The Maid of the Mist came out of the water yesterday. That yearly event, more than any other, marks the end of the tourism season in Niagara Falls on both sides of the border. With five months of empty hotel beds in front of us, now is a good time to take stock of the season that was and declare the winners of 2005.
Best New Attraction
Niagara Falls, Ont. -- The daily sky walks of Jay Cochrane.
Cochrane, the world's premier funambulist, performed two walks daily on a high wire strung between the Hilton Hotel and the Fallsview Casino. Already the owner of six skywalking world records, Jay added to his impressive resume by walking on a wire connecting the casino and the Skylon Tower. The stunt set the North American tightrope walking distance record. Cochrane already holds the world's record for a 2,098-foot jaunt he took in 1995 some 1,340 feet above the Yangtze River in China.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists watched on in awe as Cochrane tempted the fates over Niagara each day. One tourist summed up the daredevil risk that the tightrope artist faced each day with these words: "This guy can't afford to have an off day."
Niagara Falls, N.Y. -- Fallsville Splash Water Park. It was "Back to the Future" as the water park reopened for the first time in nearly a decade, refurbished by Niagara Falls Redevelopment. One local spoke for many when he remarked, "This is what we need more of over on this side of the falls."
Best Old Attraction
Niagara Falls, N.Y. -- Cave of the Winds.
The past couple of years have seen a few needed tweaks at the old boardwalk at the base of the falls.
First, the old heavy raincoats were ash-canned in favor of the disposable poncho-style slickers used by the other wet attractions at Niagara. Next, hip souvenir sandals replaced the bizarre leather footwear that had been used for decades. The sandals have proven to be so popular with tourists that many can be seen wearing them throughout their entire visit.
F
inally, touring hours have been extended to allow guests to take in the night illumination and fireworks shows from the boardwalk's unique vantage point. All in all, a terrific makeover for a wonderful attraction.
Niagara Falls, Ont. -- Maid of the Mist.
Why fool with perfection? The Maid needs no upgrading because it is already the best of the best, hands down.
A visit to Niagara without a ride on the Maid of the Mist is like mixing the cake batter without licking the spoon -- what's the point? Millions each year experience the majesty of the world's most famous waterfall in spectacular fashion from the decks of the Maid's fleet.
Best Renovation Project
Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Niagara Falls, Ont. -- Sidewalks and walkways.
On the American side, it was Third Street. In Ontario, it was Stanley Avenue. In both instances, the results were breathtaking.
Urban planners have long understood the appeal of an old-town feel in contemporary urban settings. This past year saw workers on both sides of the border extending sidewalks, laying brick crosswalks and installing Victorian-style lampposts to give tourist spots a distinctively Dickensian feel.
Best New Eatery
Niagara Falls, Ont. -- Cafe Tu Tu Tango.
Located above the new Wolfgang Puck restaurant on Fallsview Boulevard, Cafe Tu Tu Tango combines great food and wonderful artwork into a feast for the senses.
What makes Cafe Tu Tu Tango such a unique dining experience is the local artists who sit at easels painting the falls in both oils and watercolors. If you see a painting that you love, you can take it home with you. All of the artwork is for sale.
In return for the opportunity to display their creative efforts to such a wide audience, the artists agree to work at the restaurant one day per week.
Great concept, great food -- what more could you ask for?
Niagara Falls, N.Y. -- Pellegrino's Restaurant.
This family-owned eatery located on Pine Avenue near Hyde Park offers what many others in the city lack -- class and old-world charm.
The restaurant is adorned with old black-and-white family photographs that give it an Ellis Island-era feel. The food tastes like something your favorite Italian grandmother would make for you in her own kitchen. Visit during lunch and take advantage of one of the great deals in Western New York.
Best Moment in the National Spotlight
John Daly's attempt to hit a golf ball from Canada to the United States.
In the end it didn't matter that he failed horribly. It was of little consequence that the world's most rotund duffer had no chance of driving a Titleist from Table Rock to Goat Island. All that mattered was the spectacle and the media attention.
Daly's attempt was carried live across Canada on the all-sports network TSN. Buffalo's sports radio station broadcast their afternoon program via a live remote from the Top of the Falls restaurant on Goat Island. The stunt was mentioned on the national newswires. Above it all, Daly reigned supreme.
From the golf cart parade down to Table Rock to the unveiling of his signature golf course, Thundering Waters, John Daly proved to be a great ambassador for the Niagara region. The winner was the twin cities of Niagara Falls and everyone connected with the tourism industry.
The only question that remains is: How do we get Roger Federer to design a tennis court here in 2006?
While the Maid of the Mist boats settle into their winter hibernation, here's wishing a tourism season next year filled with as much progress and excitement as the one just passed.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | Oct. 25 2005 |