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    Genesee Arch Bridge

    5.0 (1 review)

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    Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff - Inside visitor center

    Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff

    4.5(36 reviews)
    47.8 mi

    I did a tour of Graycliff as part of the All Day All Wright tour a while ago anat that time it was…read moreinteresting but also a bit disappointing both because the renovations were ongoing and we arrived late due to traffic so the tour was cut short. Seeing online that Graycliff had just opened a new visitor center and was in full swing I decided to make a one day trip to see it again. Located about a half hour southwest of Buffalo and about an hour northeast of Erie, Graycliff sit right on the Lake Erie shore. There is a small sign at the end of the long drive that leads you to the new visitor center. The center is set up just outside the area that Wright designed. The center is very modern but it does have elements that are inspired by Wright, the horizontal lines of the building, the glass that allows you to see through the building is similar to Graycliff. Inside there is a very nice gift shop, some interesting exhibits and an unusual unisex bathroom. I had signed up for the extended tour and we had a nice group who all had some experience with Wright before, including one guy who had done extensive work in building the new visitor center. The tour starts in the visitor center with a very well made video giving some of the history of Wright, the Martins and Graycliff. After that we went through the Picking Garden which was very attractive and smelled wonderful. We then learned about the layout of the outside, including that the driveway was oriented to track the movement of the sun on the summer solstice. We were also informed about the history of the site, the local materials being used and the history of the house after the Martins had to give it up. We also were told about the water features and how the house was oriented to allow views through the house to see the lake. Although this was the 3rd project Darwin Martin had hired Wright for (the Darwin Martin House and the Larkin Company Adminstration Building were the others) here the client was Mrs. Martin and this was to be a summer house so the overall design is a bit unique. The timing of the project was also crucial as Wright had finished his Prairie Style and the Usonian style was not yet developed. Wright had also gone through a number of personal issues and public scandals so this commission was helpful in bridging a difficult period. Once inside Graycliff you realize that there are many common Wright elements, the use of natural materials, the importance of the hearth as the heart of the house and how he had opened up the common areas with a flow. Graycliff is unique in how it is oriented to the lake with huge windows on both sides. We also got to see the second floor and the second floor of the smaller second house that initially was the garage and chauffeur's quarters and later used by Martin's daughter's family. I have to compliment our docent Brian who did a great job of guiding us through the house and property while supplying information, pointing out details and just being very entertaining. Wright was a complex person, while a genius and visionary he also had personal issues and could be difficult to work with, Brian gave a nice balanced view of Wright, his relationship to the Martins and how Graycliff came to be, plus its history and restoration. On my previous visit I had enjoyed Graycliff, but also found it a bit disappointing, this visit reflects the great job that has been done on finishing the restoration and furnishing the property to best effect. While not as flashy as some of the better know Wright designs, Graycliff is well worth a visit for its historical significance to Wright and to see how he was in transition and developing new and different ideas. A great visit and I am so glad I took the time for a second visit.

    Graycliff is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's residential designs and is often regarded as the bridge…read morebetween his Prairie houses of the early 1900s and later masterpieces, such as Fallingwater (I look forward to visiting one day). Designed by Wright for Isabelle and Darwin D. Martin (and unlike the Martin house, which you should also visit), the estate sits on an 8.5-acre bluff overlooking Lake Erie. It's about 25 miles southwest of Buffalo, New York. And I did not realize this important tidbit: the gardens and landscape designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman, who worked with Wright. The property was built between 1926 and 1931 as the summer home for the Martin family. Also, Graycliff is a New York State Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Importnat note: the Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House and Graycliff Conservancy are two separate nonprofits -- I did not know that before my visit. The two even have distinct missions. But they each have the common goal to preserve and share the history of the Martin family and Wright's work. I highly recommend visiting both sites. And be sure to check the schedule and tour times. Outside of the welcome center, gift shop and adjacent garden, you must sign up for a paid tour to see the rest of the buildings on site. In the central house, Wright effectively dissolved the traditional boundary between indoors and outdoors. There is local limestone, ochre stucco and cedar shingles and, if you keep a watchful eye, you will see Wright's designs at work: triangles, circles, hearts, diamond-shapes and other shapes are embedded and featured throughout the grounds and in the architecture. Graycliff was also personally significant for Wright. During the mid-1920s his career and finances were in turmoil. The Martins, longtime friends as well as clients, commissioned Graycliff at a moment when relatively few of Wright's designs were being built. Over time, many architectural historians view the project as helping sustain his practice during one of the most difficult periods of his life. And last interesting tidbit: The Martin family owned the property until after Isabelle and Darwin died. It was sold in 1951 to the Piarist Fathers, an order of Roman Catholic Priests from Hungary. They lived in and used Graycliff until 1997 (even built buildings and structures), when the property was sold. Graycliff was actual set to be demolished for condominiums -- can you imagine?! A few tips for your visit: -If you are driving a larger vehicle (large trucks, RV's, camper vans, vehicles pulling trailers, call in advance. The team will work to accommodate your vehicle. Do not miss the brand new visitor center. It has interactive educational features, an informative video and an excellent gift shop, with snacks on site. -Parking is out front at no cost. -A portion of all tours is outside, rain or shine. -Wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. -Apparently, stiletto heels are not allowed in the main house to protect the restored floor. -Only service animals are allowed on the grounds.

    Photos
    Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff - Living room

    Living room

    Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff - Upper hall

    Upper hall

    Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff - Gift shop

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    Gift shop

    Haunted History Ghost Walks - Mason Winfield of Haunted History Ghost Walks

    Haunted History Ghost Walks

    2.6(8 reviews)
    31.7 mi

    Was really looking forward to this, as my wife and are interested in supernatural stories. However,…read moreour guide basically talked about architecture and even then, he got a lot of it wrong. We were also annoyed at his reference to Roycroft Inn workers getting stoned and calling one of his ex-girlfriends, a "sweet young thing". Really kind of sexist and not funny at all. About the best that could be said was that the tour was shortened to 60 minutes instead of 90.

    Larkinville Ghost Walk - went on the October 5, 2019 ghost walk. I DO NOT recommend this walk. My…read morefamily and I have attended similar walks in Cape Cod and North Carolina and found them entertaining. This walk was a history tour at best - no talks of hauntings, ghosts or paranormal. Not scary at all. Further, the group leader was ill prepared, his audio device didn't work (so the large audience in attendance couldn't hear him) and he was not aware of the path, surprised by construction, he seemed to make it up as he went. Some history, no jokes, no spooks ... bummer, my family and out of town guests were so looking forward to this. I think it has potential with better prep, richer story telling and new batteries in the portable microphone - I recommend a different walk - this one disappointed !!!

    Photos
    Haunted History Ghost Walks - Haunted History Ghost Walks is fun for all ages, groups, and families!

    Haunted History Ghost Walks is fun for all ages, groups, and families!

    Haunted History Ghost Walks - Haunted History Ghost Walks Tour Guide, Author, & Owner, Mason Winfield

    Haunted History Ghost Walks Tour Guide, Author, & Owner, Mason Winfield

    Haunted History Ghost Walks - Haunted History Ghost Walks

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    Haunted History Ghost Walks

    Niagara Parks Power Station - From platform

    Niagara Parks Power Station

    4.6(35 reviews)
    62.5 mi

    The Niagara Parks Power Station is truly the best way to view up close and personal this natural…read morelandmark without actually heading onto one of those tour boats. On the top floor, you're presented with exhibits highlighting how energy is used to power the area and how the falls contribute to that flow of electricity. There were some fun moments of learning that I'd say were suited for kids 10 years and up. The real gem is the underground walking path that takes you right to the falls for a truly unique feel. We spent a good amount of time taking in the sites and seeing how massive the falls were compared to our small bodies. Be prepared for a little bit of moisture and splash back from the waves. While admission may seem steep at first at $35, it really was worth it to get such a wonderful view of the falls. I'd highly recommend this to anyone visiting Niagara Falls and wanting to commit to one of the major attractions for great views.

    So far my favorite place to visit at Niagara Falls Canada side. We purchased a Niagara Falls parks…read morepass. It includes the We Go bus pass and admission to 5 places. Super great deal. This is one is great. You walk inside the Pwer Station and then take an elevator ride down to this massive tunnel and walk maybe 3/4 of a mile to where it opens up for a fantastic view of the horseshoe and American Niagara Falls. Definitely have to go if you are here...

    Photos
    Niagara Parks Power Station
    Niagara Parks Power Station
    Niagara Parks Power Station - Long side of building

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    Long side of building

    Maestro Tours - Millennium Broadway Hotel Lobby

    Maestro Tours

    4.5(2 reviews)
    45.8 mi

    Bill E and his Daughter Loren were fabulous in their organization, planning and conducting our trip…read moreto NYC for Christmas Spectacular. We were led thru the busy streets of Time SQUARE and Broadway. We had wonderful seats for the Rocketts show, an off Broadway Play and the NYC Ballet performing the Nutcracker. We had reservations for meals at very nice restaurants, with delicious food options! Lots of optional excursions, and lots of free time too. Hotel was very comfortable and talk about LOCATION! We were able walk a short distance to all the places mentioned! Oh, did I mention Bryant Park ice skating ring, and Christmas Village Artisans Market? It was wonderful. The bus was comfortable, and driver Steve was very entertaining. My heartfelt Thank You, for taking care of us and showing us such a fun time! We met lots of fun people, many who were repeat customers! And we will plan to join then , hopefully very soon.

    My wife and I have gone on two of Maestro Tours trips - the 2017 Broadway Tour and the 2018 Fall…read moreFoliage Tour to NH & VT. We enjoyed both of them very much and have many fond memories from them. The Maestro's attention to even the smallest of details was much appreciated, and his flexibility allowed for all travellers to enjoy the tours. We met some very nice fellow travellers, stayed in great accommodations, ate at some unique spots, and saw and experienced some wonderful shows and attractions. Our trip to NYC was so well done and informative that it gave us confidence to twice travel there on our own since 2017!

    Photos
    Maestro Tours - Tenement Museum, NYC

    Tenement Museum, NYC

    Maestro Tours - Photo stop on 6th Ave. on a morning walk.

    Photo stop on 6th Ave. on a morning walk.

    Maestro Tours - Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

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    Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

    Genesee Arch Bridge - architecturaltours - Updated July 2026

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