Niagara Falls State Park - Everything you need to know

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Did you know Niagara Falls is actually the oldest state park in the USA? Yep! It’s tucked away in the charming town of Niagara, New York, and is home to not one, but three stunning waterfalls—the American Falls, the delicate Bridal Veil Falls, and part of the thunderous Horseshoe Falls that stretch across the Canadian border.

Honestly, it’s one of our all-time favorite state parks, and every time we visit, I can't help but wonder—why isn’t this a national park yet? It totally deserves that status!

We made it to Niagara around 5 PM after a drive from New York City, and our first stop was the visitor center. There’s a super fun "I ♥ NY" sign out front—perfect for those classic road trip pics. You just can't miss a chance to snap one there! 📸

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How to Get to Niagara Falls

Getting to Niagara Falls is pretty straightforward! If you're flying in, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is your closest option—just about a 30-minute drive to the falls. 

If you're coming from Rochester, it’s a scenic road trip away, and from New York City, plan for about a 6.5-hour drive (perfect for a weekend getaway!). 

You can rent a car for cheaper rates here. Cheap airport transfers can be booked here.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer are hands-down the best times to experience the falls. The weather is warm, the mist feels refreshing (not freezing!), and all the popular attractions—like the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour—are in full swing.

Just a heads up: Maid of the Mist usually shuts down in the fall and winter, so plan accordingly if that’s on your bucket list!

Where to Stay?

You can choose Buffalo or Niagara Falls to stay. 

We stayed at a cozy, modern, and comfortable Airbnb in Niagara Falls hosted by Niagara Hospitality. A 2-story house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with all amenities and well-maintained. We had a good night's sleep.

Here are some accommodation options:

Maid of the Mist Boat tour:

We started at the Niagara Falls State Park after breakfast. We had already booked Maid of the Mist tickets online. Here is the link to purchase Maid of the Mist boat tour tickets. 

This is my second visit to Niagara Falls. I can never forget the majesty of the waterfall when I saw it for the first time! It is a must-visit place for any visitor to the USA.

The Maid of the Mist isn’t just a fun ride for kids—it’s an absolute must-do for adults too! Before you board, you’re handed a bright blue poncho, which feels like it might keep you dry… but spoiler alert: you’re still getting soaked! 😄 The cool mist from the roaring falls hits you like a wave, and honestly, it’s refreshing and exhilarating, especially on a warm day.

The whole experience—from walking to the falls, riding the elevator down to the dock, boarding the boat, feeling the thunder of the waterfalls up close, and then drying off and heading back—takes around 3 to 4 hours. Trust me, every minute is worth it. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after the mist has settled!

Observation Deck:

We go through the observation deck on the way to the elevator. This is a great spot to take photos of the waterfalls. Prospect Point is another great viewpoint near the observation deck, which gives a different view of the waterfalls.

Prospect Point

Crow's Nest Viewpoint:

After stepping off the Maid of the Mist, we took a little detour to the right and noticed a set of steps leading up to a viewpoint—and wow, are we glad we did! This spot offers an incredible up-close view of the American Falls, and it's surprisingly peaceful compared to the main viewing areas.

You can see the steps to Crow's Nest view point

It’s just a short walk, but totally worth it before you wrap up your visit to the park. If you’re looking for that perfect final photo or a quiet moment to take it all in, this hidden gem is the place to go.

After the tour, we reached the cafe and had lunch. 

Cave of the Winds – Up Close with the Falls!

In the evening, we set off on a scenic walk from the Niagara Falls Welcome Center towards one of the park’s most thrilling attractions—Cave of the Winds. The trail itself is beautiful, winding along the river with gorgeous views that build the excitement with every step.

After crossing a bridge, we arrived at Goat Island, where the adventure really begins. We had already booked our Cave of the Winds tickets online (super convenient—get yours here), so we headed straight in.

This experience is absolutely unmissable—especially with kids! It brings you unbelievably close to the Bridal Veil Falls. Before heading down, you walk through a tunnel with an immersive video presentation on the history of the falls, plus interactive exhibits that explain how water power is harnessed—super cool and educational.

But the real highlight? The Hurricane Deck. Standing just a few feet from the pounding water, we could barely keep our eyes open with the spray blasting our faces—and we loved every second of it! 

We even caught sight of a rainbow up close, which felt like pure magic. Needless to say, we got absolutely soaked—and somehow, our phone cameras survived the splash!

Terrapin Point:

We hiked to Terrapin Point from Cave of the Winds. This is the closest point in the USA to watch Horshoe Falls. It is a beautiful viewpoint. Don't miss it!

On the way to Terrapin Point, we also saw the Nikola Tesla monument. Luna Island is a small island between American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. It has some good viewpoints of both waterfalls.

We visited Niagara in September. It is a little chilly, but not uncomfortable at all. 

That's about our wonderful trip to Niagara Falls State Park. How do you like it? Please let me know in the comments.

Until next time,

 

Love, Lies and Family Ties by Florence Keeling - Cover Reveal

Blurb: 

A heartwarming, feel good romantic comedy. ‘I absolutely adored this book. It gave me all the feels! A charming read full of warmth and heart.’ ***** Kim the Bookworm

Bea Winters is in desperate need of a fresh start. Being bullied at work is not her idea of fun and she longs to follow her dream of becoming a published author. When an advert appears in her local paper to work in a publishing house in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale, it sounds too good to be true.

She strikes up an instant friendship with gorgeous aspiring author, Eddie Richards and her dashing millionaire boss Scott Summers. But all isn’t as it seems in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale.

How does the local clairvoyant know her name? Who does the little black dog that keeps appearing belong to and why does she keep bumping into the mysterious Charlie?

As she starts to unravel the truth, it seems that everyone in Bea’s life is keeping secrets.

An uplifting romantic comedy that will warm your heart – perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Milly Johnson and Carole Matthews.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.eu/d/40GUHk8

Author Bio – 

I was born in Coventry but now live in Nuneaton. I married the love of my life over 20 years ago and we have two almost grown up children. We share our lives with two mad dogs as well.

Writing is a great passion of mine, that one day I hope to be able to turn into a career but until that day comes, I will continue working in accounts and payroll.

Social Media Links – @KeelingFlorence

https://x.com/KeelingFlorence 

Until next time,

The Book of Kindness by Egor Klopenko - [Book review]

Book Details:

Title: The Book of Kindness

Author: Egor Klopenko

Genre: Children's books, Children's literature

Publisher: Independently Published

Print Length: 32 pages

Reading Age: 3 to 9 yrs

Source: A review copy from the author

Blurb:

The Book of Kindness by Egor Klopenko is a heartfelt selection of poetic stories for young children, using vivid imagery and simple language to introduce themes of compassion and generosity. Through memorable scenes and characters—like the magical imaginary birds called “kindwings” fluttering around town spreading kindness, and the little girl, whose seeds of kindness turn into a flower—Klopenko helps young readers understand empathy in a relatable way.

 The book emphasizes family dynamics, presenting universal figures such as “Mommy,” “Daddy,” and “the little girl” or “the little boy” to ensure any child can see themselves reflected in the stories. A key strength is Klopenko’s ability to connect shared themes across different tales. This subtle storytelling approach helps young readers build cognitive skills by recognizing how similar values appear in different contexts. 

Thoughtful, universal, and filled with warmth, The Book of Kindness offers more than just heartwarming tales; it fosters early learning, empathy, and a growing understanding of kindness in the world around them.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is the first book in the series of 'The World of Kindness", but can be read and enjoyed separately. I loved this amazing collection of short stories, which explains kindness in simple words with multiple examples.

This is a good bedtime read for kids, especially those aged above 5 years. We need kindness in this world to reduce mental health issues and make our Earth a better place for our future generation. 

I love the way the author explains different ways of showing kindness, lifting up others, and making others cheerful. The illustrations are excellent. Beautiful pictures show every act of kindness so that it's easy for kids to imagine how a kind world would be. The narrative is easy-going and simple. The book cover is good, but not as good as the illustrations inside.

I would definitely recommend this book as a gift option for kids aged 5 to 10 years.

My Rating: 5/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Until next time,

Hiking Gorman Falls with Kids: A Fun Day Trip to Texas Hill Country

Located about two hours northwest of Austin, Colorado Bend State Park is a scenic gem near San Saba, Texas. Nestled along the Colorado River, this rugged wilderness offers over 35 miles of hiking and biking trails, winding through canyons, waterfalls, and limestone cliffs—perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.

Gorman Falls from Tinaja Overlook

How to Reach?

Address: 1201 Colorado Park Road, Bend , TX 76824

Park Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM 

Entry Fee : $5 per person, kids under 12 yrs - free

This state park offers a hike to a cave, waterfalls, natural springs, fishing, camping, and swimming in spring-fed pools.

Best Time to Visit?

Since it's Texas, the best time to visit is not on a sunny day :-) Trails are not shaded. The waterfall looks amazing after rain, but the trail might be slippery after rain. 

A cloudy day would be good to enjoy the scenic view of the Colorado River, hike Spicewood Canyon, or enjoy Gorman Falls.

Where to Stay?

Austin is only 2 hrs away. That would be a good place to stay, but there are some cabins on Lake Buchanan and unique stays and resorts around the area.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Here are some options:

 

Things to Do?

Hike Gorman Falls and Tinaja Overlook :

This is the most popular hike in the park. This 70-foot waterfall is accessible by 3 3-mile round-trip trail. There is a restroom available at the trailhead. 

Here is our guide for a family-friendly hike to Gorman Falls. The first half of the trail is flat and easy. After 0.5 miles into the trail, there is a path that leads to Tinaja Overlook. It's 0.75 mile leading to a viewpoint of Colorado Bend, adding 1.4 miles out and back, but it is really worth the extra miles. There is a deck with a place to sit, relax, and enjoy the view. 

If you can brave it, you can carefully walk to the rock, which gives a clearer view. You can see Gorman Falls from this point as well. It's amazing. That viewpoint is Instagram worthy :-)

Another popular but difficult trail is the Tie Slide Trail, 2.3 miles one-way. This connects to the Tinaja Overlook.  

Beautiful view of Colorado River

Tinaja Overlook

Then, we joined our main trail again. Another 0.4 miles is easy. The last part of the trail is steep with rocky terrain. There are chains on the sides of the trail to hold on to while climbing down to the falls. This is the hardest part, and kids need more help. 

The waterfalls are beautiful. They are spread over multiple rocks, and one part of the falls is covered with trees. It is not easy to capture the falls on photos, but this needs to be enjoyed personally. 

There is a cool spot to sit, have snacks, and take a break. Heading back, of course, is a little tough as we have to climb up at least for 0.5 miles. It is easy after that. 

The trail took 2 to 3 hrs, I guess, for us with photo and snack breaks. We went the day after a heavy rain, so the waterfalls were gushing with force. 

By the way, our return hike was not smooth. Unfortunately, there were lightning and thunderstorms followed by heavy rain. Fortunately, we reached the car safely, but completely drenched. 

Gorman Falls

The green moss

Swim in Spicewood Springs:

Enjoy a series of spring-fed pools and refresh on a hot summer day along the Spicewood Springs Trail. Spicewood Springs Canyon Trail is a 3.8-mile loop. 

You might need water shoes for this trail, as there are a few water crossings. Spicewood Springs Trail is 1.3 miles out and back. We couldn't do it due to heavy rain, but I definitely recommend it. 

Try the Cave tour if you are up for an adventure!

This website allows you to book cave tours. They offer tours for different difficulty levels. There are around 400 caves in this area. These caves are not regular tourist-friendly ones. You should be ready to crawl, squeeze, climb etc., 

A headlamp/ flashlight, sturdy shoes are required, and you should be ready to get dirty and wet :-)

There is also an activity called Bat Hike, organized by park staff.

Visit Fiesta Winery

Address: 18727 W FM 580

Lometa, TX 76853

This local winery offers wine tastings, pizza, and cheese boards. With $25, you can experience a complimentary wine and taste your choice of 6 wine samples.  This winery is only 20 minutes away from the State park. They also have large outdoor seating. 

Check here for hours. 

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

So, that's about a quick trip on a weekend. How do you like it? Do let me know in the comments.

Anything else we missed in this area? Do let us know.

Until next time,

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River Place Nature Trail, Austin - All things you need to know behore you hike

If you're looking for one of Austin's most challenging and scenic hikes, look no further than River Place Nature Trail. This shady gem is not just a walk in the park—it's a full-body workout packed with elevation, steps, and beautiful nature all around.

Located in West Austin, this 6-mile out-and-back trail (yes, that’s 2,763 steps total!) is perfect for hikers who want to break a sweat, enjoy nature, and explore one of the best-maintained urban trails in the city.

At the beginning of trial

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🌿 Trail Overview

River Place Nature Trail is made up of three connecting trails:

• Panther Hollow Trail
• Little Fern Trail
• Canyon Trail

💪 If you're up for a serious workout, try the Panther Hollow + Canyon Trail combo. It's about 3 miles one way and definitely the most intense section. Expect stairs, hills, and lots of breaks!

Trail Map

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🚗 How to Get There + Parking Tips

We parked at Woodland Park, which has limited free parking but thankfully, includes restrooms and water fountains.

There are a few other entry points with street parking options if Woodland Park is full. Since the trail has multiple entrances and exits, some hikers do a one-way and call an Uber or Lyft back to the starting point—great if you don’t want to double back.

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🔥 How Hard Is River Place Nature Trail?

Let’s be real—this trail is hard! But doable.

🏃‍♀️ Experienced hikers can likely complete it in 2.5 hours

🚶‍♂️ Beginners or families (like us) might need 3 to 3.5 hours with breaks

Even though it’s challenging, the trail is shaded for most of the way, making it bearable even in warmer weather.

Tip: Hiking with kids? Bring more water, rest often, and pack snacks. Our family (with elementary and middle school kids) did it in about 3 hours and 20 minutes, with plenty of stops.

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💵 Entry Fee Info

Depending on the day and time, there may be a $10 per person fee.

✅ Free after 3 PM or on weekdays

💰 Fee usually applies on weekends/ busy days

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🧳 What to Bring

Don’t hit this trail unprepared! Here's what you’ll need:

• 🥤 At least 1.5 liters of water
• 🍎 Snacks or energy bars
• 👟 Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
• 🧢 Sun hat (a few exposed areas)
• 🐍 And stay alert—we saw a rattlesnake just a few feet off the trail!

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🌄 What to Expect on the Trail

• The first 0.25 miles are easy and flat—a nice warm-up
• The trail follows a shaded, tree-lined path with springs and streams
• After that, it’s stairs, elevation gain, and even some viewpoints
• Just when you think it’s over, more steps await! The middle section gets tough.
• The return hike feels quicker since you know what to expect.

We started our hike around 5 PM and finished by 8 PM. Late afternoon is ideal—not too hot and fewer people on the trail.

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🧼 Facilities

• 🚻 Clean restrooms at Woodland Park
• 🚰 Water is available before you start
• 📵 Limited cell signal in some areas, so download a map ahead of time or take a photo of the map at the beginning of the trail

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Final Thoughts

If you're up for a challenge and want to explore one of the best nature trails in Austin, River Place Nature Trail should be on your list. It’s tough but incredibly rewarding, with peaceful nature, birdsong, and enough steps to make your legs sore the next day.

Perfect for fitness lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone looking to escape the city without leaving Austin.

Accommodations in Austin:

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Until next time,

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10 Best Travel Accessories for Moms in 2025

As moms, travel can be both exciting and chaotic. Whether juggling with toddlers, planning road trips, or finally taking that solo getaway, having the right gear makes all the difference. 

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Based on personal experience and hours of research, here are the 10 best travel accessories every mom should pack in 2025.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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1. Packing Cubes:  

Stay organized with sets of packing cubes. They help separate kids' clothes, your outfits, and essentials like diapers or meds. No more digging through a messy suitcase!

2. Collapsible Water Bottles: 

Hydration is key, especially when you’re on the go with children. Choose BPA-free, space-saving bottles that clip onto backpacks or diaper bags.

3. Travel Stroller: 

 Lightweight and foldable strollers like the Babyzen YOYO or GB Pockit are lifesavers in airports and city tours.

4. Portable White Noise Machine: 

Help your child (and yourself) sleep better in unfamiliar hotel rooms or Airbnbs with a compact white noise machine.

5. Multi-Port USB Charger:

 Charge your phone, tablet, baby monitor, and Kindle all at once. This is a must-have for long travel days.

6. Travel-Friendly First Aid Kit:

A first aid kit includes bandages, wipes, fever strips, and basic medications. Pre-packed kits are great, but customize them for your family’s needs.

7. Hands-Free Baby Carrier:

Ideal for airport security, hikes, and navigating tight spaces. Look for ergonomic and breathable designs.

8. Compact Travel High Chair:

A clip-on or foldable high chair ensures safe and stress-free mealtime wherever you go.

9. RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet: 

Keep passports, credit cards, and boarding passes secure and organized. Choose a design with multiple slots and zipper protection.

10. Travel Journal or Digital Notepad: 

Jot down travel memories, your child’s firsts, or keep track of expenses. A beautiful way to document your journeys.

Final Thoughts:

These travel accessories have saved me countless headaches and made trips more enjoyable, whether it was a quick weekend road trip or a cross-country flight with my kids.

What are your must-haves? Share in the comments!

Until next time,