Community Forums

Slapchop · 08-10-2013, 03:00 PM

My wife an I are planning a 1 month camping/road trip in early September traveling from Niagra Falls to Lake Champlain and then South/East. Since we are west-coasters from California we have no local knowledge of this area and are looking for advice on scenic roads and interesting places. Swimming and Bicycling are our on the road hobbies.

Chris

Bill Davey · 08-10-2013, 03:10 PM

Since you've got a month, I offer the following suggestions: Finger Lakes region - many great wineries, lots of history; 1,000 Islands region - can be touristy, but lots to see and do; Adirondack Mountains including Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain; Saratoga Springs/ Lake George area - beautiful but can be busy. Summer unofficially ends on Labor Day when the kids go back to school so crowds will be much smaller no matter where you go.

demoon · 08-10-2013, 10:37 PM

If you get to Lake Placid, try going a bit farther east to Plattsburgh and cross Lake Champlain to the Islands in VT. Beautiful area. Go south around Burlington and you can either take the ferry in Charlotte, or go a bit further south on RTE 22A and take the new bridge back over the lake. Shelburne Museum south of Burlington is very nice to visit, as is Fort Ticonderoga, back on the NY side of the lake. If you are looking for ides for campgrounds in these areas, let us know. I am sure we can all add some of our favotites.

BBQ Judge · 08-11-2013, 06:31 AM

Beautiful areas to visit, you can spend a month in those parts of NY. Main 2-lane roads in Adirondack Park to Lake Placid are RV friendly but slow going which means you can enjoy the scenery. If you go near Tupper Lake on your way across, the Wild Center is worth visiting.

Only advice is to stay off I-90, tolls will kill you. US 20A has a low bridge just east of Warsaw.

Enjoy your visit.

rvjimmy · 08-11-2013, 07:29 AM

Try to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, great view from that side. Might need a passport to get into Canada. We stayed in Shalamar Lake campground when we went, it was between Niagara on the lake and Niagara Falls. Good luck and a safe trip.

Jim

Slapchop · 08-13-2013, 10:25 PM

Thanks to all for the great advice and tips. I will keep everyone updated when we get there.

Chris

Libero · 08-14-2013, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvjimmy

Try to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, great view from that side. Might need a passport to get into Canada. We stayed in Shalamar Lake campground when we went, it was between Niagara on the lake and Niagara Falls. Good luck and a safe trip.

Jim

Good advice re looking at the falls from the Canadian side. Much better view IMHO. You actually see the US side falls better from the north side.

While US citizens do not require a passport to visit Canada - going back to the US might be more problematic without a Passport, Nexus Card or an Enhanced DL.

All a US citizen requires to enter Canada is proof of citizenship and a gov issued Picture ID.

Have a great trip.

kennyb79 · 08-23-2013, 06:56 PM

the Canadian side of the falls is nicer and easier to view. moving east check out letchworth state park, miles of biking and hiking. Robert tremaine and Watkins glen are nice. the fingerlakes area is known for its wineries, get a map and take a wine tour. Check out the Herkimer diamond mines, cooperstown baseball hall of fame, and howe caverns. If you find yourself on the eastern shore of lake Ontario, miles of sandy private beach at southwick's beach. in Sept you should be able to get a lakefront site. also touring north association island in Henderson harbor is nice. check out Alexandria bay, and camp along the st Lawrence river to watch the ships go by. watch the ships go thru the locks in Massena. In the Adirondacks, any of the state parks are beautiful. I like the villages of inlet, old forge, long lake, saranack lake, lake George and lake placid. its September, the weather is usually still nice, but the campgrounds are not as crowded as they are in the summer. have fun.

wnytaxman · 08-23-2013, 07:05 PM

What might be your pleasure would probably be the best place to start. If you are into architecture Buffalo has some great buildings including some from Frank Lloyd Wright. If museums are your thing then check out the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, and the War Birds at the Elmira-Corning Airport. Oh yes, the Pierce Arrow Auto Museum in Buffalo is another worthwhile attraction. Watkins Glen and the great wineries of the Finger Lakes are always worth a stop.

Perhaps you like old trains. A stop at the Arcade & Attica railroad for a steam train ride might fill that bill. Maybe a glider ride in Elmira would be fun.

There is a lot to see and do in Upstate NY. As our leaves start to turn you can get a great view of autumn in NY. It can be spectacular.

Enjoy and safe travels to you.

Slapchop · 09-14-2013, 05:09 PM

Just got home from cross country trip. Los Angeles California area to Portland Maine and back. Great trip and the Sprinter/Era was great. Loved Vermont, Pennsylvania and New Mexico. Camped out every night. When do we go again.