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Situated on River Road just north of the Rainbow Bridge, this four-storey all-concrete building was built in 1908 by the Spirella Corset Company as a corset manufacturing facility. At one time the factory employed 250 women. By 1958, the company employed 30 workers and had moved to a smaller facility on Lewis Avenue. In 1958, the building was purchased by the Jacob Sherman, owner of the Niagara Falls Museum. Originally located on the present site of Queen Victoria Park Restaurant, the Niagara Falls Museum was founded in 1827 by Thomas Barnett and was one of North America’s oldest and largest private museums. Mr. Barnett was forced to move the museum in 1887 with the passing of the Niagara Falls Queen Victoria Parks Act that led to the expropriation of all the land along the Niagara River from Clifton Hill to Dufferin Islands. The museum found a new home in Niagara Falls, New York where Mr. Barnett constructed a similar building called the Museum Arcade. The museum was sold to Jacob Sherman in 1942 but in 1958 history repeated itself and the land the museum stood on was expropriated by the New York state government for the extension of the State Reservation Park area. The Sherman family purchased the Spirella building, renovated it extensively adding a five-storey viewing tower, and moved their collection of 700,000 artifacts and over 2000 photographs back to Canada. The Sherman family operated the museum until 1999 when the maintenance of the artifacts and the building became too costly. Most of the museums contents were bought by private collector Bill Jamieson of Toronto. Mr. Jamieson subsequently sold a number of the artifacts including the Egyptian collection which included the remains of the pharaoh Rameses I and a number of other valuable mummies. In 2003 the remains of Pharaoh Rameses I were returned to Egypt. The former museum building was bought in 1999 by Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Larry Van. After $15 million dollars in renovations including a large addition on the south side of the building, the Niagara Falls Aviary opened in June 2003. The aviary features 300 tropical birds from around the world as well as an authentic wooden Java House, hand carved in Indonesia in 1875. There are rumours of a friendly ghost who tidies up and appears in the uniform of a night watchman wandering the floors in the old part of the building.
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Friday, November 9, 2012
Niagara Falls Stories:Friendly Ghost Of The Museum & Corset Factory
Friday, November 2, 2012
November is your last chance!! Journey Behind the Falls
November is the last month of the calendar year for visitors to hike to the lower observation deck at Journey Behind the Falls. This attraction allows guests to trek through the tunnels underneath the mighty Horseshoe Falls, emerging in a misty cave mouth directly beneath the thundering waterfall. Multiple portals are spread throughout the tunnels for visitors to take in unique views of the underside of the falls. The hike takes a little over 30 minutes. The colder temperatures in November often lead to impressive ice formations from the mist of the falls, making this a special time to visit.
Journey Behind the Falls
niagaraparks.com/nfgg/behindthefalls.php
Read more at Trails.com: Things to Do in Niagara Falls in November | Trails.com http://www.trails.com/list_10255_things-do-niagara-falls-november.html#ixzz2B6UFu9Tq
Journey Behind the Falls
niagaraparks.com/nfgg/behindthefalls.php
Read more at Trails.com: Things to Do in Niagara Falls in November | Trails.com http://www.trails.com/list_10255_things-do-niagara-falls-november.html#ixzz2B6UFu9Tq
Friday, October 26, 2012
CAA Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls, Canada Make It Your Winter Tradition!
Visit the CAA Winter Festival of Lights Niagara Falls, in Niagara Falls, Canada and Make It Your Winter Tradition! As Canada's foremost illumination festival in spectacular Niagara Falls, we capture the magic of the holiday season fromNovember 3, 2012 to January 31, 2013.
The CAA Winter Festival of Lights turns Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland, with over three million sparkling lights along a 6km route, Niagara Falls ice skating at the TD RINK at the Brink, grand holiday displays throughout the city, and uniqueNiagara Falls events like the Christmas Concert Series. With weekly fireworks, waterparks and casinos, this wintertimeNiagara Falls festival offers plenty to experience. The CAA Winter Festival of Lights is the most enchanting of Niagara attractions and has become a tradition for over one million people from around the globe on winter getaways.
We're proud of the fact that just last year Canoe.ca included the CAA Winter Festival of Lights in its Top 10 Canada's best winter festivals while Frommer's Travel placed Niagara Falls on its list of Top 10 decorated cities. Look for new illuminations and events as part of the Festival's 30th anniversary this year.
We invite you to discover the many Niagara events and attractions that the CAA Winter Festival of Lights has to offer - and explore Ontario getaway packages to make your visit as perfect as possible.
http://www.wfol.com/
Friday, October 19, 2012
Hotel safety tips: How to choose the best hotel room, best hotel location
When it comes to your safety, hotels can be your best source of security while traveling. While hotels are constantly making improvements to improve their safety, there's nothing worse than discovering your passport has been stolen or your laptop is broken thanks to a disabled door lock and a fast thief.
While you're searching for your next hotel, keep these safety tips top of mind.
What makes a safe hotel:
Never compromise your safety for a dollar. A great deal on hotel room can certainly cushion you budget, but it's worthless if the hotel is in a bad neighborhood or isn't up to code on things like door locks and surveillance cameras. Once you find the right location, narrow down your hotel choices by taking into consideration the following:
- Is each room equipped with a dead bolt lock and a peephole?
- Does the hotel room have an electronic guest room lock? Key locks are cute and add a bit of charm, but electronic doors track the comings-and-goings of all who enter.
- Do the hotel rooms have a telephone enabled with emergency call button or the ability dial outside of the hotel?
- Do photos of the hotel show well-lit hallways, parking garages and lobby areas? (Side note: never book a hotel without viewing pictures first).
- Hotels with limited entry/exit options usually have less foot-traffic, which keeps stragglers off the premises.
- Does the hotel provide 24-hour concierge/security? Knowing someone is on duty at all times allows for peace of mind if you're feeling unsafe.
- Before booking a hotel room in an international destination, make sure it's in a safe area by checking with the US Embassy in that country.
When arriving at your hotel:
- Stay with your luggage at all times. If a bellman offers to take your bags, make sure to keep the bag with your laptop, wallet and jewelry in it, and get the Bellman's name.
- Once you check in, grab a few hotel cards or matchbooks with the hotel's address on it and place them in your bag. If you get lost, you have the address and phone number ready to give to a cab driver.
- While the higher floors have the best views, the lower floors have quicker access to the ground. In the event of an emergency, you want to get out fast. Keep in mind that some fire departments, including those in the United States, can only reach as high as floor 8 in an emergency.
- Whenever possible, do not take a hotel room on the ground floor if it has doors and windows that open to the outside. This is particularly important for motels with rooms off parking lots. If you can't get a room on a higher floor, forgo your view and choose a room facing the interior or courtyard.
- Guestrooms near the elevators are generally the safest, but can also be the noisiest. If you're staying alone, request that your room is in the middle of the hallway or near an elevator - while the alcoves and corner rooms are very intimate and offer great views, they are also somewhat hidden making it easier for thieves to access.
After arriving in your room, check for the following: - If the hotel room you're staying in has older door locks (metal keys instead of the electronic key cards) make sure to check the deadbolt and safety chain when you arrive in your room. If they seem jittery or loose, ask to change rooms.
- Check the closets and bathrooms for anything left from the last guests and ensure all windows and adjoining doors shut and lock properly.
- Check the phone to make sure an outside line is accessible.
- Locate the nearest fire exit and count how many doors along the way until you reach the exit. In the event of a fire and heavy smoke, counting the doors will ensure you get to safety if you can't see.
When you leave your hotel room:
- Leave the television on - it gives the impression someone is in the room. Ask the maid service to keep the TV on or turn on the radio during turn-down service.
- The 'please make up my room' sign is also code for 'I'm not here'. Don't worry about making your bed or needing clean towels - maid service keeps track of the rooms and what's been cleaned, so they'll get to you regardless of whether you have the sign on your door. If you don't need your room serviced, place the "Do not disturb" sign on your door when you leave. This gives the impression you're inside.
- If you have valuables and don't have an in-room safe, ask to use the security vault in the hotel. If you have an in-room safe, use it!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Niagra Falls FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: What time of the year is
Niagara Falls open ?
A: Niagara Falls is open 24
hours a day 365 days a year.
Q: Are the Falls turned off at
night ?
A: No
Q: What will the weather be
like when I visit Niagara Falls ?
A: See
|
History & Almanac
|
from our weather link . |
Q: Is there a charge to see
the Falls ?
A: The parks are free and open
to the public 365 days a year. During the busier months of May through
September there is a charge for parking your automobile, r/v etc. There
are also fees for municipally operated "attractions"
ie: cave of the winds, maid of the mist, journey behind the falls.
Q: What is the best time of
the year to visit Niagara Falls ?
A: The best weather occurs
from mid May until mid September. The first two weeks of October is
usually the
best time for viewing our Fall foliage. Due to the "micro climate"
within the Niagara Gorge leaves tend to peak during the
third or fourth week of October. Niagara Falls can be very
spectacular even during the Winter. Nowadays more and more people visit the
Cataract City year round.
Q: Where should I stay during
my visit to Niagara Falls?
A: We recommend you try and
stay as close to the Falls as possible. Parking is limited during peak
season and getting around on foot & using the shuttle service is the
best way to get around and see the sites. We have a list of suggestions
and tips here: Niagara Falls Hotel Tips.
Q: Which
Fallsview hotel has the best view of the Falls?
A: Please
visit our "Fallsview Hotel"
page for more information.
Q: I don't have a
passport or visa to visit Niagara Falls Canada should I still visit
Niagara Falls NY?
A: Even though over 90
percent of the visitors go to Niagara Falls Canada you can still enjoy
yourself on the New York side of the border. There is a saying that in
Canada you can see the Falls but in New York you can feel the Falls,
referring to the "Cave of the Winds". Both sides have their pluses and
minuses. Niagara Falls NY is an aging city with not a lot to do after
the sun goes down. Niagara Falls Canada has a lot more to offer if
staying for a more than a day.
Q: How can I receive
information about Niagara Falls by mail ?
A: We do
not provide any literature by postal mail. You can use this link to
obtain a Niagara
Falls travel guide in the mail.
Q: Are there boat rides
available year round ?
A: Maid of the Mist and the
Whirlpool Jet boat operate from early May until late October.
*during the months of
November-April, Maid of the Mist, Jetboat, Cave of the Winds are closed.
All other attractions and businesses are open year round.
** During the winter months
the NY Observation
tower's elevators are closed but the observation deck is open.**
Q: What is the best way to get
to Niagara Falls ?
A: By air, you have to fly
into either Toronto, Ontario or Buffalo, New York.
Toronto's airport "Pearson
International" is 78 miles (125 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge.
Buffalo's Airport
"Buffalo/Niagara International" is 25 miles (41 kilometers) from the
Rainbow Bridge (35 minute drive).
To get to the Falls from the
airport, you can either rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or arrive by
taxi. More information is available from our
"transportation link".
Trailways Bus Service and
Amtrak/VIA train service is available directly to the cities of Niagara Falls.
Hotels do not provide courtesy
shuttles to or from the airports.
Q: How long will it take to
cross the bridge and clear customs?
A: Provided it is not a major
holiday, you can normally get through inspections in less than ten minutes. Expect a
ten to twenty minute wait on Fridays and Saturdays during the late afternoon
and early evening going to Canada. Sunday mornings there are delays
going in to the US and in the evening going back to Canada. Expect
delays of thirty minutes or more on Memorial Day, Canada Day,
Independence Day and Labor Day.
Q: What is the best way to
visit the Falls and see the attractions?
A: The best thing to do is map
out your itinerary before you arrive. To walk from one side of the
Horseshoe Falls to the other via the Rainbow Bridge is 4 km/2.5 miles
(8km/5 miles roundtrip) and that is a long walk! First you need to
figure out how you will get to the general area of the falls itself. If you are staying at a
local hotel find out the proximity to the Falls and plan your activities
from there. A typical tourist will visit the maid of the mist boat ride,
view the Falls from either Queen Victoria Park in Canada or the Niagara
Reservation Park in the USA (or both). In Canada you can easily walk
from Table Rock visit Journey Behind the Falls and then walk to the Maid
of the Mist docks. On the US side you can walk from the visitors center
to Prospect Point and catch the Maid of the Mist and then walk to Goat
Island for the Cave of the Winds, Terrapin Point and the Three Sisters
Island.
Both the Niagara Falls U.S.A
and Niagara Falls Canada Parks departments offer a transit system which
stops at the major attractions in their respective countries. The
Niagara Falls Canada "people mover" transits along the Niagara River
from Table Rock to Queenston Heights Park with thirteen different stops.
To preview it's route visit this link:
www.niagaraparks.com. In the US the Parks Trolley system runs a
three mile circular route and has six stops. For rates and info visit
this link:
www.niagarafallsstatepark.com.
Tour companies are abound in
Niagara Falls. Be sure to compare what is included with the tour
including admissions to the attractions you will visit. While tours tend
to be more expensive, they can take a lot of hassle out of walking
everywhere and at the end of the day you are still left with plenty of
energy for the evening.
Q: How far is the train
station from the Falls itself ?
A: In Niagara Falls Ontario,
the Via Rail station (4223 Bridge Street, tel:1-800-361-1235) is 1.6 miles
(2.5 km) from the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls NY the Amtrak train
station (27th Street & Lockport Road tel: 716-285-4224) is 2.8 miles (4.5
km) from the Rainbow Bridge. ($10.00 cab fare)
Q: How far is the Bus terminal
from the Falls.
A: In Niagara Falls NY, the
Trailways®
bus terminal (303
Rainbow Blvd. tel: 800-776-7548) is .6 miles (1 km) from
the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls Ontario the terminal (4555 Erie St.
tel: 905-357-2133) is 1.6 miles (2.5 km) from the Rainbow
bridge.
Q: Where can I obtain driving
directions and a map of Niagara Falls ?
A: Visit our
maps & info page.
Q: Where can I park my
car when visiting Niagara Falls ?
A: If you are visiting
just for the day there are municipally operated parking lots which
charge a fee. In Niagara Falls New York you can park at the Niagara
Reservation State Park near the Rainbow Bridge or on Goat Island. In
Niagara Falls Canada there are parking lots near the "Table Rock House"
adjacent to the Horseshoe Falls. When the lots fill up there is a
shuttle service to satellite parking. If you are spending the night all
hotels offer parking and there is almost always a fee. You can get
discounted parking at the Fallsview Casino if you obtain a
"frequent player card" which involves filling out a form to receive
newsletters and other promotional information.
Q: Is my US drivers
license valid in Canada and vice versa?
A: Yes.
Q: Is my automobile
insurance valid while in Canada?
A: In most cases yes
including car rentals. You may want to verify this with your insurance
company.
Q: Will my US cell phone
work in Niagara Falls Canada and vice versa?
A: Most major carriers
(Verizon, AT&T, Rogers) service will work within about a mile of the
international border. If you need to place your phone in roam mode
additional charges are incurred. Usually $1.00 per minute.
Q: Do you arrange tours of the
Falls?
A: You can reserve a tour by
checking our "tours" page.
Q: Where can I exchange my
currency ?
A: There are quite a few
currency exchange locations in the area and always at both sides of the
Rainbow Bridge. The best way to pay for your visit is to place
everything on credit cards, you'll get the best exchange rate from your
bank.
Q: I'll be in New York City and would like to visit Niagara Falls. What are my options ?
By car: It's a 6.5 hour drive. The quickest route from NY City is to take interstate 80 west to 81 north to 90 west then 190 north to the Robert Moses Parkway.
By plane: It is a 45 minute flight. From airport to airport it will usually take three to four hours including driving time to the falls. You can arrange for Buffalo Airport pickups and tours at niagaramajestic or taxi service through Buffalo Airport Taxi. It's a 30 minute drive from the Buffalo airport to the Falls.
By Train: The train ride is great, much of the route follows the New York State Barge Canal and Hudson River. The trip takes nine hours and costs $78.00 each way. Usually four departures daily starting at 7:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Amtrak offers service from Penn Station in Manhattan. Visit Amtrak's website for more details.
Greyhound offers bus service to Niagara Falls. This route takes 9-11 hours and the fare is roughly $55.00 one way or $105.00 round trip. Many departure times are available but the ride is exceptionally long.
Friday, October 12, 2012
ELFA History
| The Proud and Dynamic History of the Econo Lodge Brand |
| The oldest industry franchisee
association in the United States, ELFA was formed in 1974 as the result
of a group of franchisees who met in Norfolk, Virginia to share their
mutual concerns. Here's how the organization came to be: In the late 1960's, a group of Norfolk, Virginia businessmen headed by Vernon Myers and Lloyd Tarbutton recognized a need for inexpensive lodging. They determined that they could meet that need by avoiding frills and designing a building which could be economically constructed. The first Econo Travel Motor Hotel's were newly constructed with forty-eight rooms and a manager's apartment at a cost of between $4,000 and $5,000 per room. In a franchisee newsletter published in 1972, guests recommended many items be made available in the rooms (many of whom at the same time, complimented us on our low rates) which included: stationery, pens, mirrors in the shower for shaving, free coffee, Styrofoam ice buckets, clocks, reading lamps, piped in music, radio, and small refrigerators. Although these were valid requests, the Company maintained that our guests preferred lower rates rather than extra frills, and felt that "we can't have the right price and these items, too. " They later went public with an IPO being issued through the State of South Carolina. Based upon problems which arose from the offering, a majority of the interests of the various partners was conveyed to Lloyd Tarbutton in trust in order for him to control Econo Travel entirely. Tarbutton remained the president and the controlling stockholder until 1974. The Company grew quite rapidly during this period of time with its growth being based almost entirely on the sale of franchises. National Crisis In 1973, the motel industry and the country as a whole faced serious economic problems when the Arab countries developed an oil embargo which severely impacted many industries. Financial borrowing completely dried up for new motel construction projects. This had a severe impact on many of the franchisees because the fear of not being able to get gasoline kept people from traveling. During this period of time, a franchisee, David Drapella, called a meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, where Econo Travel was based, to discuss what could be done to save the franchisees and the Company, which no longer had income from franchise sales. In 1974, Econo Travel began accepting applications for hotel properties to be converted to the Econo Lodge brand. This step was taken because no one could finance new construction. However, conversions made the whole concept of inexpensive rooms more difficult to achieve. A second meeting was held to form the Econo Travel Franchisee Association, Inc. which incorporated in 1975. Frank Young was named as the president of the association. It was decided that the best thing we could do was try to develop a cooperative effort between the Company and the franchisees to allow us to get through a very trying time. After some negotiation, it was agreed that several franchisees would be placed on the Company board and that they would negotiate a new franchise contract that would substantially lessen the franchise fees in order for the Company to stay alive. These individuals were all multi-property owners, and it was felt that Econo Travel's goals needed to temporarily shift from selling franchises to aiding its franchisees operationally. The franchisee board members developed seminars and started educational programs to help both new and old franchisees and to instruct the Company on operational issues. Direction At the 1975 annual meeting, Lewis Allen, Robert Beck, J. Darby Wood and Frank Young were nominated and accepted as members of the Company Board of Directors. At that time, Tarbutton made the statement, "We feel this move will bring added strength to our overall operation, in that what is good for our franchisees must also be good for the entire company. I am looking forward to a solid relationship that will continue the pattern of growth which we have enjoyed in the past." The Econo Lodges of America Franchisee Association, Inc. was the first industry franchisee association, and the cooperative effort between the Company and the association was unprecedented. The combined effort worked out very well. The franchise fee was lowered by more than one-half, distressed properties were given distressed rates, and a number of other economic changes were made which benefited the franchisees. Another result of these meetings was the appointment of Robert Weller, an early employee of Econo Travel, as the president of the Company. Weller was formerly the licensing director of Econo Travel. Weller had the ability to lift the spirits of a company going through difficult times. Through his guidance, the company grew quite rapidly and retained a close relationship with the franchisees who after negotiating a new contract, had voluntarily reduced its number on the board from four to two. As a result of the growth of the organization, a voluntary contribution of $100,000.00 was made by the association in 1979 in order to fund a fall advertising campaign which would not have been possible without that contribution. The franchisees have, in turn, worked hard to help the Company over its rough times. At the request of the association, several multi-property franchisees pre-paid franchise fees in order to carry the Company through economic slump difficulties in the 1970's. ELFA's Legacy Today we offer a forum to share information beneficial to both franchisees and Choice Hotels International (CHI) which, in turn, will provide the highest possible quality of services to Econo Lodge franchisees and their guests. Membership allows open communications between the franchisee and Econo Lodges of America through regularly scheduled meetings. Participation in the organization and its various committees allows both parties to work to improve the Econo Lodge system. It supports Econo Lodges of America in the implementation of system-wide programs which benefit the membership and will result in the Econo Lodge brand achieving and maintaining a top position in the economy lodging industry. We have fought hard to maintain our independence from the Franchisor, Choice Hotels International. Our boards are made up of volunteer owners, operators, who work tirelessly to protect the interests of Econo Lodge franchisees throughout the country. |
Monday, October 8, 2012
Welcome!
| |
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Niagara Falls History & Human History
The first humans arrived in Niagara Region almost 12,000 years ago, just in time to witness the birth of the Falls. The land was different then, consisting of tundra and spruce forest. During this time (the Palaeo-Indian Period, which lasted until 9,000 years ago), Niagara was inhabited by the Clovis people. These nomadic hunters likely camped along the old Lake Erie shoreline, living in simple, tiny dwellings. They left little to mark their tenure except chipped stones. These large, fluted projectile points were likely to fell the caribou, mastodons, moose and elk that roamed the land.
The Woodland Period lasted from 3,000 to 300 years ago, culminating in the peak of Iroquois culture in southern Ontario. Corn, bean and squash agriculture provided the main sources of food. With their bellies full, the Iroquois had time for other pursuits and the population boomed. Small palisaded villages were built, with nuclear or extended families occupying individual longhouses. During this period, burial rituals and ceramics were introduced to Ontario. Society became more complex with a political system based on extended kinship and inter-village alliances.
When the European explorers and missionaries arrived at the beginning of the 17th Century, the Iroquoian villages were under the direction of various chiefs elected from the major clans. In turn, these villages were allied within powerful tribal confederacies.
Unfortunately, inter-tribal warfare with the Five Nations Iroquois of New York State, made worse by the intrusion of the Europeans, dispersed the three Ontario confederacies, the Huron, the Petun and the Neutral. Niagara ceased to be the territory of those who lived in harmony with nature. Still, this fascinating period of native occupation cries out for interpretation and study. Since human settlement requires drinking water, sites within 150 metres of rivers and lakeshores have the greatest archaeological potential. Palaeo-Indian sites in Niagara would most likely be associated with the series of relic beach ridges that once formed the shore of early Lake Erie.
In May 1535, Jacques Cartier left France to explore the New World. Although he never saw Niagara Falls, the Indians he met along the St.Lawrence River told him about it. Samuel de Champlain visited Canada in 1608. He, too, heard stories of the mighty cataract, but never visited it. Etienne Brule, the first European to see Lakes Ontario, Erie Huron and Superior, may also have been the first to behold the Falls, in 1615.
That same year, the Recollet missionary explorers arrived in Ontario. They were followed a decade later by the Jesuits. It was a Jesuit father, Gabriel Lalemant, who first recorded the Iroquios name for the river- Onguiaahra, meaning "the Strait". "Niagara" is a simplification of the original.
In 1651, during the fur- trade rivalry between the Huron and Iroquois that was first precipitated by the French, the Iroquois wiped out the Neutrals. Until the American Revolution, they managed to keep white settlers out of Niagara almost completely.
In December 1678, Recollet priest Louis Hennepin visited Niagara Falls. Nineteen years later, he published the first engraving of the Falls in his book Nouvelle Decouverte. The Falls obviously made a great impression of Hennepin, for he estimated their height to be 183 metres, more than three times what it really is.
In 1812, by request of President James Madison, the United States congress declared war on Canada. Artifacts from that war dot the riverside, as do monuments erected later, such as the one to Sir Isaac Brock. Recently, the skeletons of members of the U.S. Army were found near Old Fort Erie.
Following the War of 1812, the region began the slow process of rebuilding itself. Queenston became a bustling community, but Chippawa was the big centre, with distilleries and factories.
In the 1820's, a stairway was built down the bank at Table Rock and the first ferry service across the lower River began. By 1827, a paved road had been built up from the ferry landing to the top of the bank on the Canadian side. This site became the prime location for hotel development and the Clifton was built there, after which Clifton Hill is named.
Niagara has perhaps the most complex transportation history of any area in North America. The first Welland Canal was completed in 1829. Between 1849 and 1962, thirteen bridges were constructed across the Niagara River Gorge. Four of them remain.
The roadway between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Chippawa was the first designated King's Highway. The first stage coach in Upper Canada operated on this roadway between the late 1700s and 1896. The first railroad in Upper Canada opened in 1841 with horse-drawn carriages running between Chippawa and Queenston. In 1854 it was converted to steam and relocated to serve what was to become the Town of Niagara Falls.
One of the first electrified street car services was provided in Niagara, and in 1893 the Queenston/Chippawa Railway carried boat passengers from Queenston to Table Rock and beyond. In 1902, a railway was constructed across the Queenston Suspension Bridge. Later it was extended along the lower Gorge on the American side of the River, connecting back into Canada at the Upper Arch Bridge. This transit line, the Great Gorge Route, continued in service until the Depression. The use of boats declined as tourists increasingly chose to visit Niagara by automobile, bus or train.
Tourism travel to the Falls began in the 1820s and within 50 years it had increased ten-fold to become the area's dominant industry.
After World War 1, automobile touring became popular. As a response, attractions and accommodations sprang up in strip developments, much of which still survives.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Town of Somerset Historical Museumâs Babcock House
One of 50 cobblestone structures in Niagara USA, this beautiful Greek Revival-style home was built ...
more on Discover America
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Free Smithsonian Museum: Washington Dulles
Free Smithsonian Museum: Washington Dulles
Okay. I'm cheating a little bit: the Udvar-Hazy museum (www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy)
adjacent to Washington Dulles airport requires a 50-cent, 15-minute bus
ride to get there. But holey moley. This blows other little "airport
museums" out of the water -- it's a set of giant hangars stuffed with
things like an SR-71 Blackbird, the space shuttle Enterprise and the Enola Gay.
Yeah, the plane that dropped the Bomb? They've got that. They also have
free tours and an observation tower where you can watch planes landing
at Dulles.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=804&p=9#ixzz26TzxDxDH
Monday, September 10, 2012
Free City Tours: Taipei Taoyuan
Free City Tours: Taipei Taoyuan
If you're stuck in the airport for at least a few hours, the Taiwan
Tourism Bureau offers free morning and afternoon tours of Taipei from
Taoyuan International Airport (admin.taiwan.net.tw).
The morning tour hits an ancient temple and a center for
pottery-making; the afternoon tour takes you to another temple, Taiwan's
tallest skyscraper and the home of Taiwan's president. Taipei isn't the
only airport offering free city tours -- Singapore's airport also
offers free city breaks.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=804&p=8#ixzz26TznodnO
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Free Airport Tours: San Diego
Free Airport Tours: San Diego
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at a major airport? On
the second and fourth Thursday and Friday of each month, if you're there
at the right time, you can take a guided tour (www.san.org)
of San Diego's airport and airfield, including areas out on the tarmac
that you don't usually get to access from the jetway. Other airports
offer tours, but I haven't been able to find any others that are free.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=804&p=7#ixzz26TzdYOSj
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Free Skype Calls
Free Skype Calls: Tallinn, Estonia
Skype was originally written by Estonian programmers, so it's no
surprise that the country is relentlessly proud of its best-known major
export. In April 2011, the first free Skype video chat booth (www.tallinn-airport.ee)
popped up at Tallinn's airport, and you can use it to make unlimited,
free video calls anywhere in the world. If there's too much of a line,
you can try sending an email from the 14 free Internet kiosks in the
airport, or hooking up your own laptop over the airport's free Wi-Fi.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=804&p=5#ixzz26Ty6aWpA
Friday, August 31, 2012
Free Library
Free Library: Amsterdam Schiphol
The Amsterdam airport is big for layovers, and the Dutch are big on
reading. Let's combine the two! Schiphol Airport Library (www.airportlibrary.nl) is a showcase for Dutch culture, with Dutch literature in translation, Dutch music and even its own Twitter feed (@airprtlibrarian).
Nine of the 25 seats have iPads, as well. The library is part of
"Holland Boulevard," the cultural area of the airport which also has a
(non-free) branch of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=804&p=4#ixzz26TxUMaif
Monday, August 27, 2012
Free iPads: JFK
Free iPads: JFK Airport Terminals 2-3
JFK Terminal 3 is the worst airport terminal in America;
it's literally crumbling, so Delta has declared it unsalveageable and
plans to demolish it. Until then: iPads! Delta has installed 200 iPads
at restaurants near the gate areas. Sure, you can use them to order
food, but you can also surf the Web, check your email, stream videos or
find other ways to anesthetize yourself against the misery of your
surroundings. (Delta has done the same at LaGuardia, another one of the
nation's worst airports.)
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=804&p=3#ixzz26TxITx8g
Friday, August 24, 2012
Free Movies & Video Games
Free Movies & Video Games: Singapore Changi
Singapore's Changi airport is the ultimate paradise of free stuff. Terminal 3's free movie theater (www.changiairport.com/at-changi/entertainment-lifestyle/movie-theatre) screens big-name Hollywood flicks like X-Men: First Class,
24 hours a day. Terminal 2 offers free XBOX 360 and PlayStation 3
gaming systems. If you want to stream your own movies, there's free
Wi-Fi throughout the airport, as well as 500 free Internet kiosks.
That's only the tip of Singapore's jumbo jet of airport entertainment,
but it'll probably keep you occupied for at least one layover.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=804&p=2#ixzz26Tx4x0WH
Monday, August 20, 2012
Free Upgrades
By Sascha Segan
Airports aren't known for being full of free goodies. They leverage their captive audiences to get travelers to pay for every minute you're sitting around, whether it's in $2.49 bags of chips or $9.99 Wi-Fi. But some airports stand out: rather than bilking and milking, they understand that travelers will want to return to a city if their first or last impression is a positive one. And what's more positive than getting something for nothing?
I was surprised to find that Asian airports don't hold all the spots on this top-10 list. While U.S. airports aren't known for being cozy, friendly places to hang out, some of them try to make things better with the occasional free gadget. If you're bringing your own gadgets, check the directory at Wi-Fi Free Spot to see if your airport offers free Wi-Fi (www.wififreespot.com/airport.html).
On to the free stuff!
Airports aren't known for being full of free goodies. They leverage their captive audiences to get travelers to pay for every minute you're sitting around, whether it's in $2.49 bags of chips or $9.99 Wi-Fi. But some airports stand out: rather than bilking and milking, they understand that travelers will want to return to a city if their first or last impression is a positive one. And what's more positive than getting something for nothing?
I was surprised to find that Asian airports don't hold all the spots on this top-10 list. While U.S. airports aren't known for being cozy, friendly places to hang out, some of them try to make things better with the occasional free gadget. If you're bringing your own gadgets, check the directory at Wi-Fi Free Spot to see if your airport offers free Wi-Fi (www.wififreespot.com/airport.html).
On to the free stuff!
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=804&p=1#ixzz26TwpAqb1
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
FASHION OUTLETS OF NIAGARA FALLS (USA)
- 1900 Military Rd, Niagara Falls, New York
The region's premier outlet shopping center located minutes from the world-famous Falls, the Canadian border, area hotels and casinos. An upscale shopping environment in a beautiful climate controlled space; Fashion Outlets is home ... more on Visitbuffaloniagara.com
Sunday, August 12, 2012
CASTELLANI ART MUSEUM
, Niagara Falls, NY , USA
Phone:
+1 716 286 8200
Website:
www.niagara.edu
Charles Rand Penney Charles Rand Penney Collection of Historical Niagara Falls Prints Charles Rand Penney was one of the great American collectors of twentieth century, and he is still going strong as we enter the new millennium. ... more on Castellaniartmuseum.org
Phone:
+1 716 286 8200
Website:
www.niagara.edu
Charles Rand Penney Charles Rand Penney Collection of Historical Niagara Falls Prints Charles Rand Penney was one of the great American collectors of twentieth century, and he is still going strong as we enter the new millennium. ... more on Castellaniartmuseum.org
Friday, August 10, 2012
NIAGARA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER (NACC)
The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center is a multi-art center filled with over 70 studios devoted to the performing and visual arts. The NACC offers classes, workshops and ... more on Discover America
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
ERIE CANAL DISCOVERY CENTER
- 303 Rainbow Blvd, Niagara Falls, New York 14303
Phone:
+1 716 282 1765
The Erie Canal Discovery Center is a multi-media interactive museum that will transport you back to the 1820âs and ... more on Discover America
Monday, August 6, 2012
THE MOB TOURS
- 3rd Street, Niagara Falls, New York
Phone:
+1 716 578 4939
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
NIAGARA SCENIC TROLLEY
- Prospect Park & Goat Island, Niagara Falls, Greater Niagara, NY 14303
Phone:
+1 716 278 1730
Website:
www.niagarafallsstatepark.com
Stopping at several locations throughout the park, you can board and stay on for the entire 3 mile route or get on and off as you wish. A history ... more on Niagara-usa.com
www.niagarafallsstatepark.com
Stopping at several locations throughout the park, you can board and stay on for the entire 3 mile route or get on and off as you wish. A history ... more on Niagara-usa.com
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