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Lisas Niagara Story

Spring Break is a college tradition like no other. Glorified on movies and television, every student supposedly spends his or her week off in Cancun, Miami, or some other warm-weather location where they can enter wet t-shirt contests.

In reality, most students can not afford to go on a tropical vacation four years in a row. Even with Mommy and Daddy's generous tuition payments, most students are bogged down with loans.

It was with this reality that I planned my junior year spring break . . . heading home to visit family and friends. However, when my friends suggested we first take a short trip to Niagara Falls, I was on board. It was only four hours from my school in central New York. It wouldn't be too expensive. I had never been . . . so why not?

Considering that Spring Break is in early March, we all should have known better. By the time we reached our destination Friday night, there was a blizzard. (Duh!)

Despite the cold and the snow, we were determined to see the Falls. We trudged through the snow - and did not see a single snow plow - until we reached an observation point. Although they were hard to see through the blinding white skies, I did catch enough of a glimpse to know that the Falls are truly majestic. I would like to return someday when the weather is clear and I can take it all in.

Most of the attractions for the Falls, such as Maid of the Mist, were closed due to the bad weather. The skywheel (observation wheel) was open, and the view from there was beautiful (even through the snow!)

We spent the rest of the weekend in the Casinos and touring the vineyards in the area. Although a few were closed due to the weather, most of them remained open. Be careful driving there in the winter months, as the roads were NOT in good condition. Also, be sure to try the ice wine. It is a dessert wine made by picking the grapes when there is a slight frost on them, and it is a specialty of the area.