Enjoyable Cold Weather Attractions in Niagara Falls

naiagara falls at night

Home to one of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is a famously busy tourist destination throughout the summer months. With half of the iconic falls in upstate New York and the other half in Canada, the area receives its fair share of snow and cold temperatures throughout the winter. However, as any Niagara native can attest, the onset of winter doesn’t mean the area goes into hibernation. No matter the time of year, travelers are sure to find a wide range of fun-filled attractions when visiting Niagara Falls.

Winter Festival of Lights

No one visiting Niagara Falls during the winter months can afford to miss the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights. A historic tradition dating back to the early 1900s, the Festival of Lights entails picturesque winter-themed lighting displays being placed all around the city. These displays grow more impressive by the year and ensure that anyone walking through key areas of Niagara Falls at nighttime is able to enjoy a fantastic show. The Festival of Lights lasts from November 3rd to January 31st, making it the perfect attraction for holiday travelers.  

Niagara Icewine Festival

Wine connoisseurs won’t want to miss out on the Niagara Icewine Festival. Lasting from January 11th to January 27th, the Icewine Festival provides attendees with a prime opportunity to sample an assortment of delicious wines from the Niagara region’s world-renowned wineries. Of course, this isn’t to say that this festival only caters to wine lovers. In addition to showcasing a bevy of fine wines, the Icewine Festival also provides guests with world-class local cuisine and quality entertainment. Couples looking for the perfect weekend excursion are sure to have a ball.  

Icebreakers Comedy Festival

Anyone looking to have their funny bone tickled should pay a visit to the Icebreakers Comedy Festival. Now entering its sixth year, this festival lasts from January 23rd to January 26th and is the largest comedy festival in the region. The organizers pride themselves on booking the hottest talent in Canada, so anyone who shows up can rest assured that they’re in for a good time. Additionally, since the Icebreakers Comedy Festival is considered part of the Niagara Icewine Festival, travelers who show up for one can easily attend the other.

Nightmares Fear Factory

Travelers who love a good scare will want to test their mettle at Nightmares Fear Factory. Regarded as one of the most frightening haunted houses in the world, Nightmares Fear Factory truly lives up to its reputation. Featuring a bone-chilling backstory and a plethora of intricate rooms to explore, this attraction will leave you screaming long after you’ve left. Over 155,000 visitors have been unable to make it all the way through without chickening out, so if you’re among the brave souls able to make it to the end, you’ll have earned your haunted house bona fides. Nightmares Fear Factory also offers convenient group discounts, making it the perfect attraction for large parties.    

Journey Behind the Falls

No Niagara Falls vacation is complete without an up-close look at the iconic falls. Although many boat tours take the winter off, Journey Behind the Falls is open year-round. One of Niagara’s most popular walking tours, Journey provides travelers with the chance to see the falls from behind and below. After visitors have descended 150 feet via an elevator, they can make their way through two portals located right behind the falls. Throughout this walking tour, guests will find an informative assortment of falls-related facts posted on the walls and have ample opportunities to appreciate the visual marvel that is Niagara Falls. At the end of the tour, guests are granted access to two observation decks located at the foot of the falls. However, during the winter months, the lower deck is often closed due to icy conditions.   

It’s easy to see why many travelers regard Niagara Falls as a warm weather destination. After all, it’s split between two areas that are known for famously frigid winters. However, unbeknownst to many wintertime vacationers, Niagara Falls is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year. Whether you’re traveling solo, looking for a romantic getaway, or on the hunt for a fun-filled family destination, Niagara Falls has something for everyone. The next time you’re bitten by the wintertime travel bug, chart a course for Niagara.   

Rhode Island Bound

rhode island

When planning your trip to Rhode Island you might not be thinking of horseback riding on the beach, but you should be. C and L Stables located in Goddard Memorial State Park and offer access to 18 miles of trails or beach rides along the East Greenwich Bay. Riders of all levels are welcome and the stables has even been awarded the North American Horseman Association “SAFETY AWARD” ten years in a row.

rhode island museum

If history is more your style visit the Cloud Hill Victorian House Museum. An authentic example of Victoriana and Rhode Island architecture designed by William Walker & Sons the house was originally a wedding gift and has remained in the family since then. One of these family members is Anne “Nancy” Allen Holst, whose history you can learn more about. She is an inspiration for her work fighting fire and became the world’s first female fire chief.

The Museum is staffed entirely by volunteers and is open for scheduled exhibits. Be sure to look at their site when planning a visit. This is your opportunity to take a look into the past with family items and furniture dating back to the 1870’s. Outside the grounds have a variety of trees and shrubs that have led to it being called the West Bay arboretum. Kids will also enjoy checking out the mid-1800s gypsy wagon and the fire truck used by the Cedar Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Their headquarters was located in a white shed on the property.

rhode island hotel

For your stay in Rhode Island check out (or rather into) Hotel Dolce Villa. Right on Federal hill and located in the “Little Italy” neighborhood in Providence, the hotel offers easy access to many local attractions. Within a mile of Waterplace Park & Riverwalk, Providence Performing Arts Center, and seven colleges and universities like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Centrally located Hotel Dolce Villa is a great base for your visit.

rhode island restaurant

What to do When Injured on Vacation

Not that the holidays are over, and the Super Bowl is right around the corner it can only mean one thing – the dark days of winter are. For many people, this means planning a holiday in the sun, maybe to an amazing beach or just to some place where you don’t need to wear an extra 10 pounds of clothing just to go outside.

 

However, one thing that should be on every travelers’ mind is what to do when injured on vacation. While everyone would think of this, the reality is that even experienced travelers often fail to get the appropriate insurance when heading away from home. This can lead to further complications, both financial and emotional, and with that in mind here are some tips on how to handle such a situation.

 

Before we get started, you should always consider getting a travel insurance policy. Most are inexpensive, and the additional coverage will help to fill the gaps in your current insurance. In addition, many health insurance policies don’t travel across state lines, so having the extra protection could help you and your family in the long run.

 

Emergency Contacts

 

Again, this is something that everyone should have in order before they travel but most people don’t.  The good news is that this is an easy fix as all you need to do is put together a list of emergency contacts and then keep it on your phone – by the way, having a laminated list of the contacts in your wallet isn’t a bad idea either.

 

Along with having a list of emergency contacts, you should also think about sharing your itinerary with your contact. This way they know where you are supposed to be and when you are supposed to be there.

 

Another thing you might want to do is have a master list of secondary contacts. This will include your insurance company, doctor, and maybe even a lawyer – especially one who specializes in personal injury law.  

 

According to Tony Seaton from the Law Offices of Seaton & Bates, PLLC, “most people just really want to get back to the life they had before their injuries and getting there is a process that requires access to proper medical care and financial resources that can help support you on that path”  As such, having the contact details of a lawyer you trust nearby will help to ensure if there is an emergency that you are getting the support you need.

 

Contingency Planning

 

Granted, there is only so much you can do but when it comes to an extended holiday, you should have a plan in place for what to do if something untoward happens.  This could be anything as mundane as losing your walletit happens – to having extra medicine with you in case you come down with a stomach bug or something along those lines.

 

In addition, you might want to bring along extra medicine if there is something critical that you need to manage.  This is especially true when traveling overseas as you might not have a good idea where to get refills, etc.

 

Beyond this, you may want to consider what medical facilities are available where you are traveling and even how you would get treatment if you were in a remote area.  While it might seem that this sort of preplanning is unnecessary, but you do need to consider that you are traveling to a location where you don’t know the doctors or other available services. As such it is better to know how to get the healthcare you need than to wait until the last minute.

 

Getting Home

 

We might take this for granted but in some cases getting home after being injured on vacation can be a massive logistical exercise.  This could be due to several factors, including your ability to travel and what medical support you need during your journey.

 

Unfortunately, this is often overlooked when people are trying to deal with an injury away from home. While this makes sense, at some point you will want to map out how you can get back to your friends and family.  

 

Depending on the nature of your injury, it might also mean that you won’t be in a condition to make the plans yourself. As such, a best practice is that you assign one of your contacts as the responsible party in case you are incapacitated.  Doing so will probably mean setting up a limited power of attorney and making sure your living will is in order.

 

It doesn’t matter if you are traveling for work or for pleasure, you will want to follow these best practices to make sure that you will be in looked after when faced with a medical emergency on vacation.

 

There’s More to NY than NYC

New York’s Finger Lakes region is a beautiful destination filled with history, adventure, and the great outdoors. Hikers, historians, artists, and literary buffs alike can find numerous attractions to draw them to the area. From Mark Twain’s time spent writing in Elmira, to the Corning Museum of Glass, and the natural splendor of forests and lakes, this is a truly inspirational trip.

NY State vacation

Mark Twain Country

One of America’s greatest writers, Mark Twain, was a regular visitor to Elmira NY. He summered there for over 20 years, his words flowing as he looked out over the countryside, penning such works as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Now tourists can have their own adventures in the very same surroundings.

You can visit the octagonal study where Twain wrote, which he called “the loveliest study you ever saw.” USA Today list it as the “number one literary attraction in America”. Now located at Elmira College, tours of the study are offered. Or perhaps a trip to Woodlawn Cemetery to see the author’s final resting place. Don’t be surprised to see a cigar or two, a common offering to the memory of the great Mark Twain.

In July and August the hour long Trolley into Twain Country Tour is available. Starting at the Chemung Valley History Museum the narrated tour hits multiple historic stops in Elmira touching on Twain, Civil War Sites, the restored Powers Theater, and Dunn Field, “home of the Elmira Pioneers baseball team”.

Tanglewood Nature Center even features a Mark Twain trail. Quotes from the author are posted along the trail. His voice still resonates surrounded by the very places he too visited. Twain’s appreciation of the natural world is reflected in all of his work, and though he traveled all over the world this is the countryside he returned to time and time again.

Younger visitors may find the Children’s Trail more up their alley. This path includes some obstacle courses while following “a disassembled nature-themed book along the way.” The Nature Center is home to more than 40 species of live animals most notably their birds of prey. They have ongoing education programs and events for kids and families.

gliders

Soaring Above Harris Hill

Searching for a loftier view? Try a trip above the tree tops. Soaring is a familiar word, but what does it mean when you are entering the “Soaring Capital of America”? An opportunity to take to the skies in a glider, high above the terrain that inspired some of America’s greatest literary works.

You can visit the National Soaring Museum to learn about these motorless planes or head over to Harris Hill Soaring Corporation in Elmira NY for a ride in the passenger seat. Weather can be an issue with gliding, but on a clear day there are no prettier view for your silent 15-20 minute flight across the sky.

For those of us happier to hug the ground Harris Hill Amusement Park offers some family fun and thrills at a lower altitude. A carousel, go-karts, and games right by the museum combines learning and play time in one stop. If mini-golf is your game than this is the place, or the driving range where you can see how far your golf balls soar.

waterfalls

Visiting Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen State Park is famous for its beauty and perfect for a day trip or as a camping stop. The Gorge Trail is nature at its most amazing and unexpected. Over a two mile stretch the glen’s stream forms 19 waterfalls as it descends 400 feet. The path goes over, under, and around the waterfalls or “rim trails overlook the gorge”. A suspension bridge 85ft. above the creek offers a birds eye view or you can go down and feel the water on your face while standing behind two waterfalls at Cavern Cascade. Swimming pools, fishing, hiking, and biking make the State Park ideal for anyone of any age that enjoys nature.

If you take the Gorge Trail be prepared for a workout. Over 800 stone steps await you as you hike. Also remember to bring lots of drinking water, you’ll get thirsty staring at the stream as you make your way through the gorge.

family vacation

Must See Museums

The Corning Museum of Glass is more than a gallery of glass art. It is dedicated to the history of glass, and home to historical glass pieces an amazing “35 centuries of glass art”. From the Romans and the origins of glass blowing to modern day innovations there is more to learn than you could ever have imagined and always more to see amongst the huge collection. If you want to feel the heat there are  demonstrations of glass blowing (Hot Glass Demo), or the Flameworking Demo where glass rods are shaped. Optical Fiber and Glassbreaking Demos are also offered so you can watch them make it or break it depending on your mood.

“Make Your Own Glass” Classes are offered at the Museum for all ages, which seriously fun and offer a sense of accomplishment when finished, and we highly recommend trying. You can make items such as flowers, ornaments, and other objects that will also serve as a unique souvenir of your time in NY State.

glass rabbit

The Rockwell Museum located in Corning NY, is the only Smithsonian affiliate in Upstate New York. The name comes from collectors Bob and Hertha Rockwell who gifted their art and artifacts to start the museum. Their goal to “make art accessible to kids” reads loud and clear. Visit the Family Exploration Studio to draw on a light board or take part in the Art Hunt by matching partial images to the full artwork throughout the galleries. To add to it’s draw, kids and teens visit free.

NY museums

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is dedicated to the local and international legend who became the “fastest man on earth” when he raced a motorcycle at 136.4 MPH. He went on to be a pioneer in early flight being awarded the very first pilot’s license ever issued. The first to take off and land on water, Glen Curtiss pushed the limits of flight and plane design. The museum houses motorcycles, planes, boats, antique tools, and a Restoration Shop where you can see volunteers working on historic aircraft.

From museums, to wildly beautiful natural scenery, to high flying adventures and more, NY has it all. Visit the Finger Lakes to make memories that will last a lifetime (and take some of the most “Instagram Worthy” photos you will ever post).

new york vacation

It’s Important For Your Kids to Feel Safe on Winter Road Trips

Winter road trips present a host of challenges. Of course, the weather can be a factor, considering where you’re driving, but there are so many other elements to consider as well. Especially when you’re traveling with your family and with your children, it’s important that everyone feels safe to have a smooth and seamless road trip.

 

Safety is one of the basic fundamental human needs, and children are especially affected by this need. Here are the main reasons why it’s important for your kids to feel safe on winter road trips.

 

Safety encourages rest

 

When kids feel truly safe, they are able to relax and rest. In the case of road trips, this means they’re able to sleep, or just relax to a level of calmness that keeps everyone happy. Especially when you are driving long distances, it’s necessary that kids find time to sleep – and this can only really happen if they are incredibly tired, as well as if they feel safe.

 

So, make some preparations to make sure that your kids feel safe and comfortable. Encourage them to bring along their favorite books and toys, bring some familiar snacks, play soothing and enjoyable music. Especially for the first hour or so in the car, creating an environment of safety and support is crucial. Bring travel-friendly pillows and blankets as well (or maybe their favorite pillow or stuffed animal), so your kids feel as safe and secure as possible.  

 

Safety encourages happiness

 

When you feel safe, you are then able to experience a broad range of other emotions, including happiness. The same applies to children. While road trips, especially road trips with children, are not typically an experience that we associate with happiness, there’s no reason why your winter road trip can’t be a happy one!

 

Take extra steps to find the joy in embarking on a road trip as a family. Practice mindfulness and be open to making memories along the way. Safety is your primary concern, but don’t forget about happiness. Plus, if you have young children and can teach them early on that road trips are fun and something to look forward to, then this will help create a long-term positive association.

 

Safety creates a calm environment

 

There are many things you can do ahead of time to make sure your road trip goes as smoothly and calmly as possible. For example, when you plan out your route, make sure you have at least one or two backup routes in case of inclement weather and road closures. This will help prevent last-minute frustrations that can then stress all car passengers.

 

Another important thing to do before hitting the road is to make sure your car has been recently serviced and is fully prepared for any environmental hazards that may come up as a result of your winter road trip. Make sure that your tire pressure is sound, and that tire treads are up to par for winter conditions. Quality vehicles will set up you up for the best safety conditions, but even they need to be serviced regularly.

 

You should also bring necessary supplies with you: This means bringing tire chains, windshield cleaners, and even packing an emergency road kit like this one recommended by AAA just in case. Wherever you happen to be traveling, be aware of all potential winter elements that you could encounter, and prepare accordingly.

 

Another thing that’s important to do is not over-pack the car. This can be tough on winter road trips, especially if you are bringing along ski equipment or other winter gear, but you need to find a balance of how much stuff is “too much stuff” in your car. When you over-pack, stored items can impede on passengers’ personal space, which creates an underlying sense of annoyance and frustrations that are likely to bubble over at some point. Prevent this from happening by packing strategically, and investing in a rooftop carrier is needed to transport all your winter items safely.

 

When children feel safe, they are able to function, flourish and grow at their highest capacity. Prioritize safety as a fundamental need in life, and especially any time that you are traveling with your kids.

The Hermitage Club of Southern Vermont

The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain is a premiere destination for any New England visitor or local. Southern Vermont is easily accessible, just two hours from Boston and four hours from NYC, and puts you right in the center of the East Coast’s only private ski resort. Members enjoy year round entertainment surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains.

family ski trip

Spa, dining, and luxury accommodations are a fixture at the Hermitage Club while providing a safe environment for outdoor and indoor activities on the 1,400 acre resort complete with private mountain. Ski slopes, bike and hiking trails offer access to the beautiful scenery. Seasonal programs, with age specific focuses and even day care for the little ones are available so that parents and older siblings can hit the slopes or trek the mountainside make this a perfect option for all family members.

family travel

There are multiple lodging options for visitors to meet any preference. The Vermont House is located in downtown Wilmington Vermont offering the historical experience of an 1850’s colonial inn or the Inn at Sawmill Farm where you can spend your night in the renovated Carriage House. The Brook Bound Inn is near the Hermitage Clubhouse and offers a variety of rooms and even full house rentals for larger groups. Pools for swimming, a golf course, tennis and basketball courts are just the beginning of the features.

covered road

Restaurants, bars, and other tasty stops are sprinkled across the six inns during winter operating days, as well as on the very side and top of the mountain. The Hermitage Inn features French inspired meals with a Vermont twist. Savor farm to table dining at the White House, which offers American favorites, or you can enjoy the taste of Italy at Ristorante Piacenza. Check scheduled hours (as well as seasonal hours of operation) as they vary for the different locations, like the Clubhouse and Mid-Mountain Cabin. They are tied to the ski operating schedule which you can also find online.

ski lodge

Skiers can use one of six ski lifts and have a choice of 45 trails across 194 skiable acres. Lessons for newbies and those who want to up their skills are available or if you want to pass on the downhill portion strap on your skis and enjoy the cross country variety. Interested in trying motorized sports? Snowmobiling, as well as classic winter fun such as tubing and ice-skating are some more winter activities you can experience at the Hermitage Club.

ski vermont

After your time exploring and dining, consider relaxing with a spa treatment or drink. Joining a fitness class will keep you moving, or you can take a rest and enjoy the artists taking part in the Heritage Club Concert Series. Whether you are searching for a break from a hectic schedule or to re-energize yourself, The Heritage Club gives members the ability to customize their experience and enjoy the best of Vermont.

snowtubing vermont

UPDATE- The resort has recently been shut down, but there are a lot of other resorts to choose from in Vermont.

How to Use Walkie Talkies When You Travel

travel with kids

Walkie Talikes—or two-way radios, if you want to be “technical”—offer a variety of uses when traveling. While many regard these little beauties as relics from the 90s, walkie talkies actually still possess great relevance for today. 

1. Children 

Do you remember being a kid? You didn’t have a cell phone. Maybe your parents were strict. Maybe it wasn’t in the budget. Maybe mobiles didn’t even exist! But for whatever reason, if your family was using the internet, you had only 3 methods of communicating with your friends. 

There was: the fake telephone, A.K.A. two cans on a string; running to their front door; and of course your handy dandy walkie talkies. 

Now obviously many kids today have cell phones, but what happens when your family is hiking in the woods and little Timmy takes a wrong turn? 10 times out of 10 there will be no service. Why? Because your service is spotty? No. Because service ALWAYS disappears whenever you need it most. Remember Murphy’s Law. 

The invariable solution to this potential issue is the walkie talkie. Not only are these items battery powered, but their functionality is not relegated to clear skies or corporate efficiency. Since walkie talkies are their own little entity, you have much more control over how you stay in contact with your children while you’re traveling—whether they forget their phone, you’re in the woods, or the labyrinth of a resort is just so stinking huge. 

2. Abroad 

The second greatest use for walkie talkies while traveling is if you’re going abroad. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or lounging on the Japanese coastline, walkie talkies are the ideal way to avoid expensive roaming costs. 

Walkie talkies are an excellent way for you to stay in contact with your traveling partners. Keep in mind though, these little devices do not offer a way to stay in contact with authorities or other entities abroad. Walkies are best used in hiking or site seeing 

3. Road trips 

Lastly, walkie talkies are the perfect traveling companion for taking long-distance road trips with a caravan (or more than one car). Walkie Talkies provide a quick, easy access way to contact your traveling companions in the other car to coordinate directions, warn of accidents, ask questions, and of course, hold car-to-car competitions of the Alphabet game. Using walkie talkies also keeps you from fumbling with a touch screen on your phone while you’re driving. This promotes safety and security for you and your passengers. And of course, it sets a better example for your children. 


Walkie talkies offer a variety of influential ways to enhance your travel experience. While walkie talkies cannot replace cell phones entirely in their functionality, walkie talkies do provide several advantages to cell phones in short-range travel. The convenience of reliable service alone makes them the ideal addition to any travel pack. Ultimately, having walkie talkies in your travel arsenal provides you with safety, convenience and a fun way to stay in contact with your travel companions.

Staying Healthy when Traveling Abroad with a Baby

family travel

When you have children and become a parent, you definitely don’t have to stop doing things that you did before. One of those things in particular is travel. There can be a bit of an idea that your wanderlust and travels has to stop when you’ve got a baby. But travel with children can be a really rewarding thing to do, as there are some amazing memories that you can make, as well as fun experiences that you can all do together. It isn’t always easy, and will be different to what you are used to, but it can most certainly be done.

One of the biggest stressors when traveling with a baby is that you want your baby to be healthy when you are away. The thought of having to visit a doctor or a hospital when you’re in a place that you don’t know, or where you don’t speak the language, can be stressful and not something that you want to do. So making sure that you are able to keep your baby well on your trip is such a good idea, to make sure that you can have the best trip possible. With all of that in mind, here are a few ideas and tips to help you be prepared and keep baby healthy and well when you travel.

See a Doctor Before You Go

 

If you are unsure about anything before you travel, then speaking to your doctor or pediatrician is a really good idea. It could be a good idea to talk about your travel plans, as well as checking on things like vaccinations, especially if your baby is young. Sites like this one could also help if you’re looking for information about vaccinations and travel with young children: https://www.fitfortravel.com/general-travel-health-advice/child-travellers. Your doctor might even give you some suggestions to keep your baby healthy as you go and travel.

 

Choose Flights Wisely

 

In order to keep your baby as healthy as possible, it is a really good idea to get flights that will fit in with their regular schedule and routine as much as possible. The logic behind this is that when your baby hasn’t had enough sleep, they can feel more run down and susceptible to germs, as well as just making them more unhappy. One day of sleep deprivation can impact their immune system, so it can be a small thing to do to make sure that you can reduce their risk of illness.

 

Take Your Own Products and Food

 

Depending on where you are going for your trip, it can be a good idea to take your own products, as well as food. If your baby is eating food, then having them keep eating foods that they are familiar with is a good idea. That can reduce the chance of them getting sickness, as well as something like being constipated. As for products, taking the usual things that you use for your baby, like wipes, shampoo, and any other medication is a really good idea. You don’t want to start using something that your baby isn’t used to as it could lead to something that you don’t want to deal with when away, like cradle cap. This site could be a good place to look if you need some advice on cradle cap, though: https://www.mustelausa.com/tips-for-preventing-and-treating-cradle-cap. Stick to what you (and the baby know) and then it can help to reduce your risk of getting sick.

 

Sun Safe

 

Staying safe in the sun is normal at home, but when you’re away, especially in a warm country abroad, then it can be something that is much more heightened. The sun can be much more intense and harmful when you’re in a hotter country. So as well as sunscreen, you need to think about keeping baby in the shade, keeping them cool, and avoiding things like blankets over a stroller that can make them overheat. Be sensible in a hot country and it will keep things much safer and healthier for you all.

 

Food Safety

 

Like packing your own food, there will be some things that you need to get from a store where you are. It could be fruit, vegetables, or somewhere that you choose to eat out at. But make sure that you are keeping food safe and only serving foods that you’re happy with. You should also check if you can drink the local tap water or if you need bottled water instead, and so on. Then you can reduce your risk of sickness.