I-90 and NEW YORK

• Dunkirk
• Buffalo
• Niagara Falls
• Rochester
• Geneva
• Seneca Falls
• Syracuse
• Utica
• Schenectady
• Albany

Dunkirk

Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veterans Park Museum - Here, stuck out on Lighthouse Point, midway between Erie PA and Buffalo NY is one of the old navigation lights that still serves to keep the boats and ships on their proper courses. Rebuilt in 1875, it is not the postcard pictured tower you usually see but a neat, brick cottage with the 'lighthouse' beacon on the roof. The five-room keepers quarters and beacon tower are open to the public April through December from 10a to 2p daily except Sundays and holidays. During July and August hours are extended to 4p.
  For more information phone 1-716-366-5050. The National Park Service has a web page with some additional information; view it at NPSLighthouse. The University of Buffalo also has a web page but very little information about the lighthouse or its history. View it at Lighthouse.
  From I-90 take exit 59. Turn right on NY-60 (Bennett Road) and follow 60 all the way into Dunkirk to NY-5 (Lake Shore Drive) which is 2 blocks beyond the Amtrak station and tacks. Turn left on NY-5 and follow it to Point Drive. Turn right and drive to the light house on the point.

» Hotels in Dunkirk «

Buffalo

Visitors' Center - From I-90 take exit 54 and drive eastbound on the NT-400 Freeway to the second exit (NY-277 Union Road). Exit and turn right onto Union Road and drive to the 4th street and turn left onto Main Street. The Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau is just ahead at 617 Main Street.
  For more information, phone 1-800-283-3256 (toll free).

Broadway Market - Step back into time, here. Not only is the Broadway Market the oldest indoor market in the USA, it features such surprises as old-style butcher shops, bakeries... you will encounter a whole assortment of delectable establishments, here. Forget about that diet and just enjoy because this is an experience that probably can't be duplicated. If you enjoy fresh baked goods you'll be in heaven!
  For more information phone 1-+716-893-0705 or visit their website: BroadwayMarket.
  From I-90 take exit 52-W and follow Walden Avenue westbound to Harlem Road (NY-240). Turn left, drive south crossing the tracks and turn right onto Broadway (NY-130). Follow Broadway to the Market at 999 Broadway.

» Hotels in Buffalo «

Niagara Falls

The many ways that have been devised to view Niagara Falls are certainly a tribute to ingenuity. We chose to spend the night so we could see the attractions we had selected - including the Falls - without rushing. Our choice was the Comfort Inn which overlooks the rapids above the Falls. We found that, even though the rate was very attractive, the amenities were what one would expect in the more expensive hotels.
    From I-90 take exit 53 and follow I-190 to Niagara Falls and exit 21. Exit and drive westbound on the LaSalle Expressway to its end. Continue on to the Comfort Inn which is just a few hundred more yards.

Aquarium of Niagara - This was the first aquarium to use synthetic seawater to exclusively maintain ocean marine life. One very popular show is the shark feeding. Unfortunately, they only get fed every other day. Of course, you could call ahead and schedule your arrival. They are also quite proud of their colony of the endangered Peruvian penguin. Of course, to the uninitiated, a penguin is a penguin but they can be very amusing to us humans. They also have a very interesting display of tropical fish.
  You don't come to the Aquarium to view Niagara Falls but you can. What you see is the fog-like mist from the falls and the Niagara River Gorge from a special observation deck.
  Hours are 9a to 5p except during July and August when the stay open until 7p. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
  For more information phone 1-800-500-4609 (toll free). Web site: NiagaraAquarium.
  From I-90 take exit 53 and follow I-190 to Niagara Falls and exit 22. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp and follow US-62 to its end at NY-104 (Main Street) Bear left on Main, drive to Whirlpool Street (third street on your right) and turn right. The Aquarium is just past the next street at 701 Whirlpool Street (although, here, street address don't help much).
  An alternative from I-190 in Niagara Falls is to take exit 21 and drive westbound on the LaSalle Expressway. Just before the very end of the expressway is an exit for Main Street and Prospect Street. Take this exit but keep to the left (you do not want to go onto Main Street here). Follow Prospect Street around to where it becomes Main Street. (Do not get on the Moses Parkway!) Main Street intersects with 2nd Street. Turn left on 2nd and follow it to the aquarium (2nd Street becomes Whirlpool Street). This route is actually much faster and easier as long as you don't get tangled up when you get off the LaSalle Expressway.

Cave of the Winds - On Goat Island which is in the middle of the Niagara River just below the Falls, they lower you in an elevator through a hole in the rock. You step out and feel the full fury of the spray from the Falls. (They furnish raincoat and covers for your shoes.)
  Only open during the 'tourist season' which, according to them, is May through October inclusive. Open daily 9a to 10p (until 11p Fridays and Saturdays) including all holidays. The tour costs $6 ($5.50 for kids 6-12).
  From I-190 in Niagara Falls take exit 21 and drive westbound on the LaSalle Expressway. Just before the very end of the expressway is an exit for Main Street. Take this exit and stay to the right. The exit ramp circles around and becomes Rainbow Blvd. Turn right onto Goat Island Road (first road on your right).

Great American Balloon Ride - Very, very close to the Aquarium is the 'Great American Balloon Company'. These folks specialize in helium-filled balloon rides but their balloons are attached to a cable powered by a large electric winch. It is more like going up in an elevator but you get a exceptional view of Niagara Falls from a height of about 400 feet.
  Operating hours, during June through September, are from 9a to midnight. In April, May and October they shut down at 9p. Rides are scheduled every 15 minutes but sometime, because of its popularity, you have to wait a bit for your turn.
  For more information phone 1-716-278-0824 or visit their web site at Balloons.
  From I-190 in Niagara Falls take exit 21 and drive westbound on the LaSalle Expressway. Just before the very end of the expressway is an exit for Main Street. Take this exit and stay to the right. The exit ramp circles around and becomes Rainbow Blvd. You'll see them at 310 Rainbow Blvd S.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour - Take a 30 minute ride up close to the American Falls and right into the ring of Horseshoe Falls. (Raincoats furnished.) Trips leave continuously daily from about mid-May to late October (depending upon the weather). You board near the base of the Maid of the Mist Observation Tower in Prospect Park (next to the Comfort Inn described above).
  For more information and schedules phone 1-716-284-8897 or visit their web site at MaidOfTheMist.

» Hotels in Niagara Falls «

Rochester

Visitors' Center - From I-90 take exit 46 and merge with I-390 northbound (toward Rochester). At exit 15 take the right-hand off-ramp to go eastbound on I-590. At the I-490 interchange you want to go west ("to Rochester") on I-490. From I-490 take exit 16 and turn right on Clinton Avenue. Follow Clinton to Main Street and turn right. Immediately after Euclid Street is East Avenue (intersects at a 45º angle). Bear right on East Avenue and the Greater Rochester Visitors Association is about a block and a half ahead.
  For more information phone 1-800-677-7282 (toll free). Web site is at: RochesterVisitors.

Rochester Falls - Actually a set of three waterfalls - Upper, Middle and Lower - the Upper Falls are most accessible and probably most spectacular. This 100 foot waterfalls was first utilized to provide mechanical power for Rochester's flour mills. Today it generates electricity for the city.
  From I-490 take exit 13 and follow the 'Inner Loop' freeway to the first exit on the other side of the Genesee River bridge. Exit and turn left on St. Paul Street. After you cross the tracks, the first street on your left is Cataract Street. Park in the little park there. You have a good view of the Upper Falls from there. You also have to option of walking out on the pedestrian bridge which connects Platt Street with Platt Street and Browns Race on the other side of the Genesee River.

Strong Museum - Honored as one of the top ten children's museums in the country (by Child Magazine) and one of the top 'family-friendly' museums (by Family Fun Magazine), the Strong Museum is one of the giants of interactive/educational centers for the younger set. Appear on TV with Sesame Street characters; scan grocery items in a kid-sized supermarket; journey to the inside of the earth to learn about rocks, minerals, fossils and even volcanoes. And there is actually a working Carousel on the premises (Rides are 50 cents.).
  Open daily except Sunday 10a to 5p. Fridays they stay open until 8p and Sunday hours are noon to 5p. Admission: $7 for adults; kids 2-17 $5.
  For more information phone 1-585-263-2700 or visit their web site: StrongMuseum.
  From I-90 take exit 46 and merge with I-390 northbound (toward Rochester). At exit 15 take the right-hand off-ramp to go eastbound on I-590. At the I-490 interchange you want to go west ("to Rochester") on I-490. From I-490 take exit 16 and turn right on Clinton Avenue. Driving north turn right at Woodbury drive another block and the Strong Museum will be on your right.

» Hotels in Rochester «

Geneva

Visitors' Center - From I-90 take exit 42 and turn right on NY-14. Follow 14 southbound into Geneva US-20 (Hamilton Street to the right of the intersection; Lake Front Drive to the left). Turn left onto Lakefront Drive and the Chamber of Commerce is at 35 Lakefront Drive.

Rose Hill - A National Historic Landmark, this 1839 Greek Revival mansion is a superb example of how the wealthy resided in the mid-Nineteenth Century. Sited on a beautiful 30-acre estate overlooking Lake Seneca, the mansion has been fully restored, The original owner, Robert Swan, was the son-in-law of John Johnston who is credited with being the first to develop and implement tile drainage technology in that era. (If have an interest in drain tiles and the progress made in their design and installation, see Johnston Farm, below.)
  Currently managed by the Geneva Historical Society, the mansion is open to tourists from May through October inclusive. Hours are 10a to 4p Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5p Sundays. Admission is $3; kids 10 to 18 $2.
  For more information phone 1-315-789-3848 or visit the Historic Society's web page about the mansion: RoseHill.
  The Rose Hill estate is located east of Geneva, on Route 96A 1 mile south of US-20. Use New York Thruway exit 41 or 42. 

Johnston Farm - Also known as the Mike Weaver Drain Tile Museum because of the large collection of drain tiles collected by Mike Weaver over a 40-year period. The collection includes drain tiles dating back to 100 BC and traces the history and progress of drain tile development and its use in increasing the productivity of heavy, wet soils.
  Open to tourists from May through October, inclusive. If you wish to tour the museum you should check in with the Historic Society at the Rose Hill mansion to get admittance to the museum.
  For more information phone 1-315-789-5151 or visit the Historic Society's web page about the farm and museum: JohnstonFarm.
  The Johnston Farm is located east of Geneva, on Route 96A at the junction of East Lake Road (1.5 miles south of US-20). Use New York Thruway exit 41 or 42. 

Seneca Lake Wine Trail - Seneca Lake is about 40 miles long so a loop around this lake takes a while. From I-90 eastbound take exit 42 and follow NY-14 which hugs the west shore all the way to Watkins Glen. The Watkins Glen State Park is an excellent excuse to get out of the car and stretch your legs for a easy hike up the Glen (refreshments usually available at the top). Along NY-14 you will see several wineries. They welcome visitors!
 

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  Three miles south of Watkins Glen is the split-off of Hwy 224. Bear left onto it and follow it, through Odessa, to the junction with Hwy 13. Turn left onto 13 and follow it into Ithaca. If you are a shopping hound, you'll love Ithaca! Watch for the intersection of Hwy 89 in downtown Ithaca, take it (left turn) and follow the west shore of Cayuga Lake to US-20. (You will notice that there are wineries here, too.) Turn left on US-20 and, almost immediately, bear right on NY-318 which will take you to NY-414. Turn right on NY-414 and the Thruway entrance is 400 yards up the road.

» Hotels in Geneva «

Seneca Falls

Visitors' Center - The Seneca County Tourism office is actually in Waterloo. From I-90 take exit 41 and drive south on NY-414 to its junction with Balsey Road (about 200 yards after you cross the tracks). Turn right and drive westbound to DiPronio Drive. The Visitors' Center is on the corner.
  For more information phone 1-800.732.1848 (toll free).

National Women's Hall of Fame - The women's rights movement is reputed to have started in Seneca Falls. Whether or not it originated here, this is where it got its first big push. The Hall of Fame, now 
  From May through September, inclusive, hours are 10a to 4p Monday through Saturday and noon to 4p Sundays. The remaining months (except closed January) the Hall of Fame is only open Wednesday through Saturday 10a to 4p.
  For more information phone 1-315-568-8060 or visit their web site: NWHallOfFame.
  From I-90 take exit 41 and drive south on NY-414 to its junction with Balsey Road (about 200 yards after you cross the tracks). Turn left and follow Balsey Road to its end at US-20. Turn left and follow US-20 into Seneca Falls. In town, US-20 becomes Fall Street. The Hall of Fame is downtown at 76 Fall Street.
  From the Visitors' Center, head back (eastbound) on Balsey Road. Continue, across NY-414, to the junction of Balsey and US-20 and follow US-20 into Seneca Falls. In town, US-20 becomes Fall Street. The Hall of Fame is downtown at 76 Fall Street.

» Hotels in Seneca Falls «

Syracuse

Visitors' Center - From I-90 take exit 36. After you pass the tool booth turn right and merge with I-81 southbound (toward Syracuse). Follow I-81 to exit 18 (first exit after the I-690 interchange). Exit and turn right on Harrison Street. Follow Harrison to its end at Salina Street and turn left. The Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau is just half a block ahead.
  For more information phone 1-800-234-4797 (toll free).

Museum of Science & Technology - Three floors of hands-on exhibits and activities make it difficult to drag the kids away. They also have an 'Omnitheater' which, translated, is a giant overhead dome which serves as a movie screen on which they project an amazingly clear film program. It is really quite overwhelming.
  A small planetarium is also part of the sights. The programs vary - depending upon the season and positions of the planets, etc., but most - so we were told - start of with a voyage into space. The kids love it.
  Hours for the museum are 11a to 5p Tuesday through Sunday.
  For more information, phone 1-315-425-9068 or visit their web site: MOST.
  From I-90 take exit 36. After you pass the tool booth turn right and merge with I-81 southbound (toward Syracuse). Follow I-81 to exit 18 (first exit after the I-690 interchange). Exit and turn right on Harrison Street. Follow Harrison to its end at Salina Street and turn right onto Salina Street. Drive north on Salina to Jefferson and turn left. The Museum is two blocks down (west) Jefferson.

Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company - Follow the course of the maple sap from the tree to the syrup can with a self-guided tour. You'll see how the present-day use of plastic tubing networks has increased the efficiency - and lowered the costs - of collecting the sap. Self-guided tours can be accommodated during their normal business hours. Special escorted tours are available by reservation March through October.
  Their gift shop has various maple products and handcrafted items available for sale. Business hours: Friday and Sunday, 1 to 5p; Saturday's extended hours are from 9:30a to 5p. Closed January and February.
  For more information phone 1-315-469-6422 or visit their web site: Cedarvale.
  From I-81 take exit 16-A to Brighton Avenue (do not get on I-481). Turn left on Brighton and drive south to the Seneca Turnpike (NY-173). Turn right and follow 173 to the split with NY-175. Bear left onto 175 and follow it to Cedarvale Road in Cards Corners. Turn left on Cedarvale Road and follow it (watch out for its right turn at the intersection of Rohe Rd) to Pleasant Valley Road. Turn right and the Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company is at 3769 Pleasant Valley Rd.

» Hotels in Syracuse «

Utica

Visitors' Center - They couldn't be any easier to find than this; right after you go through the toll booth at I-90 exit 31 is the Oneida County Visitors Bureau. Stop in and get a great introduction to Utica (and Rome).
  For more information, phone 1-800-426-3132 (toll free).

Adirondack Scenic Railroad - Deoarting from Utica's restored Union Depot, several excursions are available. Operates from Memorial Day to some time in late October (depending upon the weather).
  You will need to phone 1-315-724-0700 to get specific schedules (reservations are required) and fares for the excursion you choose. Their web site: AdirondackRR.

Children's Museum - Adopted by NASA and the Dept of Energy's Office of Science, this four-storey historic building houses a variety of fascinating, hands-on exhibits and activities for children of all ages. Two of the more popular attractions is their multi-media Dinorama Center's dinosaurs and the 17-foot airplane that kids can 'fly'.

F.X. Matt Brewery Tour - First, you are greeted in an authentically restored Victorian Tour Center and guided through a tour of the brewery. Following the your tour of the brewery you ride on a trolley to the vintage 1888 tavern. There you may sample the Saranac products or a root beer.
  Tour Schedules:

• June through August - Monday through Saturday 1 to 4p (on the hour); Sundays 1 to 3p.
• September through May - Fridays & Saturdays 1p and 3p.
  
  Closed all major holidays.

  Except for the summer months, they request that you call in advance to make reservations for tours, which typically run 1 hour.
  For more information phone 1-315-732-0022 or visit their web site: BreweryTour.
  From I-90 take exit 31 and follow the signs to I-790. Then follow I-790 to its end at Court Street in Utica. Turn right on Court and drive 4 blocks to Varick Street and the Brewery.

Autumn Leaves - This part of the country has incredibly beautiful autumns and the leaf-lookers come by the thousands to take in the spectacle. If you're driving through in the fall and notice that the colors are at or near their peak, here are two tours we recommend:

• Utica/Old Forge/Speculator Leaf-Lookers Loop
• Utica/Speculator/Amsterdam Leaf-Lookers Loop

» Hotels in Utica «

Schenectady

Visitors' Center - From I-90 eastbound take exit 26 and merge with  the eastbound traffic on I-890. Exit i_490 at exit 4-A and follow the exit road all the way to its end at Edison Ave (which will become Erie Blvd). Turn left and drive toward downtown on Erie to State Street and the Chamber of Schenectady County is just around the corner on your right at 306 State Street.
  For more information, phone 1-800-962-8007 (toll free).

Central Park - This central city park is more than just another green area. It features a rose garden with more than 200 varieties of 4,500 roses in flower from June until frost.
  While you’re in the Park, you may have the opportunity to enjoy a concert at the Agnes Macdonald Music Haven Stage. Other activities include swimming, fishing (NY license required), tennis or casual strolling the landscaped walkways. Or just sit and relax on a shore-side bench and enjoy the duck pond.
  There are many festivals during the summer months in Central Park. One, always popular, is the annual, August Tuesday in the Park: a celebration of community life.
  For more information, phone 1-518-382-5151.
  From I-890, take exit 7 and follow Chrisler Avenue to Golf Road. Turn left and into Central Park.

Stockade Historic District - Schenectady’s Stockade, a thriving residential community, has occupied this site for 300 years! Originally founded by the Dutch in 1661, it was destroyed during the 1690 Indian-French massacre. The Dutch rebuilt and, today, it is still a thriving community. Many of the homes, here, date from the early 1700s. Of course, new homes were continually added so, now, the community sports a variety of homes dating all the way up through the 19th Century.
  Historic markers indicate construction dates and identity of the early owners. We recommend you stop by the Chamber’s Visitors' Center (see above) and get a copy of the Stockade Self-Guided Tour. Then take a self-guided tour. Here you'll see an exceptional collection of Dutch, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and Victorian residential architecture.
  If you are in the area in September, they have an annual 'Walkabout' - this is a guided Stockade house and garden tour.
  For more information phone 1-800-962-8007 (toll free) or visit their web site: Stockade.  
  From the Visitors' Center drive 2 more blocks up Erie Boulevard to Union Street.

» Hotels in Schenectady «

Albany

Visitors' Center - The Albany Visitors' Center has frequently scheduled special events. 
  From I-90 take exit 6-A and merge with the southbound traffic on I-787. From I-787 take exit 4-B which deposit you at Quackenbush Square. The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau is at 25 Quackenbush Square.
  For more information phone 1-800-258-3582 (toll free) .

Horse-Drawn Trolley Tours - Many tourists and residents enjoy the horse-drawn carriage tours. These are guided tours of downtown Albany in a horse-drawn 20-passenger open (but covered) trolley. For more information and schedules phone 1-518-434-0405 or visit their web page at HorseDrawnTrolley.

Henry Hudson Planetarium - Their web site tells it all and so very well, but - in brief: two shows every Saturday. One at 11:30a directed at kids in grades K through 3rd. A second at 12:30p directed at kids in 4th grade or above - and adults. The actual content of these shows is on a rotation basis (see their web site for specifics). Admission is $4.50 for adults; $3 for students and senior citizens.
  For more information phone 1-518-434-0405 or visit their web site: Planetarium.
  The Planetarium is in the Visitors' Center complex in Quackenbush Square (see above).

USS Slater/DEHF - A fully restored, battle- ready World War II Destroyer Escort. These were the the zippy little ships that escorted our convoys searching for and destroying lurking Nazi U-Boats. The USS Slater is the last member of this class of ships which has been authentically restored to battle-ready condition.
  Open for tours April through November, Wednesday through Sunday from 10a to 4p. Admission: Adults $5; kids 6 to 12 are $4.
  For more information phone 1-518-431-1943 or visit their web site: USSSlater.
  From I-787 take exit 3-A and follow signs to Broadway and Quay Streets on the Hudson River.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - This is the 'Bishop's Church' in the Diocese of Albany. It is the oldest, Neo-Gothic Cathedral structure in the United States and one of the great church structures of North America.
  The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception welcomes individual and group tours (by appointment) throughout the year. 
  For more information, directions and to make an appointment phone 1-518-463-4447 or visit their web site: Cathedral.
  From I-787 take exit 4-B and follow Clinton Avenue to Chapel Street. Turn left  and go 4 blocks to Columbia Street. Turn right, go 2 blocks and turn left. You will see the Cathedral (25 Eagle Street).

» Hotels in Albany «