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An Afternoon at Niagara Falls

Unique in the fact that Niagara Falls straddles two countries (the US and Canada), this lovely New York destination offers a wide range of activities including a state of the art aquarium and nearby wineries. But it is the magnificent waterfalls that have been bringing visitors to the area since the mid-19th century.

Our family added the falls to its east coast vacation agenda as a stop on our way to Maine.  Making a quick visit to the Official Visitor Center, we decided to purchase tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat ride. For a closer look at the falls, our voyage would take us around the Niagara River towards the magnificent Hurricane Deck where we could feel the exhilarating spray from the tons of water crashing down over the cliffs.

The thunderous sound of the falls greeted us as we approached the 400-acre state park. In the distance we could see the horse-powered. steel passenger boat ferrying its 600 guests.  We were so excited to start the boarding process and put on our rain ponchos.

We found a spot on the upper deck for the best view and guarantee of becoming drenched by the waterfalls.   The double-decker boat cruised towards the semicircular gorge where over 2.5 gallons of water flows per second.  Flocks of seagulls and vibrant rainbows appeared as we sailed further into the mist.

The Maid pulled up to the stairs leading to the Hurricane Deck at the Cave of the Winds.  As we exited the boat, we stood in awe of the spectacular waterfalls with a front row seat of Bridal Veil overwhelmed by its majestic force.

We had only a few moments to experience the whipping winds and back splash from the gorge before returning to the boat and completing our 20 minute ride.  Drenched from head to toe, the sunshine felt amazing as we tried to dry ourselves before finding a restaurant for lunch.  We agreed that a ride on the Maid of the Mist is an epic adventure for travelers to Niagara Falls and wondered why we had not done this before.

Have you visited Niagara Falls?  Did you take the Maid of the Mist boat tour?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my fun family visit to Niagara Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Niagara Falls State Park
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone:  716 278 1794

  • Admission Fee:   There is no entrance fee but parking costs $8 to $10 depending on the parking lot.
  • Hours:  Open all year
  • Amenities:  Niagara shuttle,  Top of the Falls restaurant, hiking, biking, souvenir shop, downloadable map from the app,
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the falls from various vantage points from the park.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 3 hours, depending on which activities you select
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Download the walking tour app to maximize your experience.  Wear comfortable shoes for walking and take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to explore the falls up close.  Bring water during the summer if hiking.

Maid of the Mist
1 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY  14303
Telephone:  716 284 8897

  • Ticket Prices:   $22.25 for adults, $13 for child ages 6 to 12,
  • Hours:  Tours start each day at 9AM and depart every 15 minutes throughout the day.
  • Amenities:  Rain poncho, wheelchair accessible, complimentary WiFi
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the falls from the boat and the Hurricane Deck
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Be prepared to get wet on the boat ride.

Where to Stay:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls
643 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone:  716 970 4290

Where to Eat:

Top of the Falls Restaurant
Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY  14303
Telephone:  716 278 1794

I couldn’t help myself and ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wings as a starter and the Niagara Fish & Chips for my entree.

What to Eat: 

  • Street cart Hot dogs
  • NY-style Pizza
  • NY-style Cheesecake
  • Baked Pretzels
  • Buffalo Chicken Wings

What to Read:

  • The Day the Falls Stood Still, by Cathy Marie Buchanan
  • The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates
  • The Odds: A Love Story by Stewart O’Nan

Photo Guide for Niagara Falls:

    • “Journey Behind Niagara Falls” platform
    • The falls from the Maid of the Mist
    • Horseshoe Falls tunnels
    • Views of American Falls from the Canadian Side

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A Side Trip to the Meteor Crater, Arizona

000 Meteor Crater, AZ

Since we were traveling to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix, I wanted to research some of the nearby locations that we could explore on our way to the national park.  I enjoy the research that goes into preparing for vacations and spend hours reading up on the destinations that I plan to visit.  It was during my internet search that I learned about the meteorite crater, located just outside of Flagstaff.  I assumed it would be a quick stop, and was interested in learning more about this incredible act of nature.

Known as the Canyon Diablo Crater and the Barringer Crater, Meteor Crater is privately owned and was designated a national natural landmark in the late 1960s.  What I found so fascinating was the depth (570 feet) and diameter (3900 feet) of this bowl-like structure.   How could a rock made from nickel and iron crash into the earth leaving an impression.

As I approached the observation deck, I felt so small looking down into the crater.  Hardly noticeable in the center was a small astronaut figure that stood to represent the size of an actual man inside of this enormous basin.

In addition to seeing the crater from the viewing platform, there is the Meteor Crater Visitor Center that is located on the north rim.  There are interactive displays and information to learn more about space, the crater and various elements of the solar system that helped create this natural wonder.  Tickets for guided tours of the crater can be purchased from the Visitor’s Center.  Where else can you feel this close to outer space?

What did you find or would you find fascinating during a visit to the Meteor Crater in Arizona?  I would be interested in hearing your thoughts if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my quick visit to the Meteor Crater and wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Meteor Crater
Interstate 40, Exit 233
Winslow, AZ  86047

  • Admission Fee:  Adults:  $18; Seniors (age 60 and over): $16; Juniors (age 6 to 17): $9.   For additional discounts and group rates, contact the website directly.
  • Hours:  The park is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day. from 8AM to 5PM.
  • Amenities: Discovery Center, housing interactive displays containing information about meteorites, asteroids, impact cratering mechanics, and the formation of Meteor Crater; “IMPACT, The Mystery of Meteor Crater” movie shown in our Big Screen Theater; Three Lookout Points featuring spectacular views of Meteor Crater and breathtaking desert landscape; and, a guided Rim Tour.  Experience for an additional charge:  Adults and Children 6 years and older for $5 while children 5 years and younger are admitted at no charge.
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Scenic View:  Photograph of the meteor crater
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Bring water and sunscreen as the site is in the middle of the desert.  You may also want to bring a telephoto lens for photographs.

Where to Stay:

La Posada Hotel & Gardens
303 E. 2nd Street (Route 66)
Winslow, AZ  86047
Telephone:  928 289 4366

Where to Eat:

Fred Harvey Diner
1 Main Street
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ  86028

What to Eat: 

  • Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
  • Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
  • Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
  • Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig.  This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
  • Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
  • Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
  • Tamales!

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