A Magical Day in Niagara Falls

Enjoy a walkabout on the grounds of the castle and complimentary breakfast offerings from the inn before you head out for the day. There are more enchanting experiences and views to come today.
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This will be the most magical trail you visit on your trip. On this breather stop from the highway, you'll venture out on a whimsical little trail in Upstate New York, complete with a magical mini fairy village, completely designed by local artists.
You'll discover 40 fairy homes on your walk – if you can spot them all! Remember to look high and low – anywhere a fairy could fly! This trail is also great for spotting songbirds and other local critters.
If you bring a little seed or nuts and hold them in your hands, the songbird will land right in your hand!
To find the trail, you will turn into the Pond Road entrance from Route 65, and the parking lot will be just off the road on the right. The trail is marked by a sign once you park.

Head back out on the road and then turn into Batavia, NY for a coffee break. The Coffee Press will delightfully surprise you will its cosy atmosphere, charming decor, and delicious sweet coffees.
There are always unique seasonal drinks on the menu, like a Pumpkin Spice and Sugar Maple Pancake Latte for fall, or a Spritzy Americano for summer.
Relax with a unique cup of joe alongside their cosy interiors including a typewriter wall and chess. You also can grab a sandwich or panini here for lunch.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed

It's time to head over to Niagara Falls! There are plenty of observation areas and attractions to choose from to visit the falls, but we recommend taking the Cave of the Winds tour, which takes you underneath and up close to the falls, and the Maid of the Mist boat tour, where you’ll ride through the falls by boat.
Located on Goat Island within the Niagara Falls State Park, there’s no closer you can get to the falls than with the Cave of the Winds adventure. You’ll ride an elevator 175 feet deep into the Niagara Gorge, where you’ll follow a guide onto the favourite "Hurricane Deck”, a platform sitting just 20 feet away from the downpouring Bridal Veil Falls. Here, you’ll feel the thundering sprays and mist on your skin – an experience like no other!
At this spot, travellers often spot rainbows hanging overhead. Make sure to dress warm – you’ll be experiencing major hurricane-like winds! You will be provided a poncho to keep you dry and safe while near the slippery waterfalls.
Currently, online ticket sales are not available. All tickets must be purchased in person at the ticket window. Visit the official park website for a day-by-day schedule of the attraction. The tour is open year-round.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:15 p.m.

Further experience the roar of the falls on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, an attraction that has been a favourite of visitors for generations, operating for more than 150 years. You’ll begin at the Observation Tower and board the double-decker tour boat, clad in another souvenir poncho – yes, as you can imagine, you will get wet again!
To kick off the ride, the boat passes the base of the American Falls and moves onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls – a dramatic passage leading you through whitewater and massive rock formations.
The tour takes you up close to majestic views that can only be experienced in person. For more information and to book your tickets for the Maid of the Mist, visit the Maid of the Mist official website. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. Boats depart from the observation deck every 15 minutes, so you’re sure not to miss the chance to take this breath-taking journey.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Enjoy dinner in the area at The Griffon House, located right on the riverfront. This brewery and gastropub offers an extensive beer menu and an award-winning menu. Enjoy the stunning waterfront views, great service, and thoughtful menu.
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Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Take the scenic route on the way back east as you head into Rochester, where you’ll stay for the night. You’ll be taking a portion of part of the Seaway Trail, a National Scenic Byway. Stop off at the beaches and parks that line the water. You will drive through the shore, vineyards, lighthouses, and sloping terrain as you make your way east.

Stretch your legs outside this lighthouse, which has been rebuilt to model a lighthouse that operated in this location from 1871 to 1916. Sit on the benches and bask in the beautiful sunset views of Lake Ontario. You can also enjoy the sounds of the sea birds and look for sea glass on the shore.

On your way into Rochester, take a quick stop off at the Charlotte-Genesse, an 1822 stone lighthouse that is still active today. It’s the oldest surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario! You won't be able to tour it at this time, but you can still enjoy a pleasant walk around its grounds.

Stay in a working television studio at School 31 Lofts, one of the most unique and whimsical places to stay in Rochester. This hotel is not like any others – beautifully equipped with an eclectic style and decor, it will provide you with a spacious room with charming interiors. This place is perfect for those seeking something unique and a bit left-of-centre of a typical hotel stay. The hotel offers private parking on site.
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If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.