Perfect Weekend in Niagara

Mike and I went to Niagara Falls last weekend for our early 1 year anniversary celebration since Mike can't get vacation time in December. It was SUCH a wonderful, fantastic, much needed getaway!

Of course, I did tons of research on the bestplace to stay by the Falls and really am happy with where we landed - the Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa. Loved it! http://www.niagarafallsmarriott.com/

It was the only hotel on the Canadian side that had direct views of the Falls from your room.

I can't say enough great things about this hotel. The highlight of the hotel stay was my Spa exprience. Woohoo - good stuff. I got the 60 minute Aromatherapy Detoxifying massage. She used some magical citrus oil that was made out of oil from heaven, I tell ya. It was soooooo great! Mike thought that 30 minute massage would be enough time since, after all, "that is like a whole episode of Seinfeld!", but that is crazy talk. It is always 60 minutes at least for me to make it worth it. Here's the proof written all over my face:

The first day we were there-Friday, we went and saw the IMAX movie about the history of the Falls. It was cute and actually was a good idea to do before riding on the Maid of the Mist since they told the story over the loudspeaker on the boat, but nobody was hearing it since it was supercrazyloud with wind and water and people. We then had a delicious dinner at Tony Roma's since it was right across the street from the hotel. They used to have Tony Roma's in Rochester. Not sure if they still do. But man are those some good ribs!

On Saturday, we played tourists like champs We took the inclue down to the Welcome Center and then went under the Falls...

It is just amazing how powerful the Falls are. The sound and the mist and the visual images are breathtaking. And it was fun to wear a poncho. They told us that we could keep them as keepsakes. Hahaha. Wait, I guess I shouldn't laugh. We did buy approximately 12 postcards, 3 magnets and a keepsake picture of us under the Falls (for $20). You should see our fridge.

We then walked the one mile to the Maid of the Mist station. Not a fun walk since my back was hurting, but Mikey was a trooper and gently pushed me along the way. Once we got there, my competitive, spazzout streak kicked in and I tried to make it so that we were the first in line on the boat. It backfired because we tried to wait for the next boat to come in so we'd be first, but had to go on the one leaving. We ended up being the last ones on the boat. I was super crankers until we realized that it is better not to be on the top, front area of the boat since they get soaking wet. Suckers! Here is a picture of what the water looks like when you're smack dab in the middle of the Falls.

And a picture of Mike recreating the Jim Halpert knock on the Maid of the Mist from The Office. Haven't seen that episode? Do it now!

We had a nice dinner that night at the hotel. It was pricey, but we got some $ towards it from the hotel and the food was scrumptious!

We did go over to Casino Niagara, but promptly left when we discovered that you can't just walk by and put a quarter in a slot machine and try your luck. Since when do they only accept $5, $10, $20 and $50 bills?! We felt a huge case of the olds and lames then since we weren't willing to part with our money, but seriously. What is that about?! Or "aboot" as they would say in Canada.

We didn't get to go to any wineries this time, but we plan to take a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the future and sample the grapes.

I was seriously sad to leave. It was such a wonderful time. Mike makes all of our trips fun since he is so easygoing. I got myself a good one.

Here are some beautiful shots that we got from our stay that make me smile. Sunny day view of Horseshoe Falls:

Sunrise view from our window:

My feelings about leaving are represented here...

At least we got to hear the Steelers on the radio on the way back and they won. Great end to a fantabulous weekend.