We checked off a biggg bucket list item last month – Niagara Falls! It was our first time in Niagara Falls and we couldn’t have picked a better weekend to go. The weather was absolute fall perfection, and the sun was out the entire weekend! According to the locals, we lucked out weather wise this time of year.

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls – Fallsview which was on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.  I highly recommend staying on the Canadian side as they have the best views of the falls.  The hotel not only had amazing views of the falls from the rooms and restaurant, but it was centrally located to everything to see and do in Niagara Falls! We only got in our car once and that was to go hiking and to the wineries which was about a 15–20-minute drive from the hotel. More information on the hotel can be found here (https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-100674509-15381386).

Why we loved staying at the Crowne Plaza:

• The Falls, Falls View Casino, Distillery & Niagara Brewing Company were within walking distance from the hotel. You can walk right out of your hotel to see one side of the falls – so convenient. Note: you get a free tasting at Niagara Brewing Company with your stay at the Crowne Plaza.  We also order a charcuterie board which was really good!
• Hiking trails, golf courses and wineries within a 15–20-minute drive (we went hiking and visited two wineries – Two Sisters Vineyard and Peller Estates!)
• Indoor Waterpark, Arcade Room + Go-carts, Hershey’s Chocolate world, museums and more for kids!
• Restaurants & a Starbucks in and around the hotel. We ate breakfast in the Rainbow Room every morning which was so good! They have a breakfast buffet with every breakfast item you can dream of with again, incredible views of the falls.

Here’s a recap of what we did in Niagara Falls:

• Went to two wineries – Peller Estates (https://www.peller.com/) and Two Sisters Vineyard (https://www.twosistersvineyards.com/). We did a tasting at Two Sisters Vineyard which was a stunning vineyard.  Their rose was one of the best rose’s that I’ve ever had – I even bought a bottle to take home with me!  After Two Sisters, we enjoyed a glass of wine and charcuterie board Al fresco at Peller Estates.  Again, the weather was just perfect for winery hopping!
• Went on a hike which was beautiful! We hiked the Whirlpool Rapids Trail, but there are plenty of trails to choose from. We like the Whirlpool Rapids Trail because it was an under 2 hour hike, wasn’t too strenuous and had amazing views of the rapids.  More information on the hike can be found here: https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions-and-tours/hiking-trails
• Walked along the falls – we decided against a tour this time, because we found out we had better views than on the boat + we didn’t want to get soaked. BUT, the tour is supposed to be a great time – here are the details of the available tours you can go on. https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions-and-tours
• We played some slot machines in the casino after dinner one night which was super fun! The casino is within walking distance from the Crowne Plaza too – again, the location of the hotel could not have been better!

Where we ate in Niagara Falls:

• Rainbow Room for breakfast each morning. We love their breakfast buffet, and it kept us full until late-afternoon/dinner time!
• Remingtons
• Antica
• Weinkeller
• Doc Magillians

If you’ve been wanting to plan a trip to Niagara Falls, I highly recommend staying at the Crowne Plaza – not only was the hotel absolutely beautiful, but the location of the hotel was also key for us.  There were so many things to do within walking distance from the hotel.  If you didn’t want to get in your car, you certainly didn’t have to! You can book your stay here:  (https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-100674509-15381386).

xo,

This post is sponsored; however, all opinions and recommendations are my own. 

St. Simons is located on the Georgia coast and is one of four beautiful barrier islands known as The Golden Isles – St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island.  St. Simons is a little over an hour from Savannah and has always been such a nice beach getaway for me! I don’t have to drive very far, but I feel farther away from Savannah than I actually am.

I’ve stayed at several hotels and condos in St. Simons, but this trip included a first time stay at Hotel Simone which did not disappoint!  Hotel Simone is the newest adult only boutique hotel and it is truly exquisite – no detail was left out.

The hotel has 24 suites outfitted with king-sized beds and high-end finishes. I collect art and fell in love with every piece which are all locally sourced from Dutchmans.  Dutchmans’ has a tab just for Hotel Simone where you can purchase artwork, furniture, mirrors and lighting found throughout the hotel.  And don’t even get me started on the wallpaper! I now want to install wallpaper everywhere.  Our room was very spacious and had a kitchenette and small living room area which was such a nice feature!

ROOM AMENITIES:

• King Sized Bed with Plush Mattress and High-End Linens
• Separate Living Space with Wet Bar & Sleeper Sofa
• Luxury Bathroom with Deluxe Toiletries
• Handheld Steamer
• Hair Dryer
• Two TVs with Streaming Capability
• Mini Fridge Stocked with High-End Snacks & Refreshments
• Coffee Maker
• Balconies in Select Suites

Hotel Simone also has a rooftop pool and gym – both of which we took advantage of during our stay! The gym was very impressive – it had everything we needed for a good sweat session (weights, kettle bells, treadmill, benches, les mills bike, etc.). Another added benefit of staying at Hotel Simone is the continental breakfast. Saved us time and allowed us to get on the beach quicker!

An added bonus when staying at Hotel Simone, is that you also have access to all of the amenities at the King & Prince.  We spent our second day lounging at the King & Prince pool and grabbed some snacks + drinks at The Sea Shack Bar and Bites which is conveniently located in the pool area.  Another Hotel Simone perk is that they have beach chairs that you can take with you to the beach (if you rent them from the King & Prince, you will incur an additional charge) – such a great added perk to not have to worry about bringing chairs on your trip, especially if you fly. The King and Prince Sea Shack Bar has a great menu of froze cocktails and we definitely took advantage (highly recommend the frose).

Some of the best restaurants are located in St. Simons and Hotel Simone was located within walking distance from one of our favorite restaurants – Crabdaddy’s (so convenient!).  We went there twice – once for dessert and then another time to eat dinner.  You can’t go wrong with ordering the red snapper, salmon and the bread pudding.  While I am not a bread pudding girl, Crabdaddy’s has the best bread pudding and just overall the best desserts that I have ever put in my mouth!

WHERE TO EAT IN ST. SIMONS:

• Crabdaddy’s
• Georgia Sea Grill
• Barrier Island Brewing
• Sal’s Pizzeria
• Haylards
• Brunch + drinks at Echo at The King and Prince
• Southern Soul BBQ
• The Porch

WHAT TO DO:

• Hit the beach!
• Go to the fishing pier
• Go see the lighthouse
• Shop in the St. Simons Pier Village District
• Golf at The King and Prince
• Eat + drink your way through the island
• Drive over to Jekyll Island and walk along Driftwood Beach – it’s such a hidden gem! (restaurant recs in Jekyll: The Reserve in the Westin, The Wharf, Zachary’s and Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar)

 

 

St. Simons is such a fun beach town and is one I frequent often since it’s such a short drive from Savannah.  If St. Simons isn’t on your list, it needs to be and Hotel Simone is the place to stay!

XO,