The Perfect Day in North Tonawanda
Located midway between Niagara Falls and Buffalo and bordered by the Erie Canal and the mighty Niagara River, historic North Tonawanda is a must-stop place to visit near Niagara Falls — or a day-trip destination in and of itself.
Morning: Marvel-ing at History
Spend some time strolling the waterfront and the streets of what was once called “the Lumber Capital of the World,” eventually making your way to the North Tonawanda History Museum and the Gateway Cities Welcome Center, which will provide you with a time capsule of everything you need to understand the backstory of North Tonawanda — and the region as a whole.
Breakfast: Get your coffee, espresso or fruity smoothie with a hearty omelet or breakfast sandwich at local favorite Coffee and Stone Cafe.
![](https://niagara-usa-2023.s3.amazonaws.com/images/main-images/friends-drinking.jpg?v=1692838010)
![](https://niagara-usa-2023.s3.amazonaws.com/images/main-images/north-tonawanda-banner.jpg?v=1692838011)
![](https://niagara-usa-2023.s3.amazonaws.com/images/main-images/kids-in-shop.jpg?v=1692838012)
![](https://niagara-usa-2023.s3.amazonaws.com/images/main-images/Herschell_Resized.jpg?v=1692838013)
Afternoon: Carousels & Candy
Your history lessons continue, but in more nostalgic, delicious ways. At the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, a favorite North Tonawanda tourism spot, you can take a spin on an original Alan Herschell carrousel — its horses were carved back in 1916 from the lumber that made North Tonawanda famous. Be sure to explore the historic complex, which was built in the early 20th century to house the factory that made America’s most famous carousels. Afterwards, head to Platter’s Chocolate Factory to get a taste of Platter’s legendary orange chocolate and sponge candy, made the same way since 1938. Be sure to linger long enough to take a peek at the process — or to sample the goods in the factory’s ice cream shop.
Lunch: Woodcock Brothers Brewing Co. shares space with Platter’s — they’re both housed in the landmark Wurlitzer building that dates back to 1892. Settle in for a hearty sandwich or a woodfired pizza and wash it down with a Woodcock IPA or a Niagara Lager. Afterwards, be sure to pop into Tattered Tulip Home — also in the Wurlizter Building! — to browse the farmhouse-chic décor and curated gifts.
Evening: Theater Magic
The Wurlitzer name you’ll see around town is indeed that Wurlitzer — the company that created the world-famous pipe organ. You can experience a working Wurlitzer (with more than 3,000 pipes!) at the Riviera Theatre & Performing Arts Center. The historic 1926 venue plays host to musical artists and also screens movies — including silent films accompanied by that legendary organ.
Dinner: Pretend you’re in Paris for the evening at Webster’s Bistro & Bar, where you can enjoy French bistro favorites — escargot, boeuf bourguinon, moules frites, sumptuous steaks — with a glass of Burgundy. If it’s seafood you’re after, try Remington Tavern and Seafood Exchange for fresh oysters, broiled or steamed clams, seared scallops, lobster and more in a historic setting on the Erie Canal.
MORE STORIES YOU'LL LOVE
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/4_Herschell_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=213&q=80&w=320&s=5ef2aae23c1fe533fe0507abc413dd15 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/4_Herschell_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=360&q=80&w=540&s=47d0de68384c70843ddd99d13dff3af2 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/4_Herschell_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&q=80&w=768&s=420781e2e3b1ed76df03f228112e005d 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/4_Herschell_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=683&q=80&w=1024&s=4a875e6d6a8e015ad10d9729f71bf592 1024w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/4_Herschell_A.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&q=80&w=1200&s=35c301f1c4b62c76dc2c6d76b1c2f8fb 1185w)
Go behind the history to find out how North Tonawanda became the ideal place to…
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/1_HERO_Rapids-Colorful_1500x790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=213&q=80&w=320&s=39862f7005566f82eae4c197d3459c52 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/1_HERO_Rapids-Colorful_1500x790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=360&q=80&w=540&s=a704d84611b857ddb1a136d6ccafa65e 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/1_HERO_Rapids-Colorful_1500x790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&q=80&w=768&s=1187818f65bf4e0d08464eec17863a86 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/1_HERO_Rapids-Colorful_1500x790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=683&q=80&w=1024&s=b54edac3e13685ed630498bc7d8fa4f1 1024w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/1_HERO_Rapids-Colorful_1500x790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&q=80&w=1200&s=12fe614522330c062dfa3f646ff5ddeb 1185w)
Our favorite places to enjoy performing arts in Niagara County — and where to dine…
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/23_Willy-Wonka.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=213&q=80&w=320&s=76098de32578633d7230b0296140365b 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/23_Willy-Wonka.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=360&q=80&w=540&s=6c26fbf037975747d1ff5fd45e64c997 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/23_Willy-Wonka.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&q=80&w=768&s=3dcc5559d67e63c6bd83924a135e15d9 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/23_Willy-Wonka.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=683&q=80&w=1024&s=905d9c067340aab3a1613ae178f85044 1024w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/meta-images/23_Willy-Wonka.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&q=80&w=1200&s=5c31c8fe982ad641b92db0c57ea5490e 1185w)
An array of sweet treats awaits every visitor in Niagara Falls USA.