Originally posted by mi2nc Heather, Upstate NY is nothing to be excited about. Visiting MI is really not exciting. I hate using vacation time/$$ to be miserable with my outlaws. The proctologist would be more fun.
I'm going to disagree with you 100% (except the outlaw part). My wife and I made this trip from northern VA 3 years ago, and it was wonderful. If you have never seen the falls, then I don't see any way that you won't be impressed by the sheer volume and force of the falls. We went on the Maid of the Mist, and used disposable camera for that part of the trip. I had a Kodak P&S that definitely was not weather sealed.
Take a drive up to Niagra-on-the-Lake to seee one of the most beautiful little towns that you can imagine. We spent over 3 hours at the butterfly house on the way back from there. You can also take a ride on a powerboat that will go into a gigantic whirlpool and when the boat starts to get sucked in, the power it out. Great ride (high pucker factor), but make sure you take a change of clothes, because you will definitely get wet. You might also consider the gondola ride across the river (Spanish Falls???). Stand on the left crossing the river, and then stand on the right coming back. Great photos looking up and down the river.
My wife and I plan to return either next year ('09) or the next.
Here's hoping you enjoy it 1/2 as much as we did.