Powerful. Majestic. Breathtaking. All those word and more describe this natural wonder. Did you know Niagara Falls has been a honeymoon destination for over 150 years? Many people came to the Falls for its restorative properties. In other words, something in the air around the Falls makes folks happy. So what’s floating around? Negative ions – which has been known to positively affect stress and moods.

I love Niagara Falls, mostly for the trip down memory lane. Or could it be the negative ions? Every summer growing up my parents would stuff the five of us kids in the back of the stationwagon and travel to upstate New York. We'd stay with my uncle, aunt and cousins – a total of four adults and nine kids. And every year, without fail, we’d take a day trip to the Falls.

This trip was my turn to share my memories with my husband. After a visit with family and passport in hand, we crossed the Rainbow Bridge into Canada, a painless process. Hubby arranged for us to stay at the Embassy Suites.

The view was amazing. Both the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls roared down below. Food was the first order of business, as we were starved. All variety of restaurants were within walking distance. We chose a wonderful Italian restaurant called My Cousin Vinny's, in honor of the movie. The food was excellent.

The temperature had dropped twenty degrees from two days earlier and our ride through the wine trail. It was cold for this transplanted southern girl. We bundled up and headed out. As we strolled together down to the thundering water’s edge, memories came flooding back. Happy summer days filled with my mom and dad, aunt and uncle, siblings, and beloved cousins. A time carefree from worries. Emotion sang through me as I tugged hubby along, taking pictures and telling stories.

My dad, who was quite a character, had half of us kids believing he could swim backstroke up the falls while still standing next to us. I treasure those times and going back brought up memories long forgotten. I promised myself I wouldn’t take as long to go back.

If you're ever in that neck of the woods, here's a few fun things to do around the falls:

• If you’re into hiking and natural beauty, check out Niagara Falls State Park. (US side) Start with Cave of the Winds & Maid of the Mist. https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/
• Maid of the Mist cruises – takes you up close and personal with the falls. https://www.maidofthemist.com/
• Journey Behind the Falls – (Canadian side) descend 150 ft to view the water from behind the falls. https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/journey-behind-the-falls/
• Skylon Tower – (Canadian side) rotating restaurant and panoramic view from the observation deck 775 ft above the falls. https://www.skylon.com/
• Niagara Falls Museum  - (Canadian side) https://niagarafallsmuseums.ca/
• Whirlpool Rapids – are among the most dangerous in the world.