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After leaving Ontario we headed back to US and wandered around Western NY seeing more of the countryside, Lake Ontario, Lockport, NY, and Letchworth NY State Park.
Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY claims to be the inventor of Buffalo Wings. Since we were passing by might as well stop for lunch. It was tad touristy but the wings were indeed great! It was a crazy fun place inside so glad we took the time to stop.
Olcott Beach NY is a very small "beach" community on Lake Ontario. Again-- not exactly what we expected but very cute and colorful! There was a very small section filled with brightly painted shops and then a beach area that descended from the remains of an old hotel. There was a huge shady park by the lake that was nice to hang out for a bit. It was a short stop but had good photo opportunities.
Blackbird Cider Works in Barker NY- Heading east driving right along Lake Ontario was a very nice country drive. We then stopped at Blackbird Cider Works. The cider house is actually in the middle of the apple orchard and they have GREAT hard cider. We did a tasting of several options -- then loaded up some hard ciders including an interesting loganberry seasonal variety.
We took an fun boat trip on the ERIE CANAL boat trip in Lockport, NY. This was a most interesting trip since the boat ride was on the actual Erie Canal and went through historic locks 34 & 35. Lockport NY is very proud of it's history with the Erie Canal and has invested considerable resources to maintain the two locks in operation to ensure boating from Buffalo to Albany. We thoroughly enjoyed being on the historic Erie Canal for a short stop.
Letchworth NY State Park was the next place we visited. The park claims to be voted America's #1 state park and is described as the Grand Canyon of the East Coast. The views of the gorge were stunning! The lower, mid, and upper falls were amazing and lush. While in the park we saw both a wedding and an engagement proposal so it is definitely a special place! We found a nice relaxing spot right next to the lower falls for a quick picnic.
In 1906 William Letchworth bequeathed the land to the state of NY-- what a perfect gesture as it is most spectacular land.
During our Western NY travels here are a few good locals stops we made (and want to remember later!).
Lake Effect Artisan ice cream in Lockport,NY. This place is an award winning artisan small batch ice cream company. We had several locals suggest we MUST go here-- so we did !! I had the very delicious and interesting LONDON FOG ice cream-- Earl Grey ice cream with toffee bits.
Cuba Cheese shop is in Cuba NY has been making cheese in the area since the late 1800's. They had a great shop to browse with every kind of cheese one could imagine!
Oliver's Candies in Batavia, NY has been making candy since 1932. We stopped there based on a strong suggestion from a local guy that we talked to in Lockport. He said we HAD to try local Western NY specialty sponge candy--- we tried it and it was ok-- very indescribable and not like anything else we have had before!
Wilson Boat House restaurant in Wilson, NY - Established in 1907 overlooking the Wilson Harbor marina right next to Lake Ontario. Had a very nice lunch and met a nice couple from Lockport NY with relatives that live in Lake City, FL !
One Eyed Jack Smoke House in Lockport NY- Someone there must be a little southern-- best strong brewed ice tea we had the entire trip (ahhh!) along with really good smoked turkey and chicken!
It was another great road trip of waterfalls, wineries, and waterways! Such beautiful country and interesting history along the way! Grateful we had a very safe & fun trip. We returned with many great memories, photos galore, a few cool souvenirs , a 'few bottles' of wines/cider and even a few Ohio & NY cheeses.