great way to see Niagara falls through New York state
Starting at Hilton Newark Hotel in New Jersey, it took about 6 hours to drive (with stops) to Niagara Falls, NY. You drive over the Niagara River twice to get to the city of Niagara Falls and to the Sheraton Hotel which is located right on the river, which poses for a great view if you're staying that side of the hotel or when having breakfast in the restaurant of the hotel.
In the evening we were given the opportunity to explore the American side of the falls or to cross rainbow bridge across the border to Canada. We chose to check out the falls from the Canadian side and eat at the Hard Rock cafe in Canada. Take your passport to cross the border and make sure you have 50 cents to return to America! We returned back to America to check out the falls at night and watch the firework display that happens 3 times a week in August.
The next morning we went on the Maid of the Mist boat tour that takes you right up to the falls. Expect to get wet, rain ponchos are provided! Luckily it wasn't too windy on the day so we didn't get that wet! We had a chance to explore Niagara Falls before we head off to Waterloo/Geneva NY.
We arrived in the town of Geneva and we given the opportunity to go to a winery or check out Geneva, it was a really hot sunny day so we chilled by Seneca Lake.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn at Waterloo, NY. Later in the evening we were given the opportunity to visit the historic small town of Seneca Falls (this town was the basis for the town of Bedford Falls in the film 'It's a wonderful life!') It was also the birthplace for women's rights! So a small quaint town historic town, worth a visit if you're interested!
The following day we visited Woodbury Outlet Mall just outside of New York City. Be prepared for a a huge shopping mall! So grab a map and decide what shops you want to visit! Before returning to the Hilton Newark hotel for the end of the trek, we visited Liberty State Park, NJ and took in the sites of New York City. If you take a walk around you can see the statue of Liberty!
Overall, the trek packs a lot in, in a short space of time! Definitely worth doing if you are keen to see Niagara Falls.
Our tour guide Josh was enthusiastic and keen to tell us a lot of facts about the different places we visited!