Guest blog post by local travel expert, @jtfago
So you’ve booked a stay at one of the incredible Dell Collective properties and you want to explore? I have three day trip ideas for you that are only a short drive and will pack a punch with plenty to do once you get there. Whether you are staying in Perry or Portageville, these all clock in at under 2 hours drive time.
Number 1 on the list is Niagara Falls, USA and Niagara Falls, Canada (keep in mind if you go to Canada you will need the proper documents to cross the border) This day trip will take you about 90 minutes each way. Here are some of my favorite ways to see the Falls:
- Start by parking at the Niagara Falls State Park ($10) and get ready for some fun. My first recommendation would be to book tickets for the Maid of the Mist! Rides open for the season sometime between April and May, depending on the weather. This 20 minute boat ride provides up-close views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls so be prepared to get wet! I have lived in Buffalo, NY my whole life and this is still one of my favorite things to do.
- Another wild attraction at the park is the Cave of the Winds. This is a thrilling, up close experience with the Bridal Veil Falls. You’ll take an elevator down 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge and walk along wooden platforms just feet away from the falls. The highlight of this experience is the Hurricane Deck! I am pretty sure you can purchase a package deal if you are interested in doing both of these.
You could spend an entire afternoon just in the state park but if time permits, I highly recommend walking across the Rainbow Bridge. You’ll need a passport or enhanced license to cross since you’ll be going through customs each way and the toll is $2 to cross back to the USA . The views are incredible and as you cross, you can straddle the line for each country, essentially being in two countries at once!
- After customs, you can easily find the path along the Niagara Parkway. This is the best view of the falls!
- If you’re feeling brave and looking for a once in a lifetime experience, you can Zipline right alongside the falls at Wild Play Zip Lining. Believe it or not, this is open almost all year long, only closing for a few weeks in the winter.
- Another incredible experience is the Journey Behind the Falls. I have done this tour and it’s fabulous. After an elevator ride down 125 feet, you’ll walk through 130 year old tunnels that open up to the base of the Horseshoe Falls.
- After you’ve taken in all the views you can, take a walk up to Clifton Hill to see the wax museums, haunted houses, maybe ride the Niagara Sky wheel, play mini golf with giant dinosaurs and of course you can’t leave without some souvenirs. Clifton Hill is very child friendly.
Number 2 on the list is the adorable town of Niagara on the Lake, Canada. This is one of my favorite places to visit any time of the year! The drive is a little further than to Niagara Falls but still comes in under 2 hours each way. To get here you will need a passport or enhanced license and will cross an international border.
“Adorable town of Niagara on the Lake, Canada”
You’ll want to navigate yourself to Queen Street. This is the heart of the town of Niagara on The Lake and is loaded with adorable shops and cozy cafes and is completely walkable. Here are some of my favorite things to do when I visit:
- Rent bikes and explore the area! Zoom Leisure has everything you will need for your rental and can offer expert advice on where to go and what to see.
- Have High Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel. This is offered daily from 11 am to 5 pm and reservations are highly recommended. You can choose from several different menus and they even offer a version for kids. You will be surprised at how much food you get with this, so come with your appetite.
- If tea isn’t your thing, I highly recommend lunch at Kitchen 76 at the beautiful Two Sisters Vineyards. This is a stunning property that offers wine tastings and tours, private events and fabulous meals in their restaurant. The location is close to town and if you rent bikes, you can definitely ride here. Purchase a bottle of wine to take home since your bike will have a basket to transport it back!
- If relaxation is your thing, book a facial or a massage at the Q Spa in the 124 on Q Hotel! You won’t be disappointed! Watching your budget a bit? You can also book their hydrotherapy spa for $95 Canadian, which includes warm and cool pools, sensory showers, a sauna, a steam room, and Canada’s only snow room. You can’t go wrong with either option.
- If you just want to explore Queen Street and take it all in, my last recommendation would be to make a stop at The Budapest Bakeshop for a chimney cake. If you’ve never had a chimney cake, you need to! I always order mine with cheesecake filling and Skor candy pieces but they have savory options too. Make sure to walk a few blocks to see Lake Ontario and Old Fort Niagara across the way.
Number 3 on this list is my hometown of Buffalo, NY! This drive will take you just over one hour and you’ll find plenty of things to do to fill the day.
- When most people hear Buffalo they think chicken wings! I wouldn’t be a true Buffalonian if I didn’t give you my recommendation for the best (although my opinion may be controversial). My top choices would be Bar Bill or Wingnuts tied, with Duff’s coming in just after. Maybe you take the day and visit them all?? If you’re into the history and nostalgia of the chicken wing though, I give you permission to go to the Anchor Bar haha!
- Visiting the Buffalo AKG Art Museum is also a must! This museum went through a massive renovation/transformation and reopened in 2023. It is truly a remarkable place to visit with rotating exhibits, a world class restaurant and plenty of space to just sit and enjoy the art. The museum is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays so keep that in mind when planning your visit. They also have a gift shop that features tons of local artisans. After the visit, you can take a walk around Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park or visit the History Museum and the beautiful Japanese gardens.
- If you visit Buffalo in the summer, we have several boating companies that will take you out into the Harbor to see views of our beautiful city from the water. The Moondance Cat and Buffalo Harbor Cruises are two very popular boat tours in Buffalo and both offer a little something different. You could make a day of it with lunch at The Liberty Hound and a visit to Canal Side before or after your ride.
- A visit to the Martin House in North Buffalo! The property’s buildings were designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and built between 1903 and 1905. The house is considered to be one of the most important projects from his Prairie School era. If you are a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, this tour is an incredible way to see some of his work since the house has been impeccably preserved. Choose from several different tours and after, you can have lunch at the Statler Cafe, right on the property.
- In Buffalo, we know how to eat! These are my favorite Buffalo staples if you are up for a food adventure! Each of these places have a few locations around the city and in the suburbs.
- Paulas Donuts
- Ted’s Hot Dogs
- Bocce Pizza
- Beef on Weck from Charlie the Butcher (or Anderson’s)
- Chicken finger sub from John’s Pizza and Subs
- And hit a local favorite, Wegmans to buy a 12 pack of Aunt Rosie’s Loganberry
No matter what your interests are- adventure, good food or history, these day trip ideas make it easy to explore for a bit, experience something new and then head back to your comfy, chic accommodations at Dell Collective!
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