Latest news with #MaidoftheMist
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Universal Orlando's ‘Epic Universe' Is Opening – Here Are Our Top Weather Survival Tips For Any Theme Park Visit
Universal Orlando's fourth theme park - Epic Universe - opens Thursday (May 22). It's being called one of the largest, most expensive theme parks in the world. It's also the first new theme park in Florida in more than 20 years, so you can bet crowds will be flocking to check it out. Do you know what else you can bet on? The weather will test your mettle, from scorching heat to drenching thunderstorms. meteorologist Jennifer Gray explains, 'Summer is the rainy season in Florida. You can bet on afternoon thunderstorms to pop up somewhere in the vicinity of the park most days. These not only can drench your Universal crew but there is a risk of lightning as well that you need to be mindful of. Also, keep in mind that temperatures will be extremely hot! Highs will be in the 90s… heat indices in the triple digits aren't uncommon.' (MORE: Scenic Secrets: The Most Vibrant Pink In Nature) So what's the best way to prep for the weather and still wring every moment of enjoyment from your theme park visit? Instead of turning to a single expert, I consulted our team here at to get some tried and true tips from our theme park veterans. Topping everyone's list: Our Senior Product Manager, Michael Cohen, said bring your own reusable water bottle from home. Universal allows you to take empty, reusable bottles that you can fill at water stations throughout the park. You're also allowed a sealed water bottle, once it's under 2 litres. Stephanie Quick, Lead Performance Marketing Manager, added, 'Dehydration is real, especially for those who don't live in the South.' This one may seem obvious, but if you're spending all day at a theme park, the key is to remember to reapply your favorite sunscreen every couple of hours. Don't know which sunscreen is best for you? Stephanie Quick has the ultimate guide and our top 10 picks here. It's tough to make a poncho cute, Kristin Amico, one of our Engagement Editors, shared this memory: 'Somewhere in a pile in my parents' house is a picture of me in a poncho riding Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls. Sad vibes for real.' But, the alternative is trudging around and sitting on a ride in wet clothes after you've been drenched by that pop-up thunderstorm. Although our managing editor, Sean Breslin, said: 'I'd rather be wet than baking in the Florida humidity trapped in a poncho.' Pick your poison, people. Senior Digital Meteorologist Jonathan Belles has this one covered: 'As somebody who has done everything from 100 degrees to a foot of rain in one visit, the best summer advice for a new park goer would be to pick out several dark rides and water rides to take breaks at.' He went on the explain that summer storms usually only last 20 to 60 minutes (outside of hurricanes, of course), so 'that's when you dip into the dark ride or the food break. And something I probably shouldn't advocate, but something I personally do, if you get lucky and get a shower without lightning, some outdoor rides and roller coasters are completely different in the rain and lines are almost always shorter. Just check the lightning app before you jump in line.' Now that you have these insider tips, we wish you all the best at wrangling the excited, then extremely fatigued, kids (and kids at heart) and long lines. No really! Cheers to a great summer filled with some theme park magic. MORE ON - What To Know About Navigating National Parks This Summer - These Travel Hacks Can Help You Navigate Any Weather
Business Journals
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Journals
Comfort Inn the Pointe, illusionist Leon Etienne pairing up on Niagara Falls Magic Theatre
By submitting your information you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and User Agreement . A long-vacant space in a Niagara Falls hotel is getting a magical makeover, promising to fill an entertainment void for tourists on the American side of the falls. Story Highlights Comfort Inn the Pointe is spending $150,000 to create the Niagara Falls Magic Theatre. The hotel is working with illusionist Leon Etienne, who will perform in-residence magic shows. The 3,500-square-foot, 80-100 seat theater opens in May. A Niagara Falls hotel is converting a former nightclub into a theater to give U.S. visitors a new in-residence magic show. Comfort Inn The Pointe is working with illusionist Leon Etienne to create the Niagara Falls Magic Theatre at 1 Prospect Pointe, adjacent to Niagara Falls State Park. GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events The basement-level theater, which is expected to open by late May, will offer seating for 80-100 guests while providing access to a bar and snacks. Construction on the 3,500-square-foot site is already underway. The hotel is spending $150,000 on the project, part of a $1 million investment this year across the hotel, said Jayesh Patel, who paid $11 million for the 110-room hotel in 2023. The nightclub space has been vacant for about 20 years, he said. 'People do look for stuff to do in the evening. … There's a lot of seasonal traffic, and I think this is a great location and the right use for this space,' he said. A Utica native, Etienne has been touring internationally with his magic show for more than a decade, including recent shows in Niagara Falls at the Seneca Niagara Casino and the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center. He's gotten great feedback on the idea of offering a show in-residence for the busy tourist season, when families are looking for something to do after seeing the falls, especially for those who don't want to or can't go over to the Canadian side. 'The USA side doesn't really have anything like it,' he said. 'The feedback we've gotten from Jay and others is: 'Thank God.' There's really nothing for families to do after they've done Maid of the Mist and the other mainstays between dinner and the fireworks. There was a market gap there, and we're hoping identifying that gap benefits us and the community as a whole.' COMING SOON: Stay tuned for this month's installment of Buffalo Unlocked, where Jacob Tierney explores how the millions of tourists that come to the falls every year serve as a major driver for the regional economy. Further economic development of the city — like the kind happening at Comfort Inn the Pointe — could amplify that impact. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletters to have that story and many more delivered right to your inbox. It's the second hotel on the U.S. side working on new entertainment options: The former Niagara Inn and Howard Johnson is set to be reimagined as a rock-'n'-roll themed destination by Live-USA Inc., an affiliate of the DiCienzo Group of companies that owns the Sheraton at 300 Third St. and the Wyndham Garden at 443 Main St. Etienne, who has appeared on "America's Got Talent" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," lives in the region with his longtime girlfriend and performing partner, Chelsea LaCongo. They've seen the growth of boutique magic theaters popping up around the country, especially in tourist hot spots. For now, the plan calls for offering shows throughout the summer season four to six times per week. In the off-season, that will shift weekends only, allowing Etienne to keep booking shows elsewhere. 'We have friends all over the country who have been doing this for a year. It's a huge trend right now,' he said. 'We've tested other markets and have success. We have reason to believe it will be successful in Niagara Falls as well.' In addition to upgrades to exterior lighting and landscaping, Patel expects to do some additional renovations to the lobby area and guest rooms in the fall. Patel also has three independent restaurant tenants coming in to the first floor of the hotel, including a buffet, all of which should open in about a month. They'll join a souvenir shop and a convenience store. The magic theater will provide another amenity for his guests and other visitors to the Falls. 'It's not only helping my hotel; I think it's helping everybody in walking distance and the hotels on the next street,' he said. 'This is right on their way when they go see the fireworks and the lighting. This will give them a good reason to get out of their hotel room and do something while they're visiting Niagara Falls.'
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Yahoo
Flowing beauty: iconic East Coast waterfalls for your bucket list
There is something about a waterfall that soothes the soul. The combination of natural beauty and raw power draws us in like a moth to the light. Julie and I love chasing waterfalls so much that we jump at the chance to trek any path leading to a cascading natural wonder. If you enjoy the chase as much as we do, we have a list of stunning waterfalls on the East Coast you have to see. You may think Niagara Falls is the tallest waterfall in the United States due to all the attention it receives. It is far from it. While many more towering waterfalls have a limited volume of flowing water, Niagara Falls has 6 million cubic feet of water spilling over its edge each minute. Exceeding 176 feet in height in some sections, the combination of height and volume is mesmerizing. The iconic waterfall boasts a namesake town in both New York and Ontario. It comprises three waterfalls. Horseshoe Falls, often called Canadian Falls, is the largest. The other two are American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. You can see the natural wonder on the New York side of the border in America's oldest state park, Niagara Falls State Park. I suggest experiencing the full power of the falls by taking the Maid of the Mist boat tour. You will get a close view and a proper drenching. Do not fret. The tour includes a poncho. Getting so close to one of America's most iconic natural wonders is something Julie and I will never forget. Not only was it a blast, it was our first adventure when we decided to leave the corporate world to lead a life of travel and adventure. Located northwest of Ithaca, home to Ivy League school Cornell University, Taughannock Falls is a 215-foot plunging waterfall. The natural wonder sits in Taughannock Falls State Park, another fantastic New York state park. Forested trails along the rim and gorge lead you directly to the main attraction. I suggest the gorge trail, which spills out at the base of the falls. The rewarding hike takes you through the forest on a wide, mostly-level dog-friendly trail. Julie and I agree the hike is worthwhile even without the waterfall. However, the single-drop waterfall captures the essence of beauty and power, a treasure at the rainbow's end. You get so close to the action that you can feel the powerful mist move through the gorge. It is sure to paint a smile on your face as you stare in admiration. Affectionately dubbed the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park in western New York showcases dozens of waterfalls along a deep gorge carved by the coursing Genesee River. Three primary waterfalls steal the spotlight. Upper and Lower Falls each measure about 70 feet tall, while Middle Falls is 107 feet. Julie and I love how the trails deliver a blend of forest and canyon scenery, each breathtaking. Of course, the three significant falls are the highlight. The Genesee Arch Bridge in the backdrop feels like you stepped into a picture-perfect painting. Best of all, you can customize your day with short hikes or a lengthy, challenging trek as you explore all the park offers. They say good things come in small packages. That is certainly the case with Watkins Glen State Park. The 778-acre paradise features 19 waterfalls and 200-foot cliffs along one of the most rewarding hikes in the United States. Although the entire park is lovely, Rainbow Falls and Triple Cascade steal the show. Julie and I love this park because the primary trail leads you over, under, and behind numerous waterfalls. You get close enough to the action for water to splash on your skin. Even though you must navigate various sets of stairs, the beauty of the cliff walls, stone bridges, and cascading waterfalls will have you floating on clouds of bliss. The park nestles in New York's breathtaking Finger Lakes Region. After a day of chasing waterfalls, you can sip a glass of wine while basking in the glow of the sprawling vineyards and tranquil lakes. It is one of our favorite areas to vacation due to the combination of outdoor recreation and relaxation. Greene County, located in upstate New York's Catskill Mountains, boasts many beautiful natural attractions. Kaaterskill Falls, the area's crown jewel, cascades in two tiers during its 260-foot descent into a pool. Legends say many Native Americans consider Kaaterskill Falls the creator's resting place. To experience the falls close up, you must take a 1.4-mile round-trip hike. Surrounded by the beautiful Catskills, the hike is easily worth the effort. Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains National Forest, Franconia Notch State Park is one of New Hampshire's top attractions for a reason. An 8-mile scenic drive takes you over the hills and through the woods between peaceful Echo Lake and the park's highlight, Flume Gorge. This waterfall is more about the overall journey that takes you through a mix of stunning scenery. As you navigate the 2-mile loop trail, you will discover lush forests, towering granite walls, and two covered bridges. The waterfall is more subtle, dropping in a series of short cascades. However, the hike is so rewarding, and the scenery is so stunning that the waterfall easily makes the list. Beyond its acclaim as one of America's top scenic drives for fall foliage, New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway houses many treasures along its stops and overlooks. While Julie and I enjoyed every mile of the breathtaking drive, Sabbaday Falls is a treasure. A 0.3-mile hike takes you along a set of stairs for a view of the entire waterfall from the gorge to the rim. From the moment we heard rushing water and saw mossy boulders, we knew we were in for a treat before we reached the stairs. The trail yields excellent views from above and throughout the length of the cascade. Although only 35 feet tall, New Hampshire's beautiful landscapes make for a heightened experience. Pembroke, Virginia, offers an easy to moderate 4-mile loop, along which you will discover an alluring 66-foot waterfall gushing over a cliff and thundering into a vast pool. You can hike the lower trail along the gorge or the upper trail along the rim. I suggest the more scenic gorge trail, which follows a meandering mountain stream. The lovely hike culminates in a big payoff with the aptly named Cascade Falls. The highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, Upper Whitewater Falls in Cashiers, North Carolina, is 411 feet. Interestingly, its sister, Lower Whitewater Falls, measures 400 feet but is accessed in South Carolina. Julie and I recently visited the natural wonder during a road trip to explore the Carolinas. For your reference, Upper Whitewater Falls is a 1.5-hour drive from Asheville. A short hike on an inclined, paved path is required to reach the viewing area. If you want an even better vantage point, you can descend 154 stairs to an observation platform. Although the climb back up left us winded, the view is worthwhile. Less than an hour's drive from Asheville, Dupont State Recreational Forest's hiking trails feature splendid waterfalls and lush forests. The park's star attraction is High Falls, a powerful 120-foot waterfall. Julie and I love this park. The forested hiking trails reward you with tons of natural beauty. Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are extraordinary in their own right, making the park worth exploring further. We discovered various treasures along the way, including unique vantage points and a covered bridge. If you need another reason to visit Dupont State Recreational Forest, filmmakers shot scenes for The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games here. The Blue Ridge Parkway, "America's Favorite Drive," rewards travelers with many delightful experiences. One of those rewards is Looking Glass Falls, near Brevard, North Carolina. A short drive on US 276, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, grants roadside access to the striking 60-foot single-drop waterfall surrounded by rock coated with bright green moss. The short detour from the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the lush Pisgah National Forest. If your schedule allows, the forest holds other attractions, including Moore Cove Falls and Pink Beds, named for the colorful rhododendron and mountain laurel that carpet the area in spring. You can see most of Looking Glass Falls from an observation platform near the road. I recommend the under-half-mile round-trip hike to the base of the falls for a firsthand account. You won't regret it. We must admire many waterfalls from a distance. Some allow us to get close. Occasionally, Mother Nature will enable us to walk behind a waterfall. Dry Falls near Highlands, North Carolina, is one of those rare gifts. The remarkable 75-foot waterfall plunges over a cliff in the Nantahala National Forest. There is enough distance to stay dry (hence the name) while enjoying the spectacular view. During or shortly after a rainfall, you may get splashed by the overpowering spray. Trust me, you won't mind. When we think of the East Coast, we often picture big cities or sprawling beaches. However, the region offers scenic drives and rewarding hikes with stunning waterfalls. If you enjoy chasing waterfalls, visit our favorites along the East Coast. There is nothing quite like the feel of mist on your face when admiring a cascading natural wonder. Head to the East Coast and let the chase begin!
