Oh Baby, it's beautiful out there!

I understand how appealing the ads for warm sunny, sandy beaches can be this time of year. But don't shut yourself inside because it's cold. Go out and embrace it!

Ice encased tree branches

The Niagara Falls in winter is still a wonder to behold. Even this year with the polar vortex passing through,are frozen sections of the Falls and the mist frozen in the trees makes for a crystalline wonderland all around the water. Because of the icy mist coming off the falls Teripin Point is not open for walking, but the best view this time of year is from the main viewing area and the over look from which you can see the ice castles at the bottom and the ice bridge in the river below. It really is something to see. Just dress for the cold.

not all of the falling water has frozen solid, however there

Another “you have to see it” is Old Fort Niagara in the winter. Along with the winter encampment that happens in January and the snowshoe building class, you get a real feel for what our brave soldiers endured when they defended our fledgling country.

Looking towards the fort from Youngstown

The view of the ice drifts on Lake Ontario is amazing. You will be surprised at the birds that you see, they have flown south to this area for the winter. Sunsets here are spectacular, many a “red sky at night” beautiful sunsets.

Get warm at one of the very many coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs located in our corner of Western New York. From Bandana's just outside of Youngstown proper through Lewiston Village Pub and Restaurant on Center Street in Lewiston and on into Nellie's Cafe on Pine Avenue in the city of Niagara Falls there are any number of local places to stop in a get a bite to eat or a cup of something and reconnoiter plans for the next stop. Those local owned businesses will go out of their way to make you welcome and give you the inside scoop on what to do and where to go.