Niagara USA in the fall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2008

Contacts:
Kate Scaglione/NTCC
716-282-8992, ext. 310
Laura Taczak/e3communications
716-854-8182

FALLS, FOLIAGE AND FUN
IN NIAGARA USA

Take in the blaze of gold and crimson while experiencing the region’s popular attractions this autumn

NIAGARA FALLS, NY – Fall is one of the best times to visit the Niagara USA region. The weather is just right and the landscape of the Niagara gorge is ablaze with deep reds and yellows. Many of the region’s attractions are open throughout the fall season while others take on a new light and offer activities that are only available to visitors during September and October.

Niagara Falls State Park is the perfect spot to experience the natural wonder anytime of the year. Hike the trails along the gorge or enjoy the foliage from a different vantage point by visiting the legendary Cave of the Winds or aboard the famous Maid of the Mist. Grab a sweater and head east to Lockport to enjoy a lazy boat cruise through the locks of the historic Erie Canal as many have done since the canal was completed in 1825.

Apple and pumpkin crops are ripe for the picking in September. Visitors have plenty of roadside produce stands to choose from or they can choose to pick their own. For those looking for something a bit more satisfying, take away a “mile high” apple pie or specialty breads from one of the region’s local bakeries. Niagara USA also offers a unique microclimate for the production of wines. Visitors to the region can uncork world-class wines from the Niagara Wine Trail, which currently boasts 12 wineries nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.

As the weather becomes seasonably crisp, shopping is another favorite Niagara USA activity. There are plenty of specialty shops throughout the region’s quaint villages to browse through and more than 150 popular brand name outlets at the Fashion Outlets Niagara Falls. For those who are feeling lucky, a trip to the Seneca Niagara Casino is just the ticket. As if more than 100 gaming tables or 4,200 slot machines weren’t exciting enough, the Casino features the some of the finest restaurants in Western New York.

Niagara USA offers a host of scary and not-so-scary activities to make you feel like a kid again! Allow history to come alive at Old Fort Niagara’s Haunted Fortress or learn about the ghosts that are still lingering in the Village of Lewiston on a haunted history ghost walk. Billed as the “ultimate Halloween experience,” a trip to Becker Farms features a haunted forest hayride, homemade goodies and a selection of mulled wines from the on-site Vizcarra Vineyards.

Each and every fall, dozens of straw inspired characters take up residence along some of the villages’ main streets during the Scarecrow Expo. These artistic interpretations of traditional scarecrows are the special creations of local business owners. Don’t forget your camera for a unique pose with some of these locals who are worth crowing about!

For a complete list of Niagara USA’s fall activities and attractions, visit www.niagara-usa.com or call 1-877-FALLS-US.

The mission of the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation (NTCC) is to enhance the economic prosperity of Niagara County USA by promoting, selling and marketing the County as a premier destination for meetings, conventions and leisure tourism. For more information, please visit www.niagara-usa.com.



FALL EVENTS IN NIAGARA USA INCLUDE:


The Maize - Through November 2. Daily, 10am – 9pm. Miles of twists and turns carved into an 8 acre cornfield. 3901 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Wheatfield, 716-433-5505, www.cornfieldmaze.com


Marble Orchard Ghost Walks - Saturdays, September 6 - October 25, 7-9pm. Explore the grim and ghastly deeds of Lewiston's best and worst. Hear classic local ghost stories, myths, true tales of tragedy, crime, murder, mystery, love & death. Secret and sinister, most of these events occurred a very long time ago… Yes, ghosts still haunt Lewiston! 476 Center Street, Lewiston, 716-754-0166, www.artcouncil.org


Annual Pumpkin Fiesta - Saturdays & Sundays, September 13 – October 26, noon – 5pm. Live entertainment, pig races, food, wine-tasting, pony and hay rides. Becker Farms, 3660 Quaker Road, Gasport, 716-772-2211, www.beckerfarms.com


Wildlife Festival - September 27 & 28, 10am – 5pm. Explore the incredible world of rare animal species, their habitats and natural ecosystems at the 23rd annual admission-free Wildlife Festival, featuring presentations by renowned naturalists, birds of prey, primates, reptiles and other exotic animals. New York Power Authority Niagara Power Project Power Vista, 5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, 716-286-6661, www.nypa.gov


Niagara International Kite Festival - October 2-5, 10am – 5pm. Kites and flyers from around the world. Niagara Falls State Park & Reservoir State Park, 1-877-FALLS-US, www.niagarakite.com


Haunted Hayrides & Labyrinth – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October, 7-9pm. What has become a Halloween tradition, Becker Farms’ Haunted Hayride, Castle Labyrinth and Area 51 scares the “yell” out of unsuspecting victims. 3660 Quaker Road, Gasport, 716-772-2211, www.beckerfarms.com


The Haunted Fortress – October 24 & 25. Spirits from the past return to haunt the dark and frightening corridors of Old Fort Niagara! Not recommended for children 8. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets by advance sale only – call 716-745-7611. Fort Niagara State Park, Youngstown, www.oldfortniagara.org