HawthorneVillager.com

We are planning a shopping trip with our 3 girls and are trying to figure out WHAT DAY would have the least amount of traffic to cross into the US.

We are just going to Rochester - but due to the fact that March Break starts next week - we could be in for a wait at the Border.

We were thinking of leaving Thursday right after school - so like 4 - 4:15 .... thinking that wait times wouldn't be as bad as if we chose to leave 1st thing Friday morning.

Also not sure where to cross ..... could go right into Niagara Falls and take the Rainbow boarder or go to Lewiston where there's more lines ..... so this would also be a factor.

Thanks in advance

Jo

go on the website for the border crossings...(I can't remember what it is..I'm so sorry..you can google it) It gives you the current wait times at the border when you leave..then take whichever bridge is the least wait. Normally it's the Rainbow bridge...the Lewiston is normally the heaviest wait times.

All the bridges are within a 10 minute drive from each other, so don't worry which one you take, it won't lead you too far off the path of where you are going.

Good Luck!
Jessica

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp

Hi Jo

We've been doing the girls weekend in Rochester every November for the past 4 years and have found the Rainbow Bridge to be the easiest pass through into the U.S. The GPS's will take you to Queenston - Lewiston so it's the busiest. I've posted the site I check before we depart. Have fun, we adore Rochester and it's fantastic malls, where are you staying?

Oh and BTW try and time you trip back to arrive at the border at 3 p.m. - shift change - less likely to hassle you.

Laurie

1-800-715-6722

Bridge information line will tell you relative waiting time to get over... call when you are just going through St. Catharines so you can decide which bridge to take

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just lurkin'

If your going to Rochester, your better off going straight to the Fort Erie Bridge. If you take the Queenston/Lewiston bridge, you'll be in local highway traffic to get over to the I90.

I second Fort Erie Bridge (Peace Bridge) going over and coming home.
More lines are open and no or less traffic.

I wouldn't leave during rush hour, IMO I would leave early Friday morning.

Happy Shoppping and Have fun!

I say, stay and shop in Canada!

Why Rochester? Do you have a family there? Pennsylvania - Grove city might be a better option. No Tax. I think its the same distance. Just thought you'd like to know.

Why Rochester? Do you have a family there? I assume your going to the outlet beside the I90, its not very big.

Pennsylvania - Grove city might be a better option and No Tax. I think its the same distance. Just thought you'd like to know.

http://www.primeoutlets.com/locations/grove-city.aspx

you should actually be fine...rush hour doesn't affect the traffice in my experience. I cross the border and back every Friday (take them home) and again Sunday (pick up the new bunch) from June to September picking up kids who billet with us for hockey from the Buffalo airport. I've only had problems on long weekends sometimes...but no real traffic issues due to rush hour/border waits due to rush hour.

I also don't want to hijack the subject....but is there a bus that goes from anywhere around here to the Buffalo airport?? Times/Days/Costs/Website?

Thanks!
Jessica

I haven't seen long queues at the border in ages...with the exception of some long weekends. It's not like it used to be. I wouldn't think you would have any trouble.

Well I usually do - unless it's Disney and then I can spend hundreds of dollars

There are some stores that are ONLY in the US and for some reason these stores are the ones my teenage daughters want to shop at ...... AND my 13 year old is graduating grade 8 this June and would like to get her dress down there - so therefore and I quote, "I won't have the same dress as some other girl" ..... so ........ there's my answer

Jo

This was a thought to us as well ..... but with our oldest in high school and the other 2 still at Hawthorne Village - we figured 1 day wouldn't hurt them. My high schooler said no one is going to school that day - and if this day is anything like the last day before Christmas holidays - then she's not missing anything at all. BUT I will be advising the 2 teachers at Hawthorne that they will not be in on the Friday and if they are planning on giving any assignments or homework over the March Break - to please give it to them on Thursday ..... I do the same when we take them out of school at the end of November when we travel for a week or so to the caribbean.

Jo

Not sure yet where we are staying - any place to recommend ??- but I think it will be around the Eastview Mall area in Victor as this seems to be the best mall - IMO. Unless there are better ones out there ?? There are a few places we want to see in Rochester so we don't want to be too far out of the city.

Jo

This is a yummy restaurant much better than Olive Garden if you want to try something new! Not too sure how far it will be from where you are going but it is a must when we shop in Michigan!!

http://www.macaronigrill.com/Menu/CityL ... teName=New York