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Niagara falls For Love � The Sheraton On The Falls Resort

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While Niagara Falls has long been considered the place for lovers - particularly for honeymooners - developers are broadening the appeal as a destination resort for families and retirees. But at the heart of it, it’s still a spectacular setting to find, celebrate, or renew romance for any age.

My wife and I spent a couple days in late September exploring the Canadian side of the falls and hosted at on of the area’s premier hotels, The Sheraton On The Falls. (The Sheraton offers great off-season rates around Valentine’s Day.

After a drive from Toronto, where I had been n business, we were ready to relax and we couldn’t have picked a better location. The hotel booked us into one of their premium suites, complete with sitting area and fireplace, king-size bed, jetted tub, and unparalleled views of both the famous Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. Whether it’s the nightly man-made light show of colors splashed on the falls or a sunrise playing in the mist, the hotel offers a front-row seat.

We arrived in the afternoon and by that eveneing we explored the shops, restaurants and attractions on Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill. The Sheraton is at the heart of the Falls Avenue development, featureing a Planet Hollywood restaurant, Hard Rock Caf�, Rainforest Caf�, and attractions, including a simulated “Ride Over the Falls,” “Dino Island 3D” ride, “Elvira’s Haunted Coaster,” a Hershey chocolate shop, and Casino Niagara.

Inside Casino Niagara, it’s evident that this is no longer the Niagara Falls popularized in the Marilyn Monroe movie, ‘Niagara.’ The over-60 crowd lined the blackjack tables and filled the seats in front of the slot machines. In fact, it’s the casino and a steady stream of retirees driving the development on the Canadian side; enough so, that the Canadians are planning a second casino and their envious American neighbors hope to open one of their own to revitalize Niagara Falls, New York’s depressed tourist district.

Around the corner from the casino, Clifton Hill-area streets are brimming with attractions and tourist traps, including souvenir shops, arcades, small thrill rides, fun houses, and fast food joints. If your wallet’s fat enough, you can spend the entire day at places like the Guiness World Records Museum, a Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum and theater, haunted houses, a thrill ride accompanied by a 70mm film, and Movieland Wax Museum.

On our trip up the hill we ducked into the Rain Forest Caf� for dinner. The menu items featured Chimi-Cha-Cha, Magambo Shrimp, and Mojo Bones (slow-roasted ribs). The restaurant includes a collection of animatronic wildlife - life-sized elephants and fearsome gorillas, choreographed to a recycling soundtrack of music and theatrics. Sitting amid tropical trees, guests experience simulated rainstorms. A volcano at the entrance of the restaurant “erupts” periodically. It’s a great place for couples, but is certainly among the attractions meant to draw families.

After exploring some shops, we returned to the hotel to find the hotel’s turndown service had left chocolates and robes on the bed. A rainbow of colors played over the water and mist as we opened an unscreened window to provide an unobstructed view of the scene.

The next morning we discovered the Niagara Falls area with the help of Niagara Falls Scenic Tours. The tour operator’s coaches offered a soft seat and a fast way to take in all the Canadian side has to offer. George, our tour guide, filled the ride with facts, figures and interesting stories, like the one about the boy who went over the falls and lived to tell about it. We were accompanied by couples from England and the States.

The tour took us to the Mount Carmel Monastery and then a cruise on the Maid of the Mist. From May to late October, tourists don plastic ponchos and crowd onto four double-decker boats from both the Canadian and American sides for a 30-minute cruise below the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls.

Along the way, we saw visitors in much heavier rain gear navigating trails, bridges, stairs and platforms near the base of Bridal Veil Falls. Accessible from the American side, “The Cave of the Winds” walk takes visitors on an elevator down a 175-foot shaft to the bulwark of trails . From the highest platform, the Hurricane Deck, the tour appeared to offer heart-stopping thrills as tourists hung on as water rushed around them.

Soon it was our turn for a close dose of Mother Nature’s fury and water as the captain steered the boat close to the cascade.

If Maid of the Mist didn’t get us wet enough, George sent us on a walk through the damp tunnels and onto an observation deck at the foot of the Horseshoe Falls in something called “Journey Behind the Falls.” Despite a descent through thick stone, the noise of the falls is thunderous and the vibration of water pounding rock is ever present.

After drying off, we were escorted a few miles downstream to an overlook above the river’s famous whirlpool and great gorge. We watched as adventurous tourists screamed over the swirling water in jet-powered boats. The so-called Spanish Aero Car also moves people on a suspended cable car system above the treacherous waters.

We took a diversion to a nearby floral clock and provincial park, before enjoying a ride back to the falls for a delightful lunch in the rotating restaurant at the Skylon Tower. Along with a good meal, the tower offers spectacular views and the chance for camera buffs to get some

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Old California � Nuevo Estancia Hotel and Resort La Jolla
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I walked away from my ordinary life and for two glorious days I am enraptured by the extraordinary, casual elegance of the Estancia Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, California. The minute I turn off the freeway and into their entry driveway, the sound of soft, crunchy gravel under my tires welcomes me into a world that feels like my own private equestrian estate.

I am in awe of the property, which is situated on 9.5 acres. It�s amazing how a simple left turn off the busy California freeway lands me in such a beautiful place. I enter a historic California coastal ranch that is alive with the rich history of low rise adobe structures that connect by open-air arcades, luxurious gardens, and all surrounded by sweet smelling eucalyptus trees. This picturesque setting is complete with the Pacific Ocean breezes that immediately set me at ease.

Arriving at Estancia, I feel like I have come home to my own private retreat where wealthy ranchers knew what hospitality meant. To my surprise, I discover that the hotel is built on the site of the former Black family La Jolla Stables. The old world elegance is visible: wrought iron railings, arched doorways, picturesque clay tile roofs, and cozy fireplaces � exactly how I imagine life in Old California, a time when breathing fresh open air, and feeling connected to natural surroundings is what is expected. Those were the days when adventure was found in exploring your environment.

Estancia is an adventure in comfort and style
near Torrey Pines Cliffs and the Pacific Ocean.

Every space surrounding The Estancia articulated this adventure. The property is relaxing and quiet but not remote. Five minutes away I discover hand gliding cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Gliders take off from the steep crevices of the Torrey Pines cliffs and sail through the air with the blue sky and darkened waves of the ocean as a backdrop.

About ten minutes from the hotel is the Torrey Pines Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones paradise that hosts the PGA Buick Invitational. Another ten minutes down the street is the famous La Jolla Cove, where seals sun on the rocks and the pristine beaches � what a secret delight. But if the adrenaline rush of hang gliding or relaxing at the beach is not your style, great shopping at UTC Mall is right across the street.

The true adventure of my weekend awaits me inside the Estancia walls. I check the attention to detail: The Mexican Talavar terra cotta lobby floor is custom-made. The lobby walls and around the fireplace are covered with an old Italian technique called Integral Color Plaster. It�s a time consuming painting technique that�s all hand trowled-blending. The painter uses various colors to create a soothing rich modeled quality with a subtle finish. All the exposed beams and the fireplace mantles are made of indigenous California Douglas Fir.

My new adventure not only indulges my senses but enriches me with artistry.

The Old World charm of Spain greets me in the garden outside the lobby. In fact, the word estancia is Spanish for estate. The three brick buildings that are part of the hotel are each modeled after the original structures from the original horse farm, also of Spanish architecture. The business center is modeled after the Caretaker�s Cottage, the lobby is a recreation of the farmhouse, and the bar and restaurant are a replica of the tack room. The white bricks built into each building are actually from these original structures. The Historical Society preserved the bricks even though the buildings were torn down. Everywhere is the passion for the past blended with a modern desire for excellence.

Estancia’s modern business center.

The business center is for corporate retreats and business meetings. In my past life I�d spent many hours in business meetings, but Estancia has redefined meetings by raising the bar to a whole new level of ergonomic technology. They designed a special room called the Learning Theater, a 125-seat amphitheater that�s incredible! I�d never seen anything like it in all my 20 years with Corporate America. The chairs are ergonomically designed for comfort. I remember the old adage, �the brain can only remember what the seat can endure!� This place could hold your attention for days! With as much care as they have taken to preserve the history of the Rancher�s Estate, the passion for excellence is shown in every executive meeting room and elegant ballrooms. What an adventure it would be to have a business meeting, charity function, or special event in these rich surroundings.

I am not the only one who has this idea. As I turn to walk back into the lobby, I am greeted by an entire team of professional basketball players. Purple and gold Los Angeles Lakers jerseys file by me as they gather for the bus for their practice session at the new sports pavilion at the University of San Diego. Wow, are they tall!

Estancia has 210 ranch-style rooms . . .

I can�t wait to see what the guest rooms are like. There are 210 ranch-style rooms with every amenity of luxury. My room has a braided rug with egg shell painted walls. The golden chiffon curtains drape the full length windows overlooking a Spanish courtyard and fountain. An autumn colored chair in the corner with a leather caramel ottoman awaits relaxation with a good book. The black cabinet that houses the television looks like a period piece from the rancher�s living room. The bed is warm and inviting with a white hounds tooth duvet and a horse blanket of grey and gold draped over the side. The gold borders around the room are painted with rich gold fleur de lis designs. The bed pillows are green, gold, and cream plaid; the small throw pillows were a matching green and red striped. The linens are a 316 count Turkish cotton. I love sheets that are so soft and comforting that they tease you into cuddling and taking a nap.

The wicker waste paper basket accents the simple oak desk; the dresser in the entry way is made of a rich cherry. A dark wrought iron floor lamp lights the corner of the room casting a spell of yesteryear. The door to my room is a dark chocolate wood with slats resembling a stable door. Every detail of design dares me to enjoy an adventure from the golden era of California, with today�s aura.

The bathroom is simple and refreshing. The shower curtain is a soft, luxurious, white terry cloth, indulging my need to be pampered. The shower head is oversized and it feels like I am standing beneath a fresh spring-fed waterfall during a summer rain. The white free-standing sink gives the room an open and unique d�cor. But the bath products adorning the sink say it all. The shampoo is a Sorrento lemon scent that smells like it came right from the ranch�s lemon orchard. The body lotion is smooth and silky with the fragrance of juniper, as refreshing as a walk in the woods. The shower gel is perfumed with an invigorating citrus scent. If their bath products are this extraordinary, I can�t wait to discover what their spa is like.

How can the spa be even more serene and relaxing than my room and the beautiful grounds? The truth is that my spa adventure begins the moment I step onto the grounds. Every where I look I see sprawling gardens of eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus trees permeating the air with opulent fragrances. Only the real spa surpasses this sensual garden of Eden � another grand adventure greeting me!

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By Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine golf and tennis Correspondent � Visit www.jetsettersmagazine.com

About the Author

Kriss Hammond, Editor, Jetsetters Magazine. Join the Travel Writers Netowrk in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com