Besides the partially-frozen Falls being nothing short of majestic, check out what else Niagara Falls, USA has to offer during the chilly winter months.

by Max Fisher

Illuminated Niagara Falls in winter

Don’t Let the Cold Weather Scare You Away

If you’re not a cold-blooded reptile you might think going to Niagara Falls in the wintertime is a terrible idea. It’s so cold and all that water pouring down everywhere just makes it colder. And yes, these are valid points but the person with this admittedly frigid outlook is forgetting a few things. One, the Falls in the wintertime is nothing short of majestic. The Falls look almost like they’re pouring out fine pieces of glass that seem to go on forever, and despite the cold, there’s still quite a bit to do during the winter months.

So how about we see what exactly Niagara Falls has to offer during the chilliest time of the year? Let’s get started!

Aquarium of Niagara

You know who doesn’t care about the cold? The wonderful creatures that make up The Aquarium of Niagara! From penguins to sharks, the Aquarium of Niagara has just about every warm-blooded (and warm-hearted) sea creature you could imagine on display. Have you seen those penguins? No way they’re not friendly. You can even enjoy a safe, hands-on experience with some of the sea animals! So if you have even an inkling of interest in marine life this is a no-brainer!

Niagara Falls State Park

Want to see the Falls up close? That’s a rhetorical question because of course you do. There is no way any person on earth can look at the absolute majesty of the Falls and not be completely awestruck (it’s not one of the 7 wonders of the world for nothing. I know you thought they said it’s just for marketing purposes, but no, it really is a wonder). Yet if you go to the Niagara Falls State Park the Falls aren’t the only thing you’re going to get a chance to experience. Enjoy guided hikes that tell the history of the Falls, or savor a dinner at the revered Top Of The Falls Restaurant that specializes in modern American cuisine classics such as Beef on Weck and its own selection of park-inspired burgers. Not to mention you get a perfect view of the Falls while your eating, so the scenery and the atmosphere are always in check no matter what you order.

So if you want to see all the Falls has to offer plus a little bit more, head on over to Niagara Falls State Park and see why it is one of the 7 wonders of the world!

Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

La Patisserie at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

Are you ready to chef it up like a pro? Or at the very least learn how to chef it up like a pro? If the answer is yes, (to either of the nearly identical questions) then the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute might be the place for you whether you’re looking to learn all about the culinary arts or you’re just looking for a good place to eat. The Niagara Culinary Institute isn’t just a great school, but also a great restaurant. It is a student-run upscale dining restaurant with an in-kitchen chef’s table, open-hearth oven, exhibition-style cooking, an ice sculpting lab, La Patisserie – a European style pastry café, and a Barnes and Noble culinary-themed store. So whether you’re a student or patron you’ll have everything you possibly need for not just a great culinary experience but also a great experience period!

Anchor Bar

So you thought good wings were only in Buffalo? Well, they brought the Anchor Bar over to Niagara Falls so they wouldn’t be missing out on all the good wings! After all, no one should be deprived of the joys of the Anchor Bar, it’s just inhumane. It’s even difficult for one to imagine life without THEIR WORLD-FAMOUS CHICKEN WINGS & FRIES – Five wings prepared with original Anchor Bar Sauce (mild, medium, hot, extreme heat or spicy BBQ), served with French fries, Anchor Bar bleu cheese and celery sticks. So if you’re hankering for some top-quality wings head on over to the Anchor Bar where their quality is known from Buffalo to Niagara Falls and all the places in between.

Great American Arcade

Want to travel back to the 80s where quarters and the arcade cabinet were kings? Well I have the next best thing; have a party at the Great American Arcade! From so many games you can’t even count to a ticket and prize system reminiscent of an old carnival but with way better prizes. The Great American Arcade has something for everyone young at heart. And as a bonus you won’t have to use a ton of quarters. I’m pretty sure they updated things since the 80s.

SPoT Coffee

Yet another Buffalo staple transplanted over to the Falls … Spot Coffee. Known for its delicious coffee due to its micro brewing technique and great food and pastries. Try their spicy tuna wrap, tuna, field greens, pepper Jack cheese, and Cajun remoulade. Choose from their delicious pastries like vanilla buttercream cake, or peaches and cream tart. Whatever you choose to get from Spot, one things for sure, it’s sure to hit the spot! (Can you believe I get paid the big bucks for lines like that? I can’t either).

Much More Than Just the Falls

At a glance, someone might think Niagara Falls just has the falls and nothing else, but hopefully this piece has shown that isn’t true. Sure Niagara Falls is quite prominent (I mean what do you expect; the region is called Niagara Falls). But there’s a lot more to see and do than you might expect. From great wings (courtesy of the Anchor Bar) to the Culinary Institute (that’s a win, win for students as well as patrons), to the Great American Arcade where everyone can get lost in a game for a few hours and pretend they’re a kid again.

Whatever you do in Niagara Falls, know that it’s more than just the Falls that hold excitement and opportunity in the area; there are a lot of places like that in the area – all you have to do is be open to finding them.

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