September - October 2023
We started day 2 with a drive to North Tonawanda. We stopped by Platter's Chocolate factory and then toured the Herschell Carrousel Museum. Then, as we do on many of our trips, we toured a historic fort. This time it was Old Fort Niagara. After a short stop at a country store, we headed back to Niagara Falls for the afternoon and evening where we discovered what would become our favorite local restaurant, The Griffon Gastropub.
We made a stop at Platter's Chocolate factory in North Tonawanda
Only in Western NY would you find chocolate buffalo wings with a cup of white choclate blue cheese.
Chocolate pizza, combining 2 great foods!
The factory wasn't producing the day we were there
I think my mother needs a stand like this to sell her crafts from
Platter's Chocolates is in the historic Wurlitzer Building
We made it to Niagara Falls
We took a side trip to the Herschell Carousel Factory
We took a side trip to the Herschell Carousel Factory
Wooden carousel horses were eventually replaced by fiberglass horses
Some of the carousel horses in Herschell's collection are truly antiques
Some of the carousel horses in Herschell's collection are truly antiques
Not all animals on carousels are horses. Here's a dog and a pig.
Not all animals on carousels are horses. I bet this pig was able to keep pace with the horses.
A more traditional carousel horse
There are roosters on carousels too
These very old devices are stength testers. You find out how strong you are by whacking the bull in the head.
Imagine having to punch into work on this old clock
I would not want to be chased by this terrifying horse!
Ever taken a ride on an ostrich? You can on a carousel somewhere.
The paintshop is working on some panels for a carousel
The band organ is what gives a carousel its distinct sound
Reproducing an antique carousel frog
The work and skill that goes into carving wood carousel horses is amazing
The band organ is what gives a carousel its distinct sound
The band organ is what gives a carousel its distinct sound
This scary machine is an antique bumper car. Seems perfectly safe to me!
It may be a while before this train leaves the station
One of many early amusement rides built here
We found the real working carousel
Admission came with 2 free rides on the carousel. So, we took advantage of it.
We were lucky to have the carousel to ourselves
Admission came with 2 free rides on the carousel. So, we took advantage of it.
Those are some really old kiddie rides
We made a stop at the Seabee Memorial in North Tonawanda.
We made a stop at the Seabee Memorial in North Tonawanda.
We made a stop at the Seabee Memorial in North Tonawanda.
Old Fort Niagara looks like a big French mansion
Taking a tour around the perimeter of Old Fort Niagara
Taking a tour around the perimeter of Old Fort Niagara
Taking a tour around the perimeter of Old Fort Niagara
The American, British & French flags fly over Old Fort Niagara. The French is white because it's their naval ensign, not becasue they they like to surrender.
The entrance to the fort
The entrance to the fort
Old Fort Niagara looks like a big French mansion
Many structures make up the fort, including a log cabin
One of the redoubts that keep watch over the fort
The Niagara Forge
Old Fort Niagara looks like a big French mansion
We stopped to get out of the sun and watch a quick musket demonstration
We stopped to get out of the sun and watch a quick musket demonstration
That fireplace must've kept this dining room warm
The French kept a nicer kitchen than most military facilities
I could picture this dining room full of officers
This chair is a little big for my mother.
It's not a fort without a powder magazine
The officers' quarters were pretty nicely appointed
The enlisted beds were a bit lumpy
A typical barracks room
One of the redoubts behind which you can also see the lighthouse
Looking out from the fort
This seal is from the era when the US held this fort
There's still an active US Coast Guard station at Fort Niagara
It's not a fort without a powder magazine
This American flag which flew over Fort Niagara and was captured by the British is one of the oldest in existence.
The Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse sits just outside the fort
You know you're near Niagara Falls when you see how many power lines are heading out from the area.
We made a quick stop at Kelly's Country Store
It's Christmas all year in the Christmas room at Kelly's
The ceiling of Kelly's Christmas room is covered with every type of stuffed toy you can imagine
I got my hands on a Canadian specialty, a Nestle Coffee Crisp bar
The rapids at the top of the American Falls give you an idea of how fast the water goes over the falls
Looking out over American Falls to the Sklyon Tower across the river in Canada.
The American Falls Bridge crosses the rapids
The rapids at the top of the American Falls give you an idea of how fast the water goes over the falls
This is technically Niagara City Cruises from the Canadian side, but everyone calls it Maid of the Mist anyway
The Observation Tower provides a great view of the falls
We rode the skywheel later in the week
The Sheraton Hotel & Casino Niagara in Ontario
The mist coming off the American Falls is amazing
Taking a walk on Old Falls Street
This is an ice boom that was one used on the Niagara River
This cool bit of architecture is the United Office Building
The sun is starting to set behind the Niagara Falls, Ontario skyline and the mist from the falls
The sun is starting to set behind the Niagara Falls, Ontario skyline and the mist from the falls
We're close enough to Canda to order poutine
Beef on Weck is a local Western NY thing. So, of course, I had to try it. It's not a cheesesteak, but it's still really good.