A Pennsylvania writer took pains in a recent travel story to defend the American side of Niagara Falls, widely considered inferior to its Canadian counterpart.
Jack Markowitz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, in a story discussing the Cataract City, said that even with increased international border security, there is no need for Pennsylvanians to obtain passports to have fun in the Niagara Frontier.
“The American side of the falls is unexpectedly better in some ways than the more celebrated Canadian (side),” he wrote. “This is because the Niagara River that drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario radically tilts before it goes over. A terrific rapids starts a half-mile above the final leap. You don't want to miss the rapids. And the way to experience it — to feel it — is from New York's Niagara State Park.”
Where some visitors see a lack of activities, Markowitz sees beauty: “New York's riverside reserve is more spacious and park-like, too — think picnic tables — than the few blocks of commons that Canada has saved against the encroachments of commerce, some of which are pretty crass — funhouses, for instance,” he wrote.
•••
The New York Times recently reported that one of Western New York’s leading secret-keepers was unable to keep his lips sealed upon hearing good news at home.
Don Postles of Channel 4 news recently saw his daughter, Elizabeth, marry Richard William Sanderson Jago of England. In the Times write-up of the wedding, Jago relayed the story of his asking Postles for his daughter’s hand in marriage last year.
“Mr. Jago and Mr. Postles were sharing a drink in the family’s backyard. Eventually, Mr. Jago got up the courage to ask Mr. Postles for his daughter’s hand in marriage,” the paper reported. “ ‘That’s when the whole thing went wacky,’ Mr. Jago recalled. When informed of Mr. Jago’s intentions, Mr. Postles threw his drink on the lawn, started yelling in celebration and hugging his future son-in-law before running into the house and shouting the good news to his wife.
“ ‘I stood there, dumbfounded,’ Mr. Jago said. ‘I mean, I couldn’t speak.’ ... ‘The whole point was to ask if I could propose to her, not to propose to her. I was just mortified.’ ”
•••
With families having less cash on hand this summer, the region’s main landmark is poised to see an uptick in visitors this summer.
The Fairfield (Conn.) Minuteman reported that Niagara Falls was among the most popular tourist destinations among travelers utilizing AAA. More than half of all Americans have changed vacation plans this year, AAA spokesperson Fran Mayko told the newspaper, with many of those people opting to visit somewhere to which they can drive.
“Most people are staying closer to home, we’re finding,” Mayko said.
Features
Related Photos
-
DOUG BENZ/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Writer defends U.S. side of falls
- Features
-
-
LYLA'S WINGS: Wings Flights of Hope helped save the life of Niagara Falls toddler
Free flights for those in need never charges a center for service
-
FORGIONE: Hundred-pound loss finally allows self pride
The final chapter on the year-long journey to good health and fitness
-
NATURAL HEALTH: Cholesterol is misunderstood
Normal cholesterol is essential for cellular repair and plays a very important role in memory and learning.
-
DELUCA: Video documents marvels of growth
Video cameras were just becoming affordable when my two sons were born and — just like many other children from that era — there are way too many moments of their lives documented by their over-enthusiastic parents.
-
PROFILE: Niagara Falls man battles dangerous bleeding disease
Surgery has stopped his life threatening nose bleeds but many others are still battling this largely unknown illness.
-
Pascal's Pets: Dogs from Hyde Park rescue attempt happy in new home.
Pascal Scrufari's trio of retrievers are adjusting well to new home despite senior dog's battle with cancer
-
APRON'S READY: Yeast free bread
If you look hard enough you can find an awareness day, week or month for almost anything. The question is … in what positive way are you going to acknowledge your favorite awareness day? There are too many awareness days to celebrate them all. Pick the awareness day that means the most to you and your family.
-
Niagara Writers: An excerpt from "Where the Gold is Buried"
Niagara author Robert Moore shares an excerpt from his book about the legend of buried treasure at Fort Niagara.
-
Into the Woods: Falls developer offers 'glamping' at new family campground
John Hutchins, developer of the painstakingly renovated Rapids Theatre on Main Street, is an avid hunter, and it is his love for the sport which has launched him into his newest venture, a project that he anticipates with the enthusiasm of a kid waiting for Christmas.
-
Falls developer offers 'glamping' experience
Outdoors: Hunting is just one of the many activities would be available near high-end camping facilities.
- More Features Headlines
-
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
