Question about Niagra Falls -- or some other romantic destination suggestions

[TLHB70]

My DH just got a bonus at work and he wants to have a romantic getaway......just the two of us!!!!!! No kids, just the two of us!!!!!! We will fly my MIL in to watch the girls.
These are the stipulations:
1) It can only be a three or four day trip. We can leave on a Thursday, late evening or Friday morning. We have to fly back on Sunday evening. So it will be a weekend trip.
2) It needs to be this upcoming weekend OR the second weekend of December (9th-11th) because of work and family plans.
3) We don't want it to be outrageously expensive. We would like to keep it no more than $1,500.

I would love to go to Niagra Falls. I have always wanted to go there. I assume the plane ride from NC wouldn't be bad. I have looked on Travelocity and Expedia. There seems to be a great hotel that looks at Canadian Horseshoe Falls (or something like that)........maybe a Sheraton or something. However, I am unsure of how the weather would affect the trip there at this time of year. Is it ok to visit there in late Nov. or early Dec.? Would it be too cold to enjoy?
Does anyone have any other suggestions?
We have been to Aruba and Nassau before. We have also been to very isolated islands in Venezuela. So we were trying to think of something other than the Caribbean. We have also been to NYC. However, I have considered going there for this trip just to see the Christmas decorations and ice skate in Rockefeller Center. Is the ice out for skating yet there? Are the lights and holiday windows/displays out yet?

 

[kasar]

Niagara Falls is beautiful - worth seeing and it is very romantic. If you go, a great hotel is the Marriott Fallsview - they have some rooms with hot tubs overlooking the falls.

I don't know about the temperature, though. Does it "really" matter?????

 

[jekajekalynn]

Niagara Falls is a GREAT place to have a romantic vacation! My dh and I have spent the past 3 of our romantic weekend get aways there. It is a very pretty place. I would suggest staying at a hotel on the Clifton Hill area in Canada . Clifton Hill is the touristy part of Niagara Falls, and although some may find it cheesy, it was great fun . After all, you can only stare and observe something for so long (falls) before going..."Yup....there they are..falls....yup.....and there's lot's of water....yup."


We stayed at the Sheraton On the Falls and LOVED it!!! It was VERY VERY convienient! It was right IN Clifton Hills and just a small walk over to the falls. Trust me, you want to be somewhere like that where you can just walk to the falls because the parking for the falls is OUTRAGIOUS in price.

Also , there are TWO different Sheraton hotels. One is called Sheraton Fallsview (by the Radison and has a view of mainly the Canadian falls) and Sheraton on The Falls (the better one, better location, better view of ALL the falls) If you are going to stay at a Sheraton, make DOUBLE sure you know WHICH one you are going to and it's name so you don't end up like us the first time we went to the wrong one.


Have fun!!

 

[golfgal]

Banff, Alberta Canada--staying at the Banff Springs Hotel. The scenery is BEAUTIFUL and the hotel is wonderful! They have an incredible spa there, too. Depending on the exchange rate the prices can be anywhere from good to great.

http://www.fairmont.com/FA/en/CDA/H...Page/0,2993,property%255Fseq%3D100100,00.html

The rooms are roughly $300/night, but they often have package deals.

 

[ahutton]

Okay, I'll say it. What about a quick WDW trip to enjoy the holiday decorations there? You could do a Candlelight Processional dinner package, the Very Merry Christmas Party, and have a wonderful, romantic Disney trip to enjoy the great restaurants and special events.

The Falls are beautiful too, and I'm sure if you went to Hotwire you could get a deal on NYC hotel rooms and I bet that would be fun too. I just know if there was any way possible I would go to WDW and camp in front of the Lights of Winter to get myself into the spriit. I would probably do my Christmas shopping there too!!!

 

[ktglads]

There is also the festival of lights going on in Niagara Falls - I personally have not been there yet this year, but the pictures show a Disney theme to them

See this site http://www.wfol.com/ for more information.

Just an FYI - flying into the Buffalo airport would put you less than a half hour outside of the Falls. Its easy to get to and you should get pretty good prices into there

I would personally prefer the lights with some snow on the ground, but that is more of a personal preference

 

[Nancy]

Falls would be a nice trip...but it can be very chilly here in December. So far we have had nice weather...I haven't taken out the winter coat or gloves yet. Temps this week are high 40's. That could change at anytime though!

There are plenty of nice hotels, I know there is a nice one attached to the Fallsview Casino.

 

[TLHB70]

I have to admit, ahutton, that I seriously considered that. DH even offered. However, two things stopped me. One, I don't think that I can only spend 2 or 3 days in WDW and feel satisfied. You know? I would want to see and do everything and that just wouldn't be enough time. I would feel like I was missing so much........I think. Second, I would feel guilty being there without the kids. I know that they would love to be there, too. See, Niagra Falls is something that they aren't interested in so I wouldn't feel bad being there with no kids

So which hotels in the Niagra Falls area have shopping and things nearby. I do think I would feel like jekajekalynn said. I know that we would stay in the hotel a good bit, but we would like to see some things. I know that seeing the falls will be great, but I am sure that we would have some time to do a little shopping, too. Or if not shopping, just strolling some streets with things to see. Is the Canadian side the recommended place for that aspect of it?

 

[JoBird]

We lived in Rochester NY for three years and went to the Falls a few times. We never stayed there because the trip is only 2 hours away by car. However, we did go into Canada once and stayed in a town called Niagra-on-the-lake and it was BEAUTIFUL...very romantic...lots of B&B's to choose from and shopping too! It was a drive from the Falls, but like the other poster said, we found ourselves saying "yep, there they are...the falls...um, yep still looks the same. Lots of water...still lots of water."
Snowfall does begin this time of year, and the more into winter you go, the more the falls freeze, until there is only a little bit of water flowing. DH and I called it Niagra Drip! But it is beautiful, I just wouldn't go there only to "do" the falls. It gets a little monotonous. It also is VERY tourist-y on the Canadian side. Look into the town I told you about above. Very romantic!
Good Luck and have fun!
P.S. The skating rink and decorations are beautiful in NYC...After Thanksgiving!

 

[TLHB70]

If we do go to the Falls and fly into Buffalo, do we need to get a rental car? Are there taxis available to drive us to the place we stay? If we stay somewhere within walking distance to the falls and places to eat, shops, etc., then going to the hotel/airport would be the only place we need transportation? We didn't know about a rental car.

 

[cabmom]

Niagara on the Lake is only a 1/2 hour from Niagara Falls, and is a very artsy, touristy place. It's beautiful!
I second the suggestion of flying in to Buffalo, it's 2 hours from Toronto to Niagara and the highway can be an awful mess!

If you go the Canadian Board, there is a thread there right now on hotels to stay at. I'm sure you can find yourself a deal. If you eat at the Keg on the 9th Floor of the Embassy Suites the fireworks are awesome at Dusk! The falls are lit at night as well. We didn't get to see the Disney parade as we were eating at the time, but seeing the falls lit and the fireworks was breathtaking!

Enjoy your trip!

Marilynn

 

[cabmom]

If we do go to the Falls and fly into Buffalo, do we need to get a rental car? Are there taxis available to drive us to the place we stay? If we stay somewhere within walking distance to the falls and places to eat, shops, etc., then going to the hotel/airport would be the only place we need transportation? We didn't know about a rental car.

I would rent a car! JMHO~

 

[ahutton]

Maybe as you check into hotels you are interested in you will find some offer a shuttle from the airport and back? That savings would go nicely towards a good meal, or add a bottle of wine you wouldn't normally splurge on. Hotels.com is a great place to do research on what hotels have to offer - a good summary and you can select a landmark to get an idea of what is close to what.

 

[Zandy595]

It's probably just me, but I would never go to Niagara Falls in the winter. Been there, done that. I used to live near Buffalo and have been to NF many times. It's really COLD and windy there in the winter. I guess that's why I live in FL now. I'd love to go to NF in the summer though.

* Have you looked at flying into Niagara Falls International Airport? I don't know if the flights would be as good as flying into to Buffalo, but it can't hurt to look.

 

[JoBird]

It's probably just me, but I would never go to Niagara Falls in the winter. Been there, down that. I used to live near Buffalo and have been to NF many times. It's really COLD and windy there in the winter. I guess that's why I live in FL now. I'd love to go to NF in the summer though.

I agree! Nothing like standing there at the falls, frozen ice spraying/pelting you in the face and being blown all over the side of the falls! The first time we went it was winter and I hated it! I made myself go back in the spring to get a true feel for it. Would I ever go back, though, at any time of the year? No! It is nice to do, though, to be able to say you have seen the majesty of it!
Perhaps the Op would rather consider somewhere else for winter and save this trip for Spring?

 

[Micheme]

Do yourself a favour and DO NOT go to the falls this time of year, go in spring, summer or early Fall.

As a former Niagara person I can tell you that you do not want to go this time of year. For these reasons
1) the Falls kicks up a mist and it can feel like needles going thru every part of your body when it gets cold, and it could be quite cold when you get there.
2) If it is cold enough to freeze the mist it will cover everything and the Falls will be a gigantic ice town, sounds pretty but when you are trying to walk to view the falls and everything is ice, not so good for walking.
3) The Canadian side of the Falls is very touristy and not that much fun in the winter, it would be better to experience the kitzy side of this in the summer when you can leisurely walk around outside (nothing is connected).
4) In the summer you have the beautiful gardens all along the Niagara Parkway, they are award winning and gorgeous. Also there is the butterfly conservatory which is amazing and best experienced another time of year.
5) Niagara on the Lake is gorgeous and a must do, but not in the winter, it gets very cold and it is like an old town so a lot of walking to be done and its not fun freezing your behind off while trying to shop, much better experienced in the nicer months.

The ultimate best time to visit Niagara Falls - the early Fall, we have beautiful foliage, not too crowded, you can walk around and it is still lovely outside. Come and experience the Niagara Wine Festival.

If you are thinking city, why not come to Toronto? You could stay downtown and have access to a large part of the city by subway or taxi. We have lots of shopping (toronto eaton's centre), all the christmas stuff will be out, we have public outdoor ice skating in the square, there are lots of broadwayish shows to see, museums, etc. Just a thought.

 

[TLHB70]

Thanks Micheme and JoBird. That is what I was afraid of. That is why I specifically asked about this time of year. I would love to see Niagra Falls, but I imagine that early fall or spring would be ideal times. I just expect it to be too cold in late November or early December. I would really want to be able to enjoy it if we go so I guess we need to wait on that trip.

So now I have to think of another place.
Golfgal, your link looks very nice. DH and I have always wanted to go to Canada. I guess since it will be cold that we should look into a place that has more to do besides outdoor activity though. So this place looks nice. Toronto sounds great too, Micheme.
I am still wondering about NYC with the Christmas decorations, too.

Keep the suggestions coming, if you all don't mind. I am going to show DH all of this tonight.

 

[JoBird]

I see that you live in NC, I am a Charleston, SC native and would love to come back "home" to the East Coast!
I don't know if you want a really long flight, but my DH and I are looking into a 3-4 day get away to Napa Valley in California. It looks fun. I ran this question on these boards last week and got some replies like Vegas, Florida, Chicago, even. My Dh loves Boston, but I have never been there.
We went to NYC for Thanksgiving 3 years ago and it was a blast, but we had the kids with us. NYC is fun this time of year, but again, it can be cold, too. (not what us southerners are used to!)

 

[ckret01]

I too was going to say the same thing someone else mentioned about the falls during this time of year. I think if you were going to go I would suggest going in the warmer months and I too stayed on the Canadian side....much nicer.

As for NYC...that can always be romantic. I always take a trip to the city during the holiday season (although I am only an hour and a half away) but it just brings you the holiday spirit and can be very romantic.

Definitely go see Rockefeller Center, eat at the Rock Cafe there as it over looks the ice rink. Pretty cool! Also, Rockefeller Center now has a thing where you pay like $20 maybe less to take an elevator to the top of the building. You are standing outside, ontop of Rockefeller Center and let me just tell you the view is spectacular. Last year I worked for the company that owns that building and I got to go up there and it was just breath taking.

You can also go see a broadway show or even the Christmas Spectacular show at Radio City Music hall. Walk the streets and window shop etc.

Good luck on your decision and have a great time no matter what you decide. Let us know!

 

[Nancy]

I live 15-20 minutes from the Falls on the American side...I would be booking a trip somewhere south this time of year. Like I said, so far weather is ok, but that could change very soon. Lake effect snow is very nasty.

How about an all-inclusive resort like Sandals or a 3-4 day cruise?