The Discover Niagara Shuttle Begins May 26th |
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Established in 2016, the Discover Niagara Shuttle has been offering complimentary transportation to both tourists and locals, visiting attractions from Niagara Falls to Old Fort Niagara. In 2021, it expanded its services to include Lockport, thus enabling visitors to delve into the rich history of the Erie Canal. As we move into 2023, we anticipate significant advancements for this humble but mighty shuttle service.
The Route
We're thrilled to announce some exciting additions to our service this year! A fresh stop at Devil's Hole State Park is being introduced, amplifying the shuttle's value for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. We are also launching a brand-new route that will link Four Mile Creek State Park to Youngstown. This will provide campers easy access to Old Fort Niagara and the historic village. Plus, it offers a convenient connection to our Falls to Fort shuttles, enabling seamless transit to Niagara Falls and all the wonderful stops along the way.
A New Look
As the new season unfolds, our entire shuttle fleet will be adorned with the captivating artwork of Polly King. As an artist, Polly always aspired for her work to be freely enjoyed by the public. With our new vehicle wraps, her vibrant art will become a daily visual treat in our communities, adding a touch of beauty to everyday commutes.
Moreover, to deepen the connection between the viewers and the art, we'll be featuring programs on the digital signage screens inside the shuttles. These presentations will offer insights into the life and artistic journey of Polly King, allowing passengers to appreciate her art in a more profound way. We believe this union of art and transit will create a more engaging and aesthetically pleasing travel experience for all.
Savings Pass
Economic stimulus was always a goal of the shuttle, and for 2023 we're launching a new initiative to help support local businesses on our route. The Savings Pass will be distributed on our shuttles and can be used at participating merchants for a 10% discount. This is a win-win for local businesses and our riders.
Bike Racks
For 2023, we're enhancing our shuttle fleet to further accommodate the needs of cyclists. The bike racks on our shuttles are being upgraded to accommodate three bicycles, making it even more convenient for riders. This improvement supports one-way cycling adventures and reinforces our commitment to providing a seamless, versatile service for all types of explorers in our region.
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Visit the Discover Niagara Shuttle Website and Stay Informed!For the latest schedules and information, be sure to check out our website.
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Download the Discover Niagara Shuttle app!Stay informed about any route changes with our push notifications, and track the shuttles in real time to play your day. Download for iOS or Android.
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Mural Season is Here! New public art is already underway in Niagara Falls. |
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Our Heritage Arts initiative has sought to beautify our region and celebrate the amazing history and heritage of Niagara Falls. That work will continue in 2023 as we take on several new and exciting public art projects in the city. Right now, local artist XIII is working on a new mural at Heart, Love and Soul. This mural will allow Heart, Love & Soul guests and the surrounding community to not only to enjoy a natural green space, but to promote wellness in all forms. This will be a big one, measuring 125 feet long and 25 feet tall. Keep an eye out for calls for artists on upcoming projects!
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The Long History of the Niagara Falls City Market Outdoor markets play a vital role in cities, serving as vibrant hubs that contribute to the cultural fabric and economic vitality of urban communities. Let's take a look at the story of the Niagara Falls City Market. |
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The Niagara Falls City Market was established in 1893. Back then, local farmers brought their produce to market by horse and buggy. To set up shop, they “paid 15 cents per day for a two horse wagon and 10 cents per day for a one horse wagon.”
The farmers were not always satisfied with market operations. When the market changed locations after thirteen years, they refused to vacate the original site and some were arrested. When the market moved again to the Pine Avenue neighborhood in 1913, the farmers eventually complained that their retail sales weren’t as good as their sales at the old market.
Perhaps this is when they turned their attention to a group with considerable spending power: the women of Niagara Falls. When the farmers learned about women’s spending habits, they decided to keep the market open in the afternoon because that’s when women had more time to shop. Nearby retailers got wind of this and hoped “to be close enough to attract the housewife on her way to and from the market.” In those days, most married women didn’t work outside the home.
During and after World War I, the farmers saw their retail sales skyrocket as women began shopping in droves at the market. These women and their husbands had recently moved to Niagara Falls and many built homes in the Pine Avenue neighborhood. The men had taken jobs in the new industries that were popping up all over the city.
Women were the primary consumers in their households. They viewed shopping as an opportunity to meet other ‘housewives’ and have friendly chats with market vendors. On the way home, they shopped elsewhere in the neighborhood. Soon, new stores and restaurants started opening up in the area.
In September 1946, the Niagara Gazette reported that a record 15,000 people crowded the market stalls and completely wiped out all 385 vendors. In the decades that followed, the market continued to thrive.
After World War II, the women who shopped at the market could be seen walking home with fresh produce “in large shopping bags, wagons or baby carriages.” Other women drove to the market from elsewhere in Niagara Falls.
Although the market is no longer packed, farmers and other merchants hope that a recent USDA grant of over $245,000 will help revitalize the historic market.
In 2023, the market celebrated its 130th anniversary in Niagara Falls and its 110th anniversary in the Pine Avenue neighborhood. For International Women’s Day in March, they posted photos of various women on Facebook and stated that they were “Celebrating the strong women who sell and shop at the City Market.”
Author: Hope L. Russell, Ph.D.
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Polly King Portrait of the Month Each month, we'll feature one of the countless portraits painted by Polly King. Each portrait, each person has a story! |
We love this one! There's so much detail in the Native American adornments, and the colors are vibrant and captivating.
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