Spring is here according to Mother Nature. So let’s think warmth thoughts of sunshine, flowers blossoming and trading our boots, mittens and hats for t-shirts, flip flops and sunglasses.

We’re so excited that Spring is finally here, that we wanted to share all of the awe-some things to do while visiting our natural wonder for the “peas in a pod” or those “peas with a posse” :

Two Peas in A Pod

March Events in Niagara

Harvest Table Lunch – Trius Winery - March 23rd and 30th. Head on down to the lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake for a 3 course menu featuring wine and food from the same soil. $65 per person.

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar – Courtyard by Marriott hotel - every Friday from 8 – 11pm. Join us in the Keg lounge for local entertainment paired with your favourite Keg sized-cocktail, shareable appetizers or your favourite steak or seafood dish.

Skinny Dip at Cave Springs – Every Saturday and Sunday in March.  For only $5.00 a person, taste two styles of low-fat dips and crisps paired with two of their finest white wines.

Fall in Love with the Fallsview Casino. March is filled with some of the biggest headliners in the biz at the Avalon Theatre in the Fallsview Casino. The timeless beauty, Sophia Loren will captivate you with an up close and personal interview on March 27th and 28th. On March 29th and 30th, Colbie Callait performs her chart-topping singles.
 

April Events in Niagara

Niagara Home and Garden Show. April 5th – 7th. Enjoy a weekend of DIY fun. Learn some of the greatest tips on how to transform your home and garden into the palace of your dreams.

Niagara Food & Wine Expo. April 26th – 28th. Calling all Food and Wine lovers. Get ready to indulge in some of the most incredible food and wine from the region and around the globe.

Aromatic Dinner at Peller Estates – April 13th at 7pm. Enjoy a 4 course menu inspired by aromatic white wines paired with white wine varietals. Prepared by the one and only, celebrity chef, Jason Parsons.

Get Fresh in the Valley – April 21st, 27th and 28th. Celebrate Spring in Niagara’s Twenty Valley. The Spring Passport program entitles you to taste new vintage and aromatic wines paired with Spring flavours from some of Niagara’s finest chefs. Choose from 20 premium wineries. Plus assemble your own cookbook along the way.

Peas and their Posse

March

White Meadows Farms. Bundle up for a fun winter adventure at White Meadows Farms. Enjoy a great outdoor Sugar Bush Adventure, a delicious homemade pancake breakfast, tobogganing, skating, and a petting zoo. Your kids are going to love this place. Open all week long during March break. Open every weekend until March 30th, 2013.

VENOM Exhibit at the Butterfly Conservatory. Learn about some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures. Experience “live demonstrations” with Caiman Ray from the Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo.

Bird Kingdom. March 29th – April 1st. 50% off children’s admission. With over 400 free flying exotic birds from around the world, this 4 x Winner of “Niagara’s Attraction of the Year” is a must-see for the whole family. Ask the front desk for details upon your arrival.

Easter Egg Hunt – Cave Springs. An event you’ll both love. March 30th from 12 – 5pm. The Easter bunny will be hiding tons of colourful eggs filled with egg surprises, such as VIP tours, tastings, gift certificates and more.

Spring has Sprung in Niagara. Book accommodations at the hotel located in the “centre of it all,” the Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott.

Did you know that Niagara Falls was voted one of the most scenic places to host a marathon in Canada and the #1 scenic place to host a marathon in Ontario?

Nothing is more captivating than seeing, hearing and feeling the natural wonder as your feet hit the pavement whether you are running a 2k or 42.195k?

Niagara Falls is a runner’s paradise this year with so many wonder-ful races to choose from:

Niagara Falls Women’s Half Marathon – June 2nd. Run 21.5 k with some of your favourite women in one of the most inspiring cities. The best part is that a wonderful charity will benefit from your strength and dedication, the Women’s Place of South Niagara Inc.

Ragnar Relay – June 14th and June 15th. Gather 6-12 of your friends on this 2 day, 1 night, 200 mile journey across the country’s most scenic terrain from Cobourg to Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls International Marathon – October 27th. Start in one country and finish in another. How incredible is that? This is a Boston Marathon qualifier and considered one of the most scenic marathons in Canada.

So dust off your runners and start training for one, two or all three races. And the best part is the inspiring Niagara Falls backdrop is included.

Looking for accomodations? Stay in the “centre of it all,” at the Courtyard by Marriott, just minutes from the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, major jogging trails and the finish line of many of these incredible Niagara Falls races. Ask about our special room rates for runners.

Niagara Falls is the place to be this March Break. This city will have your family entertained from check-in until check-out.

The list of fun-filled entertainment is endless:

 Bird Kingdom -The largest free-flying indoor aviary. Featuring more than 400 birds, saltwater fish, a 40 foot waterfall, tropical plants and reptiles. From March 8th – 17th, receive 50% off your child’s regular admission.

The Butterfly Conservatory - Featuring the VENOM Exhibit until May 12th. Learn about some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures. Experience “live demonstrations” with Caiman Ray from the Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo.

Clifton Hill - For hours of fun and adventure. Choose your own adventure.

Niagara Skywheel  – Soar 175 feet above Niagara Falls in your temperature controlled gondola.

Strike Rock N’ Bowl – 25,000 square feet of high energy entertainment, 14 bowling alleys, billiard tables, arcade games and more

Canadian Midway – 70,000 square feet of entertainment and over 300 games (Skee Ball, Roll-a-Ball, Deal or no Deal and more)

Journey Behind the Falls – Thrilling views of Niagara Falls from below & beyond. Descend 150 feet by elevator where a short tunnel gives access to observation decks & two portals directly behind the Falls.

Niagara’s Fury - Picture this! The temperature will drop. Water will bubble and spray while snow falls all around. Standing on a massive platform you will feel the wrath of Mother Nature as the floor tilts & trembles beneath you.

White Meadows Farms- Bundle up for a fun winter adventure at White Meadows Farms. Enjoy a great outdoor Sugar Bush Adventure, a delicious homemade pancake breakfast, tobogganing, skating, and a petting zoo. Your kids are going to love this place. Open all week long during March break. Open every weekend until March 30th, 2013.

Looking for the best deal in Niagara Falls? The Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott has a 1 Night Package starting at only $99.99 per night and includes: accommodations, breakfast buffet for 2 and one dinner voucher for The newly renovated Keg Steakhouse & Bar or T.G.I. Friday’s.

Niagara Falls promises to be the perfect place for a Spring Break retreat.

Don’t you just love the fact that we have a statutory holiday where we can spend the whole day with the ones we love? The hardest decision will be what to do that day. Well we can tell you that there are a lot of fun events in Niagara this Family Day, starting with good old fashioned fun at White Meadows Farms.

So get ready to live like a pioneer, starting with a homemade pancake breakfast with pure maple syrup tapped from the maple trees right on White Meadows Farms. Pancake weekends run until April 14th, 2013. And don’t worry about working off those morning calories, because there are a ton of fun-filled activities at White Meadows.

Calorie Burner Activity #1: Skating and/or toboganning in a beautiful country setting. Be sure to check their daily Snow and Ice Report for weather conditions. 

Calorie Burner Activity #2: You can’t miss the great Sugar Bush Adventure, which runs from mid-February – March 30th, 2013. This is a self guided picturesque tour where you get dropped off in the maple forest by a real John Deere tractor (come on the kids are going to love this). So turn your mobile devices off (okay you can turn them on to capture a few of those Kodak moments) and get ready to hike through the groomed trails, tap maple trees, get your face painted, sample maple taffy, listen to native stories, cross a rickety bridge, saw like a lumberjack and most importantly have fun. You’ll work up an appetite after all of that fun and guess what? You can go to the Maple Store and buy your favourite maple syrup products and re-create the Meadows Farms pancake breakfast at home.

Why not celebrate the love of family all weekend and book a getaway to Niagara Falls. The Niagara Falls Courtyard has all sorts of different packages to choose from. Live like a pioneer for one day and play tourist the next.

Happy Family Day!

2013 is all about Entertainment at the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.

The holidays are officially over and we’ve reached those “not so lovable” months from January – April. Some have started their countdown to Spring. Others are looking for ways to keep busy and w-w-w-warm. Well, Niagara Falls has lots of “inner sunshine” to share.  The Fallsview Casino promises months of laughter, song and dance to wash away those Winter Blahs. Get up close and personal with the biggest headliners in show biz in their state-of-the-art, 1,500 seat theatre.

Check out the line-up from January – April:

January’s Jumping with Comedy and Entertainment

Get ready to release a lot of endorphins on January 9th and 10th when George Lopez takes the stage. On January 11th and 12th, don’t miss Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone.

In February, get ready to tango, cha-cha, waltz, rumba, LOL and SOL (sing out loud):

February 1st – 4th, 6th – 11th

Dancing with the Stars, Edyta and Alec Mazo hit the dance floor with their unforgettable moves.

Feb. 14th and 15th – Wanda Sykes will have you in stitches.

Feb. 16th – 18th – Band from TV (featuring lots of famous folks)

Feb. 19th and 20th – Matchbox Twenty

Feb. 21st – 23rd – Don Felder

March is the Month for Masters of Music, Beauty and with Tyson let’s say Mystery?

March 1st - 3rd - The Great Italian Tenors

March 19th – Hank Williams Jr.

March 20th and 21st – Mike Tyson

March 27th and 28th – Sophia Loren

March 29th and 30th – Colbie Caillat

April is Award-Winning

April 5th and 6th – Rick Springfield

April 12th and 13th – Montgomery Gentry – Multi-award winning, country music star performs his all-time greatest duos with hits such as: “Gone”, “Roll With Me”, “Something To Be Proud Of”, “My Town” and “Where I Come From”.

April 19th – 28th (excluding April 23rd) – Rave on – This concert is a Rock & Roll tribute to the great Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, featuring 50’s favourites such as “Peggy Sue”, “Donna”, and “Chantilly Lace”.

With talent like this, book your tickets soon.

The Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott is just a quickstep away from the action. We’re the hotel with more options, thus giving you more choices.

This New Year’s Eve Line Up: The Niagara Ice Dogs Game and the ET Canada’s New Year’s Eve Concert followed by a good night’s rest at the Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott.

If you are still finalizing your New Year’s Eve plans, it’s not too late to spend the weekend in Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is the place to be this holiday season with so many wonder-ful Niagara Falls events, such as the Winter Festival of Lights, Rink at the Brink outdoor skating rink, ET Canada’s New Year’s Eve Outdoor concert featuring Nelly Furtado, Hedley and Dragonette, and the Niagara Ice Dogs game on December 31st at 6pm. See the Niagara Ice Dogs take on the Erie Otters. Don’t miss 15 year old, Erie Otter’s “one to watch” centre, Connor McDavid. He’s being called the next “Crosby” by Sidney Crosby himself. This kid is so incredible that Reebok is committing to an endorsement deal with him three years before he enters the NHL draft.

Even though the World Junior Hockey stars won’t be there to see in action (Ryan Strome, Dougie Hamilton and Brett Ritchie), I’m sure you’ll be getting regular updates at the game. It will be a double cheer that night - ”Go Dogs Go!” and “Go Canada Go!” Tickets for the Niagara Ice Dogs games are still on sale for New Year’s Eve and can be purchased here.

During your Niagara Falls visit, why not stay at the official Niagara Falls hotel sponsor of the Niagara Ice Dogs, the Courtyard by Marriott?

Come see Niagara Falls transform into a winter wonderland this holiday season. It just may be a “White Christmas” after all, as Niagara Falls is calling for flurries on December 25th.

Happy Holidays!

Come and ring in the new year at the New Year’s Eve Niagara Falls concert celebration at Queen Victoria Park.

How will you be ringing in 2013? Can you think of anything better than saying “Happy New Year” along with GRAMMY Award winner Nelly Furtado, JUNO Award-winning rock group Hedley, electro-pop trio Dragonette and ET Canada’s hosts at Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls? And to top things off, your background will be the magnificent Niagara Falls and a sky filled with an incredible fireworks display a few times throughout the evening.

This year’s fireworks displays are planned to be bigger than ever, featuring 2000 pounds of fireworks launched from the Skylon Tower, down in the Niagara Gorge and for the first time, directly above Mother Nature’s Wonder, Niagara Falls.This outdoor celebration will also have a variety of food and beverages available, as well as an outdoor licensed area. Niagara Parks is once again the place to be on New Year’s Eve and this event promises to be even more exciting than the last year.

Niagara Falls is definitely not short of high energy activities this New Year’s Eve. Electronic, Music Superstar, Deadmau5 will also be in town hosting a New Year’s Eve party at the Scotiabank Convention Centre. Doors open at 9pm, with Deadmau5 coming on at midnight. This event will complement the Queen Victoria Park concert for those looking to celebrate into the wee hours. 

Don’t miss the Red Bull Crashed Ice Block Party featuring the Arkells on November 30th from 7pm to 12am.

 As if the Red Bull Crashed Ice event in Niagara Falls wasn’t exciting enough. Add in a free performance by the Arkells on Friday, November 30th and it’s a weekend getaway you can’t miss! 

The Arkells, Canadian Rockband legends and 2012 Juno Award winners  for “Group of the Year” from Hamilton, Ontario will take the stage at Victoria Avenue & Clifton Hill after the Red Bull Crashed Ice final athletes and challengers of this year’s Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championships are determined.

Three other talented bands will also take the stage that evening:

• Young Rival (Hamilton)
• Teenage Kicks (Burlington)
• The Roxwells (Niagara Falls)

The Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship skates back to Canada for the 8th year in a row, but for the first time ever the season will open in Niagara Falls, Ontario against the breathtaking and spectacular natural backdrop of the magnificent falls.

Who will be the 2013 Red Bull Crashed Ice Champion? Come and find out on Saturday, December 1st.

We know of a great hotel within walking distance of the Red Bull Crashed Ice Block Party.

2 Night Packages starting at only $129.99 per night.

Book your accommodations soon, only 9 more days until the Red Bull Crashed Ice Event Crashes Niagara Falls!

Make the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights your winter tradition.

It’s hard to believe that the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is 30 years old. This world renowned Festival has become a family tradition for thousands over the years. With over 3 Million sparkling lights over a 6km route, the Winter Festival of Lights (or WFOL as us locals like to call it) transforms Niagara Falls into a Winter Wonderland. This year the Skylon Tower is going to be revolutionized.  Many locals referred to the Skylon Tower as “Niagara’s largest Christmas tree” with strings of lights cascading down towards the base of the Tower.

However, 2012/2013 is going to be a Winter of wonderful changes throughout the city. The Tower will now be illuminated using 12 special projectors along with three image projectors that will project images on the underside pod of the tower.  “It’s going to be light years from what it once was. Literally, you will have a nightly light show occuring on the Skylon Tower every night during the Festival of Lights,” says Dino Fazio, Festival General Manager. 

The opening ceremonies begin at 5:45 pm on November 3rd which will include a one-hour stage show, a musical salute to the holidays that concludes with a magical appearance from Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who will flip the giant light switch that will illuminate all of the displays. The Festival continues until January 31st, 2013. 

If you haven’t been, here is what others are saying about the Festival. The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights was included in the Top 10 Canada’s best winter festivals from Canoe.ca,  while Frommer’s Travel placed Niagara Falls on its list of Top 10 decorated cities. 

Only 63 days until Saint Nicholas comes to town. We’ve handpicked our three favourite Niagara Christmas Craft Shows for all of those special people on your  “nice” list:

Ridley Christmas Market, Ridley College Fieldhouse

Don’t miss the Ridley Christmas Market, happening on Friday, November 16th from 3-8 pm in the Ridley College Fieldhouse, located at 2 Ridley Road in St. Catharines. This free event is filled with unique goodies for all of those people “near and dear to your hearts.” Featuring artisans/crafts, jewellery/clothing, specialty shoppes/specialty food, a children’s craft corner, a market café, prize draws/raffle and a special visit from Saint Nick himself. 

The holidays are very much about giving and so many local charities will be benefiting from this spectacular annual event: Wells of Hope, Free the Children, Make a Wish, Red Roof Retreat, Gift of Reading, Operation Christmas Guild, Mainstream Services, Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, and Missionary Work in Africa.

Christmas by the Falls, Scotiabank Convention Centre

The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls is also having their annual Craft Show on Saturday, December 1st (10 am – 6 pm) and Sunday, December 2nd (10 am – 5 pm). There will be lots of stocking stuffers and holiday inspiration at this event: arts/crafts, men’s tools, floral and home decor, clothing and more. Looking for some new holiday food ideas? Don’t miss the Culinary Cooking Demonstrations, courtesy of Niagara College. Tickets are $5 each. 

Hernder Estate Wines 18th Annual Craft Show, Hernder Estate Winery      

Picture two floors of quality crafters on November 2nd, 3rd and 4th from 10 am – 5 pm. In lieu of admission, help a local family this Christmas. Donations or Non-Perishable Foods
will be accepted for Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold.

The Christmas Handmade Market – November 24th and 25th, 11am  – 4pm

Held at 2 locations:

Fielding Estate Winery
4020 Locust Lane, Beamsville, Ontario

Directions → http://www.fieldingwines.com/page/contact_us

and

The Good Earth Food and Wine Co.
4556 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville, Ontario

Directions → www.goodearthfoodandwine.com/howtofindus

To all of you craft lovers out there, these three Niagara Craft Shows will definitely get you inspired for the holidays!

If you are from out of town and need a place to stay, the Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott has 258 guest rooms just waiting to provide you with a good night’s rest. After all shopping and present planning can be both mentally and physically exhausting.