Nik Wallenda is On Top of the World! Approved to cross Niagara Falls.

Nik Wallenda, a seventh generation of the famous Flying Wallenda family, triumphed in his bid to get permission from Canada to cross the mighty Niagara Falls on an 1,800 foot long, 2-inch wide wire rope. You might think this has been done before, but no has over ever crossed over the actual falls. In 1859 the acrobat Charles Blondin crossed the gorge on a tightrope, but his stunt was downstream from the actual waterfalls.

I have been following Niks dream to cross the falls for awhile now and was so happy when he got permission from New York State officials, but he then ran into a road block with the Niagara Parks Commission.

The NPC's reasoning was that safety and their responsibility to preserve and protect the Falls, for all those who wish to view its beauty, was their paramount concern in denying Niks request. They also stated that one of the reasons the Parks Commission was created was to eliminate the carnival-like atmosphere around the falls themselves. Hmm, isn't that a part of the history of Niagara? Thanks to another meeting with Ontario Tourism Minister Michael Chan, Nik got the green light from NPC.

Signorina Maria Spelterini crossing the Niagara Rapids on a tightrope.

Photo courtesy of Library Archives Canada

Now the whole world will be able to relive those bygone days that we could only envision from old black and white photos.

My husband and I visit the falls at least one a year, luckily its only a 1-3/4 hour drive for us. We go every February 25th for our anniversary and this year it will be 12 years. One thing about visiting in February, you get great rates on the hotels, and some years the snow and ice build-up in the gorge is just stunning. And you are always guaranteed to see a rainbow, no matter what time of year!

Back in September of 2005 when visiting the falls, I noticed a high wire and was dissapointed that I had missed seeing Jay Cochranes walk from the Fallsview Casino to the Skylon Tower. Unsure what the wire is in the above photo I took, but after a closer look I can see the incline railway to the right. It could be a leftover support wire. Since I have been a fan of the Wallenda family since the early 60's I am really excited about Niks walk and hope I can get a good room with a view. I can't wait to find out the date! And I'll post it here along with an update to www.facebook.com/DayTrippingOntario

The first time in your life you see the falls in person, you are in awe of its majestic beauty, the sound, the power of nature. I would highly recommend a visit to the IMAX theatre (pyramid shaped building in above photo) to see the movie, Niagara Legends and Daredevils. It will give you a better understanding of the history of Niagara Falls. I saw the movie many years ago, and am planning to see it again this upcoming weekend.

Another Niagara icon is Marilyn Monroe. The Club Rialto is a charming place with Marilyn memorabilia and at one time it had a center dance floor surrounded by a moat, which you crossed over little bridges to get to the dance floor. I think its still there, but without any water:-( The Club Rialto is attached to the rear of Caso d'Oro Dining Lounge on Victoria Avenue, which is one of my recommended places to have dinner.

If you have never been to Niagara Falls, you are missing out on one the worlds greatest wonders. Its wonderful for romance and also a great family vacation. I never saw the falls until my adult years, and even though my Mother & Father and two brothers all have visited the falls, we never saw it together as a family, but all did experience it on our own at different times in our lives. So make it a point this year, 2012 to visit the falls and be a part of a chapter of Niagara Falls History.

Nik Wallenda on top of the ferris Wheel at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

I can see it now, Nik how about a promo leading up to your main event, on the Niagara Falls Skywheel?

Watch for updates, as I will have recommendations with reviews on where to stay, where to eat, and important announcements of Nik's walk across the falls. Hmm, I wonder if he will have to stop at customs on his way across:-) The world will be watching!!

Picton Harbour Inn - Picton, Ontario

In 2011 I have stayed at the Picton Harbour Inn, numerous times for business. Located in the heart of Picton, Ontario in Prince Edward County, the Picton Harbour Inn has a great view of the Picton Harbour and wonderful county style breakfasts.

The above photo shows the back of the Picton Harbour Inn facing the Picton Harbour. There are three levels, and a fourth wing show on the right. All levels are ground level, except for the third level. When you approach the Inn from Bridge Street, the second level you see above is actually the ground floor in the front parking area.

The relaxing view of Picton Harbour from the third floor balcony, where you can watch and hear the huge fish jumping and splashing about, the great blue herons and ospreys soaring through the skies.

Picnic tables and BBQ's are available for a waterside shore dinner or picnic.

The best part about staying at the Picton Harbour Inn is the Lighthouse Restaurant, open only for breakfast and lunch. Its a favorite of the locals, and sometimes its so busy you might get turned away, or have a long wait for a table.

The hash browned potatoes are prepared with mushrooms and peppers and onions, and the farmers sausage is a popular choice of frequent visitors.

The two above breakfast photos are courtesy of sakeandcheese.blogspot.com

The Lighthouse restaurant at Picton Harbour Inn

Picton Harbour Inn

33 Bridge Street

Picton, Ontario

Local: 613-476-2186

Toll Free: 800-678-7906

For directions or e-mail, click here.

Off The Hook Seafood Emporium - Whitby Ontario

THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED FOR BUSINESS

A friend and I were recently discussing that there are very few dining options, other than Red Lobster, for seafood only restaurants in the Whitby/Oshawa area. This past December we noticed an advertisment in our local newspaper for Off The Hook Seafood Emporium opening in Whitby with a 25% off coupon. We were thrilled, and decided to try it out before the coupon expired.

I checked out the reviews and most were good, except for a few complaints about service, but that is understandable with a new restaurant. We had no complaints about the service, it was excellent.

We arrived just after noon time, and were the first customers of the day. The commodious dining area was amply decorated in a fitting nautical theme.

If your a shellfish lover, they have an extensive selection of clams, mussels and oysters.
I wasn't daring enough to try a Vodka Oyster shot.

I started off with pan seared Nova Scotia scallops paired with a bacon and jalapeno cream sauce. They were excellent. I usually order Digby Scallops when I visit Barootes in Toronto, and I must say Off The Hook has them beat! I am craving them again looking at the below photo.

Off The Hooks menu is extensive for the fresh seafood lover, but I can be picky when I dine out. I only like shrimp, scallops, lobster, halibut and clams if they are fried or battered. And fried is the way I prefer most of my seafood. That left me with zero choices when it came to battered, except for the haddock but I'm a halibut lover.

I chose my favorite seafood for my lunch entree, Canadian lobster tail, which was only $13.99 minus my 25% off coupon. It was a nice size tail and came easily out of the shell. I did find it a bit overcooked, as it was so chewy, almost to the point that I couldn't chew it, but very tasty indeed. I had to ask for a steak knife to cut it. It came with steamed fresh vegetables and I chose a baked potato. Next time I will try the fresh cut fries, and I will give the lobster tail another try.

A cozy sitting area in front of a fireplace (above photo) was an inviting spot to have a few drinks before dinner or waiting for a dinner date. We entered through the doors to the left of the fireplace, and although it was a seasonably warm day, I did notice a draft. Perhaps on bitter cold days, they might close this door and use the other entrance further down to the right near the reservation desk.

Off The Hook, is located at 1600 Champlain Avenue, at the corner of Champlain and Thickson, just off the 401, in the plaza where Don Cherrys was formerly located. THIS RESTAURNT IS CLOSED.