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A few days at Niagara-on-the-Lake

Streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Charles Inn

View from Brock Monument

Brock Monument

My husband and I celebrated a milestone anniversary this week, so we went up to Niagara-the-Lake for a few days. It truly is the "prettiest town in Canada."

On our way to Niagara-on-the-Lake we stopped at Queenston, where we climbed the Brock Monument and had lunch in Queenston Heights Restaurant. Then we stopped at a few wineries along the Niagara Parkway, as well as a stop at Willowbank, a Canadian National Historic site.

We stayed at the Charles Inn, where we had dinner that evening. Their tasting menu is wonderful, although it is pricey. The next day we saw the play Harvey and did some shopping. The following day, on our way home, we stopped at Niagara Falls.

A few weeks ago my daughter and I went to Olcott Beach, located along Lake Ontario at the end of Route 78 in Niagara County. It is a very nice beach side community, with shopping, dining, a beach and a carousel park for younger children.

We visited during Old Olcott Days, so we had the opportunity to learn more about Olcott's "Golden Era" in the early 1900's, when people flocked there from both the US and Canada for recreation and entertainment.

Learn more about the carousel park at www.olcottbeachcarouselpark.org

A fun day in Canandaigua

I've been doing quite a bit of local travel the past couple weeks, so I haven't had time to post in this blog. Two weeks ago my daughter and I took a day trip to Canandaigua, mainly because I had to do research for an article I'm writing on the Granger Homestead.

After arriving in Canandaigua, we headed to the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum for a tour. It's a very interesting place with a lot of history. Next we headed downtown to shop along Canandaigua's Main Street. Lots of unique places to shop and eat along here.

Then we went down to the waterfront and walked around and had gelato at the Muar House, which overlooks the lake.

On the way home we stopped at Eastview Mall in Victor and checked out the new L.L. Bean store.

A day in Lewiston

Yesterday my daughter and I spent the day in Lewsiton. I am putting together an article about the village for one of the publications I write for. We had a great time shopping and eating. Love the ribs at the Brickyard and the ice cream at Hibbard's!

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Some of my favorite ice cream places

Tonight we went for a quick dinner and some ice cream at Pautler's Drive-in on Transit Rd. Opened in 1958, it's been around almost as long as me. Seriously, when I was a kid I lived close enough to walk or ride my bike there, so it's nice to take my kids there. Of course, the restaurant, as well as the menu has expanded since the '60's. Stop by on a Tuesday when they have their classic car cruise night. They are located at 6343 Transit Road, East Amherst.

Another place we frequent quite often is Frey's Tasty Treat in Lockport. They have a large selection of ice cream and ice cream treats. They have a park-like yard to sit and enjoy your ice cream in (there is no indoor dining). They even have a wooden train for the kids to play on. They are located at 6186 South Transit Road, Lockport.

Also in Lockport (on the north side of the city) is Reid's Ice Cream, which has been there forever. They have other foods besides ice cream, like burgers. They are right on Rt. 78, Lake Ave. near Clinton St.

Nina's Custard is also a nice place to go. They are open year-round and have burgers, chicken fingers, and other foods, in addition to their ice cream treats. You'll find Nina's at 2525 Millersport Hwy. just north of UB's North campus.

Of course Anderson's, which has multiple location in the Buffalo area, is noted for their beef on weck, and other sandwiches, as well as their custards. See their website http://www.andersonscustard.com/ for locations.

Just last week we visited Uncle G's Ice Cream for the first time. They are located at 7070 Washington Street in Pendleton, just north of the Amherst Museum. They have a large yard with picnic tables (no indoor seating). They have a nice selection of ice cream and other treats. See their website http://www.unclegsicecream.com/ for more info.