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Featured advertisers include: Aquarium of Niagara, Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride, Niagara History Center (includes Erie Canal Discovery Center, Niagara County Historical Society and the Col. William Bond/Jesse Hawley House), Olcott Beach Carousel Park, New York Power Authority's Niagara Power Vista, Rainbow Air, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, Top of the Falls Restaurant at Niagara Falls State Park, Smokin Joes Trading Post, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, Artpark, Canal Fest, Murphy Orchards, Niagara County Fair and Olcott-Newfane Fishing and Events. |
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A Great American Getaway! August’s hot days and nights provide Niagara County with plenty of outdoor activities! An abundance of concerts and festivals celebrating music, art, and the rich cultural heritage of the area occur every weekend throughout the month. Come and enjoy the Italian Heritage Festival (August 2-3) on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls, where you can sample the city’s best Italian cuisine, entertainment, and bocce tournaments! If you appreciate art and unique craftsmanship, take a trip to Historic Lewiston for the 42nd Annual Lewiston Art Festival (August 9-10), which features the work of 100 exceptional artists from Western New York, Ontario, and Pennsylvania. Only a few minutes from Lewiston, Youngstown is home to Old Fort Niagara which will be holding its Soldiers of the Revolution (August 16-17) re-enactment of the forces fighting American Revolution. To end the month of August right, make a reservation to ride on the Spring Lake Winery Wine Train (August 31), the event includes a 1 hour train ride, Continental Breakfast, tour of the Medina Railroad Museum, wine tasting, lunch on the grill, and music by the lake at Spring Lake Winery. If you prefer to relax and cool off, take a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist or the Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruise--or get soaked on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Ride or Cave of the Winds. |
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October in Niagara County is full harvest and haunted happenings! The Niagara Apple Fest (October 4-5) in Lockport and Town of Porter Cabbage Festival (October 5) both celebrate the importance of agriculture in Niagara County by offering fun activities, contests, and of course food dishes inspired by foods! Take the kids to North Tonawanda for The Haunted Gardens on the EEEErie Canal, a Haunted Hayride and guided Spooky Stroll offered three Saturdays in October. Visit Historic Sanborn for a day of antique shopping and wine tasting at the Sanborn Winetique Festival (October 19), a sample of the area’s best wineries and antique vendors. For a “spooktacular” time, visit the Herschel Carrousel Museum for the Halloween Spooktacular (October 17), or the Aquarium of Niagara for Halloween Happenings on October 25, where little ghosts and goblins can enjoy Halloween parties. While you’re in Lewiston, Youngstown, Sanborn, and Ransomville, be sure to check out the River Region Scarecrow Expo, an artistic interpretation of these not-so-scary figures! If you’re a scaredy-cat, skip the hauntings and start October out with the Niagara International Kite Festival (October 2-5) at Niagara Falls State Park & Reservoir State Park, a spectacle which features kites and flyers from around the world. There are so many things to see and do in Niagara USA, you can call 1-877-FALLS US, visit www.niagara-usa.com of the Niagara USA visitors guide for a complete list of attractions and events going on throughout the fall & winter. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour Of course the combatants of the War of 1812 didn’t travel the mighty Niagara River on a 1500 horsepower Jet Boat but in this day and age you can retrace their historical journey as part of a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour (WJBT). The jet boat tour is more than just the historical nuances of the Niagara area. It’s a once in a life time opportunity to comfortably experience what is commonly referred to as the “Mount Everest” of white water right in your own backyard. You will speed along the Lower Niagara River at 50mph in the confines of this truly one of a kind jet boat. The river guide will tell you all about the fascinating history of the Niagara area, local points of interest as well as the mechanics of the impressive vessel you are touring in. Highlights of your round trip will include the power plants of the Niagara Gorge, the 175ft. stone wall canyon, and the Whirlpool Cable Car. You’ll be astounded as the 31,000 lbs. of thrust from the jet boat vanquishes the mighty Class 5 whitewater of the Devil’s Hole Rapids and the swirling waters of the Whirlpool. Rest assured, you’re in professional hands as all captains and jet boats are certified by both the United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada. Tours depart daily from the Water Street Landing in Lewiston, N.Y., the Niagara Glen in Niagara Falls, ON as well as the King George III Inn in Niagara on the Lake, ON where WJBT was originally established in 1992. Passengers can choose between either a “Wet Jet” or “Jet Dome” experience. Riders on the “Wet Jet” tour must be at least 6 years of age and 44” tall. WJBT’s one of a kind white water tour will hydrate your senses as you take on Class 5 white water that’s guaranteed to leave you absolutely soaking wet and amazingly refreshed. If getting wet is not for you, the Jet Dome tour follows the exact route as the Wet Jet but shelters you from the water. Riders on the Jet Dome must be 4 years of age and 40” tall. Passengers are ultimately encouraged to bring their cameras for the journey as they are presented with unparalleled photo opportunities while in the Gorge. For a unique and exciting Niagara adventure, the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour is the perfect fit. Visit www.whirlpooljet.com for more information. Band Organ Rally Featured at Old Olcott Days “The Happiest Music on Earth” will resound from Olcott Beach when the Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA) presents a Band Organ Rally on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from 11am-5pm each day. Sponsored by the Olcott Beach Carousel Park as part of the annual “Old Olcott Days”, the rally will feature several dozen antique and newly built self-playing mechanical pipe organs. Sizes range from small hand-cranked street organs with 20 pipes about the size of a breadbox to huge fairground organs from Germany and Holland. Several of the larger instruments expected to be on display, throughout Olcott and in Krull Park, were built in nearby North Tonawanda, NY. From the 1890s through the 1930s, North Tonawanda was the capital of band organ production in the US. It is amazing that a machine constructed mainly of wood and leather can create such complex music without the use of any electronic components. Once considered standard equipment on any carousel or merry-go-round, they were also used in skating rinks and as musical entertainment at fairgrounds. These days it is rare to find these fascinating machines still in public use. Most surviving examples are now prized possessions of collectors from all over the country. In addition to the Band Organ Rally, Old Olcott Days will offer a variety of activities 12-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27. There will be free narrated historic trolley tours, a display of memorabilia at the Carousel Park, a Skee Ball Tournament, Coney Island Hot Dogs with the original Olcott Beach recipe, schooner excursions on Lake Ontario and many more family-friendly pastimes. Sponsored by the Town of Newfane, Olcott Beach Post Card Club, Images of the Past and Carousel Concessions, the weekend will not only be historic, but fun for all ages. For additional information call (716) 778-7066. “TAKE A WALK ON THE WILDSIDE” AT THE 23rd ANNUAL WILDLIFE FESTIVAL Don’t just read about nature, experience it. Touch exotic creatures, cast a line and pull the trigger on a free family experience. The New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project will host the 2008 Wildlife Festival in cooperation with the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28, from 10 am-5 pm. The Wildlife Festival has grown into one of the premiere attractions on the Western New York fall calendar. Admission and parking are absolutely free and the show goes on rain or shine! It all takes place at the Power Vista and its surrounding grounds at 5777 Lewiston Road in Lewiston, New York where we’ve got fun down to a science. There are more than 60 environmental exhibitors, outdoor educators and wildlife rehabilitators from across Western New York participating in recognition of National Hunting and Fishing Day. While you are here, you can also sample more than 50 interactive exhibits that invite visitors of all ages to have a completely hands-on experience as they learn about hydroelectricity and the historic role it has played in the Niagara Frontier. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Niagara River gorge from the observation deck. And when it’s time to satisfy your hunger, you can pick from local youth groups hosting various concessions. Whether it’s your first visit or 23rd, the Wildlife Festival offers new experiences. You’ll find something worth discovering as annual favorites from reptiles to primates and birds of prey will be joined by new animals including a golden eagle. Shows and presentations are scheduled throughout each day. Brownies, Cub Scouts Boy and Girl Scouts can even earn a special Wildlife Festival badge. Everyone can learn how to make a difference in our environment, improving our planet both for wildlife and our neighbors. The Wildlife Festival is easy to reach. From Interstate 190 exit onto Route 104 West and turn left at the blinking light in front of the Power Vista. For more information call (716) 286-6661, 1-866-NYPA-FUN or visit www.nypa.gov for a complete schedule of activities. One Stop Shopping Smokin Joes is more than gas and cigarettes. It has expanded into a full shopping center with a men's and women's boutique, and jewelry store. Located on the Tuscarora Nation, Smokin Joes Trading Post offers a unique shopping experience with something for everyone. The women's boutique has expanded and it features one of Western New York's largest Ed Hardy clothing inventories of t-shirts, hoodies, hats, swimwear and fragrance for men and women. Ed Hardy was a tattoo artist in San Francisco his tattoo designs were replicated onto clothing designed by French designer Christian Audigier. Ed Hardy clothes are exploding onto the fashion scene and have been worn by hundreds of celebrities and elite in Hollywood like Jessica Alba, Britney Spears, Madonna, and David Beckham. "We wanted our customers to experience the same high quality fashions and trends here that they have in Hollywood. The only difference is our prices," Barb Thomas, manager of the boutique and gift shop. The women's boutique also carries other designer items like Junk Food clothing, YMI jeans, and Nine West and Jones New York suits. The men's shop is featuring trendy clothing by Ed Hardy and Junk Food and also a large selection of designer suits. "People don't realize all of the things we have here. We have designer accessories and suits in sizes regular, short, and big and tall," said Burt Fatta, men's shop manager. "We have suits and tuxedos starting at $50." Designers like Jones New York, Donald Trump, Sean John, Kenneth Cole, and more make up their selection of stylish suits. “There is even a professional tailor on hand to make sure our suit fits you perfectly,” said Fatta. The jewelry department is top notch with a professional jeweler and several trained staff to help you. Smokin Joes offers high quality jewelry at some of the best prices around. The jewelry department also carries quality gemstones, loose diamonds, designer watches, and gold, silver, and platinum jewelry and more. Smokin Joes has become a one-stop shop with gas, grocery store, cafe, men's and women's boutique, large gift shop, and Native American Museum of Art. Smokin Joes Trading Post is located on Route 31 in Sanborn at 2293 Saunders Settlement Road. For more information, call (716) 297-0251 or visit www.SmokinJoes.com. Binational Niagara’s Annual Fall Celebration of Architecture, Heritage and Design Since 2002, over 120,000 visitors have stepped through the doors of the many heritage and architectural treasures we have to share in the Binational Niagara Region during the annual FREE October Doors Open Niagara weekend. Based upon the popularity of this event, and growing recognition of the tremendous built assets we have in our region, in 2007 the program was expanded with a variety of new and special events throughout the fall and called “Niagara By Design”. This provides visitors and residents with an entire season to experience the amazing architecture, heritage and design of this cross-border region and to share our stories through our built assets. In 2008, the Binational Tourism Alliance is continuing to build upon this exciting theme with more programming and special events to appeal to visitors. The annual “Art of Architecture” and “architage” photography contests begin September 1. Amateur, professional and young photographers are encouraged to make their advance visits to the 2008 Doors Open sites and submit their favorite photos in order to win great prizes and have their winning works exhibited at galleries throughout Binational Niagara in 2009. In October, the 2008 Niagara By Design Speaker and Movie Series takes place at a variety of architectural locations throughout the region. This year we’ll showcase four guest speakers and four movies, in partnership with University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning, the Niagara Society of Architects and Western New York American Institute of Architects, along with two special one-day symposia for developers, architects, builders and Doors Open partners. These events run between October 1 and 30, with ticket sales and registration beginning September 1. Complete details are available on our website www.doorsopenniagara.com. These events all lead up to the very popular Binational Doors Open Niagara weekend October 18 and 19. This world-wide cultural phenomenon began in France in 1984, and has rapidly expanded throughout Europe, Australia, South America and North America, with estimates of over 20 million participating visitors internationally. As the only binational Doors Open event in North America, we offer our visitors an unparalleled experience of old and new architecture and design and the amazing stories of the people, places and events that make our cross-border region so unique. A sampling of some of the new sites participating in 2008 include the Electric Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fontana Boathouse and UB School of Architecture and Planning in Buffalo, Cannon Design Offices in Grand Island, Medina City Hall, the Peace Bridge Administration Building in Fort Erie, Flat Rock Cellars Winery in Jordan, the Keefer Mansion in Thorold, 2M Architects in St. Catharines and the Niagara Falls Armoury in Niagara Falls, Ontario. You’ll be amazed at the array of churches, mansions, lighthouses, wineries, schools, galleries, museums, industrial and commercial sites that participate in this event and the great stories they have to tell of the history and development of our binational region over the past 10,000 years. A special Doors Open guest pass will be provided to all visitors that will entitle you to special offers and prizes that will be made available that weekend, and Niagara hotel partners have created a variety of overnight and weekend getaway packages that provide our guests with a wide range of options to enhance your experience of fall in Binational Niagara. The 2008 Binational Doors Open/Niagara By Design Event Guide will be available at all Provincial and State Travel Information Centers and Doors open Sites in Niagara and Western New York in late August. For complete event details and updates, or to receive information by mail, please refer to our website www.doorsopenniagara.com or call 888.849.5834. Murphy Orchards They do a lot of things at Murphy Orchards. Most of all, they are farmers. They grow strawberries, cherries, peaches, apples, pears, gooseberries, raspberries, hot peppers, and lots of other delicious things. They make jams and jellies out of all of the wonderful things they grow. Murphy Orchards sells their fresh produce, jams and jellies right on the farm, and they also wholesale their produce and preserves to other farm markets, and to mail order customers all over the world. You can come to Murphy Orchards and pick your own produce, or buy it already picked in their Country Barn Store. Have a leisurely lunch or Afternoon Tea, in their Tea Rooms, overlooking the strawberry fields, or find just the right pumpkin in their pumpkin patch in the fall. You can walk along nature trails, winding through 20 acres of the beautiful landscape unique to the Lake Ontario Plain. Murphy Orchards will host your Bridal or Baby shower and can give guided education tours. They are very proud of the heritage of this farm, which is now their home. The farm was established by the McClew family who, in the early 1800s, were among the very first settlers to what became the Town of Newfane. The farm has been in continuous productive operation ever since that time. The Tea Rooms are located in the house built by Charles McClew in 1850, and the Country Barn Store is housed in the barn, which was constructed even earlier. Charles and Libby McClew were involved in the humanitarian Underground Railroad Network between 1850 and 1861. Murphy Orchards owners are in the process of constructing an Educational Resource Center at the farm to celebrate and share the heritage of the McClew family and the Town of Newfane with visitors, tourists, school groups, and you. Please come and see them. For information or directions, call them at (716) 778-7926 or www.murphyorhcards.com. |
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Navigation: Home - Calendar Of Events Allegany County - Cattaraugus County - Chautauqua County Erie County - Genesee County - Niagara County Orleans County - Wyoming County - Other WNY Counties Copyright 2008 Explore New York all rights reserved No text or images can be used from this site without permission To find out more about being a part of Explore NY magazine or the web site: Forge Ahead Promotions, Inc. PO Box 6 - Silver Creek, NY 14136-0006 Phone:(716) 934-3775.....Fax: (716) 934-0419 Email: info@exploreny.net Graphic design for Explore New York by ZELAK DESIGN Phone:(716) 947-0060 Email: zelakdesign@adelphia.net Site Design by WNY Web Sites |
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