Stops on the way to Niagra Falls

Senior Member Joined: Apr 28 2009 Posts: 247

We are driving to Niagra Falls for Chol Hamod from Baltimore, looking for stop on the way up.

Niagra Falls outlet shopping mall.
I don't know if this counts as an attraction, but shopping there is great.
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Silver Member Joined: Dec 17 2011 Posts: 594

If you're driving past rochester, with kids, the Strong Museum - the National Museum of Play, is fantastic. Its not really a place to stop for an hour, you can spend a whole day there and not get to it all, but if you're looking to break up the trip and do a whole attraction, its fantastic I'd say up to age 11 at least, starting from toddler age

Moderator Joined: Jun 05 2011 Posts: 3375

The Corning Museum of Glass is a nice place to spend a few hours.
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Howe Cavern if you follow the thruway the whole way

In buffalo there is a zoo and a science museum. In Niagara Falls, NY there is an aquarium and Old Fort Niagara, as well of a more 'natural' (ie, not jam packed with souvenir shops and glitz) view of the falls, which you can stand over. In Niagara Falls, On, there is a ferris wheel, maid of the mist, butterfly conservatory and more 'touristy' things than you could ever have time for
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Platinum Member Joined: Mar 24 2008 Posts: 6528

Letchworth State Park - Amazing waterfalls - obviously not as big as Niagra, but there are a lot less crowds so its really enjoyable.
Watkins Glen State Park - hike through a gorge. I'm not sure when the gorge trail opens up for the summer. It is not worth it to go when closed.

Howe caverns is also really cool. Its very cold so bundle up especially if you have a baby with you.

None of these work with a stroller. I've used a baby carrier at some of these.

Senior Member Joined: Apr 28 2009 Posts: 247

Howe Caverns is out of the way from Baltimore, the glass factory looks great and it is on the way.
Thanks guys- keep the ideas coming.

I dont know if you are planning to stay overnight but rochester has a lot of hotels just off the highway, and if you use priceline you can get a room for about $50/night.
I've done this a couple of times already. rochester is an easier area than most to get a very good deal on priceline.

Silver Member Joined: Feb 09 2009 Posts: 532

If going with kids, then def. Stop at the children's museum in binghamton.
Iv been to the museum un Rochester too, and this museum is way better!!!

It's a little out of your way but the Crayola Crayon factory is in Easton, PA
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Senior Member Joined: Apr 28 2009 Posts: 247

We did Crayola years ago and it was great., the kids are 14, 12 and 3, so I don't think my big kids would enjoy Crayola.

Gold Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 2113

I haven't actually been there, but Clyde's Reptiland is on the way from Baltimore to Niagara Falls if you're taking Route 15 north, and I've always wanted to check it out. If your kids will go for it, it seems like a cool way to spend an hour or two.

If you want longer, the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester really can't be beat.

Executive Member Joined: Nov 08 2011 Posts: 260

We've done the Corning factory and Watkins Glen numerous times and have always loved them both. Our kids have gone as babies, as preschoolers and as teens and all have enjoyed both options.

Any ideas where to stop to sleep for Shabbos with a minyan nearby on the way up to Niagra Falls?

You can spend shabbos in Rochester. It is on the way to the falls, not out of your way at all!

How far is Rochester to Niagra? And what hotels are closest to the shul? TIA

Moderator Joined: Jun 05 2011 Posts: 3375

We stayed in Buffalo; there's a frum community there. I think it was just about 30 miles from the falls.

Gold Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 2113

Rochester is about and hour and a half from Niagara. There are a couple of hotels down the street from shuls - check out the Holiday Inn Express on Monroe Avenue. It's close a Wegmans supermarket with lots of food.
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We want yo lrave New York City Friday morning so I prefer driving less on Friday.

nyc to rochester is five hours - so if you leave by 10 you should get in around three. the nearest hotels to the shuls are quite a walk though - a good 40 minutes
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