Niagra

Went out for a drive and ended up at Niagra Falls on the Maid of the Mist. $13 per adult. Boats carry about 300 people each. The boats look over-crowded from shore - makes you feel like you might be on the 6:00 news (due to boat capsizing), but once onboard does not really feel that crowded.

Best location for a good view - the bow of the boat. There are several areas to view the falls without actually going on the boat... but yes... go on the boat anyway!

Long drive... about 8 or 9 hours with a couple of very brief stops. But a good overnight outing.

DeBrand

Visited DeBrand Chocolates - great way to start July 2010.

The factory is located off Exit 116 in Fort Wayne, IN. The tour is $5 per person, and you get a $5 off coupon for each $10 in merchandise purchased, so it's not terribly pricey. Good thing, as the tour itself is somewhat underwhelming. Basically it is a walk down a hallway with a look into each of three kitchens.

The upside is that there are samples at each of the three kitchen stops. Sample type is dependent upon the products they are making that day.

Even if you don't do the tour, it is worth a stop off the highway for a quick chocolate and a coffee or one of the amazing looking desserts in their french-style cafe. Yum !

For more info.: http://www.debrand.com