Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Native American folklore and art come to life in at
Smokin Joes Native Center
(333
1stSt.,716/831-2585,
www.sjnativecenter.com
,9am-9:30pmdaily,free).Themaindrawis
a 40-minute live performance of Native American dance and song that describes a spirit's
journey from ancient to contemporary times, called “A Native Journey into the Spirit ofthe
Mist” (7:15pm and 8:30pm Mon.-Sat., 8pm Sun., $20 adults, $13 children 6-12). The au-
thentic music, dancing, singing, and traditional clothing vividly bring the tale to life. Audi-
ence members can stay after the show to meet the performers, who will also pose for pho-
tographs. The Native Center also has a boutique that sells souvenirs and authentic Native
American goods.
Daily entertainment is a regular occurrence downtown, specifically along the Old Falls
Street cobblestone corridor. This three-block area runs from the Seneca Niagara Casino to
the pedestrian entrance of the state park. During the summer, daily events include exercise
classes, movie screenings, music concerts, lectures, and family activities. A current sched-
ule is online (
www.fallsstreet.com
)
.
The top nighttime activity in Niagara Falls is the
illumination of the falls
(dusk-10pm
daily Jan.-Apr., dusk-midnight daily May-Dec.). The falls are bathed in softly colored light
by 21 xenon gas-powered lights stationed on the Canadian side each evening. Though the
illumination is difficult to see from the U.S. side, there are a few places with a good view.
Terrapin Point (Apr.-Nov.) is the best spot during summer and fall. During winter, the best
vantage point is also in Niagara Falls State Park, at Stedman's Bluff, the point on Goat Is-
land that overlooks Luna Island. The
illumination of the upper rapids
(dusk-10pm daily
Jan.-Apr.,dusk-midnightdailyMay-Dec.)isalsovisibleeachnightalongtheNiagaraRiver
from the First Street Bridge to Prospect Point. The pedestrian bridge located midway is a
great spot for taking photos.
During the high season (late May-Sept. 1),
fireworks
light up the skies over Niagara
Falls on Friday and Sunday at 10pm. The 10-minute displays are a wonderful climax to a
day of sightseeing. They can be seen almost anywhere along the rim of the gorge in the
park. The top two vantage points are Luna Island and the Observation Deck, with the Rain-
bow Bridge pedestrian walkway as a good alternative.
The
Niagara Falls Blues Festival
(
www.niagarafallsbluesfest.org
,
free) focuses on the
“Three Bs”—blues, barbecue and beer. Thousands of people gather at Old Falls Street in
September for three days of blues music performed by nationally acclaimed artists. Dozens
offoodvendorsselltastybarbecuedelights.Typically,theentertainmentbeginsat4pmFri-
