Updated 4/9/10
Buffalo, NY ~ August 26th - 30th, 2010
Welcome to Buffalo
Despite the name, you won't find any roaming herds here. Buffalo has become a revitalized, booming city rich in history, music, art, architecture, scenic beauty, distinctive ethnic neighborhoods and friendly people. You will discover a surprisingly small-town atmosphere in this second-largest city in New York, dubbed “the biggest small town in America”. Buffalo is filled with architectural gems, including Victorian mansions, Frank Lloyd Wright designs and the art deco City Hall. Neighboring Niagara Falls is one of the most visited attractions in the United States. The 2010 USS LCS Reunion will provide many opportunities to experience all this city has to offer. Reunion tours include a private Erie Canal Locks Cruise, a special Memorial Service aboard the USS Little Rock at the Buffalo Naval Park, and the opportunity to see Niagara Falls up close on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. This will be an unforgettable visit to Buffalo and give you memorable experiences that you will want to share with your family and friends.
Hotel Information
The reunion officially runs from Thursday, August 26th through check-out on Monday, August 30th. You will be staying at the full service Millennium Hotel Buffalo which is located at 2040 Walden Ave., Buffalo, NY 14225. The hotel is conveniently located within three miles of Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) with access to over 200 stores, shops, theaters and restaurants directly next door at Walden Galleria Mall.
The room rate is just $114.00 plus tax per night. The rate includes complimentary deluxe continental breakfast daily. For those of you who choose to arrive early or stay late, the same room rate is available three days prior and three days after, based on availability. Please make your hotel reservations NOW by calling the hotel directly at the following number 800-323-3331. Be sure to ask for the USS LCS Reunion rate. You may request specific room types when you call to make your reservations (handicap accessible room, etc.). The hotel check-in time is 3:00pm. Please, do not expect to get into your room before then. Make your reservations NOW, you may cancel your hotel up to 48 hours prior to arrival and not be charged. They will ask you for a deposit or credit card number to guarantee your room reservation. The hotel is holding rooms until they sell out or July 16th, 2010, whichever comes first.
Airport Transportation & Parking
If you are flying to the reunion, the Millennium Hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from the Buffalo Airport (BUF). Upon arrival at the airport, call using the free courtesy phone in the Baggage Claim area. For those of you driving, the hotel offers plenty of free parking.
USS LCS 1-130 ~ 2010 REUNION EVENTS
GROUP WELCOME DINNER
Thursday, August 26th (7:00pm at the Hotel)
Join your friends for a casual Welcome Dinner at the Hotel featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner. This is a wonderful opportunity to see who is here this year, and your first chance to re-connect with your friends.
EVENT A: ERIE CANAL CRUISE - LOCKS & LUNCH
Friday, August 27th (9:00am-2:00pm)
Much remains the same on the Erie Canal today as it was in the 1800's. Hand-dug to connect the Hudson River with the Niagara River, the 363-mile Grand Old Erie Canal is truly an engineering marvel. Originally, 83 stone locks overcame the 571-foot difference in the level between the rivers. Enlarged in the early 1900's, now 35 locks allow larger vessels to travel across New York State. We have chartered a canal vessel for a unique, fully narrated, 2-hour private “locks cruise”. Your adventure includes “locking through” locks 34 & 35, and being raised to the 49 ft. elevation of the Niagara Escarpment, in the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal. Pass under bridges that raise straight up, see water cascade over Lockport's famous “Flight of Five” 1840's locks, and travel twixt the solid walls of the “rock cut”. The cruise will dock at Canalside, a replica of a 1900’s “canal town”. Here you will dine on an all-you-can-eat buffet luncheon, seated in the indoor Veranda Room which has over 100 windows directly overlooking the canal. After lunch there will be time to visit the Erie Canal Heritage Center, and some of the unique shops and boutiques located at Canalside.
EVENT B: BUFFET DINNER AT SKYLON TOWER, NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA
Friday, August 27th (4:30pm-9:30pm)
The world-famous Skylon Tower Niagara Falls is located in the heart of Niagara Falls, Canada. The tower is situated just steps from the Falls and the view from the top on a clear day is simply magnificent. The evening begins with a smooth “ride-to-the-top”, on board the exterior, glass-enclosed “Yellow Bug Elevator”. In just 52 seconds you will reach the indoor/outdoor observation deck with the most spectacular views of Niagara Falls, the Great Gorge, Niagara wine district and the city skylines of Buffalo and Toronto. Then, take a seat in the Fallsview Dining Room where you will feast on an extensive all-you-can-eat buffet while enjoying the view of the Falls. The buffet includes several salads, crab legs, prime rib, chicken, pasta, side dishes, cheeses, fruit and assorted cakes and pastries. This is going to be a great night out, don’t miss it. Please note: A valid passport is required to enter Canada on this tour.
EVENT C: BUFFALO NAVAL PARK: MEMORIAL SERVICE, TOUR & LUNCH
Saturday, August 28th (10:00am-4:00pm)
The six-acre Buffalo Naval Park, on Buffalo’s waterfront, is the site of the original end of the Erie Canal. The day begins with a special Memorial Service on board the USS Little Rock, the only guided missile cruiser on display in the United States. Lunch will be served on board the USS Little Rock following the Memorial Service. Then spend the afternoon visiting the other attractions at the Naval Park. Here you will find the destroyer USS The Sullivans, and World War II submarine USS Croaker, an extensive collection of Marine Corps Memorabilia from World War I to the present, Ex-POW Memorabilia, and a Vietnam Veterans Exhibit. The Naval Park has an extensive collection of military equipment including, helicopters, patrol boats, and aircraft. See the F-101F Voodoo fighter Interceptor Jet, which was stationed in Niagara Falls in the 70’s and flown by the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Tactical Interceptor Group. Also located on site are the ruins and foundations of the original buildings on the Erie Canal.
Please Select Event D or Event E for Sunday, August 29th
EVENT D: NIAGARA FALLS & MAID OF THE MIST
Sunday, August 29th (10:00am-3:00pm)
Your Niagara Falls experience will begin at the newly remodeled Visitor’s Center. Discover how the magnificent waterfalls were formed, who saw and went over them first, and which famous people have visited them. Enjoy a fabulous film, and learn of this “wonder of the world” before experiencing the falls first hand. The walking tour (optional) starts at the Observation Tower, whose observation deck extends out over the sheer face of the Niagara Gorge, affording one of the most spectacular views of the falls. Standing far above the gorge it’s a thrill to gaze down at the full drop of the churning cascade. Then, ride the elevator to the bottom of the Observation Tower to board the world famous Maid of the Mist. Cruise right to the base of the American Falls, and on to the basin of the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. It's a fantastic journey through crashing waters, surrounded by massive rock formations that have tamed these raging rapids for millions of years. Lunch will be on your own at a suitable location. Note: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You will be provided rain wear for the Maid of the Mist, but you may still get a little wet. Wheelchairs/Walkers are impractical on this tour.
EVENT E: WINERY & NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE TOUR
Sunday, August 29th (10:00am-4:00pm)
Your day begins at one of the world famous Niagara wineries. You will have a private guided tour of the winery. Learn of the history of the winery, wine making, viticulture, climate and geography. You will then have the opportunity to sample some of the wines including world famous ice wine, which is unique to this area. You will then take the short ride to the scenic Niagara-on-the Lake, often called the loveliest town in Ontario. This area’s long and distinguished history is evident today; first settled in 1781, the town later became an active commercial center with a prosperous ship-building industry. The beautiful old homes lining the tree-shaded streets attest to the prosperity of the area. Take a journey back in time to a more leisurely era, as you stroll the tree-lined streets admiring old homes, quaint bed & breakfasts, and fine restaurants. Take time to explore unique stores, myriad boutiques and shops filled with curiosities. Lunch is on your own in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Please note: A valid passport is required to enter Canada on this tour.
BANQUET DINNER
Sunday, August 29th (7:00pm at Hotel)
Join your friends for the Banquet Dinner at the Hotel. Cocktails will be available from the cash bar at 6:00pm; dinner will be served at 7:00pm. Please make your entrée selection on the reservation form.
TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses caused by sickness, injury or any other causes that impact your travel plans. This insurance enables a refund of Tour & Banquet expenses up until three (3) days before the start of your reunion. If you need to cancel – please call our office immediately (817-251-3551) for a cancellation number. If you have not purchased cancellation insurance all tour and meal money is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the reunion.
Important Reunion Notes:
~ Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 30 people per bus is not met. In this case, full refunds will be given.
~ Please understand that a certain amount of walking is necessary from the bus to attractions and in some instances, to also see the attractions. Please consider your abilities before purchasing tours.
~ Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver’s license) on all events.
~ All tour times are subject to change. A final itinerary is available at registration.
~ Exact vessel for the cruise is subject to change based on availability and/or final tour count.
Reservations are due by July 16th, 2010. Follow this pointer to the Reservation Form. Late reservations accepted on a space available basis with a non refundable $10 per person late fee. You should make a copy of this form for your records. For information call weekdays: 817-251-3551 or Email: info@MilitaryReunionPlanners.com. Requests for refunds must be made in writing and postmarked before due date above. No refunds will be made after this date, unless you have purchased Tour Cancellation Insurance. Sorry, no refunds will be given starting 3 days before the reunion for any reason. There is a $10 per person refund processing fee. Your cancelled check is your receipt and proof of purchase. There is a $25 return check fee for NSF. For a written confirmation please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MRP will not be held liable for failure of vendors to provide contracted services or any injuries/accidents that may occur during the reunion. Tours require a minimum of 30 people in order to operate. Full refunds given for any cancelled Event.
Travel safely and ….
We’ll see you in Buffalo!
Reunion Coordinator: