Niagara Falls, New York......living up to its potential?

[thrillbilly]

I believe the beauty of the Falls has definitely been spoiled by all the tacky tourism and sprawl. Oh well, it's not the first time people have messed up our Earth.

[Guiltyspark]

Originally Posted by photoLith

The Canadian side looks much more urban and Im sure its downtown is in much better shape than Americas side.

Nope, the Canadian downtown is horrible and tiny.

[DetroitSky]

Very nice! I have been to the New York side once but didn't really venture into the downtown. It looks like a return trip is in order.

[boulevardofdef]

I've never been to the American side of the Falls -- I only blew by it on my way to the Canadian side years and years ago. I had heard the Canadian side was really the only side to see. But you know, so many people come to see the Falls and the Canadian side is so tacky that I wonder if there's an opportunity for the American side to start creating a more refined experience for people who want to experience the grandeur without the low-rent wax museums and such. Encourage the development of some classy hotels, restaurants, nightspots. All this is easier said than done, of course. The casino doesn't exactly look like a good start!

[Razor]

I've been to the Canadian side about 3 times before visiting the American side
If I had my way, I would of kept it to just the one time, but I had the mis- fortune of being in a vehicle with people who have "never been", so I had to go. The Canadian side is definitely where all the action and kitsch can be found..Ya, it is a weird tourist cheesy Vegas type zone..I said it before, and I'll say it here..They should of went Vegas right from the start..They missed the boat (pardon the pun), and understandably they made it family friendly with all the repeat souvenir shops, and wax museums..If there was an alt universe and Vegas was transplanted in it's enirety to Niagara falls (either side), it would be quite the city if you ask me.

Now, our original plan about 5 (maybe 6) years ago was to go to Philadelphia, but there was a major flood, and the highway was wiped out..We were all booked off already, so on a dime we turned the weekend into an up-state New York road trip..Rochester, wine country, etc...We re-entered Canada through Buffalo/Niagara falls on the American side, stayed in a flea-bag motel and
checked out the american side perspective..I have to admit at the time the city was real run-down, and I'm glad it's making a come-back.
From the American side it was almost like watching a big party from the other side of the street..Not to say that the Canadian side was anything special, because I'm not impressed with that city as well, but it's definitely winning more of the tourist dollars..

I wouldn't want to live on either side to tell you the truth..In all fairness cities like Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester were having a hard go, and it was real apparent as we stopped in each one for whatever reason.I hope things turned around for that area since, because these cities are full of character, scrappy and deserve a turnaround..Wine country in around Canandaigua's is real nice and worth visiting.

[Architype]

Great photos, thanks for sharing. I love to see that skyline even though it's a bit hideous. The United Office Building is quite nice, and the US side has some charm for sure.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Kind of sad to see the decline of Niagara Falls, NY. I've been there a few times, and though the Falls themselves are great, the cities by them are not the best either country has to offer. I remember riding through with my parents when I was a youngster, and the stench of the facotories (mills?) on the NY side was awful. Hope the area can rebound.

Thanks for the tour.