The nice thing about coming to San Diego that time of year is that it's the rainy season here (relatively speaking) and the aloes and other succulents will be plumped up and loads of new growth and loads of blooms. It's the best time of year to visit gardens around here. San Diego botanical gardens in Encinitas (use to be called Quail), San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, the Rose and succulent gardens in Balboa Park, the beach communities like La Jolla and all up the coast have nice parks along with the beachs. I haven't been to the Wild Animal Park out past Escondido in years. I've heard it's declined considerably but that's only through word of mouth. Even going over the mountains and down into Borrego Desert for a day is a treat that time of year. -Ron-

cool are you dragging a uhaul ... lol ... gees has a 10 acre arborteum, across the street and down the path.. they will drive you over if you ask ...plan at least and hour or two in the arb ... dont forget the camera ... i would suggest.. minimum.. 6 hours there ... though they have the big stuff for sale .. they have 6 or 8 houses of one gallon pots.. but you better know what to look for ... second year grafts all look alike .. lol ... if you have a wish list and budget.. calling ahead might help .... frankly.. 4 hrs to jackson.. 8 hours at gees.. spend the night.. next day.. the other place ... then home to chicago ... i just dont know why you would drive all the way to gee's for a 'quick' visit ... my best suggestion.. call cary gee in advance.. tell her you plan.. introduce yourself when you get there.. and you will be given the family treatment ... show you around.. and then leave you alone ... with the size of the place.. it can be a big help ... they have a farm market.. so food is available ... but for overnight.. you will have to go back down to jackson [10 miles], because they do define 'middle of nowhere' ... lol ... never heard of the other .... ken Here is a link that might be useful: link

rococogurl, you nailed it with that Grand Central train to White Plains recommendation. 12:30pm - Walked out of my room at Hotel Plaza Athenee, upper east side manhattan 12:48pm - Caught the Grand Central Metro North train on Track 112, via the elevator down near track 30 with 2 x 29" luggage in tow at this point... Destination: North White Plains. $8.50 maybe. Odd though - I couldn't use my MCA card to pay for it. There was a kind woman setting nearby who said that even this car opened, at that North White Plains station, although that wasn't always the case. I made the train by all of 2 minutes, so I hopped on the caboose...or the first car available. 1:30pm - I was in the elevator at North White Plains train station! I remember this time clearly because I thought the elevator was stuck. I eventually realized I had to first go UP and change elevators in order to go DOWN. Picked up rental car from the Hertz there. Totally painless. More soon! :-D.

Depending on 'when' you go, the evening, temps may be in the 60's, 70's, 80's, etc. We're currently experiencing a bit of a heatwave right now so evening temps are in the 70's. If you go in July or August, day & evening temps can be pretty hot & we have lots of humidity. Hopefully, your hotel will be close to the falls so when you walk close by; you'll get that great mist from it that'll keep you cool even when it's fairly blistering! There are fireworks every Friday night-usually around 9-9:30pm. I can hear them from my house but not see them unfortunately. Home fireworks have been banned here recently as well as outdoor fires as we are experiencing a drought. You'll see lots of brown grass, Prettypetals which is a shame since the Niagara region is known to be lush & green. N.O.T.L & Niagara Parks are still amped up with lush flower baskets, containers and gorgeous beds that are bursting with flowers so you'd never notice we haven't had a good rain in awhile.