Sometimes you plan a trip so thoroughly that you can practically see yourself there. Then it gets cancelled, and you’re left with an eerily detailed map of what would have been. That’s what happened here: I was supposed to be in Albany, NY for work, and I had tacked on a three-day mini-getaway to hit some dream spots in Upstate New York and across the border in Niagara Falls.

Spoiler: the work trip got cancelled, which meant the getaway disappeared too. But because I can’t waste a good itinerary, I’m sharing it here.

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Day 1: Baseball History, Chocolate Candy, and Chicken Wings

Breakfast of Champions (well, travelers at least)

My first stop was going to be Professor Java’s Coffee Sanctuary in Albany for a specialty latte and a breakfast wrap. I wouldn’t have even left the region without being caffeinated.

Cooperstown Calling

Then it was off to Cooperstown for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. As a lifelong baseball fan, I’ve always wanted to see it in person: the plaques, the artifacts, the history of “America’s pastime” all in one building. After three or four hours exploring the exhibits, it would be time for lunch at Doubleday Café.

Souvenir Hunting

Once properly lunch-powered, I’d stroll through some of the local shops: Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange (always curious what small distillers are doing), Where It All Began Bat Company, or Baseballism for something I can’t live without or didn’t know I couldn’t live without.

Road Trip Refuel

Another latte at Stagecoach Coffee, because road trips are 60% gas, 40% caffeine. Then, I’d point the car toward Buffalo.

Sweet Detour in Tonawanda

On the way, I’d swing by Fowler’s Chocolates for Buffalo’s specialty sponge candy. It’s one of those treats people either rave about or politely hand off to their cousin, but I was determined to grab some as a souvenir and, once home, have a taste test with my friends to see where we stand.

Buffalo Wings in Buffalo…Duh

Dinner was obviously going to be wings. I’d picked Elmo’s, even though Anchor Bar claims the original. Why? Buffalo has a whole Wing Trail website with a personality test to tell you which restaurants’ wings would match your preferences. If only all life choices could be made so easily.

Border Crossing

With my saucy fingers all cleaned up, I’d cross the Rainbow International Bridge into Canada and check into my Airbnb in Niagara Falls, Ontario. There are also a few hotels with views I’d been seriously considering:

• Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
• Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls (almost the same name, but it is a different hotel)
• Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites
• Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

Day 2: Waterfalls, Pastries, and Light Shows

A quick note: if you plan on heading to multiple tourist attractions in Niagara Falls, I strongly recommend looking at Niagara Adventure Passes for bundled entrance fees, parking, and transportation.

Morning with a View

After breakfast at the Airbnb, I’d head straight up the Skylon Tower for those sweeping views of the Falls. Morning mist + morning lift = ideal start.

Into the Glen

After flying high, the plan was to get grounded on a scenic hike at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, complete with the free Indigenous audio tour Rekindling All Our Relations. I loved the idea of learning how Indigenous communities connected with the land while I walked through it.

Riding the Rapids (Safely)

Next up: the White Water Walk, where you ride an elevator down and stroll along a boardwalk beside some seriously raging rapids. It’s the kind of thing that makes you grateful for handrails and sensible shoes.

Pastry Pit Stop

After all that roaring water, I’d calm things down with a visit to Moodie’s Bakery for Canadian butter tarts and maybe some other pastry treats too. I wasn’t planning to dive right in though. These were going to be my little treasures to squirrel away (or is it “beaver away” in Canada?) for later.

Behind the Curtain

After a quick lunch (still hadn’t planned where), I’d have headed to Journey Behind the Falls. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, I would have absolutely poncho-ed up and loved every minute. A stroll through Queen Victoria Park would have followed. Perfect for letting the mist dry off while pretending you’re the kind of person who knows things about horticulture.

Canadian Comfort Food

Dinner was going to be poutine at Potato Heads, because when you’re in Canada, cheese curds and gravy are practically a requirement. I haven’t mentioned any yet, but I swear I was going to find at least one vegetable to eat during this trip.

Night Magic at the Falls

After dinner, I’d head to the Niagara Parks Power Station Night Experience, a re-imagined hydroelectric station with lights, sound, and history woven together. And since some tickets allow multiple trips, maybe one more ride up Skylon Tower. Beginning and ending the day by seeing the same view in literally different lights seemed sort of poetic.

Day 3: Women’s Rights to Retro Bites

Sugar for Breakfast

Remember what I said about vegetables? Well, I guess not for this meal. I was planning to have my Moodie’s tarts with some coffee to start the day like a real winner.

Seneca Falls Stopover

On the drive back to New York, I’d stop in Seneca Falls at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. This was a big reason I wanted to do this trip: to walk through the history of women’s suffrage where it all began. Afterwards, I pictured myself strolling the canal for a reflective moment among the quaint, historic views.

Retro Lunch + Final Boost

Last major stop: Rick’s Famous in Utica, a 70s-style burger joint. Then one final coffee from Utica Coffee Roasting Company to fuel the last stretch back to Albany.

Final Thoughts

Even though this trip didn’t happen, I can still see it: the spray from Niagara Falls, the serene canal in Seneca Falls, the mix of big-name sights and small-town finds. Sometimes building the itinerary is half the fun. In this case, it’s keeping the trip alive until I get another shot at it.

Have you been to any of these spots? Drop your favorite memories (or wing recommendations) in the comments. I’d love to hear what you’d add to this three-day loop.