Niagara Falls is great year round. It takes on a different appearance in each season. In the dead of winter it is magical when parts of the falls turns frosty and are rimmed with ice. During the fall the brilliant foliage is reflected in the water. But there is more to see and do in Niagara County than Niagara Falls.

1. Niagara Falls: No matter how many times you may have viewed the falls it never fails to impress. Experience the falls from the top, each side, and don't miss the iconic boat ride on the Maid of the Mist to see the falls from the bottom where the true power is felt.
2. Old Fort Niagara: Located at the critical juncture where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario, the fort was part of the struggle between France, Great Britain and the United States for control of the Great Lakes. Start with a visit to the museum and then explore the various buildings of the fort. Check for the schedule of demonstrations.
3. Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station: Learn about the real importance of Niagara Falls -- generating electricity. At the Discovery Center learn about the geology of the area, how electricity is generated, the importance of the project, and get a great view of the Niagara River.
4. Fatima Shrine: Located between Niagara Falls and Old Fort Niagara, the shrine has 15 acres of gardens highlighted by a glass Dome Basilica topped with a 13-foot statue of Our Lady of Fatima, plus over 100 life-sized statues, a natural pond and a heart-shaped Rosary Pool.
5. Lockport: Lockport exists because of the Erie Canal. Learn about this engineering marvel at the Eire Canal Discovery Center and view the Flight of Five Locks. Take a cruise on the canal and then explore Lockport Cave where you can take an underground boat ride.
6. Underground Railroad: The Underground Railroad comprises a series of people, farmhouses, river crossings and church basements where runaway slaves found help on their way to freedom in Canada. Today visitors are able to tour numerous Underground Railroad sites to get a better understanding of this amazing chapter in American history.
7. Farms: The area along Lake Ontario provides the perfect micro climate for growing apples, peaches, grapes and other produce. Murphy's Orchard, north of Lockport, offers more than farm produce. It was a stop on the Underground Railroad and they offer tea in the historic brick house. Nearby is the Honeymoon Trail Winery where visitors can relax by the large fireplace while sipping wines and sampling some of their gourmet cheeses and fine chocolates.
8. Nature activities: The proximity to Lake Ontario and the Niagara River means that there are a variety of water-related activities including fishing and boating. Niagara State Park has 400 acres of protected wildlife and lush landscape. A variety of hiking trails wander throughout the Niagara Gorge and range from 1 hour to 2.5 hours long. Plus, there are several golf courses.
9. Gaming: The Seneca Niagara Casino offers more than gaming. The accommodations are excellent and their Western Door Steakhouse is only one of three AAA Four Diamond Restaurants in Western N.Y. The entertainment is first-rate featuring many well-known performers.
10. Shopping and more: The Niagara area offers many shopping venues from small boutiques to a designer outlet mall. One of the top-ten rated outlet malls in the country, the Fashion Outlets of Niagara has over 150 stores to suit everyone's shopping needs. There are art galleries, historical museums, an aquarium, a zoo, and plenty of other activities sure to meet the fancy of any visitor.

For more information on Niagara County check www.niagara-usa.com.

Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.

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