Daytrips in Upstate New York: Historic Lewiston
By: Lisa Caruana
While the majesty and natural beauty of Niagara Falls has been a popular tourist destination for decades, many overlook the subdued elegance and quaint charm of the surrounding area just beyond the water’s roar. Western New York is replete with small town road trip destinations and the village of Lewiston is a hidden gem on the lower Niagara River. Located only seven miles north of Niagara Falls, the village of Lewiston is an ideal destination for a relaxing daytrip or weekend get-away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby larger metropolitan areas of Buffalo or Niagara Falls.
Nestled among the foliage of the region’s picturesque landscape, President Jimmy Carter once deemed Lewiston “the most historic square mile in America,” and with good reason. Steeped in a colorful history that predates the Revolutionary War, Lewiston has alternately been a booming trade hub, strategic war outpost, and gateway for westward expansion. Lewiston served as the final stop along the Underground Railroad for countless slaves headed for freedom in nearby Canada, and all three of the former safe houses used to hide runaway slaves are still standing. The whole town participated in these covert activities led by local tailor Josiah Tyron, whose former residency served as one of the final safe houses. Known as the House of Seven Cellars, Tyron’s residency is still an impressive presence on Center Street and was made famous by Margaret Goff Clark’s book Freedom Crossing, standard reading for grade school students across the country.
Lewiston’s proximity to historic Fort Niagara makes it an ideal road trip destination for families looking for both an enjoyable and educational vacation experience. The area played a crucial role in the War of 1812 and French and Indian wars, and often plays host to various war reenactment encampments. The Frontier House on Center Street is Lewiston’s premiere historic landmark and has hosted such notable guests as President William McKinley, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), and Charles Dickens.
The modern-day village wears its years well, with its brick sidewalks, period street lanterns and colonial-style architecture creating a pleasant and nostalgic ambience as you stroll down the main thoroughfare. Situated at the heart of the village, the pleasantly-shaded Center Street is lined with unique shops, specialty boutiques, restaurants full of local flavor, and traditional bakeries. Discover the quaint charm of this historic small town as you browse through its antique stores, craft shops and fashion boutiques, or just wind your way down through town to stroll along the Niagara River for sunset.
Center Street plays host to a variety of festivals of historic and contemporary flavors throughout the year and the various attractions are easily accessible by foot as you meander your way through town. The calendar of events kicks off in early May with the Smelt Festival, where you can stuff yourself on free samples of the region’s signature fish catch as it is cooked up down by the waterside. The festivities reach a crescendo during the summer months, with the list of events including a ten-mile garage sale at the end of June, the Art of Ribs festival in August, an annual jazz festival and an art show complete with a sidewalk chalk drawing competition. Things start to wind down in late September with the ubiquitous Harvest Fest and round out in October with the River Region Scarecrow Exhibit. The summer festival season ends with a flourish in early September as the Lewiston Kiwanis club hosts their annual Peach Festival. Gather up the kids and make a daytrip of enjoying the midway-style games, live music and, of course, peach shortcake.
Nearby Artpark hosts its own extensive schedule of events during the summer months, including a wine and culinary festival at the end of July and various concerts and plays throughout the year at its large indoor venue. An innovative and unique experience in itself, Artpark has successfully blended art with leisure time and offers activities that the whole family can enjoy. From cultural festivals to free concerts, Broadway musicals to rock shows, the range of events and activities varies widely. Artpark also offers nature trails to explore and hands-on art and craft activities for kids of all ages.
Public fishing is permitted off of the docks by the river’s edge in Artpark and the town of Lewiston itself, and bringing your catch home for dinner is made easy by the publicly-funded fish cleaning station. Various fishing derbies are held throughout the warmer months, with the prizes often paying out well in exchange for a small entrance fee. Private companies offer chartered boat tours and fishing excursions out onto the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, and thrill seekers are sure to love a high speed whirlpool jet boat tour up the Niagara gorge. Nearby hiking trails at Devil’s Hole (only minutes away by car from downtown Lewiston) allow for a more intimate experience of the gorge, where a stone stairway descends 300 feet for an up-close view of the whirlpool rapids along one of the area’s many nature trails.
Lewiston lies at the heart of the Niagara Wine Trail, which winds its way through the pastoral back roads of western New York and down the picturesque Niagara escarpment as it connects over a dozen local wineries. Grab a map of the area and some friends and make a daytrip of visiting the local wineries. With vintages ranging from the traditional to the unique, the region is most famous for its Ice Wine, a sweeter dessert wine pressed from grapes frozen while still on the vine.
Whether you visit Lewiston for the shops and cafes along Center street, the world class fishing and hiking, or the historic flavor, the village and surrounding region are sure to enchant and entertain, offering a peaceful escape for all ages. An ideal destination for a short daytrip or long weekend excursion, Lewiston is an excellent small town destination for you and your family to discover and explore.
Links for Vacationers:
Lewiston village is simply a must place to see when in Niagara Falls. Piper’s Village Inn is great!! Breakfast was great and host (Jeanine) was very accommodating. The rooms are very comfortable. Great location just off of the main street in Lewiston village so shops and restaurants in walking distance. Not too noisy.
Add A Comment