Isn’t It Time For a Second Honeymoon?
Whether you’ve been married for one year or fifty, it’s never too soon — or too late — to take a romantic second honeymoon. And where better to do it than at a Niagara Falls hotel, in the city long-regarded as the honeymoon capital of the world.
For those of you who may be a little shaky on geography, Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls and two cities with the same name that are located on the Niagara River, part of the international border between Canada and the United States. The Canadian part is in the province of Ontario, and the American part is in the state of New York.
The first famous honeymooners at Niagara Falls (that we know of) were U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr’s daughter Theodosia and her new husband, who made the Falls their honeymoon destination in 1802. Napoleon’s brother Jerome and his new American socialite wife honeymooned there two years later, and it soon became the spot for newlyweds to celebrate a marriage. Your own parents, grandparents, or even great-grands may have held hands and canoodled as they took in the spectacular vistas.
Today, things have changed a bit. The incredible Falls are still there, of course, but now there are also great resort hotels, fine dining restaurants, casinos with big-name entertainment, wineries, golf courses, and lots of shopping.
Wide Choice of Accommodations
Whether directly overlooking the Falls or nestled nearby and along the river, there is a wide choice of both luxury and affordable hotels to stay at. There are also dozens of motels and quaint bed-and-breakfast inns, as well as a number of campgrounds and RV parks in the immediate area that offer cabins, campsites, and all the amenities. No matter what your style or budget is, there’s bound to be a Niagara Falls hotel that is perfect for your romantic getaway.
Restaurants for Every Taste
From elegant continental cuisine to an authentic 1950s-style soda shop, there’s something to suit every palate. Windows by Jamie Kennedy offers the finest in Canada’s farm-to-table dining, while The Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra specializes in locally-sourced Italian cuisine.
Among the array of other choices, there’s the world-famous Hard Rock Café for Tex-Mex in a setting of rock ‘n roll memorabilia, the revolving Skylon Tower restaurant high above the Falls, and the fun and entertaining Rainforest Café complete with animatronic gorillas and elephants and an 80-foot volcano.
Casino Gaming and Entertainment
Two action-packed casinos light up the night life in Niagara Falls, with Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort offering blackjack, roulette, poker, slots, and sports gaming along with comedy shows, and live entertainment with headline stars.
Wineries
The Niagara Region is known for its award-winning wines including the unique ice wine, made from grapes harvested in the winter when temperatures are below -8 Celsius (17.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and sugar content is highest. The Niagara Wine Route features dozens of wineries with tasting rooms set amid acres of gorgeous vineyards.
Up Close at the Falls
There are two ways to see the Falls up close. You may get a little wet, but it’s worth it.
Take the Maid of the Mist for a thrilling half-hour cruise from the Canadian docks past the base of the American Falls and onward into the basin of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. In operation since 1846, and the oldest tourist attraction in North America, the Maid of the Mist is dependent on the weather and operates from about late April to mid-October every year.
At Niagara Parks Journey Behind the Falls, you can take a self-guided adventure on an elevator 150 feet down to a series of tunnels that open your view to the astonishing wall of water crashing down from the top to the basin of the Horseshoe Falls.
Golf
The stunning landscape of Niagara is home to some of Canada’s best golf courses. With so many challenging courses to choose from, you’re sure to get a tee time. So if golf is your thing, be sure to pack your clubs.
Cycling
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the region on one of its many scenic cycling trails. There are more than 200 trails, catering to riders of every level. Niagara Parkway has been named one of the top 10 cycling routes in the world, stretching 58 km along the Canadian side of the Niagara River, passing many wineries along the way. Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail stretches 780 km, following the shores of Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border.
Shopping
Popular brand names at exceptional prices are found at outlet malls on both sides of the border. And there are three duty-free shops selling perfume, food, alcohol, and more to visitors from abroad.
Spas
Just want to chill out? Take your pick of day spas for the full treatment and a couple’s massage. Ahhhh. Happy second honeymoon!