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For my birthday this November I asked my husband for a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. Although we’ve traveled extensively during our married life, have lived in 8 states, we’d never been to the falls. We enjoy driving because we can take our time and think it’s a fun way to learn about our country. So, even though we could have driven the 600 plus miles in one day, we stopped overnight in Cleveland, Ohio.
We stayed at the Doubletree Hotel, originally an old apartment building, converted and recently opened in the Cleveland Clinic area. The rooms are fantastic – hardwood floors, granite countertops and chic décor. It reminded us of a loft-style room in New York City. There was a terrific little Mediterranean restaurant on the first floor...however, this is for another story!
Our drive the following day was gorgeously sunny as we traveled through small sections of western Pennsylvania and New York. Even though it was early November, there were still fall red, yellow and orange leaves clinging to trees. Our biggest surprise was seeing miles and miles of vineyards stretching across both sides of the road!
Arriving in Canada, we found the Canadian’s friendly – even though we’d mistakenly packed our passports in the trunk and had to dig them out for the attendant!
We stayed at the Carlton Country Inn Suites on Victoria Ave. It was very clean, though a bit dated. However, it’s an easy walk to the falls and across the street from the casino – so, great location. The Falls are breathtaking…so powerful and difficult to imagine how one of the Great Lakes links to another with such force!
When we inquired about choices of restaurants at the front desk it was suggested that we try the Sandstone Grill House. To our delight we discovered it was less than half a block away and family-owned and operated since 1974. Exactly what we were hoping to find! We made reservations Saturday night, arriving to find a group of young hockey players there with coaches and a few parents, as well as, a local wedding party. It was noisy that evening, but SO very festive and we had no problem with it. (One couple, obviously regulars, grumbled a bit).
The food was superb. We ordered the price fix dinner for two offering several choices of: appetizer, salad and entrée with fabulous bread. We chose: Scallops for appetizer, Greek salad with house dressing and our entrée was a combination of: Angus steak, grilled shrimp and roasted chicken…simply scrumptious and generous portions to boot! We were thrilled finding a place that wasn’t a franchise and went the following night for my birthday. This time I had Salmon, my husband homemade meatballs and spaghetti. Again, everything was outstanding… food arrived hot, service most attentive. There was another local’s birthday party that evening, a warm fire burning and I thought…no wonder the “locals” choose this place…
And, last, but not least – the dirty martinis are excellent!
November 23, 2022
