Zette and I were chatting the other night and she had mentioned that she is only about 3 hours away from Niagara Falls. I had mentioned that I am about 2 hours away in the opposite directing. The next thing we knew, a weekend was being planed.
At this point, the plan is to get together on the weekend of September 20th 2002.
This was pretty impromptu and a ‘thrown around’ idea, and no meeting places have been planed apart from a trip to the Casino.
I don’t know Niagara Falls all that well, and there are some others that have shown some interest in showing up as well, so I open it to the rest of the Dopers for any ideas of meeting places and things to do. (Looks around the room for Jack Batty…)
I have been looking up on the net for motels to stay at, and can/will post back here when I find some nice cheap room rates.
I’ll be there! Depending on who all is going and when they’re arriving, I’ll either head up Friday after work (I get out at 1pm, noon if I go in early) or Saturday morning. Should be fun. The nice thing about the Falls is that there’s plenty to do- lots of it free. I love taking pictures of the falls, people watching, looking at the gardens (if they’re still in bloom), and a lot of attractions are pretty cheap (like the Skytower thingie).
The casino rocks, of course, and I’d enjoy spending some time there, but I won’t have loads of cash or anything. Still, the nice thing about the casino is that the drinks are inexpensive and there are several bars on each floor- makes for fantastic socializing and people watching. I personally like getting a seat next to the high stakes slots and watching people pour their money away
Sounds like a fun weekend, and likely pretty cheap. I’m hoping for a hotel-mate, as I doubt Allan will be able to go. First dibs to Jadis, in case she’s able to come. If she doesn’t, though, I’ll be wanting a roomate to cut costs. I’m looking to stay on the Canadian side, possibly at an inn called The Diplomat Inn. I stayed there last year and it was pretty nice and cheap.
I’m not too worried about being right within walking distance, as last time Allan and I went, we never had any trouble finding parking near the “strip”.
I totally want to go to the goofy things like the wax museum and such. I never seem to have time to see that stuff.
Uncle John’s basement: Free. And all the cheap beer I can drink. Not to mention free wings and pizza from Joey’s Pizzaria.
Yeah, I think I can afford that vacation. Of course it’s an 11 hour drive for me, but, fuck it, that’s child’s play.
I’m figuring on trying to wrangle half-a-week, and half-a-week vacation … maybe from Thursday through Wednesday kind of thing, so I can visit with my family a little bit too.
I’m apparently only four and a half hours away, and it sounds like fun. I keep dropping out of Dopefests because of finances, but hopefully by September I’ll be in better shape. I’d love to go, if only to see my old buddy Jack. (Of course, meeting new people and visiting a new place is nice, too!)
Well, I’m no further than Kwij (closer, actually, if it takes you 3 hours), so I’ll check my calendar, too. And Jack thought he’d managed to duck me by skipping the TorontoDope… hahahahahahaha.
Hmmm… just thinking about that… this wouldn’t be a “bring-your-kids” type Fest if the main event is the casino, right? 'Cause otherwise, Niagara’s a good choice for taking my seven-year-olds.
Let’s see. I haven’t been to Niagara Falls for a few years and it’s time for a return visit.
<type type>
On 20 September, VIA train 97 leaves Toronto at 9:40 and reaches Niagara Falls at 11:34.
That same day, VIA train 98 leaves Niagara Falls at 17:45 and reaches Toronto at 19:44; alternatively, on Sunday 21 September, train 96 leaves Niagara Falls at 17:45 and reaches Toronto at 19:44.
Total cost only CAD 40.66.! Doable for sure.
On the other hand, Greyhound has twelve departures daily to Niagara Falls, but their return fare is CAD 53.93!
The train is cheaper than the bus! :eek:
Hmm. I haven’t been through any of the Tacky Touristic Stuff for years. This could be fun.
Finally, a Dopefest that is reachable on a college student’s schedule and budget! I only live about an hour from Niagara Falls (if I’m at “home”) or 3 hours if at school. I will keep checking back for details, and see what happens. I just might make it if I can get past the "being a shy lurker " part.
Ha! I’ve got you all beat. I have a 0 minute drive to get to Niagara Falls :p. The really sucky part is that I have to go to my cousin’s wedding that weekend (That reminds me, my friend’s stag party conflicted with a Toronto Dopefest last spring. I seem to have lousy luck in this regard). However, I might try to make some free time. There’s plenty to see and do here and not all of it is the tacky, expensive tourist stuff. If anybody needs any advice, directions, etc., please don’t hesitate to email me or post here.
As for motels, I can’t give any specific suggestions as there are literally hundreds of them, most of which are clean and safe. Of course, the ideal spot is to stay right smack dab in the middle of what we locals call the “neon jungle” on Victoria St, Bender Hill, Falls Ave, Clifton Hill, etc. The Casino, Falls, Skylon Tower, Victoria Park, Maid of the Mist and Greenhouse are all within walking distance. Further away, the main strips of Stanely Ave and Ferry St./Lundy’s Lane also offer dozens of choices and are close to restaurants, shopping malls, etc. Many of these offer a Casino shuttle so you don’t have to worry about parking or having a drink to celebrate your winnings
Hodge, we probably will be needing to pick your brain.
The only thing that has been talked about is the Casino, and some of the attractions on Clifton Hill.
One thing I think we will need as a place to go for dinner and a few drinks. (Unless we all want to stay at the Casino for that sort of thing on Saturday night.)
Ok, for those who are coming, we need to set a “Day Of Arrival”.
Trin and I will be arriving on the Saturday. Probably around noon. I figured we could meet at the Casino and spend the day doing the tourist stuff. (Walk the falls, then head up to Clifton Hill to all the Wax Museums et al.)
We could then find a place to have dinner, or even go to the casino and have dinner there. Then hit the slots and have a few drinks.
If folks are going to arrive Friday, they could always get a head start.
I’ll definitely be there.
I’m still not sure what night/day I’m arriving, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be there early. Whenever, wherever, we meet up … I’m hip.
Sigh…I’d forgotten about this mini-dope. Added to my cousin’s wedding, I now have the complication of a recent injury that virtually guarantees that I’ll have to take a pass on this Dopefest. Have fun everyone, and have a drink for me!
Just a reminder that this is on the American side of the border and everything else is on the Canadian side. Although I doubt there’ll be any major hassles, it’s generally a good idea to keep the border hopping down to a minimum, especially considering the tighter security of the past year. Marineland on the Canadian side might be a better choice.
Definitely worth it. Tickets are pricey side but you get an incredible view of the Falls and surrounding area. Also, fireworks are set off nightly at 10:00pm so you might want to time your visit accordingly.
This area of the city is loaded with bars and restaurants so you have plenty to choose from. Be warned that a lot of the franchise places (including Boston Pizza) charge ridiculous tourist prices for mediocre food that they wouldn’t be able to get away with in other areas of the city. Keep in mind, however, that I have a personal grudge against Boston Pizza ;). If you want excellent Italian food I recommend the Casa D’Oro on Victoria Avenue at the top of Clifton Hill.
Many people don’t realize it, but the existing Casino is only temporary until the permanent one is built. The new one will be absolutely gigantic. For those interested, you can check out the progress of construction at this link.
