The perfect weekend in Niagara Falls

It doesn't get more epic than Niagara Falls. While the Canadian side often takes center stage, the American side is just as stunning, with plenty to keep you busy when you're not checking out the water—more than you might realize.

“We’ve got art museums, we’ve got farms, we’ve got outdoor activities. You can hike, you can walk down in the gorge, which is truly an amazing experience,” says Bob Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara, an 18th century French-built fortification at the mouth of the Niagara River. "And if you’re a history buff, you’ll be in heaven."

Emerson is technically Sir Emerson—he was knighted by the French government for his role in helping protect and preserve this living history site that showcases three centuries of history with musket demonstrations, artillery firings, blacksmithing, and more. “When you step through the gate, it’s like walking back in time,” says Emerson. “Our oldest building is from 1726—it’s eight years older than Independence Hall in Philadelphia.”

Another local storyteller who is helping celebrate this area’s rich history is Saladin Allah, director of community engagement for the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, where you can learn about the region’s role in aiding enslaved people on their journey to freedom. “As an institution, we pride ourselves with being at the forefront of Underground Railroad interpretation, and we highlight the stories of the freedom seekers and abolitionists who lived here, worked here, who traveled through here, who were part of one of the most sophisticated Underground Railroad networks that we've ever seen in this country,” says Allah, who is the third-great grandson of legendary freedom seeker Josiah Henson.

And then there’s the natural splendor. The beauty of Niagara Falls made it a prime honeymoon spot back in the day. But while people still swoon over the thundering power of the falls, few know about the surrounding Niagara Gorge. Seth Piccirillo—cofounder of the Niagara Hiking Company, which takes guests to the base of the gorge—is eager to get the word out. “My co-owner Brian and I started the company just to connect people to the trails and the flat rocks of the gorge because it’s such a special place,” he says. “The views are spectacular. It’s exciting to be able to share that experience with people.”

And I’m excited to share some of my tips, as well as tips from these and other experts to make sure your Niagara Falls visit is as epic as the falls themselves.

Whether you’re looking for an inn within earshot of the falls or an eco-friendly cabin, local hotels have you covered.

It’s no wonder this 100-year-old Tudor-style property looks like it’s straight out of the English countryside: It was modeled after one of the oldest licensed inns in England. Plus, the location can’t be beat—just 500 yards from the edge of the falls. “It’s got a lot of historical ambiance, and it overlooks the rapids, so it’s got a really nice view,” says Emerson.

A 19th-century art deco building on the National Register of Historic Places was transformed into this romantic 44-room boutique hotel decked out with colorful Mayan motifs. Head to the hotel’s Skyview Lounge at 10 p.m., where you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the nightly fireworks over Niagara Falls from May through October.

Unplug at this family-owned farm in nearby Gasport, which has 10 eco-conscious cabins and an 1830s farmhouse surrounded by picturesque vineyards and orchards. Kids love apple picking, petting the farm animals, and hayrides, while grown-ups can indulge in wine and beer tastings.

If you’re picturing 1950s restaurants with revolving views and dated food, we have some good news: You’ll find plenty of fresh, delicious, and innovative dining spots here. “We have an incredible range of food styles, thanks to the local chefs, the immigrant population, and produce from all the surrounding family farms,” says Emily Lonigan, a chef and the director of community education at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

Power City Eatery in Niagara Falls - “They make their own bagels, bake their own bread, and do their own pastrami and corn beef. It’s as close to a New York City deli as we have up here,” says Lonigan.

Craft Coffee House in Lockport - A pair of veterans launched this café with hearty breakfast items available all day, like from-scratch cinnamon waffles topped with honey, cinnamon sugar, butter, and maple syrup.

Youngstown Village Diner in Youngstown - This classic diner serves up homemade dishes—banana walnut pancakes, corn beef hash—with a side of Niagara River views.

Orange Cat Coffee Co. in Lewiston - Literally a charming old house with a garden out front, this coffee house serves special coffee blends like butter cookie and raspberry cocoa.

Spot Coffee in Niagara Falls - Conveniently located next to Niagara Falls State Park, so you can grab a java and sip it right next to the rapids.

Steamworks Coffee in Lockport - The best cold brew in the area.

DiCamillo Bakery in Niagara Falls - For more than 100 years, generations of the DiCamillo family have been making hearth-baked bread and pizza. “An institution—I always get the broccoli pizza,” says Piccirillo. “You can also access the gorge right from here.”

Kith & Kin Bakeshop & Bistro in Lockport - If you’re gluten-free, you’ll be in heaven at this 100% gluten-free spot with prepared meals to go.

Shamus Restaurant in Lockport - A comfort-food haven, where the team brines, cures, and smokes the meat in-house.

The Pho Spot in Niagara Falls - This family-run Vietnamese spot serves up recipes handed down from generation to generation. Don’t miss the pho, served with a generous side of bean sprouts, lime wedges, basil, and sliced chili.

Royal Dragon in Niagara Falls - For all your Chinese food cravings. “Their General Tso’s is amazing, as are the noodle soups,” says Lonigan.

Zaika in Niagara Falls - “The best Indian restaurant in Niagara County,” says Lonigan. “Their buffet is wonderful during the summer. In the winter, everything is served a la carte. I love their butter chicken.”

Simply Soul in Niagara Falls - “The best soul food I’ve ever had in my life,” says Allah, who recommends the fish, the fried chicken, and the macaroni and cheese.

Brickyard Pub & BBQ in Lewiston - Savor wood-fired cooking and slow-smoked barbecue that Piccirillo describes as “falling right off the bone.” Pair it with one of the house-brewed IPAs.

Griffon Brewery and Gastropub in Lewiston - In a new location overlooking the serene Lower Niagara River, this gastropub has an impressive beer selection, live music, and classic dishes like Buffalo wings (invented nearby). "This place is a local staple, where you can get all of the various foods that Western New York is known for,” says Allah.

Michael’s Restaurant in Niagara Falls - “A classic family-owned Italian restaurant,” says Piccirillo. “Order the Shells Parmesan—I’ve probably eaten about 600 or 700 plates of it in my life. It’s pure comfort food.”

Savor Restaurant in Niagara Falls - The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute offers this cool dining experience that gets an A-plus from us: It’s an open kitchen with student chefs in action that doubles as a date-night spot. Each semester brings a new, innovative menu using produce from local farms.

Carmelo’s Coat of Arms in Lewiston - A Sicilian transplant founded this sophisticated local favorite with dishes like pan-seared day boat scallops served with caponata and herb salad. “It’s a farm-to-table place that’s been in the community for a very long time,” says Piccirillo. “The last time my wife and I did a date night, we rode our bikes here.”

The Village Bake Shoppe in Lewiston - Every dessert is crafted from scratch. For a true taste of autumn, don’t miss the mile-high apple pie, made with locally sourced fruit.

Lake Effect Ice Cream in Lockport - Indulge your sweet tooth at this small-batch artisan ice cream shop with a delicious range of flavors, from exotic black sesame to loganberry, a regional favorite.

Platter’s Chocolates in North Tonawanda - This 85-year-old institution welcomes visitors to witness the magic of chocolate-making and sample signature creations like sponge candy.

Judas Tree in Niagara Falls - This vintage-style lounge serves craft cocktails and small plates in an eclectic bar space. “It’s a beautiful place and it also has a bocce court outside that they just installed,” says Allah.

Hustler’s Tavern in Lewiston - Some experts say that the cocktail was invented here in the 1800s by a tavern keeper named Catherine Hustler, who stirred boozy concoctions with a rooster tail. (Get it? A cock-tail.)

In Niagara Falls, nature’s wonders take center stage, from the river’s crashing rapids to its peaceful parks.

Niagara Hiking Company in Niagara Falls - Hikers are guided down a 530-foot descent to explore flat rocks and the bottom of the gorge, alongside class-six rapids. These out-and-back day hikes are led by licensed guides.

Devil’s Hole State Park in Niagara Falls - This rugged park with breathtaking gorge and river views is an ideal spot for picnicking, fishing, walking, and biking along the Niagara Scenic Parkway. “You can immerse yourself in nature and still be very close to everything else,” says Lonigan.

Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls - The powerful Niagara River creates swirling, white-foam whirlpools, and this park’s hiking trails offer a closer look at all the geological drama.

Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls State Park - On this front-row encounter with the thundering falls, you’re outfitted with souvenir ponchos and venture onto platforms where you’re surrounded by the mist and hear a roar like no other.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour in Niagara Falls State Park - Operating since 1846, the Maid of the Mist is a legendary boat tour that takes travelers along the charging waters of the Niagara Gorge. Two new all-electric, emission-free passenger vessels make the experience more eco-friendly.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours in Lewiston - Get on a high-speed jet boat and race around Niagara River’s whirlpools and rapids. “Unless you climb down the rocks, you will never see the gorge from this perspective. It’s just a really great time,” says Lonigan.

The area’s museums and institutions are basically a time machine that can drop you off at just about any era or interest you want to explore, from the Underground Railroad to carousel horses.

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center in Niagara Falls - Journey into the powerful history of the Underground Railroad at this remarkable center. Through moving exhibits and emotional storytelling, you’ll trace the footsteps of freedom seekers and the courageous individuals who helped them on their path to liberty.

Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown - Think of this historic fort as the area’s version of Colonial Williamsburg, with reenactments and exhibits that show the region’s military heritage. “All the buildings here are original, and we have exhibits and period rooms where people can walk in and see how the soldiers and officers lived,” says Emerson. “If you’re limited on time, make a beeline right down to the fort, take a guided tour, and check out the musket demonstration—that’s something you won’t want to miss.”

Artpark in Lewiston - A space where artistic creativity meets the natural world through outdoor performances, interactive exhibits, and breathtaking landscapes.

Erie Canal Discovery Center in Lockport - Touch down into the early days of the Erie Canal—sometimes called “the nation’s first superhighway.” “The Erie Canal really transformed this area in terms of bringing in settlers and populating the area, and you can learn about that here,” says Emerson.

Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum in North Tonawanda - This delightful museum in an old factory celebrates hand-carved horses and merry-go-rounds. “It’s a combination of history and folk art, and it gives you a taste of the industrial era in this area,” says Emerson.

Shoppers expecting souvenir tchotchkes will be happy to find plenty of shops selling one-of-a-kind treasures. (Though if you still want a T-shirt or snowglobe, we won’t judge.)

Daredevil Records in Niagara Falls - For audiophiles and music fans, Daredevil isn’t just a record store; it’s a full-on experience. “They always have a variety of different events going on, and it’s good for younger people who don’t know what a CD player or a Walkman is,” says Allah.

Antique to Chic in Lewiston - Browse a world of vintage and mid-century modern home decor and eclectic gifts.

Brewed and Bottled in Lewiston - Take an expedition with Niagara Hiking Company, and they’ll treat you to a pint at this encyclopedic beer shop. “The owner, Chris, is an expert. So you’re going to get to sample a lot of really good brews that are unique to our region,” says Piccirillo.

Martinsville Soapworks in North Tonawanda - Natural handcrafted soaps, bath and body goodies, and soy candles give a fun take on self care.

Lakeview Village Shoppes in Olcott - Overlooking the serene beauty of Lake Ontario, Lakeview has a boardwalk lined with 11 specialty shops selling clothing, antiques, gourmet treats, and more.

Apple picking, hayrides, wine, even CBD—the selection goes deep at the Niagara area farms.

Sanger Farms in Youngstown - In addition to pick-your-own fruits, this farm has gotten into the CBD market, crafting high-quality products. What truly sets them apart, according to Lonigan? “Their exceptional customer service. Anybody who wanders in here is well taken care of.”

Tom Tower's Farm Market in Youngstown - A bounty of fresh produce and artisanal goods. “This is where the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute gets a lot of its farm-to table ingredients,” says Lonigan.

Hoover’s Dairy in Sanborn - A small family-owned dairy farm where you can buy milk or check out the casual onsite restaurant with a menu that pairs perfectly with their fresh-made products.

Arrowhead Springs Vineyards in Lockport - A sustainable winery with the picturesque Niagara Escarpment as its backdrop—the perfect spot to try locally made wines available by the glass or flights.