Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls

Yesterday, The New York Times published "36 Hours in Niagara Falls" on their website. Niagara Falls is probably one of the more tourist-heavy locales that has been featured in this column, so I was curious as to the places the author might advise people to visit. I've been there three times, the most recent of which was nearly six years ago, but every trip has been distinct, despite the familiarity of the Falls themselves. 

Some of the places that Barbara Ireland, the article's author, visits are utterly unfamiliar to me, but sound interesting, particularly if you are seeking a fancy meal or a getaway from the waterfalls. 

Ireland recommends visiting Clifton Hill, a tacky subset of Niagara, Ontario, and I'm inclined to agree. Yes, it's overdone and overpriced. Yes, it's super touristy. But it's absolutely part of the experience. I've previously visited Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, which I think I enjoyed at the time, being a young girl of 15. I have enough self-awareness to know that I'd probably roll my eyes if I visited today. There's no need to visit any specific attraction, though—merely walking around the area is enough. I've done it twice now, and I think I'm good. Forever.

As Ireland also mentions, the Canadian view of the falls is by far the superior one, even though Niagara has definitely sold its soul to tourism. Still, if you're visiting from the United States, it's absolutely worth a visit across the border (just don't forget your passport!) to see the other side. 

Ireland also states that all of the Falls' attractions, the Maid of the Mist is the one worth visiting, and she's absolutely correct. The tour boat takes visitors out into the waterfalls, and it's really staggering to be nearly enclosed in the Horseshoe portion of the falls. After the boat ride, visitors are also permitted to hike down a bit to get an alternate, but still up-close, view of the water.

Some additional things I'd suggest:

• If you have a car, there are some cost-effective motels and hotels to be found merely 20 minutes outside of Niagara. There's something to be said for a hotel room that offers an overhead view of the falls, or even just a shorter commute to the attraction, but for those on a budget, or even those just looking to cut costs, there are deals to be found outside of the city.

• Depending on the length of your stay, it's definitely worth exploring the areas surrounding Niagara Falls, both on the American and Canadian side. When I last visited in late 2005, I stayed on the Canadian side, and we found some excellent restaurants—a surefire way to win me over. My previous trip, back in July of 2002, had me staying in New York, so I spent a lot of time exploring Buffalo. It's certainly not a city that most are ever clamoring to visit, but it does have a fair amount to offer visitors, including a house built by the always-wonderful Frankie El Dubs. 

• Visit the waterfalls at night. They are all lit up by color projectors, and it's just part of the Niagara experience to see the Falls in shades of pink, purple, and green. Plus, it looks awesome. See?