Wednesday, March 18, 2015

TWTW - The Birthday one in Niagara Falls

A day late and a dollar short for a weekend post, but let's do this! Friday my Mom and Rich came over to celebrate my birthday bearing gifts and also all courses of dinner: Mom's it's all greek to me salad which is awesome and  bang bang shrimp. She brought bread (I was out of butter...who am I?) and cookies too.
Saturday we were up and off early to Niagara Falls. That is an easy direction-wise but long ass ride time-wise. Eight hours there (rain and stopped to sit down and eat) and seven hours home.

We stayed at Sheraton on the Falls on the Canadian side, and I'm glad we did. We stopped to pee on the NY side and it was sort of seedy. We had a Falls View room (on my 40 before 40 list) and the view was astounding. You can even open a door and hear the Falls and feel the wind. I took a photo of me looking like a psycho so you can see this. You're welcome. The location of the hotel was excellent and the price was pretty standard. We were in walking distance to everything, right on to the corner of Clifton Hill, a block from the American Falls and a block from the Rainbow Bridge.
We checked out the American Falls and wandered around the town. It's like a cross between a carnival and the Wildwood boardwalk. Very touristy and kitschy but a lot of fun sights to see on Clifton Hill, both the attractions and also the people walking around. I hope they named Ellen & Clark Avenues after The Griswolds. That would make my heart sing.
We got something to eat at Clifton Family Restaurant and it was a lot better than I thought it would be. This whole weekend was a treat yo'self weekend food-wise so I felt no guilt ordering the traditional poutine and slopping it all up.
Saturday - my birthday! I'm always excited for my birthday so we were up early and had a quick snack at Tim Horton's (above right photo), which is open 24 hours. It was like we were the only people up in the town. We went down by the American Falls and had them to ourselves.
 A quick shower and a walk down to the Horseshoe Falls
Brunch at the buffet in the Skylon Tower - the food wasn't bad (I wasn't expecting greatness), nor was the price ($30 PP) and the views were wonderful. You got to go to the observation deck too (bottom series of photos) for that price so we killed two birds with one stone. MFD nearly got himself killed by having the entire restaurant sing to me.
We did the Journey Behind the Falls ($22/PP). Since the Falls were still frozen, you only really got to see rushing water from the one observation deck (pics 1-3 below), which was really cool. The information about the Falls that's down there is the same as the information that's on the top floor of the Welcome Center.
After a brief respite in our room, we walked over the border from Canada to the U.S. I love doing that kind of stuff.
We changed quickly and had dinner at Weinkeller. I was not expecting to have such an excellent dining experience in a total touron part of town. If you're ever in Niagara Falls, I hope this makes your list. The owner was awesome, the chef came out to talk, and our server was funny and knowledgeable. I loved the entire experience. Sorry for the crappy photos, they're from my phone. You see the warm winter salad with some pork belly because why not; then the fried goat cheese - I cannot describe how amazing this was with the rosemary honey truffle oil. I wanted to lick the plate; grilled pork loin chop with veg and an amazing butternut squash croquet thing that managed to taste like Thanksgiving stuffing; and NY-style cheesecake. They make everything in house from scratch, they even make their own water and wines. And check out MFD's cup for his espresso - so cute.
We capped off the night with a ride on the terrifying Ferris Wheel. I'm not sure why we did this since MFD doesn't like heights and I don't like enclosed spaces, but the view of the Falls lit up at night was pretty good from here.
I'm glad we made the trip - the Falls are truly majestic and better seen from Canada. If we lived closer, one night there would do. Given the drive time, two worked for us. It was a good workout too - we walked over two hours Friday night and probably for about six hours Saturday and the town is hilly in spots. I was really excited to see them with some ice still on them. That was cool as hell.

We'll finish this out with pics. Of us next to the Falls...
Of some wildlife and no shit signage:
And various, including MFD dressed up in War of 1812 gear because of course he would be. Why not? Ahem.

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Thanks for reading a weekend post on a Wednesday. It seems wrong, doesn't it?

Please head over to Casa de Crews where I'm sharing some spring hausfrauing tips today! Click here.

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Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending
















49 comments:

  1. Looks like you had a great weekend. We have been to both sides of Niagara falls, but usually passing through on our way home from Toronto. We also were able to see them, both in the summer time and one time, in January. Beautiful! I never had poutines like that. Here, poutines are boiled potatoes stuffed with salt pork, I think. Not a fan. And with your weekend post on a Wednesday, it makes this weekend feel especially close. Cheers!

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  2. first off, happy birthday again! secondly, Niagara Falls looks like it was a great quick trip. MFD looks scared shitless in the Ferris Wheel pic lol the pictures of you guys with the falls behind you are all great!

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  3. Wow, the falls are beautiful! Happy birthday!!

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  4. That looks like a great birthday trip! I have never been to Niagara Falls so it's on my list to see. The restaurant where the chef and owner came out, will be added to my list, great customer service. The Ferris Wheel at night looks so pretty.

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  5. Such an amazing birthday trip, I've always wanted to go there! And I've heard from several people that going to the Canadian side is a must! Such beautiful pictures, glad you had an amazing weekend even if MFD had the whole restaurant sing to you :-P

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  6. How beautiful!! I've never been to Niagara Falls but this makes me really want to go!

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  7. HOLLA AT CANADA!!!! i love that you included tim hortons -- that's the dunkin donuts equivalent up in hurr. and being a disgraceful canadian, i have never had poutine because you dont want to know what i call it LOL

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  8. I was waiting for this post! Saw your Instagram pics and I was curious how the trip was. The pictures are beautiful and I love the restaurant recs you put in. How long is the drive exactly? Glad you had such a great time!

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  9. I love Niagara Falls. The Canadian side is a must. Glad you liked it, too. We haven't been in forever.

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  10. So beautiful! Look at you go, crossing stuff of your list!

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  11. Google ate my comment. 😡. I was trying to figure out what side you were on!! Sheraton has a solid view - my your took us for dinner there. I'm jealous you got to see them frozen because that just seems cool!! I'm amazed that you found so much to do... You stay doing the most. ;)

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  12. Great pictures. I so want to go to Niagara Falls!! One day!! So fun.

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  13. What an amazing birthday!! Niagara Falls is on my list of places to see! So glad you had a great time! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  14. You had me at fried goat cheese and croquettes (of any kind, really). Niagara Falls isn't even on my radar of things to do or see, sadly, but now maybe it should be!

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  15. Looks like an awesome birthday weekend to me! And happy birthday by the way:) Seriously is that sign really necessary?

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  16. I had noidea you could walk across the border bw US and Canada, that is so cool! Pretty exciting to be able to cross something off your list, and I love that MFD got the entire place to sing Happy Bday to you! I can def see him doing tha, lol.

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  17. WHAT AN AMAZING BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!! Love all of it.

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  18. Looks like a fantastic weekend!!!!

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  19. Happy Birthday. I'm glad you had fun here in Canada. I live about 1.5 hours away from Niagara Falls. I go almost every year. I'm curious to know how you found us Canadians? Overly friendly or not at all? Hehe! If you ever go back to Niagara Falls, I recommend going to Niagara on the Lake, it's a small town, with beautiful shops (especially the Christmas one) but it's on the Canadian side. Anyhow, it looked like you had fun :) I loved this post...but I'm just being biased 'cus I'm Canadian eh!!!!

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  20. What a great birthday weekend!!! Love the pictures of Niagra Falls, I intend to go there someday!!!

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  21. Sounds like you guys had an awesome trip!! You got some great pictures and so glad you found some better than expected food! Love that espresso cup.

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  22. oh my goodness, so fabulous! one day i hope to go, and i am pinning this so i can basically copy all the things.
    what is poutine? is it just chips and gravy? it looks delish!

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  23. oh wait, i wanted to ask, did you stand with one foot in the US and one in Canada? that would be so cool!

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  24. Nice! (Oh, and was the bang bang shrimp from Bonefish or does she have a recipe?)

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  25. How fun! I've been there a couple of times. I did the 19-and-legal-to-drink trip one summer. Hot as could be in August, but fun nonetheless.

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  26. So cool! It looks like you had a great time. Do you feel like you missed out on anything by going in the winter instead of the summer?

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  27. This looks absolutely breathtaking, love it! Totally on my list of places I'm dying to visit. Glad you guys had such a fun celebratory weekend (and glad MFD made the restaurant sing to you, ha)!

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  28. I loved following all your pictures on instagram! I used to go there once a year for skating competitions it was so fun seeing all your pics and reminiscing! Looks like you had a great time!

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  29. what a freaking awesome birthday!! these pics are amazing, now i want to go.

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  30. What an amazing birthday!! Beautiful falls when they have snow. Now I am really wanting to plan a trip there soon!!

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  31. This is just excellent. Like a review. I am happy that ferris wheel was enclosed. I do not like heights but the view
    must have been spectacular. Very nice birthday weekend!!!

    Love, Your Momma

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  32. What a great view from your room and also so great you were pleasantly surprised with the food!!!! Happy Birthday! You look so pretty in that collage of you and MFD in front of the falls (the bottom right one). I hope to go to Niagara one day!

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  33. Such cool photos! What a fun way to spend your birthday, that hotel view alone is worth the trip. 8 hours? Damn. It takes 4 to get from here to Iowa City and I feel like that's really far!
    That blue scarf is perfect for your coloring, you pop.

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  34. The fried goat cheese with rosemary honey truffle oil sounds so freaking amazing....my stomach just audibly growled!!!

    I love the Canadian side of Niagra Falls and I highly recommend it to anyone that will listen even though it has been 20 years since I have been. Way to cross something off the 40 x 40 list too! I love all your selfies by the falls! Looks like a fabulous birthday weekend!

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  35. First of all, happy birthday :)

    I loved reading this Steph! We lived in Western NY for 3 years and would visit several times a year, it always looked differen and we always loved it. So glad you had such a nice time.

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  36. Okay, what does "croquet" mean? I've seen it before but I never know what it is! hahaha
    The Falls area looks so pretty with snow! I've only been once and that was in the Summer. It was pretty then, too... but with the snow and whatnot it looks even more magical!

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  37. Sounds like a great birthday!! Those pictures of the falls are gorgeous, I'd love to go there someday! And as always, your food pics look delicious!

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  38. There are some really nice pictures of you - that one by the fire with the glass of wine...you look mah-ve-lous!

    The Falls - gorgeous. I've never been and would love to go. The black squirrel - eeeek! So cute! Fried goat cheese? Yes, please.

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  39. Outdoors, tons of food, a room with a view & wine = a perfect birthday to me. Sounds like you guys had a great time!!!!! I have always wanted to go to Niagara Falls (and it reminds me of 'The Office' which I love). Perfect!

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  40. Thanks for sharing! This is something I want to do as well. I always wondered which side would be the best...
    Looks like you had a wonderful birthday weekend.

    Happy Birthday!

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  41. What an great birthday weekend, I love the behind the falls pictures!

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  42. Your pictures are so awesome! I'd always heard the Canadian side was nicer. That's so funny. I definitely want to make this trip with Jacob at some point. It sounds like such a wonderful birthday weekend!

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  43. Yay for crossing things off your list! It's interesting that one side of Niagra Falls is nicer than the other, I've never heard that before. It sounds like you had a good weekend for your birthday!

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  44. Sounds like such a FANTASTIC birthday celebration! :) I am dying to see Niagara Falls, Canadian side, but need to renew my passport. Thank you for reminding me. Lol. :) Your hotel was really beautiful and the food looks outstanding hehe. Glad you had a wonderful bday Stephanie and thanks for sharing this adventure! Take Care and keep celebrating it's still March! -Iva

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  45. Oh man this post is fabulous! What a way to celebrate the birthday. Love all the pics of Niagra and that you got to check one thing off your list. The views from that room must have been epic. Lastly the food.... yum!

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  46. Obviously I'm way late on this but since we just went recently I had to stalk your post about your trip too-- you guys did a lot in just a couple of days! It takes us about 7.5 hours to get there too which isn't too terrible. And I agree that seeing the falls with lots of ice on them was really freakin' cool! Did you guys hit up the casinos at all?

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  47. Goat cheese EVERYTHING. It's my favorite. I have been to the falls twice - once on each side and I'm glad you made the choice of the Canadian side. I want to visit Toronto and the falls again. Glad you had fun. The pictures are gorgeous.

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  48. Ahh, all the ice and snow = crazy looking falls! (I have a pic of that obvious sign, too!) I stayed about a mile away on the Canadian side, and it was the creepiest hotel everrrrrr. Next time, totally doing the falls view thing!

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