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Articles on some of the world's most romantic
destinations by
professional photographer Eleanor S. Morris
Niagara
Falls: A Great American Getaway for Fun and Romance
by Eleanor S. Morris
Romance and adventure, what a wonderful mix. And all to be found on the
American side of the Niagara River and dramatic Niagara Falls. For more
than 200 years the setting has drawn couples from all over the world to
get married or to honeymoon here, to fall in love with its spectacular
beauty and awesome power.
Whether you're looking for adventure or if you'd like to get married standing
on the brink, high above in a tethered helium balloon, flying over them
in a plane, or on picturesque Goat Island, there are many breathtaking
settings for all sorts of celebrations, all sorts of adventures.
FLIGHT OF
THE ANGELS
For a fantastic view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding vista, float
high above in a tethered Helium
Balloon. This giant inflated balloon soars 400 feet above the Falls,
departing every 15 minutes and taking up to 30 people on each ride in
its suspended basket--hang on while you peer over the side!
JETBOAT
NIAGARA
For a wilder ride, take the Jetboat through Niagara's famous rapids to
the Whirlpool, where Niagara's whitewater transforms from towering waves
into swirling currents. The boat gives an amazing view of the whirlpool...but
is careful not to get too close!
Other highlights include the whitewater playground Devil's Hole, where
it takes all the boat's power to navigate such waves as Flash Flood and
Big Kahuna, and Hamilton Turn, named after the makers of the jet propulsion
system, which makes possible the complete 360 degree turn spinning maneuver,
capable only because of the system's unique design and power. This is
such a highlight the Jetboat
will do three of them during your trip!
MAID OF THE MIST
 Another
boat ride takes you so close to the Falls it seems like you can reach
out and touch the massive volumes of falling water. The Maid
of the Mist cruises to the brink, where you can hear the roaring cascades
thunder above you and feel the glistening spray on your skin while experiencing
the sheer magic of millions of gallons of water seeming to fall from the
sky. There's an Observation Tower and a Gift Shop at the ship's Boarding
Dock.
OLD FORT NIAGARA
You might think, like Paul Revere, that the "redcoats are coming"
when you see the volunteers in costume at this historic fort. During the
colonial wars in North America a fort at the mouth of the Niagara River
was vital--it controlled access to the Great Lakes and the westward route
into the heartland of the continent.
The three flags flying daily above the parade ground symbolize the nations
which have each held the fort in turn: France, Britain and the United
States. And each in turn competed for the support of a fourth nation,
the powerful Iroquois Confederacy. Begun by France in 1726, Fort Niagara
supports a military presence even today, presenting a unique and exciting
historical panorama: the evolution of a major North American fortress
over more than three centuries.
The buildings of the fort represent many different periods of history,
and you can begin a tour at the two oldest, the Provisions Storehouse,
1762, at Point 1, and the Powder Magazine, 1757, at Point 2. The Three
Historic Flags at Point 8 are the French flag, flown from 1726 to 1759,
the British, waving here from 1759 to 1796, and the 15-star, 15-stripe
United States flag from 1796 to 1818.
Another interesting stop is the "French Castle," the oldest
building in the fort. To calm the suspicions of the hostile Iroquois,
the French designed it to resemble a large trading house, but actually
is was a strong citadel capable of resisting Indian attacks.
In addition to touring the grounds and seeing the fascinating history
exhibitions and displays, there are colorful musket demonstrations and
living history programs every summer. The fort
is open 9:00 am daily year round.
GETTING MARRIED AT THE FALLS
 It's
easy to get married at the falls. Go to any city clerk or town clerk's
office in New York State (including the City Clerk's Office at 745 Main
Street at Cedar Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY), which issue marriage licenses
Monday to Friday (except legal holidays) from 9 am to 3:30 pm. The fee
is $40. Both parties to the license must appear together before the clerk
and present at least one form of official identification, such as a driver's
license.
If you have been divorced, you must show the clerk a certified copy of
the most recent divorce decree issued by the court. The clerk will hand
you the marriage license, which can be used for 60 days after a 24-hour
waiting period. You must give the marriage license to the minister before
the service.
Several wedding chapels and bed & breakfasts offer weddings and vow
renewals both on the properties or at spectacular Niagara Falls locations.
For more information:
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