The sorry state of the American side (commerce)

The place to talk about the world famous waterfall attraction, the tourism, and the condition of each side of the border.

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Matt
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I made a trip there last weekend and the American side was packed! packed with people from all over! How the City can't take advantage of it and turn it into economic fortune is astounding!
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Matt
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Went there yesterday for some photos and drove a bit around the city. The streets, outside of the tourist epicenter, are crumbling. The old tourist shops and outlets surrounding the casino are still empty. No new businesses seemed to have moved in. There were enough people there. The state park was packed... but still no businesses outside of Indian food buffets can survive? Only one street cart vendor sets up outside the park?
Then there's that prominent "food and souvenirs" building smack in the center of the falls-front. It's a mix of shitty souvenirs and horrible heat-lamped fast food. That's it... the park and this. Depressing.

The culinary center opens in the fall, but I don't expect it to change much.
http://www.usaniagara.com/projects_display.asp?id=20
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Matt
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It's a start... how about some financial aid for tourism start-ups?!
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Des219
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I would agree that the American side is the most exciting experience of the falls. I got some really good photos from down below at the cave of winds. Though the best overall views, in my opinion, are from the Canadian side.
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Matt
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I noticed lines are less for Maid of the mist on the American side, vs Canadian.
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