Featured Room of the Month - The Sheffield Suite

The Red Coach Inn is a unique Niagara Falls hotel unlike any other. I could go on and on about what sets the Red Coach apart from all the other hotels, but the focus of this post is for our followers to see a little about each room. The Red Coach Inn has only 35 rooms, and every room is different! From the layout to the decor to the view each time I stay I learn and experience something new at the property and I want to share, so when you are ready to stay you know exactly which room to pick!

Last month's featured room was the Victoria Suite, one of our large two bedroom suites. (If you missed the article CLICK HERE to check it out) This month I chose to feature a one bedroom suite, the Sheffield Suite! The Sheffield is by far a favorite among our guests and always seems to be reserved first, so if you want this suite you may need to book well in advance. (This is a good opportunity to take advantage of the Red Coach's Early Booker discount and save 10%)

What makes the Sheffield Suite so popular with our new and repeat guests? Well there are a lot of factors that make this one bedroom suite a favorite! First location, location, location. One item about the Red Coach Inn is there are three stories and no elevators, and the Sheffield is ideal because it is on the first floor in the front of the hotel! Not to mention the Sheffield is one of the few rooms that you can see the Upper Rapids and Goat Island from the bedroom. Since all of our rooms are different, some that face the Falls are designed where the living room or dining room will face the rapids, but when you stay in the Sheffield you can open the windows and listen to the roar of the rapids while you lay in bed.

Besides the premium location the Sheffield is also one of three rooms in the hotel that have a canopy king size bed. The rooms also boasts a gas fireplace, microwave oven, refrigerator, and whirlpool tub. Enjoy breakfast and the local newspaper in the restaurant each morning, along with all the other fabulous Red Coach amenities including telephone with voice mail and free long distance, free wireless Internet, coffeemaker, luxurious terrycloth bathrobes, Bose stereo, and Gilchrist & Soames amenities from England. 

What's Happening in Niagara Falls, NY July 8th - July 14th

We've got another beautiful summer week ahead of us here at the Red Coach Inn! Summertime is such a great time of year in Niagara Falls, at this week the outdoor activities and events are in full swing! From concerts to fairs to festivals it's all happening this week in Niagara Falls!

July 9th: Tuesdays in the Park at Artpark

This week's Tuesday concert will be performed by the American legacy the Doobie Brothers. They will be performing their latest release World Gone Crazy, and will feature special guests The Informers. Gates  open at 4:30 pm and and the show starts at 6:30 pm. General Admission is $15 and Priority "Front of Stage" tickets are $25. For more information and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE.

July 10th: Wednesday at Artpark

Head out to hear O.A.R for the Wednesday at Artpark concert of the week, featuring special guest openers Andrew McMahon and Allen Stone. O.A.R released their latest album, Live on Red Rocks, in July of 2012 and this 22 song album is the focus of their concert. Gates open at 4:00 pm and the show starts at 5:00 pm. General admission tickets are $10 and priority tickets are $25. For more information and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE. 

July 10th: Lewiston Jazz Project

Come and experience jazz at its finest in an intimate and relaxed outdoor concert setting at the Gazebo at Hennepin Park. The Lewiston Jazz Project is a seven-piece group, under the direction of composer / pianist Ron Corsaro. This septet performs original as well as classic jazz repertoire, swing and modern jazz, accompanied by guest artists and student musicians. The concert is from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm and this is a FREE event! For more information CLICK HERE.

July 11th: Free Wine Tastings

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is located on Old Falls Street in the heart of downtown and just steps from the beautiful Niagara Falls. Visit the Wine Boutique at the Culinary Institute on Thursday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm for free wine tastings. For more information CLICK HERE. 





July 11th: Flicks on Old Falls Street

Grab a blanket and share a bag of popcorn each Thursday night as Old Falls Street, USA turns into an open-air theater featuring free classic and contemporary movies under the stars. Food and beverage vendors will be available every week. This Thursday come and see The Hunger Games at 9:00 pm in the Old Falls Street's Middle Block. For more information CLICK HERE. 

July 12th, 13th, & 14th: 17th Annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival

There are over 90 wineries, 100 non-wine vendors, and numerous restaurants attending this year's annual wine festival! There will be live music, culinary classes, fireworks, and lots and lots of tasting.  One Day Taster pass: Advance - $30, Gate - $40, Two Day Taster pass: Advance $40, Gate - $50. For more information CLICK HERE.






July 13th: Oakwood Cemetery Street and Tree Tours

Saturday July 13th is a day packed full of activities at the Oakwood Cemetery. At 9:00 am join Master Gardener, John Farfaglia, as he leads us through Oakwood Cemetery's 10 acre site, as he points out interesting species of trees and bushes. Then at 10:00 am Warren Bates, from the Connecticut Street Armory Archivist, will present Oakwood Cemetery with a replica of the congressional Medal of Honor. At 11:00 am Larry Steele, the Oakwood Cemetery Administrator, will take us on a street tour of the cemetery.

July 13th & 14th: Taste of Buffalo

Over 50 restaurant, 7 wineries, and 450,000 invited guests gather in downtown Buffalo to enjoy "fun by the forkful." One of the region's signature events, the Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS is the largest two-day food festival in the United States. For more information CLICK HERE. 


July 13th & 14th: Olde Sanborn Days

Head out to the Sanborn Fire Company Grounds for a weekend craft and county fair! The Lewiston Council on the Arts is proud to present a Master of the Chainsaw artist during this weekend county fair. With engines screaming and sawdust streaming, watch a masterpiece be created before your eyes. Enjoy the charm of this old fashioned county fair and craft show. This is a FREE event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Niagara County Central from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on the 13th & 14th. For more information CLICK HERE.

DISCOVER - TASTE - EXPERIENCE

Just minutes from the Red Coach Inn, the Niagara Wine Trail is one of my favorite ways to experience Niagara Falls. The wine trail has recently been regarded as the new up-and-coming region, but the art and science of wine-making has been in our area for many years. Niagara Landing Wine Cellars, a winery on the trail, produces fruit from vineyards that are over one hundred years old.

The Niagara Wine Trail is nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, and the first winery is about a 30 minute drive from the Red Coach Inn. As you drive along the trail you'll see some amazing plantation style homes, the Niagara Gorge, antique stores and tons of picturesque scenery. You can also purchase a Niagara Wine Trail passport to get stamped at each vineyard to receive a special discount.

I personally enjoy the Niagara Wine Trail so much because the wineries along the trail grow many varieties of grapes including Pinot Nior, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Merlot. There are also vineyards that produce unique styles of wine such as ice wines, fruit wine, and sparkling wines. This huge variety of different wines makes the trail a great way to taste Niagara Falls. Whether I go with my friends or family there is a wine that will please anyone's palate.

Freedom Run Winery

The different grape varieties and wine-making styles isn't the only factor adding to the uniqueness of each vineyard, the ambiance changes from stop to stop. Some vineyards boast a new age modern look to their tasting rooms, where others pride in their traditional appearance. For example, Freedom Run Winery has beautiful hand-blown glass displayed all over their bar, where Arrowhead Springs Vineyard features elegant woodwork throughout their tasting room. Most vineyards also partner with local artists and farmers, adding to the diversity of their tasting rooms. You can enjoy browsing through hand-made pottery, glass, paintings, and locally produced jellies, jams, spices, and sauces. Who doesn't love shopping and sipping wine?

Arrowhead Springs Vineyard

Whether you prefer sweet wines, fruity wines, or something a little more tannic the Niagara Wine Trail offers a bit of everything. It's one of my favorite ways to spend a day, and I would highly recommend you hitting the road and start tasting!

3rd Annual Niagara Falls Music & Art Festival

The 3rd Annual Niagara Falls Music and Art Festival will be held this weekend, and this year's event is sure to be unforgettable. The festival will be held on Old Falls St in Downtown Niagara Falls, New York, walking distance from the Red Coach Inn. This three-day festival runs Friday, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday, 11:00 am - 11:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am - 11:00 pm.

The goal of the Niagara Falls Music and Art Festival is to promote a positive image of the development and growth of historic Niagara Falls through the presentation of a distinct collection of musicians, artists, vendors, and other activities. There will be thousands of people attending the three-day festival, with over 100 art and food vendors, wine tastings, street entertainers, and much more, all while your favorite bands from West New York and Canada take to the three stages in a lineup of non-stop music! Check out the amazing lineup below:
Saturday, June 29th, 2013
                                                         Joe Cecconi Main Stage

Peter Novelli Band

11:45am - 12:30pm - Mikanecho
1:15pm - 2:00PM - Bruce Wojick & Jamie Holka
2:45pm - 3:30pm - Marcangelo Perricelli Band
4:30pm - 5:15pm - Next Level
6:00pm - 6:45pm - Peter Novelli Band
7:30pm - 8:15pm - The Whiskey Reverb
9:30pm - 11:00pm - Dive House Union


                                                         Indie Stage

Sin District

11:00am - 11:45am - The Freeeek
12:30pm - 1:15pm - Sic Sin
2:00pm - 2:45pm - Gutterface
3:30pm - 4:15pm - After the Blast
5:15pm - 6:00pm - Sin District
6:45pm - 7:30pm - Fourth Wall
8:15pm - 9:30pm - Ghostfeeder
                                                        
 Acoustic Stage

Cynthia Ransom

11:00am - 11:45am - Nick Spacone
12:30pm - 1:15pm - Cynthia Ransom
2:00pm - 2:45pm - Jim Candytree adn Chris Benbenek
3:30pm - 4:15pm - Savannah King
5:15pm - 6:00pm - Digital Afterlife



Sunday, June 30th, 2013
                                                         Joe Cecconi Main Stage

High Horse

11:45am - 12:30pm - Breckenwood
1:15pm - 2:00pm - Avaeya
2:45pm - 3:30pm - Randle and the Late Night Scandals
4:30pm - 5:15pm - Lowertown Trio
6:00pm - 6:45pm - Surrender Reality
7:30pm - 8:15pm - High Horse
9:30pm - 11:00pm - CODA 


                                                         Indie Stage

Seven Faces

11:00am - 11:45am -  Steelhorse
12:30pm - 1:15pm - No Wounded Soliders
2:00pm - 2:45pm - 2nd Time Around
3:30pm - 4:15pm - Seven Faces
5:15pm - 6:00pm - Iron Soul
6:45pm - 7:30pm - Wylde Trybe of Perception
8:15pm - 9:30pm - Blueshift


                                                      Acoustic Stage

Bitter Sweet Acoustic

11:00am - 11:45am - Bitter Sweet Acoustic
12:30pm - 1:15pm - Sarah Elizabeth
2:00pm - 2:45pm - Lion Avalanche
3:30pm - 4:15pm - Casey Bolles
5:15pm - 6:00pm - Erin Sydney Welsh




For more information on the Niagara Falls Music and Art Festival CLICK HERE.

What's Happening in Niagara Falls June 24th - June 30th

Summer is officially here and the outside activities are in full force this week! From outside concerts to art and crafts festivals it's a great week to get outside and enjoy the warm, sunny weather.

June 25th: Tuesday in the Park at Artpark

Hailed as one of the "most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era" by former President Bill Clinton, the legendary rock and roll back with horns, Chicago will be performing at this week's Tuesday in the Park at Artpark. Gates open at 4:30 pm and the show starts at 6:30. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six different decades, so you won't want to miss this week's concert! For more information CLICK HERE.

June 26th: Wednesday at Artpark

Come out and see the band Dispatch on Wednesday at Artpark. Brad Corrigan, one of the band's three singers, says, "We've been called the biggest band nobody's ever heard of. People either know everything about us or they know nothing. There never seems to be middle ground." So whether you know every song or are looking for something new to listen to head to Artpark on Wednesday at 6:30 pm to listen to Dispatch. For tickets and more information CLICK HERE.

June 27th: Free Wine Tastings

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is located on Old Falls Street in the heart of downtown and just steps from the beautiful Niagara Falls. Visit the Wine Boutique at the Culinary Institute on Thursday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm for free wine tastings. For more information CLICK HERE. 





June 28th, 29th, & 30th: Niagara Falls Music and Art Festival

The Niagara Falls Music and Art Festival is the highpoint of the year for dozens of artists in Western New York, Southern Ontario, Western Pennsylvania, and North Eastern Ohio. For the first time ever, we are in an exciting and dynamic new location: the beautifully renovated Old Falls Street, walking distance from the Red Coach Inn! Encompassing three cobblestone blocks between Seneca Niagara Casino, the Niagara Culinary Institute and the New York State Park the art festival is sure to be full of fun events and amazing artists. 








June 29th & 30th: 38th Annual Lockport Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival

Over 200 Arts and Craft vendors from all over the state will be attending this year's 38th Annual Lockport Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival. From 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on June 29th and 30th there will be not only art vendors but food truck vendors and live entertainment. Festival is located on Main Street in downtown Lockport between Cottage and Washbunr Streets. Parking and admission are free. More information CLICK HERE.

Meet the Staff - Taneshia Jones

Here at the Red Coach Inn we have a remarkable staff, some that have been with us for over a decade! Each member of our team strives to ensure every guest has an exceptional stay. During your time at the Red Coach Inn we hope you get the chance to meet as many of our staff members as possible, but just in case you missed someone, we're going to give you the opportunity to meet a new staff member each month in our Blog's Meet the Staff post!

This week's featured staff member is Taneshia Jones our Front Desk Supervisor. Taneshia has been with us since October 2007 and she is most likely the first face you see when you walk into the Red Coach Inn. Taneshia leads our Front Desk, and among her many responsibilities at the hotel Taneshia oversees the reservations, check-in and check-out process. 

Meet Taneshia!!!!!

• Hometown: Niagara Falls, NY

• Favorite City: New York

• Favorite Holiday: Christmas

• If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be and why?: Alaska, to experience night most of the day.

• Favorite Quote: The Present is a Gift

• Favorite Thing about the Red Coach: The View

 

What's Happening in Niagara Falls June 17th - June 23rd

June 18th: REO Speedwagon with Special Guest Nick Moss

This week's Tuesday in the Park at Artpark will feature REO Speedwagon and special guest Nick Moss. REP Speedwagon is an American rock band formed in 1967. Over the course of their career, the band has sold more than 40 million records and has charted thirteen Top 40 hits, including "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling". See the band live on Tuesday night at 6:30 pm, gates open at 4:30 pm. General Admission: $10, Priority "Front of Stage" Tickets: $25. Purchase tickets HERE. 

June 19th: Length of the Gorge Hike

Join Jennifer Pharr Davis, renowned hiker and recipient of the "National Geographic Adventurer of the Year" award, on a hike of the Niagara Gorge trail system. Enjoy taking in some scenic views and learn some of the history along the hike. Jennifer highly values the fact that hiking is for everyone, at every phase of their life, and values what you get from your experience. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


June 19th: MGMT with opener Kuroma at Artpark

Head over to Artpark this Wednesday to see MGMT, an American psychedelic rock band, perform at 6:30 pm. General Admission is $15 and Priority "Front of Stage" is $25. Gates open at 4:30pm. For more information CLICK HERE.

June 20th: Free Wine Tastings

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is located on Old Falls Street in the heart of downtown and just steps from the beautiful Niagara Falls. Visit the Wine Boutique at the Culinary Institute on Thursday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm for free wine tastings. For more information CLICK HERE. 





June 21st: Splash into Summer at the Niagara Aquarium

Enjoy a summer carnival at the Aquarium!  There's an ocean of discovery to experience at the Aquarium of Niagara. More than 1,500 aquatic animals live at the aquarium, representing ecosystems ranging from the Great Lakes to coral reefs. Highlights include over 40 exhibits starring California sea lions, Peruvian penguins, seahorses, sturgeon, and more.

June 22nd & 23rd: Gathering at the Heart of Niagara

Native American Community Services will be holding its welcome to summer celebration on Goat Island at Niagara Falls State Park on June 22nd and 23rd. The free, family-friendly event will be held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. Activities will include: Haudenasaunee storytelling by Perry Ground. Ground is a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation who understands the importance of transmitting local knowledge and oral traditions to the next generations. Educating all people on the history, culture, and beliefs of the Iroquois is his life's work. Perry is a teacher and professional storyteller, who has learned many stories as well as storytelling styles. 





June 22nd & 23rd: Lewiston Garden Festival 

Visit the charming village of Lewiston for the 8th annual GardenFest. Vendor booths from area nurseries, landscapers, garden and outdoor suppliers line a portion of Center Street. Enter to win a prize for your favorite potted container of flowers to be judged by the public. Listen to a noted speaker each day. Meander through lovely gardens open to the public in the village area. Bring questions and soil samples to our Master Gardeners and floral experts. Enjoy the charming restaurants and natural beauty of the Lewiston area during your visit. All free. Maps provided at our hospitality booths as you enter the GardenFest.

Featured Room of the Month - The Victoria Suite

One of the extraordinary things about the Red Coach Inn is that every single room is different. Each room has unique decor and highlights special amenities. So to give you a better idea of what each room looks like and includes I will be doing a featured post on a specific room each month.

This month's featured room is the Victoria Suite! The Victoria is one of my favorite rooms at the Red Coach Inn. It has spectacular views of the upper rapids and has over 1,100 square feet of space. But the beautiful views, elegant decor, and apartment style layout are not the only reason I chose the Victoria Suite this week. The suite is rumored to be the setting of a honeymoon murder story! Although I cannot confirm, nor have the specific details of the ghost story, rumor has it in 1927, just four years after the Inn first opened, a man bludgeoned his new bride to death on their honeymoon night! Spooky! Although I have yet to experience any paranormal activity, I have heard guests share their experiences of abnormal temperature drops and creaky noises. Bernie Kopell, from TV's "The Loveboat," recalls his experiences on this week's episode of Celebrity Ghost Stories on the Biography Channel. Bernie shares seeing the ghost of a bride while working one night at the Red Coach Inn. You can watch a clip from the episode HERE.

If you're brave enough to stay in this room it has a lot of great features. There are two bedrooms each with a queen size pillow-top mattress and flat screen televisions. The room also has two bathrooms, one in the hallway and another in the master bedroom and both have jetted bath tubs. There is a full kitchen with stove, full-size refrigerator, dishes, cookware, dishwasher, microwave, and coffee pot.

The Victoria Suite features a living room area with pull-out sofa bed and a separate dining area. The living room and dining room have a stunning view of the upper rapids and you can hear the roar of the thundering Falls. I particularly like this room because the dining room area is raised up from the living room area. I think it gives the room an elegant, traditional feel. There is also a curio cabinet in the dining room, that is full of antique china and serve ware.

I love just taking in all the antique decorations and artwork throughout each common area and rooms. The room also highlights all of the Red Coach Inn amenities I enjoy; polyester robes, welcome amenity consisting of fruit, cheese, cracker tray, champagne, and a journal to share your vacation memories, and read the past guests' experiences. 

What's Happening in Niagara Falls June 10th - June 16th

Have you started making your summer plans yet? Well if your in the Niagara Falls area this week check out these fun and exciting activities! From great concerts at Artpark to celebrating Father's Day at the Wine and Cheese Weekend you're sure to find something to get into!

June 11th: Tuesday in the Park at Artpark

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts with special guest The Matt Facciolla Band will be the featured concert in this week's Tuesday in the Park and Artpark. Joan Jett is an originator, an innovator, and a visionary. As the leader of the hard-rocking Blackhearts, she's had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics "Bad Reputation," "I Love Rock N' Roll," and "Crimson and Clover."  The show starts at 6:30 pm and gates open at 4:30 pm. General Admission is $10 and priority "Front of Stage" Tickets are $25. For tickets CLICK HERE.

June 12th: Wednesday at Artpark

This Wednesday Coors Light presents Gov't Mule at the Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater. As one of rock's foremost MVP singer-guitarists, Warren Haynes has been constantly on the move and in the spot light for the past two decades. During that time Haynes has maintained his tenure in Gov't Mule, the Allman Brothers Band and the Dead. See Haynes perform live Wednesday at 6:30 pm, gates open at 4:30 pm. General Admission is $10 and priority "Front of Stage" Tickets are $25. For tickets CLICK HERE.

June 13th: Free Wine Tastings

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is located on Old Falls Street in the heart of downtown and just steps from the beautiful Niagara Falls. Visit the Wine Boutique at the Culinary Institute this Thursday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm for free wine tastings. For more information CLICK HERE.





June 14th - June 16th: Wine and Cheese Weekend

Friday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm,
Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, 
Sunday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Price: $30 / advance online; $35 / at the door
Celebrate National Dairy Month with Dad's favorite wine & cheese this weekend! Tickets are valid for all three days of the event and include a tasting of 3 wines and cheese sample at each participating winery, and a commemorative wine glass from your starting winery.  For a full list of all the wineries  CLICK HERE.

Tickets do not include transportation. A valid photo ID with proof of age is required to participate in wine tastings.

The Red Coach Inn will be featured tonight Celebrity Ghost Stories

The Red Coach Inn first opened it's doors in 1923 and in the 80 years the hotel has been opened it has helped many guests create great memories, experiences, and stories! One of the Inn's most unique and scary stories will be shared tonight on the Biography Channel's Celebrity Ghost Stories. Hear first hand from Bernie Kopell, best known for TV's "The Loveboat", his story of being accosted by the ghost of a woman at the Red Coach Inn.

Watch the episode tonight, Saturday June 8th, at 8:00 pm EDT and again on June 9th at 12:00 am EDT on the Biography Channel. For a preview of tonight's episode CLICK HERE.

Don't miss the Tour of Kitchens this weekend!

Do you have plans this weekend? I would highly recommend checking out the Lewiston Region Tour of Kitchens. Get an up close and personal look inside of six of the area's most fabulous homes and entertaining spaces. Each home will be paired with a restaurant and chef who will prepare you a sampling of their signature dish.

Executive Sous Chef, Josh Jackson

Among these incredible chefs, is Executive Sous Chef, Josh Jackson, from the Red Coach Inn. Josh is preparing one of my absolute favorite Red Coach dishes, the Pear Salad, a Riesling poached pear, goat cheese, candied walnuts and cranberries, wrapped is leaf of Boston lettuce served with a maple fig dressings. It's a mouth-watering salad and I'm delighted to see it on the Tour of Kitchen's menu! Josh will also be preparing a Mediterranean Flank Steak served over phyllo cup filled with  feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, black olives, and spinach. CLICK HERE to see all the dishes being prepared on the Tour of Kitchens.

Mediterranean Flank Steak

Pear Salad

The tour itself will take about 3 hours to complete. It's a self-guided tour, so you can see the homes in any order that you wish. I suggest you stop and enjoy some dessert and wine tastings along the way. It's a great way to try some local wines and it helps to avoid bottlenecks at the end.
For tickets CLICK HERE