I packed the picnic bag with sandwiches and snacks, we threw the suitcase in the car and armed with our cameras off we were to Niagra Falls Ontario, Canada.
I had never been to Canada and Michael had never been to Niagra Falls so it was an adventure for both of us.
We headed up route 17, through Tappahanock, Fredricksburg, Warrenton and Winchester.
We stopped briefly at the Virginia Farm market for a cup of hot cider and a bottle of cold cider to go.. it was a pretty dreary, rainy day so the cider tasted good, and unfortunately Michael was beginning a relapse of the bronchitis like illness of last week, so the warm drink was most welcome.
We returned to route 522 to take us through Berkley Springs ,West Virginia and Maryland to interstate 70 heading north. We try to stay off interstates so that we see some of the real countryside. There are a lot of BIG trucks that also use these roads, so sometime travel is slow!
We drove up through PA and into New York, stopping for a rest and cold drink in McDonald's in a village that is on the Seneca Indian Reservation. It was nice little town and I was glad to walk around a bit. I didn't take many pics as it rained all the way through PA, into New York.
After a quick trip around Buffalo NY we arrived at customs, where we waited for about 30 minutes, then on to The Chestnut Inn, our home away from home for a couple of days.
On Wednesday morning we got up and walked down to the falls. It was very misty.
Early morning Niagra Falls Ontario
The gardens are beautiful,even in the early morning mist.
We walked around for a bit and went back to the B&B for a lovely breakfast with Nick and Sandy from San Antonio Texas. They were staying for a week to explore the area.
Breakfast was melon and apple french toast, coffee and juice + bagels, muffins, cereal and yogurt. (If you are that hungry!)
After breakfast we rode out along the lake road to Niagra on the Lake, a small town of shops and eateries, and very nice houses!
There are a lot of farms and vineyards along River road.
and pickup trucks....
We stopped for a cup of Chicken and dumpling soup at Kurtz Orchard. There were many wonderful things to sample there!
We drove back into Niagara, old town..there seems to be an effort to rebuild and for me it was much nicer than Niagra by the falls. Many of the shops are vacant, but it could be made into a very pleasant area again.
We stopped in a coffee shop for a lovely cup of coffee then walked along the street, stopping in the pharmacy for some benedryl for Michael and an antique shop for me!
It was rainy and Michael was not feeling too well so we went back so that he could rest.
In the afternoon we took a ride down to the Falls, but found parking to be a problem. The fee for parking at the Falls is $18.00. On the side streets it is $2.00 an hour, when you can find it.
We found a street space paid for an hour and hoofed it down to the falls for a few pics.
Rainbow Falls in the afternoon, no mist.
A little later Michael drove down to the power plant and parked(stopped) in a no parking zone and let me go in search of Horseshoe Falls, he didn't realise that it was about 8 blocks away, so I met him on the road walking back..he had come looking for me..
approaching Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls ,Oh,if I were just a little taller! LOL
Many peoples on the walls made it hard to take a picture!
We ate that night at Mama Mia's in not so beautiful Niagra Touristy area..but it was recommended to us by Nancy at the Inn.. The food was very good, and the staff friendly..but be warned there is NO parking except for pay and it is expensive..
It was a nice stay in a nice place, I would certainly go back again, and I would recommend the Chestnut Inn to any who visits.. Nice people and beautiful accommodation! Very tranquil
Thanks to Karen and Lou, for sharing your beautiful home, and to Nancy and Carol for wonderful breakfast and taking care of the little extras! Carol and Nancy were hospitality at its' best!
