Karen Snow RMT

Niagara Falls State Park offers plenty of outdoor activities and attractions, but the most obvious focal point of the entire area are the magnificent, cascading waters that make Niagara Falls such a riveting and compelling vision. The park covers a large area, as it includes the land that borders the American side of Niagara Falls. The area features several islands that act as vital vantage points when experiencing a park this size. These islands include Three Sisters Island, Prospect Point, Goat Island, and Luna Island at Bridal Falls. The park also features a highly informative Visitor's Center, the Niagara Falls Discovery Center, as well as a very popular Observation Tower. The park is open all year round and visitors can enjoy such activities as fishing, hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.

Reading about art is one thing, but seeing it for yourself takes the experience of art appreciation to a whole new level. That is the mission of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. This internationally recognized museum proudly houses impressive collections of international sculptures and paintings that will captivate your imagination the moment you see them. Also, there are works from iconic artists like Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and Van Gough that are among the many highlights that you'll see in this world-class art venue.

Shea's Performing Arts Center brings Broadway to Buffalo! This time-tested venue opened its doors in 1926 and has been consistently delivering riveting performances ever since. Designed in the style of a European opera house and located in Buffalo's Theater District, the venue attracts productions that are just as impressive as the structure itself. Throughout the year, there are various operas, plays, concerts, touring shows, organ concerts and children's shows that not only thrill audiences but keep them coming back for more first-class entertainment.

Old Fort Niagara offers you the unique opportunity to connect nature to history. The fort and historic attraction is situated at the head of the Niagara River, and you can enjoy the river's inviting natural beauty as you learn about the fort's tri-cultural history. Originally held by the French in 1678, the fort ended up being a major strategic point for both the British and Americans. As you walk through the grounds, see several vintage structures, the oldest of which dates back to 1726. If you visit during the summer, there are various special events that are on the schedule, with a musket firing demonstration being one of the most popular.