The Fragrant Allure of Christmas

What is it about Christmas that gets under our skin? Why does it evoke such emotion, passion and sentimentality?

People often either want to eliminate it altogether, hide it in a package called “the holidays” or make it into something that can be bought, sold and opened up on Christmas morning. There are even those who would use it as a rallying post of purity; a fundamental bludgeon.

I’m reminded of Charlie Brown’s frustration on Schultz’s television Christmas special of nearly fifty years ago. Charlie wanted to find out what Christmas was all about. He had a natural repugnancy toward commercialism, but didn’t really know what to put in its place.

Charlie was in charge of directing the Christmas play and was obviously poor at doing so. He was assigned the task of finding a Christmas tree for the play, so he went out to a corner lot where trees of various shapes and sizes were for sale. These trees, each and every one of them, looked perfect, each in their own way. They were tall, short, thin, stout, simple, ornate, and all of them appeared to be imitation.

Charlie found one tree that was such a poor specimen as to barely be deserving of that title. Really, it was more like a sparsely needled branch. What could he possibly have seen in it? Well, Charlie felt that it was ‘real’ and in need of love, and he felt that it could be brought about by a bit of TLC. I have a sneaking suspicion that that was how Charlie thought of himself.

So, here we are, in the season, once again, being bombarded by the push and idealism that has become so much of the Christmas we all know. Cooking channels show us how to create magnificent dishes, commercials invite us to “save, save, save” after we spend, spend, spend. Our ‘to do’ lists are endless, and our shopping lists longer.

In churches, on one hand and Facebook posts, on the other, we are hammered with our essential lack of spirituality, regarding Christmas. And by the time it’s all done, we are spent, spent, spent!

The January “guilts” are close at hand. Yet we keep coming back for more.

So what is it? Sure, the economy is given a great push, for some, tradition traps them into participation, and then there is that whole family “thing”.

But like Charlie, I’d like to know what is at the bottom of this crazy time; this time of such intensity, exhaustion, and exhilaration; the rush that we call Christmas?

Linus said it in Charlie Brown’s Christmas; the answer at the end of Charlie’s quest. Linus, in his child’s voice quietly quoting Luke 2:8-14, the story of Christmas, “For unto you is born, this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

So that’s it? God in swaddling clothes, in a trough meant for animals to eat out of? Could it really be just that simple? That complicated?

Could it be that the child was born to a modest carpenter instead of a King? Could it be that he was meant to be born of humble circumstance rather than that of wealth and fame? Could this mean something more? Perhaps that He, Himself was real, and that He came for real people? That He came to help fix the sad, broken down, and discarded Christmas trees of this world? The Charlie Browns?

Yet, despite the humble entrance, heaven couldn’t help itself; an angelic choir descended upon a small group of unobtrusive shepherds, a display yet to be matched by any cathedral here on earth. Wise men; Kings arrived baring gifts of rarity and worth. The sweet smelling fragrance of frankincense was placed at the feet of the “Rose of Sharon”, one of the names of the Christ child.

No, the core of the story of Christmas cannot be bought or sold, but has already been paid. It is the story of love, of acceptance, of the instilling of worth upon ordinary people, people who would often be overlooked and forgotten by the imitation.

But it is also the celebration of glory; filled with glitz and glam and wonder and awe. It is an alluring fragrance, the fragrance that is Christmas itself.

Predicted snowstorm dumps a blanket of beauty on Niagara Falls

The news was saturated with grim weather reports predicting a massive storm throughout much of the Eastern half of

North America, right in time for Thanksgiving. So on the Evening of November 26th, the storm reached Niagara Falls, but

instead of the predicted super storm, people awoke to a Winter Wonderland.

s

The mist of the Falls rises in the distance. The Rainbow bridge crosses the gap, while a gentle snow caresses the trees.

The Buddhist Temple in Niagara Falls, Ontario, emerges from across the gorge.

Frosted limbs engulf the gorge’s upper banks, by the Whirlpool bridge.

Snowy limbs against a winter-like sky, along the gorge.

The houses appear Christmas card perfect, in Deveaux, a suburb of Niagara Falls,

Picture perfect.

A fireplace inside would certainly compliment the wintery beauty, outside.

A house like this, in a setting like that, looks as though it was snatched right from the Alps.

A street lined with trees, dressed for the season.

Like frosting on a cake…

Bright red berries, iced and frozen. Even though snow can be a nuisance, sometimes it’s worth it!

The Four Seasons of Niagara

Autumn is a wonderful season no matter where you are. If you live in an area where they refer to “autumn”, chances are you experience the changes of the four seasons. We all love the cooler temperatures, and refreshment from the summer’s heat. The variation of foliage brings an array of colors and salutes the majesty of creation.

Having traveled and lived in various area through our lives, we just happen to think that Niagara likes to show off a bit.

Niagara loves to grow an abundant harvest. It loves to party. It loves to dress up to the hilt. It loves to share all of this with you!

Winter is a season of controversy. Many folks either love it or hate it. There is no doubt that living near Buffalo, NY has given Niagara a bad rap from January through March. Yet actually, there is much awe and inspiring beauty during these cold winter months.

Christmas decorates the malls. The holidays celebrate December. Icicles dance in sparkling shows of glitter and glam, while people sing and celebrate you home through New Years.

Indoors we dine and civilize in the warmth of each others company and class.

There are cleared paths and trails for walking, and places for skating and nearby skiing.

We all look forward to spring, with the hope of new life and regeneration.

“crocuses show their little heads, gracefully leading the way.

The blossoms sprout, the lilies sing, in a dazzling, joyful floral array.”

See… Just thinking about it makes us wax poetic (Mom’s the corny one.)

To visit Niagara in the spring is to see a tumbling and effervescent declaration of life!

The ice is let out of the Lake Erie boom and jostles its way over the abrupt precipice.

And then there’s summer. we all love summer, as long as the temperature doesn’t spike!

And summer is the Niagara we all know and love. Cool refreshing breezes blow in from the Great Lakes and the many trees provide ample shade. Oh yes, we have our heat too, but what a refreshing way to cool down, standing by the edge of the abyss, immersed in the spray stirred up by the crashing turquoise waters.

The Jet Boat and the Maid of the Mist are two ways of getting right down into the turbulence and rapids, experiencing the water like no other! But even in the rush of the summer season, there are gentle times and places that allow for lingering ruminations.

Hawks, buzzards and varied bird life soar high above the gorge, while the great outdoors is just waiting to be experienced. Festivals, music, concerts, and such soar in their own way as well!

So pick, your favorite season and come on by. We’d love to have you!

Oreo’s Great Halloween Adventure in Niagara

Today Mum woke up to her sixteen year old cat’s uncomfortable hobble. He just didn’t look right. As a matter of fact, he looked “askew”.

Dutiful Mum that she is, she promptly called the vet. They go to Lewiston Animal Hospital, in, you guessed it, Lewiston. They have been going there for sixteen years.

Jennifer’s cat travel case was at her house, and Mum was busy with no time to spare. So, “Kitty” as he is affectionately called, went freestyle. He sat on her lap looking out the window and taking in the views.

It just so happens that it was Halloween, so they passed all sorts of excited looking children on their way home to get ready for trick-or-treating. They drove by houses decorated with pumpkins, corn stalks and various “scaries”.

Another view Oreo took in was the great Niagara Gorge. Does he know how lucky he is? The great Niagara Gorge is filled with lovely colored trees this time of year and Kitty sat, nose close to the window, taking in the view. Some people wondered at the black and white cat placed squarely upon Mum’s lap,  right by the steering wheel!

Along the route, they passed the Power Vista as well, which is right across the road from Niagara University. 

http://www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm

As they passed NU, Kitty noticed the Niagara University Theater. He’d heard from friends about their wonderful plays, and wondered if they were going to do a production of “The Cat Who”? www.niagara.edu/theater

Downhill in the village of Lewiston, once they got to the vet’s, Oreo was offered treats. They even gave Mum some apple cider and donut holes! The ladies at the front desk were dressed up in costumes and there was a contest for the best dressed pet.

When Kitty went into the office, he was surprised to see the Doctor dressed up as a mouse! But Kitty knew it wasn’t a REAL mouse.

They loved Oreo so much at the vet’s that they took turns holding him and stroking his long, dark fur. It turns out that he’s just getting a little old and so they told Mum how to give him some special loving care.

After waiting for too long, Kitty got impatient and jumped out of Mum’s arms and hid under a pet food display case! One of the workers had to pull him out. Naughty boy.

He sat on the floor of the car all the way home, he’d had enough scenery for one day. He wobbled a bit, to and fro, after his examination, but before he knew it, he was back home at his very own water dish. Was it all a dream?

After they returned, the kids were there, waiting in costume, hands outstretched to get some treats of their own. Cousin Jordan was there to help hand out the goodies, and posed for a photo with his favorite cat cousin.

Oreo took his place on the front porch, at the window, as he does every year, so that he can spy out the goblins, lady bugs and werewolves.

But alas, it has been a busy day, and he is now sleeping on the chair right next to Mum. What a big adventure he had today! Sweet dreams of cat nip, guppies and puppy love. ❤ ❤ ❤

Visit Niagara Falls, Canada from Niagara Falls, USA

 

Niagara Falls is a wonder in more ways than one. Not only are we the mighty Niagara, but we are actually three water falls; the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, overlapping our international Canadian and American borders.
So yes, there are two cities named Niagara Falls, either side of the border, and if you come for a visit, you should be sure to see both. We find Niagara USA to be a more natural experience, with up close and personal views of the water and Falls and is less “touristy”. It has open landscaping and well placed trees and plants, offering calm walkways along the river and solitude if you so choose. The Canadian parks are well manicured, the view of the Falls is great, and it is an experience you should take in, given the opportunity.

 

One of the easiest ways to see both sides, if you are staying in Niagara Falls, New York, is to simply walk over the Rainbow Bridge. Parking prices on the Canadian side are high and you might even have to park at quite a distance and take a bus just to see the sites. Instead of driving, you could walk over the bridge which is an adventure in itself and is only small change. It’s also a great photo opportunity because the bridge crosses over the gorge with beautiful views of the Falls.
I met a friend in Niagara Falls, Ontario, the other day. She used to work for the Parks Police and had one of the best office window views in the world, in my opinion! She knows her city like the back of her hand, and even though I’d lived there previously, offered to take me around, like a tourist.
So after visiting her former office, we  took a cute little path up to the Skylon Tower. It is between the Parks Police building and the rose garden across the street from the American Falls. It slices up the cliff to access the Skylon among other things at the top. Some locals call this path “Jolley cut”, named after James Jolley. Be warned that it is rather a bit of a hike, uphill.

 

The Skylon Tower has breathtaking views of both falls, and the river, as well as the surrounding cities and countryside and the visuals are well worth the experience.

 

She also gave me a ride along the gorge to the Spanish Aerocar, which was unfortunately closed for the day, due to high winds.

 

 We went to Zappi’s Pizzeria for lunch, which is a quaint Italian Eatery. This is a small restaurant with delicious homemade food. I had a large salad and wonderful homemade butternut squash soup. http://www.zappispizza.com/niagara-falls-pizza/ It’s a short cab ride uphill from Journey Behind the Falls. You  might find it accessible by foot, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
 

There are several attractions within walking range from Niagara Falls, NY, including;
Niagara’s Fury –http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/falls-experiences/niagara-fury/  an interactive 4-D cinematic experience.
Journey Behind the Falls –http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/falls-experiences/journey-behind-the-falls/ a walk underneath the Horseshoe Falls.
The Skylon Tower – http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/falls-experiences/skylon-tower/ which has an observation deck with a towering view of the waters below including the Falls, River and gorge and surrounding countryside as well as a buffet dining room and a revolving dining room.

The Table Rock Welcome Centre – http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/falls-experiences/table-rock/ which houses the Elements on the Falls Restaurant, overlooking the Horseshoe Falls – http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/eat/fallsview-dining/elements-on-the-falls/ , Table Rock also includes a tourist shop, food court and access to the Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara’s Fury.

Clifton Hill – http://www.cliftonhill.com/ a street on a hill that’s a crazy, touristy  conglomeration of “museums”, restaurants, novelties and nightclubs. The height of its season is definitely summer when the street is jam packed with people and you can be jostled about by nearly anyone from anywhere around the world!

When you stay in Niagara, USA, there are several hotels which you could look into –
http://www.niagarafallslive.com/HamptonInnNiagaraFallsNY.htm
http://www.niagarafallslive.com/red_coach_inn_hotel_niagara_falls_new_york.htm
http://www.niagarafallslive.com/sheraton_at_the_falls_niagara_falls_ny.htm
http://www.niagarafallslive.com/seneca_niagara_casino_hotel_niagara_falls.htm
http://www.niagarafallslive.com/holiday_inn_express_niagara_falls.htm
http://thegiacomo.com/
http://www.niagarafallslive.com/four_points_by_sheraton_7001_buffalo_ave_niagara_falls_new_york.htm

http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Econolodge_Niagara_Falls_200_Rainbow_Blvd_Niagara_Falls_New_York.htm

 

Oktoberfest at the Falls

So, it’s “Oktober” and you know what that means…yes…Oktoberfest!

There are many Oktoberfest celebrations world wide this time of year, but none other have the roar of the mighty Niagara as a back drop.

This autumn has been an unusually warm one, with temperatures regularly above average. The leaves have begun their subtle turn from green to gold and auburn and orange, and this past weekend was spectacular. The sky was bright blue, with barely a cloud to be found.

And down by the Falls, on Old Falls Street, there was a lot going on. Our version of Oktoberfest included the quintessential lederhosen and dirndl ensembles, biergartens, and “Oom-Pah-Pah” bands.

There were were several types of German themed foods, including bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, and a variety of beer available in the large tent. Long tables filled to capacity with families and friends ate, drank, and listened the alphorns, while watching colorful dancers.

The Great Foodini food truck http://www.greatfoodinifoodtruck.com/ offered a variation on the standard German food with their German style pizza. Sehr gut! If you had an inclination to browse a clothing shop, you could stop by the mobile Ooo-La-La Boutique. https://www.facebook.com/ooolalafashiontruck. 

We also noticed a sweet red Gelato truck called the Gelateria Luca. Nice for a warm day! https://www.facebook.com/GelateriaLucaBuffalo

There were activities for children in the Kidtoberfest Zone which included a petting zoo, bounce house, art tables, and a balloon twister.  And for the grownup “kids”,  it was the perfect day to toss around the Frisbee in the Kan Jam tournament.

Because we know they have great food and a shady place to sit, we decided to eat at Legends Bar & Grill on First Street. Their menu includes wood fired pizzas, hamburgers, salads and wings, to name a few. http://legendsbarnf.com/ We’ve always found the food to be good here.

Mayor Paul Dyster and his friends were there to enjoy the fun.

The summer schedule of Old Falls Street is jam packed with activities, with a smattering of seasonal festivities as well. The calendar of activities is available on their website, http://fallsstreet.com/.

There’s always something new in Niagara…

Chautauqua; a delightful place to take an autumn break

 

One of the wonderful things about Niagara is its central location to so many other fabulous finds. We love to take day trips or overnights to some of these places. One of our favorites is Chautauqua! It’s a short drive from Buffalo and Niagara, and an easy and pleasant day trip, to be sure.
The Lake Chautauqua region of Western New York is fresh and full of voluminous vistas. The hills which rise up from Lake Erie and house Lake Chautauqua, offer beauty to the beholder, around many twists and turns.
One of the largest grape growing regions in America, the Chautauqua area is a supplier to Welch’s grape juice and has several wineries as well. (See link below).
My favorite season to visit this area is the autumn, when the leaves are turning, the air is still warm and the scent of grapes tickles your nostrils with happy little joy tendrils.

My cousin and I rented a condo on the property of the Chautauqua Institute and did everything we could to enjoy ourselves! We love taking photos and walking and this is a regular paradise to do so. There is some interesting architecture here and the Institute is filled with charming homes from around the turn of the 20th Century. The owners take pride in dressing up their front porches with delightful flower arrangements and greenery by the dozens. Who wouldn’t be happy taking pictures of such a place?
A community, reminiscent of days past still exists in the summer, with a small bleed over into the fall. People sit and rock on their porches, magazine in hand, chatting with neighbors and drinking iced tea. Ideas are born this way.

The Atheneum is an old hotel, on property, with a delightful wrap around porch, facing the Lake and the famous clock tower. In the autumn many of the porches’ chairs are empty whereas during the summer season you’re lucky to snag one! http://www.athenaeum-hotel.com/ The hotel lobby is a step back into yesteryear, with a gracious environment long gone. It somehow reminds me of Mark Twain. Oh wait, yeah he was here. This is a cool article describing the roots of the Institute, (but note, it’s an older article and the prices are not correct): http://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/03/travel/chautauqua-s-quiet-charm.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

There’s also the Busti Apple Festival a way out in the country, in the town of Busti that is well worth the trek. They’ve got the old mill up and running, fiddlers fiddling, cider pumping, corn a shuckin’ and lots of vendors selling their arts and crafts. They also display some crafting, like caning, with the demonstrators in costume. It’s held the last Sunday in September and runs from 9-5. http://www.townofbsti.com/apple.htmlu

During the winter, the President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival is held in Mayville and includes a Snowball Dance, snowmobile rides, a Lego Creation Building Contest and a fireworks display. http://www.chautauquachamber.org/events/eventdetail.aspx?EventID=260
At the beginning of spring, buckets can be seen hanging from maple trees all along the countryside. A Maple Syrup Festival is held then, in nearby Jamestown. http://aboutchautauqua.com/page/4
Of course, in the summertime the Chautauqua Institute reigns supreme with all she has to offer: http://www.ciweb.org/#1 and humbler activities such as boating, canoeing, hiking, biking, antiquing and wine tasting, museums and children’s activities are all easily available with a variety of accommodations to choose from. (See links below).
For general information on activities: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1987130-Activities-Chautauqua_County_New_York.html
For wineries and tastings: http://www.chautauqua-wine-trail.com/wineries.html ,
For water activities and more: http://www.chautauquarentals.net/Links.html
For hiking and biking: http://www.post-journal.com/page/contkent.detail/id/501773.html?nav=5099
Photography, hiking, biking, wine tasting, boating, festivals, Niagara, Chautauqua County, Chautauqua Institute, Buffalo, New York State, crafts, maple syrup, Atheneum, Mark Twain, Antiquing, Legos, Lego Creation Building Contest.

The secret inspiration of the gorge

One of my all time favorite places to write.

There is a space along the Niagara gorge, between the Devil’s Hole and Whirlpool Parks that holds my heart. The land slopes gently downward, among slithering bends, parallel to the mighty Niagara, though lofty heights above. A stately old bridge graces a water run off and large trees play hide and seek with chipmunks and squirrels.

I love lazy autumn afternoons, when the air is still and the sky grey, when there is a mere wisp of a cool breeze, indicating what is yet to come.

But nothing can properly describe the breath taking visuals, nor the total immersion of sounds; a regular feast for the senses; crickets, katydids and grasshoppers chorus their canticle, alongside the hum and roar of the waters rushing below. Up above, whirlybirds (helicopters) hum their constant Niagara tune, a theme played multiple times daily, delivering thrills to hundreds of tourists.  Cars and lawnmowers chime in to remind us that this is actually a giant slice of nature placed in an urban setting…or perhaps the other way around.

A residential area is directly across the Robert Moses Parkway. Deveaux has many stately old homes.

The Canadian side is so close, one feels as though they could reach out and touch it, (if you had a freakishly long arm)! The Niagara Glen is just across the way, a place my high school class made an annual visit for our year end picnic. Now here I sit, writing from Western New York, an observer of little bodies climbing up and down stairs and rocks like ants.

Back here, in continued observation, the Great Niagara Whirlpool is to my left. (It’s also home of the Spanish Aero car accessible from Canada only). To the right are both power plants, the American Niagara Power Project and Canadian Sir Adam Beck. The Niagara Power Project is easily accessible from here, a mere stones throw away. The Robert Moses Parkway also jangles along the gorge from beyond Youngstown NY on one end and to the far end of Niagara Falls on the other.

This is the converted Robert Moses Highway. On one side there is a road, and this side is a pedestrian and bike pathway. Part of this land is protected so that the flora and fauna can grow naturally.

Regarding trail accessibility, bike and hiking trails, both dirt and paved (adjacent to the Robert Moses Parkway) are varied. The trails available are for both the adventuresome and the more gentle soul. Hikers, bikers, joggers, dog walkers and strollers all live together in perfect harmony…or at least they use some of the same path ways! Picnic tables, and bathrooms are also available. (seasonally).

I prefer to stroll along the top of the gorge, gaze at the beautiful vistas, take pictures in a photographer’s paradise and dodge the occasional squirrel,  sitting ‘neath the tree, with my name on it, putting pen to ink…

The Devil’s Hole Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary

The Devil’s Hole State Park is 42 acres of both wooded and cleared land along the Niagara River gorge, adjacent to the Whirlpool State Park. The park has a charming trail along the top of the ridge, providing beautiful scenery, including a view of both the American and Canadian Power vistas, which are both accessible to the public. http://www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm and http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/sir-adam-beck.html   If you descend one of the walkways down to the river, you will be presented with a wild river, full of torrential rapids. There are also trails down below.* Beware this is a dangerous area and to enter the water is deadly. Also, the trails are steep and the footing can be treacherous. http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-buffalo-new-york.

The Niagara area and beyond are very historical and played a large role in the establishment of the United States as we know it.

Yesterday marked the memorial of the 250th year since the Seneca Native Americans ambushed the British at Devil’s Hole.  http://niagara-gazette.com/communities/x312428187/Devils-Holes-marking-250th-anniversary-on-weekend.

To commemorate the Anniversary, a re-enactment of the events was held. The upper trail is most often used by tourists, joggers and dog walkers, but yesterday, that wasn’t the case; horses and wagons appeared in the normally quiet park. True to period costumes for the soldiers, Native American garb for the Native Americans, and rifle firing over the gorge were the order of the day. There were also walking tours available, and we took one, in which the speakers in essence said the following;

*Warning: the italicized writing is HISTORY. We like it. Not everyone does. We tried to make it interesting, but to each their own…

In 1763 the British held Fort Niagara, after the displaced French, and the Native tribes of the area were unhappy about it. Supplies played a vital part in why the Fort was needed and in supplying Detroit further on down the line.

Now here’s the rub. The Seneca had held this trade route for many years and considered it their right; after all, it was their land and livelihood. They had tolerated the newcomers, having found a useful niche, of sorts, but when the British cut them out of the equation, a smoldering resentment erupted into the ambush at Devil’s hole. About 400 Seneca were waiting for the convoy and when all was said and done around a hundred men were killed, many scalped and found in the river, having fallen the height of the gorge down to the river below. The headmaster survived, having escaped back to Fort Schlosser, up river, above the Falls and lived to tell about it. http://dmna.ny.gov/forts/fortsQ_S/schlosserFort.htm.

Men representing the 46th Regiment Grenadiers dressed for their role in authentic period costume, tall hats and all. Chris is a regular participant in re-enactments, and a Western New Yorker. We commented on his “chapeau” and its unusual shape and height and told him it reminded us of a German topper. He answered, saying the Germans had also used them and that “it was designed to intimidate by adding height” to the often already taller than average Grenadiers. He also said how another advantage was when the Grenadiers, (who used to throw grenades), found that when they did so, sometimes their hats would catch on fire, and that the  taller hats would not! (At least that’s what Chris said)… Eventually these same hats morphed into the bearskin hats we know and love today as those worn by the Queen’s Guards displaying them in front of Buckingham Palace. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearskin Chris kindly posed for this photo; a fine looking specimen, at that.

We spoke with Al Parker, also known as Ho/yen/dah/onh who was one of the Seneca representatives. He was sure to tell us that his native name means “He got it”, which we found amusing! Parker felt the main thing that came out of this historic event was the treaty between the English and the Seneca Nations. Parker is on the Board of Directors at Old Fort Niagara and is involved in the French and Indian War re-enactment held there each July, http://militaryhistorynow.com/2013/07/08/living-history-french-indian-war-comes-alive-at-fort-niagara/ He also told us that some of his fellow participants at this event were regular re-enactors who act in movies as well! Pretty cool.

2chicks2go… Where?

Welcome to our blog. We are the two chicks! Jennifer and Sherrie, Daughter and Mom. We live in Niagara Falls, NY.

During our travels, people always ask “where are you from?” and we say “we’re from Niagara Falls.” Inevitably. they know just where that is, with their only question being, “which side of the border?” because Niagara Falls is the “world’s most famous address.” And the second question is “living in a tourist area, where do YOU go for vacation?”

So, we thought that we would answer those questions and more in the form of a blog. First of all, for those coming to visit our world famous attraction, we will happily give insider information, tips, and tell you what we like to do.

Secondly, for those of us that live in the Western New York area, you know we’re sitting on a treasure. Wouldn’t it be nice to have consolidated where-to information, schedules and reviews at your finger tips? We would also like to share our enjoyment of local fare, markets, restaurants, and the wine trail. Jennifer and Sherrie also enjoy cooking- we will contribute some recipes of the bountiful produce that Western New York has to offer here on our blog.

Living in such a centrally-located area, we have access to so much. World class events, dining, entertainment, hiking and scenery. For people that are visiting our area, they may not be aware of how this hub can lend to an exciting extended vacation and for locals to enjoy day trips. As anative born Canadian, Sherrie has a unique perspective of both sides of the border.

That brings us to where we like to vacation. Sherrie has traveled extensively across most of North America, where as Jennifer has traveled abroad on several different occasions. We would also like to share some of these experiences with you.

So put on your yellow rain slicker, and lets get ready 2 go.