Western New York State

Dubbed 'the biggest small town in America', Buffalo sits on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, serving as a good base for visiting Niagara Falls and for exploring the Finger Lakes region. Established by the French in 1758, New York's second largest city became an important trade port for trade with the eastern US.Buffalo has some noteworthy Victorian architecture and some good museums. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery contains an impressive collection of works by American artists and hosts many great touring exhibitions, while the Buffalo Zoo is home to an exotic assortment of animals from all over the world.The nearby Letchworth State Park is popular with hikers and offers wonderful views over the Genesee River Gorge, promoted as the 'Grand Canyon of the East'. Buffalo is also a popular stopover destination for travellers on their way to nearby Niagara Falls, as it is the nearest major airport.

The 11 narrow lakes that stretch north to south below Lake Ontario are the Finger Lakes. The lakes are popular for boating and fishing, and the rolling hills between them are interspersed with waterfalls, gorges, and parks, ideal for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing.Native Americans believe the Finger Lakes formed when one of their Gods reached out to bless their region and left behind an imprint of his hand. The Finger Lakes region, formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, is one of the most important wine growing regions in the United States.Most of the vineyards are located on the rolling hills of the Cayuga Wine Trail, overlooking the Cayuga Lake, and many offer tours and tastings. A variety of tourist accommodation is available in the region, from luxury lodges to campsites.

The Niagara Falls straddle the United States and Canadian border, 340 miles (547km) northwest of New York City. They are one of the most popular natural attractions in the country, attracting more than 20 million tourists a year.The Niagara River has been flowing for about 12,000 years. But the eroded escarpment over which the falls flow today is much older, forming during a previous ice age. The river plunges over a cliff of dolostone and shale, forming the second largest waterfall on earth after Victoria Falls in southern Africa.It's best to appreciate the mighty torrent from a spray-filled 'Maid of the Mist' boat tour. But there are many different tours and tickets available. Interestingly, the falls have attracted daredevils over the years, who have gone down them in various contraptions.Frenchman Jean Francois Gravelot performed the most famous of these feats, crossing over on a tightrope in 1859. His legacy is evident in the scores of tightrope walkers who have since followed in his footsteps.Traditionally a honeymoon destination, the area around the Falls has been built up into a major tourist area, with attractions like Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, and plentiful cheap eateries and chain restaurants.

Website : www.niagaraparks.com