Suggested Itineraries

Romantic Fall Escape

Summer isn’t the only time to enjoy the South Niagara Region ... enjoy a romantic getaway without the kids during the beautiful fall season! Take in the fall foliage and check out all the best restaurants and shops around Crystal Beach without the summer crowds.

Day One:

Arrive in the South Niagara Region and get ready for a weekend of fun, relaxation and romance. Start off with lunch at Casa Hugo Mexican Eatery and Tequileria. Casa Hugo serves up authentic Mexican street food in a lively atmosphere. In addition to delicious food, the restaurant has over 100 tequilas, signature cocktails, frozen drinks, and a great selection of beers. It’s the perfect spot to start your relaxing weekend away.

After lunch, check out the shops and boutiques in Crystal Beach or Ridgeway. Pick up local products to enjoy during your stay and souvenirs to bring back home. Both Downtown Crystal Beach and Downtown Ridgeway offer a charming small-town atmosphere with wonderful shops and charming architecture.

By now, your Holiday Homes vacation rental will be ready for you to check in! Head to your home away from home for the weekend and get settled in before heading back out for the night. For dinner tonight, we recommend Rizzo’s House of Parm in Ridgeway for a romantic date night with homemade Italian food.

Day Two:

Kick off the second day of your getaway with breakfast at The Breakfast Beacon in Fort Erie. This delicious diner will give you the fuel you need for a fun day exploring the area. After breakfast, experience the region’s stunning fall foliage with a bike ride along Friendship Trail. Once an old rail line, this trail has been converted into a multi-use recreation path that connects Port Colborne with Fort Erie. The 24 km (15 mi) path is straight and easy with almost no elevation change, so you can take a leisurely bike ride for as long as you want. The trail provides easy access to the Lake Erie beaches and stunning views of the Buffalo skyline.

Stop for lunch at Shaka Farm to Beach with a selection of farm-to-table smoothies, bowls, sushi, and sandwiches. After lunch, grab a beer and spend some quality time together at Brimstone Brewing. Located in a reimagined 20th-century church, Brimstone Brewing crafts traditional-style ales and lagers using all-natural ingredients. The brewery experiments with a variety of beer styles and serves sandwiches and light bites.

Head back to the rental home to relax for a bit, and maybe take a stroll on the beach.

End your night at 335 on the Ridge, known for its delicious cuisine, warm atmosphere and curated wine and cocktail list. Enjoy their menu of locally sourced organic ingredients on the cozy patio.

Day Three:

Start the last day of your getaway with a coffee and some breakfast at Crystal Ball Beach Cafe. Located just steps from Bay Beach, they offer a great selection of coffees, teas, breakfast sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.

After breakfast, head out on a half-day wine tour with Glass O’ Wine Tours. With several different tour options, you’ll get to experience a variety of different wineries in the famous Niagara wine region with a passionate and dedicated tour guide.

Don’t go home hungry, finish off your romantic getaway with dinner at San Vito’s Italian Bistro + Bar. Choose from a variety of classic Italian dishes and sip on a glass of wine or a delicious cocktail.

Spend one last night in your Holiday Homes vacation rental before heading home from your unforgettable fall escape.

Experience an unexpected fall getaway in the South Niagara Region! From Crystal Beach and Ridgeway to Fort Erie and Niagara Falls, the area has so much to offer during the beautiful fall season.

Day One

Arrive in the South Niagara Region at your leisure and get ready for a fun weekend away! First, head to Fireside Crystal Beach for a delicious lunch. Fireside Crystal Beach brings authentic Greek dishes to the beach-side town. Try their Greek Bruschetta, gyros, or rice bowls.

After lunch, take in some history at Old Fort Erie. Revisit the past and experience the sights and sounds of a fort under siege. The fort offers daily tours, musket demonstrations and interactive exhibits. (Note: Old Fort Erie closes for the season on October 7).

By the time you’ve wrapped up your afternoon at Old Fort Erie, your Holiday Homes vacation rental should be ready for you. Check into your place and get settled before heading back out for dinner in Crystal Beach.

Eat dinner at South Coast Cookhouse, a local favorite with a great menu selection and a fun atmosphere. Enjoy steak, seafood, pasta, pizza and more at this lively spot.

Day Two

Start your morning off right with breakfast at Maria’s Downtown in Ridgeway. Maria’s Downtown serves fresh and delicious home-style meals. After breakfast, experience the region’s stunning fall foliage with a walk or bike ride along Friendship Trail. Once an old rail line, this trail has been converted into a multi-use recreation path that connects Port Colborne with Fort Erie. The 24 km (15 mi) path is easily accessible with almost no elevation change. The trail has easy access to the beaches and stunning views of the Buffalo skyline.

You’re sure to be hungry after spending your morning outside, so head back over to Ridgeway for lunch at The Pie Guys. Your mouth will be watering over The Pie Guys’ gourmet grilled cheese menu and savory flatbreads, mac & cheese and sandwiches.

While you’re in Ridgeway, spend some time exploring the downtown area. Downtown Ridgeway offers a charming small-town atmosphere with wonderful shops and charming architecture. Fall is the perfect time to explore the quaint village because you can take your time checking out the shops without having to worry about any crowds.

End your day in Ridgeway with dinner at Solange Bistro, a fine-dining French restaurant offering fine wines, elevated cocktails, elegant charcuterie boards and authentic French cuisine.

Day Three

Kick off your final full day of vacation at Our Corner Café in Ridgeway. After having a coffee and a bite to eat, take a 30-minute ride up to Niagara Falls. Check out the falls surrounded by stunning fall foliage. Before heading back, test your luck at one of Niagara Falls’ casinos.

After you’ve (hopefully!) struck big, take your winnings and head back to Fort Erie for dinner. Enjoy homemade Italian dishes and an extensive wine list at Vaticano.

Now that you’ve eaten, shopped, and explored your way through the South Niagara Region, spend one more night in your cozy Holiday Homes vacation rental before your trip comes to an end.