# Mini Niagara-Dope In September **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 29, 2002, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413 "2002-07-29T19:54:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Kwyjibo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/59ef9b/32.png) [@Kwyjibo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kwyjibo)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2002, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/1 "2002-07-29T19:54:26Z")
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](http://niagarafalls.ont.net/page2.html), and can/will post back here when I find some nice cheap room rates. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Cynical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@Mr.Cynical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Cynical)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2002, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/2 "2002-07-29T22:28:22Z")
I would simply like to point out that at first glance, I thought the OP title was “Mini **Viagra** -dope in September”. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2002, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/3 "2002-07-29T22:39:25Z")
Bwaaahaaaa! 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. Zette ---
**Author:** ![Kwyjibo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/59ef9b/32.png) [@Kwyjibo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kwyjibo)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2002, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/4 "2002-07-29T22:51:26Z")
[This](http://reservations.niagarafalls--hotels.com/nexres/hotels/prop_page.cgi?hotels_id=11275790&view=BASIC&ses=3a8a48400dc5f4e95c1bd8032fd23c0e55847&src=10004727) was the hotel Trin and I stayed at before. (IIRC) Right on the strip and nice and cheap. (Nothing Fancy.) Room Rate Ranges (US Dollars): - Deluxe: from a low of $39 to a high of $202 - Standard: from a low of $32 to a high of $183 ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/5 "2002-07-30T00:03:34Z")
- 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. ---
**Author:** ![Kwyjibo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/59ef9b/32.png) [@Kwyjibo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kwyjibo)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/6 "2002-07-30T00:09:47Z")
JB, I thought you lived near TO…what was I thinking…ah well. Hope ya can make it! ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/7 "2002-07-30T00:20:33Z")
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!) ---
**Author:** ![Cerowyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/8 "2002-07-30T01:34:25Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Cerowyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/9 "2002-07-30T01:41:10Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Kwyjibo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/59ef9b/32.png) [@Kwyjibo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kwyjibo)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/10 "2002-07-30T02:45:49Z")
I’m actually in Kitchener…so really, it’s about 1.5 hours. (Maybe) Never thought of the kids thing though…hmmm…not with the Casino and all. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2002, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/11 "2002-07-31T00:50:58Z")
hhhhhmmm, tempting… i’ve been wanting to go to nf after reading a really good niagara book 2 years ago. that jet boat thing sounds funtastic. i’ll have to check the coffers. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2002, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/12 "2002-07-31T02:18:07Z")
Let’s see. I haven’t been to Niagara Falls for a few years and it’s time for a return visit. 🙂 \<[type type](http://www.via.ca/)\> 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](http://www.greyhound.ca/) 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. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![beegirl13](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/848f3c/32.png) [@beegirl13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beegirl13)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2002, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/13 "2002-07-31T05:42:58Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Hodge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Hodge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hodge)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2002, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/14 "2002-07-31T12:38:26Z")
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 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Kwyjibo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/59ef9b/32.png) [@Kwyjibo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kwyjibo)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2002, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/15 "2002-07-31T18:12:10Z")
**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.) ---
**Author:** ![Kwyjibo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/59ef9b/32.png) [@Kwyjibo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kwyjibo)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/16 "2002-08-03T15:42:53Z")
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. 🙂 Any other ideas, please shout them out. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2002, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/17 "2002-08-26T23:46:01Z")
Well, I just made my hotel reservation- I’m stayin at the Diplomat Inn. It was $99 Can (which comes to $63 US, according to the latest exchange rates) I stayed at that hotel before and it was nice- not great, but not a dump, either. Clean and the room had a jaccuzi, which was cool! Zette ---
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2002, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/18 "2002-09-01T16:22:13Z")
OK, sound off- who all is coming? So far the definates seem to be: Kwyjibo Trinity Jack Batty Zette Jadis (pretty sure) Possibles: beegirl Sunspace I believe Kyla is a no-go ☹ If you are going, please post here indicating when you’re arriving and leaving, and any suggestions on events/group outings you have. I found some things to do. I’d like to go to the aquarium if anyone wants to join me there (Either day). > **[Aquarium of Niagara Falls in Niagara Falls New York](http://www.niagarafallslive.com/aquarium_of_niagara_falls_in_niagara_falls.htm)** I would also like to go up in the Sylon tower to take some pictures, maybe during the illumination hours at night > **[Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant in Niagara Falls](https://www.skylon.com)** > > The Skylon Tower, offers a Revolving Dining Room, Summit Suite Buffet and Observation Deck, visit us for a legendary Niagara Falls Restaurant experience. This place looks cool for eats [http://www.cliftonhill.com/Niagara\_Falls\_Restaurant-BostonPizza.asp](http://www.cliftonhill.com/Niagara_Falls_Restaurant-BostonPizza.asp) and there are several bars that look nice for after dinner drinks, too. I imagine we can all hook up for breakfast someplace and Sunday events. I plan on arriving at around 1pm or so, and leaving on Sunday probably at around 1 or 2ish. By the way, I had to get a small download to view it, but this is an awesome livecam: > **[Niagara Falls Live Webcam Feed | Niagara Falls Hotels](https://www.niagarafallshotels.com/discover/niagara-falls-web-cam/?utm_source=www.myfallsview.com)** > > Want to see what the view in your room might look like? Check out this awesome Niagara Falls live webcam! With feeds available 24/7! ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2002, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/19 "2002-09-01T17:28:00Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Hodge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Hodge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hodge)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2002, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413/20 "2002-09-01T18:44:29Z")
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! > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zette \* > I found some things to do. I’d like to go to the aquarium if anyone wants to join me there (Either day). > [http://www.niagarafallslive.com/aquarium\_of\_niagara\_falls\_in\_niagara\_falls.htm](http://www.niagarafallslive.com/aquarium_of_niagara_falls_in_niagara_falls.htm) 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](http://www.marinelandcanada.com/) on the Canadian side might be a better choice. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zette \* > I would also like to go up in the Sylon tower to take some pictures, maybe during the illumination hours at night > [http://www.skylon.com/general/tower.html](http://www.skylon.com/general/tower.html) 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. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zette \* > This place looks cool for eats > [http://www.cliftonhill.com/Niagara\_Falls\_Restaurant-BostonPizza.asp](http://www.cliftonhill.com/Niagara_Falls_Restaurant-BostonPizza.asp) 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. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zette \* > By the way, I had to get a small download to view it, but this is an awesome livecam: > [http://www.fallsview.com/Stream/Streaming.shtml](http://www.fallsview.com/Stream/Streaming.shtml) 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](http://live8.truelook.com/face/newface.jsp?name=/fmc/niagara&func=live&overlay=default). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-niagara-dope-in-september/121413.md?page=2)