The Frigo family will be in Niagara Falls USA today and tomorrow as part of their 3,500 trek across the country on their bikes.

James ‘Bubba’ Frigo was diagnosed with Retinis Pigmentosa, a genetically inherited disease that will eventually lead to blindness, and after graduating high school hopped on his bike.  After convincing his father to join him, the father son team set out to explore America, raise money to cure blindness and experience the beauty of the United States before Bubba goes blind.

The Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation met with the family Tuesday morning and presented them with a VIP tour of the Cave of the Winds and Discovery Passes for the family. “It’s truly remarkable what James has set out to do at such a young age. We wanted to make sure that his inspiration hasn’t gone unnoticed,” said Melissa Morinello, director of marketing and communications for the NTCC.

For more information or to donate, visit their Facebook page, Frigos Big Challenge or their donation page.

Niagara USA is home to dozens of locally owned restaurants that feature regional dishes, old world recipes, and contemporary cuisine.  Travel through each of the four regions in Niagara and experience a wide variety of the best foods Niagara has to offer.

After a day at Niagara Falls State Park stop by Caffe Lola (507 Third Street) and enjoy lunch in a trendy restaurant.  Stocked with paninis, gelato, homemade soups, and locally produced sodas, you won’t leave hungry.  Treat yourself to the lobster mac and cheese, sweet potato frites, or roasted eggplant panini.  There is also a children’s menu including a nutella and jelly panino and a variety of pasta dishes.

Lewiston is home to the Brickyard (432 Center Street) that features barbeque that would even make the south jealous.  Opt for the ribs, St. Louis or Baby Back, or the chicken and shrimp creole for food so good your stomach will thank you. Be sure to ask for extra hand wipes though.

On your way to the Niagara Wine Trail stop at Gordie Harper’s Bazaar (3333 Lockport Olcott Rd.) in Newfane for homemade meals including meatloaf, turkey, sandwiches, soups, and salads.  The family restaurant also features an attached craft store where you will find handmade, unique gifts.

Lockport is home to many great restaurants including Garlock’s (35 South Transit Road) that serves everything from steaks to chicken, and seafood.  Family owned and operated, Garlock’s restaurant has been serving steaks since 1962. It is the perfect place for dinner after an afternoon on the Erie Canal.

We want to thank you for being social so, if we reach 10,000 fans and followers on Twitter and Facebook by August 15, 2010 we will throw a party in Niagara Falls USA! So spread the word and you will be invited.

By Paul Lane – Niagara Gazette
CNHI

NORTH TONAWANDA — A recent report on cnn.com highlighted the Falls’ renaissance as a honeymoon destination.

“We just had a ball,” Amy Wieller of Virginia told the Web site of her Niagara honeymoon in September. “You kind of feel like a kid when you’re back there … (and) that view — you can’t not be romantic there.”

Rebecca Dolgin, executive editor of theknot.com, told CNN that the Cataract City’s fun factor is one of the reasons that Niagara Falls is one of her site’s 19 best North American honeymoon hot spots. (more…)

The first fire hydrant was invented in Lockport

• In 1859 Birdsill Holly, a Lockport inventor and businessman, developed the method for using pressurized water to fight fires through a hydrant system located throughout the city.
• Lockport was the first city school district in the United States to desegregate their school system.


Lockport's Seven Sutherland Sisters

• The Seven Sutherland Sisters lived in Cambria, just outside of Lockport. In the late 19th they were considered world famous celebrities with their floor length long hair and beautiful singing voices. Their hair products made them millionaires; their spending made them paupers.
• Belva Lockwood was born in nearby Middleport and in 1884 was the first woman to run for President and actually receive votes. She ran again in 1888.
• Harrison Radiator started in Lockport in 1910 and became part of General Motors a few years later. (more…)

The Broadway musical Smokey Joe’s Cafe made its way to Niagara Falls USA for a three-night performance.  Cast members performed choreography and sang nearly 40 songs in the 2-hour show.  Smokey Joe’s Cafe took place at the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls, New York.  The show had no storyline, but it didn’t need one.  The audience participated, sang along, and even got involved in some of the production numbers.  The end of the show came with a  standing ovation and rousing round of cheers and applause.  Be sure to check out the upcoming shows in Niagara Falls at the Rapids Theatre.

We caught up with one of the show’s main cast members and asked him some questions about the show and Niagara USA.  Check out the video clip for parts of his interview and snip-bits of the show.

775 Cayuga St. Lewiston, NY

A few of us from the office visited Tin Pan Alley, 775 Cayuga St. Lewiston, NY,  yesterday evening for dinner.  We were quickly greeted and decided to sit in the bar/lounge area (that’s where most of the people were).  The menu was very diverse.  If you can’t find something there, then I have no idea what you eat.  They had everything from finger foods, to salads, burgers, wraps, pastas, and everything in between.  Between the three of us we ordered the taco salad, chicken quesadilla, and the philly  steak wrap with fries.

Our food came out fast! We were in a time crunch so it was perfect. The portions were huge and we all ended up with leftovers for lunch today.  On top of that, the price was right. For the three of us our bill was about $22!

Two thumbs up for Tin Pan Alley.

25 of Western New York’s top attractions will be featured in a December 1, show on WNED at 8p.m..  The show titled, ‘WNY A to Z‘ will highlight more than two dozen attractions, museums, and cultural  sites located throughout the Greater Niagara region.  Each site will correspond with a letter of the alphabet creating a unique show.  Niagara’s own Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, Old Fort Niagara, Lockport Locks, and Underground Railroad made the list.

HGTV’s holiday season spectacular, ‘HOLIDAY BATTLE ON THE BLOCK’ is coming to Niagara and looking for young families who love to deck the outside of their homes for the holidays! (more…)

1. Unique food. From Viola’s Submarines on Military Road, to DiCamillo’s Italian Bakery, to Colosso Taco to family owned restaurants on Pine Avenue, you will experience unique restaurants and eateries with rich history that have been around for generations.

2. Parrot Man. You can catch him in Niagara Falls State Park with his bicycle, crackers, and pet parrot. Seriously.

Vizcarra Vineyards

3. Wine. With over a dozen wineries in the Niagara Region and even a bar devoted to wine (Wine on Third in downtown Niagara Falls) you know it has to be plentiful and delicious! (more…)