Thanksgiving in October! Shenanigans in Buffalo, NY, Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Grand Bend, Ontario

I went to visit a friend and my cousins at the beginning of October.  The big plan culminated in a grand Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday.  I know, it sounds really weird to most US citizens to hear about Thanksgiving dinner being the second week of October, instead of the fourth Thursday of November.  But that is when it is in Canada.  SO, lucky me, I get TWO Thanksgivings when I celebrate with my cousins!!  I really love Thanksgiving.

Before the wonderful dinner, my friend, cousins, and I explored and played.  I had Thursday to myself, so I explored Buffalo and Rochester, NY, a bit.  I have got to say, if you are anywhere near downtown Rochester, you absolutely have to stop at Dinosaur BBQ.  The ribs are the best I have ever had!  (And remember, ya’ll, I am from the South and live in Texas – I KNOW ribs!  Sorry, Morrie!)

Ribs from Dinosaur BBQ

During my wanderings, I found a lot of beautiful spots to enjoy.  There was the hidden bench by a pond to watch the sunset.  A huge park to play some catch with the kids, have a picnic, or just sit and chill.  There was the Japanese Garden behind the Buffalo History Museum, the grounds of the Albright Knox Art Gallery, and Hoyt Lake.  Thursday was a busy day!

On Friday, my friend and I started the trek to Grand Bend, Ontario, with a stop at Niagara Falls, Ontario.  She had never seen the Falls, and I absolutely love them!  We wandered the path to see them from all angles.  The weather was amazingly mild for October, so we took our time.  If you are in the Buffalo area, the Canadian side of the Falls is only an hour or so away.  Well worth the trip!!  The US side of the Falls is the more beautiful side, so you have to view it from Canada (so don’t forget your passport!).  We actually got to Grand Bend later than planned because we were enjoying the majesty of the Falls so much, it was hard to leave.  (Sorry, Heather!)

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada – looking to the US.

We were in Grand Bend for the last weekend of the Summer season.  There are several things that you really should do if you find yourself in Grand Bend, no matter what time of year it is.  Me, you probably will not find me there in the winter, since I don’t do cold, but I will definitely be there late Spring through mid-Fall whenever I get the chance.  First, you have to go into town and walk around.  If you are there in the off season, a lot of the stores will not be open.  At the end of the main street, you find the lake.  Lake Huron, to be exact.  So breathtaking!  The lake is so huge, you feel like you are on the ocean!  The beaches in and around Grand Bend are pristine.  The Pinery is a must experience.  It is a Provencial Park (like one of our National Parks down here).  There are biking trails, hiking trails, camp grounds, and 9 or so different beaches (3 of which are dog friendly!).  If you are there during the summer, make sure you check out the flea market that is close to the Pinery.

Now that you have walked every where, the sun is setting, and you are starving, what to do?  Well, there are several great little restaurants in and around Grand Bend.  My favorite was Paddington’s Pub!  Their fish and chips was awesome!  The staff is great, the locals are funny and nice.  After our dinner, we were talking with several of them, and we ending up heading to the nightclub (yup, they have one!), White Caps.  To be honest,  I don’t really remember much – lots of music, dancing, drinking…  But their doorman was HOT!!!  I definitely remember him.  Too bad I couldn’t fit him in my carry-on!

Paddington’s Pub – awesome food, great drinks, fun and friendly people!

Needless to say, this is definitely a trip I will take again.  There is more to explore in Upstate New York.  The Falls are always a great destination!  Grand Bend is now on my top three list for second home location.  I am so blessed!  Great family, great friends, and the wonderful opportunity to travel!  Happy October, ya’ll!  Go explore!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *