout most of the year. Whether your idea of entertainment is fishing along the river, enjoying an outdoor concert, or seeing an art show, there is always something happening in Niagara Falls or the surrounding areas, and Buffalo, NY is also just a short drive away.

My grandparents came to Niagara Falls, NY, on their honeymoon in the 1940's, and they never left. Perhaps I never got to experience Niagara Falls as an "outsider", but even from an inside perspective, Niagara Falls has quite a bit to offer, and still holds onto that sense of romance it has long been associated with.

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