Western New York

 Six years ago, I met up with my friends Mesiedy and Rebecca in Western New York. We rented a little house in East Aurora and did as little as possible for a week. Sometimes travel plans are filled with nonstop activities and other times, it's nice to plan nothing. And by nothing, I do mean nothing.

Except for one very important drive to pick up some hot Maple Glazed Amish Doughnuts, we barely left the house. Let's just say those doughnuts were well worth the drive.

We spent several days on the couch watching our favorite musicals, eating popcorn, drinking wine, and cooking nothing at all. If it couldn't be placed on a cheeseboard or eaten directly from the refrigerator or pantry, it had no place with us on this vacation.

Did I mention that the trip was planned over 6 months ago based on our desire to rest, relax, and simply enjoy each other's company? Mission accomplished.

We did, however, take one day at the start of the week and another at the end to explore the area. Despite my desire for rest, there was no way I was going to be that close to Niagara Falls and not experience that for the first time.

We drove across to Canada and saw the falls from the Canadian side. Take my advice (and the advice of all who have gone before) it's worth the effort.

The two views simply do not compare. We also rode the ferry up close to the falls and the views from the water were a lot of fun. Be prepared to get splashed and laugh about it.

While in Canada, I highly recommend checking out Antica for some great wood-fired pizza. (I love it when Yelp comes through with a terrific restaurant find!)

And if you walk just a little ways up the street, you'll find Ripley's Believe It Or Not Odditorium. We stopped in on a whim and wound up loving it.

When in Western New York, a drive through Letchworth State Park is a must. We stopped at several overlooks and the views were incredible. I could've easily spent a full day wandering in the park.

Letchworth State Park is often called the “Grand Canyon of the East” and I can see why. It was a cool and drizzly morning while we were there and the views were still wonderful.

I can only imagine how spectacular it is on a clear day of sunshine. My family is planning a cross-country road trip next year and I'm looking forward to camping at Letchworth next time I visit.

Just remembering this trip puts a smile on my face. When you are blessed with friends who truly speak your language, make time to just be with them. If you're lucky enough to live in the same town, set aside the time for a cup of coffee or a quick lunch.

If you live a thousand miles apart, cheap flights on Southwest make a lot of face time possible. Whether you are able to spend a single day or a whole week together, take that time whenever you can.