Recently I was at Niagara Falls State park and I stopped at a placard I have driven by hundreds of…read moretimes. You may have as well. This is what is said: "First House Built By Judge Porter In 1808. Many Notable Visitors And Friendly Indians Were Received Within Its Walls." Its standing in a open lot, so the house is long gone. Judge Augustus Porter was a chief land surveyor for the Connecticut Land Company in the late 1790's. He is thought to be one of the first white settlers to the area (still occupied by various Indian tribes at the time). He bought this land near Niagara Falls, and built a sawmill (using the water power) and some other things. He was also a politician at the time, and was the State Assembly man for the Genesee and Ontario District at some point. He and his brother understood the value of the Falls as a tourist attraction and were able to make that happen. They built a bridge to Goat Island, got a ferry to cross the river, and planned gardens for people to come and enjoy. He was a busy man, and had a general store in the area, and then was a judge (the first for Niagara County) and postmaster (the first for Niagara Falls). A man of many talents. This was the site of the first home he built in the area. He had 5 children. Worth a quick stop along the road.

I only had an hour to explore Morningstar Mill but I'm glad I made a stop. I just happened to be…read morein Canada the same weekend the mill was running (It only operates about three times a year but is a nice place regardless). It's a small place and guests are able to explore the mill, see the process of grain made into flour, tour the home and barns and there's even a little trail. I saw a number of photographers there also, capturing family portraits. (I believe you have to have permission for this). I'm from the Midwest but had never seen a mill in operation. Never one to miss an experience, I hopped into each building to watch the process, ask questions of the volunteers and even brought a small sack of flour home (they did question me at the airport). I'm not sure if tours are provided, but if asked, the volunteers are eager to explain a few things. This is especially great for families with children who are of the age to understand the milling process and it's even cooler you can take some flour home and make something together. Worth a trip, especially if it's in operation! You could easily spend a couple hours or more exploring. A great Fall family excursion for sure. Morningstar Mill is a small, rural industrial heritage site owned by the City of St. Catharines and operated in partnership with the Friends of Morningstar Mill. It features a working grist mill built in 1872, a turbine shed, a sawmill, a blacksmith and carpentry shop and the historic home of the Morningstar family. The Mill provides a rare glimpse back in time to when moving water was used to mechanically grind grain into flour. Admission is free. Donations are encouraged. Check the website for up to date information on milling and tour schedules. Decew Falls are also nearby, as are many beautiful areas, vineyards and I stayed at Omi's Hause, a gem of a bed and breakfast just a few minutes away!

This hidden gem is one of the more picturesque stops in St. Catherine's on the way to Niagara…read moreFalls. Perfect for an afternoon dip for families and a romantic spot for couples. The mill here serves as a backdrop to the waterfalls, but it also houses a museum and there are tours every few days. There's a grassy area to the side where you can have a small picnic. The falls themselves are really nice and extremely cooling (it's actually cold near the water!) during a heat wave. To get down, a path leads you zigzagging across. There is also a short cut that involves a rope and a cliff. I actually made it up and down via the cliff and that rope, and for a sissy like me, you can do it too! The small wading area is nice for a dip. You can also walk behind the water falls for a whole other experience. Highly recommended are water shoes, as the rocky bottom is jagged and heard to walk in. Admission is free.

Hidden gem in the area!…read more I visited the falls after being in Saint Catherines for a wknd and it was stunning. To get to the falls you have to hike along a zig zag path and pass by beautiful views of the gorge and river. I would highly recommend coming here. But make sure you wear proper attire! The hike down to the river is very steep and bumpy. Do not be that person that hikes down with flats or sandals. Wear running shoes. Try to cover up and wear insect repellent as well. Definitely worth the trip!

The St. Catharines Cenotaph is located in Memorial Park and is a memorial to the brave men and…read morewomen from the Niagara region who served in various conflicts. It was unveiled on August 7, 1927 by Brigadier General W.B.M King, who commanded the 10th Brigade of the third Canadian Field Artillery Battery during the struggle for St. Julien at the second battle of Ypres in 1915. The monument is the centerpiece of a small park just north of the bridge on Saint Paul Street. It is comprised of a large column constructed out of brick and granite, mounted atop a concrete plinth, set on terrace level steps. In includes inscriptions and bronze plaques commemorating the sacrifices of local soldiers that recognize the Second World War, Korean War, Peacekeeping (2006) and the Merchant Navy were added later. At the top, front of the column is the St. Catharines crest and on the reverse side is a maple leaf. A scroll-like ornamentation is at the base of the column. A furled flag and maple leaf grace each side of the cenotaph, and the symbols of the different units that fought in the Great War are found encircling the structure. On the bottom plinth are two carved crosses. Originally there was a large reflecting pool at terrace level in front of the cenotaph, but it was removed in late 1930. There is a historical marker nearby that points out the heroism of Lance Corporal Fred Fisher, V.C., 1894-1915 [Yes, he was just barely 20 years old.]. It reads, "Born in St, Catharines, Fred Fisher abandoned his studies at McGill University when World War I broke out and served with the 13th Battalion, First Division, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Fisher was awarded the Victoria Cross for his exceptional courage in action near St. Julien, Belgium, on April 23, 1915, during the second battle of Ypres. Under very heavy fire he led a machine-gun detachment covering the withdrawal of an artillery battery. Though his crew fell to enemy attack, Fisher held their position. He then returned to the garrison for more men and advanced again to the firing line. Killed in action the next day, Fisher has no known grave." The park is a focal point for Remembrance Day ceremonies. [Review 2079 of 2024 - 190 in Ontario - 23098 overall]

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.

Great landmark to take photo of,Built in 1892 and designed by David Roberts Jr., it is recognizable…read morefor its distinctive wedge shape, which lends it the name "flatiron". Also the St. Lawrence market is less than 5 min away, I recommend to check that one as well!

Gooderham Building is also known as the Flatiron Building. It does look like a flatiron. No it is…read morenot as famous as the Flatiron Building in NYC. The building is called the Flatiron building is due to its shape. Yes it is a triangular / iron like shape. The building is not tall and is only 5 stories high. This is a landmark of Toronto. The building was built in 1892. Behind the building is Berczy Park. It is very interesting that there is a 3D mural behind the Gooderham Building.

The Porter Mansion is a historical mansion in Niagara Falls once owned by the Porter family who…read moreactually 'owned' the falls and the property along the Niagara River leading up to the falls. It is now owned and being g restored by the Tatler Club which in itself is historic. A private women's club formed in 1925 when the women's movement was reshaping the country. They now are working on the preservation of the mansion and host tours ND event here. I had the pleasure of attending a fundraiser for the Niagara Arts & Curtural Center, aka the NACC, called Opera-tizer Spring Tea. It was an afternoon with lunch, wine, opera, dessert, and tea. My knowledge of opera is limited but I must say the opera singers were outstanding. The setting was beautiful and the food was great. Very enjoyable day. If you get the opportunity to check out this great place please do. 2023-42

Visited Osgoode Hall while exploring downtown Toronto. The…read morehistoric building is impressive, and the architecture is beautiful. It's easy to walk around and take in the details, with plenty of spots for photos. The guided areas are informative, though some parts are crowded during peak hours. The surrounding courtyard is peaceful and perfect for a short break. Staff are helpful and polite when approached for information. Overall, a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts, with a calm, relaxed atmosphere.

Stepping into Black Creek Pioneer Village feels like a warm hug from the past It's one of my…read moreabsolute favorite escapes from the city's hustle and bustle. As an educator, I'm always enchanted by how they bring history to life - the historic gardens are meticulously kept, and the artisans in the workshops are so passionate about their heritage crafts. I spent my last visit sitting near the old mill with my sketchbook, enjoying the peace and the smell of fresh woodsmoke. It's such a grounding experience, whether you're here for a quiet stroll or a family day trip. If you appreciate the simpler things in life and want to see a different side of Ontario's history, please visit! It's a true neighborhood treasure