TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: Niagara And Buffalo, New York #NiagaraFallsUSA, #DelawareNorth

Niagara Falls photo by Allen Barkus, #NiagaraFallsUSA

A recent visit to the Niagara and Buffalo region of New York demonstrated a revitalization that is attracting visitors from around the world to view the breathtaking Niagara Falls, experience the dining options, learn about the important history of the gateway to the U.S., experience the exceptional museums, and important architectural sites.

The Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States, established in 1885, and provides the best opportunity to view the Falls from many perspectives. Be prepared to get wet for the best way to experience the Falls, our favorite is the Cave of the Winds tour. The Cave of the Winds allows  visitors to walk up to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls on a series of redwood decks, water crashing on them. For safety a very nice secure pair of sandals are provided that you are welcome to take home with you as a souvenir of your visit, something you'll actually want to use when you return home. The Maid of the Mist boat rides are also highly recommended, sailing continually since 1846.



Where to stay while in Niagara Falls...We stayed at the Giacomo Boutique Hotel, with very large comfortable rooms and a rooftop lounge for viewing the Falls. A hot breakfast is included with your stay and it is recommended you visit  the Patisserie at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute for fresh baked pastries. For more details please visit: www.thegiacomo.com

Lobster Bread Pudding

For dinner we recommend Savor at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute for creative cuisine with an artful mix of flavors and presentation. One of the more unique presentations was the starter of Lobster Bread Pudding with wild mushrooms, truffled cream and sweet soy. Also recommended are the wines by their culinary program; we enjoyed the Riesling. For dessert we enjoyed their Pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust, candied spaghetti squash, butternut squash ribbons, acorn squash crisp, and creme fraiche.  For more details please visit: www.nfculinary.org

Another recommended site to visit is Old Fort Niagara,within Niagara State Park, on the edge of Lake Ontario. There you will take part in an interactive experience to learn about its French, British, and Native American influences and its use starting in the 1700's through the 1960's. For more details please visit: www.oldfortniagara.org











Moving on to nearby Buffalo, now going through its long awaited revival. The centerpiece of the Buffalo revival is the new Westin Buffalo at 250 Delaware Avenue, also the home of Delaware North. Delaware North is one of the largest employers in Buffalo and the management company of the new hotel and also manages the concessions of the Niagara State Park. The Westin Buffalo has 116 oversized guestrooms and suites featuring industry standards including the signature Heavenly Bed and invigorating Heavenly Bath, 24 hour room service and an exceptional health club. Patina 250, the Westin's restaurant is establishing itself as one of the premiere dining destinations in the city.

Typical of what you can expect at Patina 250 is their house speciality of roasted duck with spaetzle, mushrooms, and huckleberry compote.

For more details about the Westin Buffalo please visit:
www.westinbuffalo.com

There are a few 'must visit' places to visit while in Buffalo, one is Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House Complex. The ventilation system of the main house demonstrates his unique attention to details in every part of the complex. Wright once called the Martin Complex "the most perfect thing of its kind in the world-a domestic symphony". For more details please visit: www.darwinmartinhouse.com

The

Albright-Knox Art Gallery is also a must visit for art lovers visiting Buffalo, founded in 1862,
and one of the country's oldest art institutions focusing on contemporary and modern art. For more details please visit: www.albrightknox.org








For more details about planning your trip to Niagara and Buffalo please visit:
Www.VisitBuffaloNiagara.Com, and Www.NiagaraFallsStatePark.Com