VENUES & PLACES
It’s so easy to fall for
Niagara here are just a handful of immediately recognizable wonders in the US: the Grand Canyon and Mt. Rushmore, to be sure, one carved by the Colorado River over millions of years and the other engraved in rock by men over 15 or so years, but both silently majestic sights. The third would have to be the vast, roaring splendor of Niagara Falls, a natural marvel in a region with such a cascade of things to do that you should wonder why you haven’t put it on your list of reunion destinations.
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by Jacky Runice
Observation Tower where a glass elevator soars with dramatic views of all three Falls and descends to the base and the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour. Everyone must ride on the Maid of the Mist at least once in their lives – it has been ferrying passengers around the basin of the Niagara Falls since 1846. If there are kids, teens and other speed demons in attendance, consider a ride aboard a powerful Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat (www.whirlpooljet.com or 888-438-4444). Ages 6 and over can experience the majestic Niagara River
FALLS Maid of the Mist, a world-famous scenic boat tour of the American and Canadian Falls, is a spectacular half-hour ride.
Niagara Falls is more than a honeymoon destination. The area offers boatloads of arts and entertainment, museums and history and plenty of outdoor recreation to delight your troops. “Niagara USA is one of the most scenic and adventurous places in the world, making us the perfect location for your reunion,” commented Reanna Darone, Reunion expert at the Niagara Tourism and Convention Center. A must-visit is Niagara Falls State Park, the country’s oldest state park open yearround. “The Falls is illuminated with colored lights nightly,” she explained. “There are fireworks shows on US and Canadian holidays and every Friday and Sunday in the summer months. Too tired to walk the park? Hop on and off the narrated trolley!” The Niagara Scenic Trolley stops at all major park attractions and offers park history along the threemile route. You’ll want to get off at the 38
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canyon in an exciting way. “You can also enjoy a two-hour narrated cruise along the only working double set of locks on the Erie Canal at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises,” said Darone. “They can host a meal before or after the cruise for your group.” Are you wondering whether your group will look at the Falls and say, "Okay, now what?” The Niagara Tourism and Convention Center has waves of ideas. In addition to the Falls, Niagara boasts three other areas with tons of activities: the River, Lake and Canal regions. The Lake region is rich in agriculture, so be sure to stop by apple orchards and wineries. Other activities include trophy freshwater sport fishing and rides on a 1928 vintage fully-restored Herschell Carousel at Olcott Beach Carousel Park. Golf courses, museums and parks dot the Canal region. And pencil in a stop at Old Fort Niagara