Located an hour and a half west of Rochester, Lewiston offers the charm of its Center Street shops and restaurants and the beauty of the Niagara River. The village, known for its vibrant arts community, hosts events such as the Lewiston Art Festival and Lewiston Jazz Festival, attracting thousands of international visitors.
Plan Your Day Trip to Lewiston
Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty meal at Syros Family Restaurant, or you can grab a cup of coffee from Orange Cat Coffee Co. and a breakfast sandwich from Village Bake Shoppe.
Alternatively, stop for breakfast along the drive so you can visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima on your way into Lewiston. The glass Dome Basilica is surrounded by fifteen acres of gardens and features over one hundred life-sized statues, including the heart-shaped Rosary Pool. Climb the steps to the top to stand beside the thirteen-foot statue of Our Lady of Fatima. You’ll find a self-guided tour brochure on their website.
Morning
Enjoy a walk through Artpark, the only state park focused on visual and performing arts, which offers scenic hiking trails and various art installations to explore.
After your hike, check out the shops along Center Street, including Rose Hanger Shop, Cheri Amour, Viva Nostalgia, and many more.
Lunch
Stop into Apple Granny, The Spicey Pickle, Favorites Pizza & Wings, and Cask + Cow for a delicious lunch.
Afternoon
Experience an exciting adventure on the Niagara River with Whirlpool Jet Boat Adventures. If you prefer a more relaxed outing, you can view the jet boats from the Niagara Gorge Trail at Devil’s Hole State Park and Whirlpool State Park. Both locations offer stunning river views from the rim trails, with hundreds of stone steps leading to the river’s edge.
Stop into the free Niagara Power Vista—Where science meets the playground!—on your way back to the village. This state-of-the-art visitor center offers an enjoyable experience for all ages, including a virtual reality theater, hydro-power-themed activities, and a panoramic view of the river gorge below.
Dinner
After enjoying the Niagara River, head over to The Silo, a summer favorite featured on Man vs. Food.
Alternatively, return to the village center for a delicious Italian meal at Casa Antica or Carmelo’s Coat of Arms. For pub fare, visit Tin Pan Alley, Brickyard Pub & BBQ, or Griffon House. Then treat yourself to ice cream at Hibbard’s Custard and a regional bottle of wine from Hibbard’s Old Portage Shop next door.
Evening
Plan your day trip to coincide with one of Artpark’s live performances held in the outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Niagara River Gorge. Throughout the summer, the park hosts a variety of music, theater, and dance performances, including the popular “Tuesdays in the Park” concert series.
Signature Events
Lewiston Art Festival
August
The juried art show takes place during the second full weekend in August and features crafts, music, and food. Center Street
Lewiston Jazz Festival
August
On the last weekend in August, the two-day music festival features over 100 performances on five outdoor stages. Local pubs also host after-hours jam sessions and performances. Center Street
Niagara County Peach Festival
September
Enjoy four days of old-fashioned fun and entertainment celebrating the peach harvest. Academy Park
Google Map of Locations
Explore More
Visitors travel far and wide to see Niagara Falls State Park, America’s first state park, and we are fortunate to drive there in 90 minutes.
21 Discover Niagara Shuttle Stops
The Discover Niagara Shuttle is a two-hour round-trip from any starting point if you’d like to simply enjoy the ride. Or, hop on and off.
Old Fort Niagara served as a strategic stronghold for 300 years during the French & Indian Wars, War of 1812, Revolutionary War, and Civil War.
Explore Buffalo’s Delaware Park
Delaware Park combines Buffalo’s cultural and recreational offerings along a two-mile path that winds around lakes, gardens, and meadows.
From Canalside to Outer Harbor and RiverWorks to Silo City, there are a dozen excellent day trips from Rochester along Buffalo’s waterfront.
From Vidler’s to the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street in East Aurora.
Where are your favorite Lewiston day trip destinations?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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