Joyce Wagner, Niagara-on-the-lake aficionado, is a vegan but has no trouble finding a great meal when she's in town for the Shaw Festival.

Retired banker Joyce Wagner of Euclid is a a devotee of Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the stories featured in the Travel section going to readers on June 9.  Today, as a guest blogger, she weighs in on the experience:

I have been going to Niagara on the Lake every summer for over 25 years.  The main draw for me is the plays.  The Shaw Festival offers an outstanding ensemble cast, excellent production values, and a wide variety of offerings – everything from light comedies to thought- provoking dramas. 

 A trip for me is never complete without a meal at both Zee’s and the Charles Inn.  Both restaurants are owned by the same group, but offer very different atmospheres along with reasonably priced innovative and delicious food.  Ginger’s Asian restaurant on Mary Street is a short drive from the center of town, but offers fresh and inventive Thai food that I think is well worth the drive.  For lunch, the Epicurean in the center of town offers the best salads, sandwiches, and quiche.  

For days when I don’t have theater tickets, I enjoy the historical sites in the area. A visit to Fort  George or the Laura Secour  House gives a Canadian perspective to the 1812 war with the United States.  Lock 3 of the Welland Canal allows a “close enough to touch” look at the ships heading to the Great Lakes along with a free and informative guest center that details the building of the canals. 

 When the weather is warm, renting a bike and enjoying the paved bike path that travels through the park all along the Niagara River next to the Niagara Parkway is a great way to spend the day particularly if the cherries or peaches are in season. The path passes fruit stands along the way, which are a great way to stock up for a picnic lunch.

 First time visitors should definitely get a map in town and take the self-guided winery tour and sample the local wines (German Whites and Ice Wines are the region’s specialty).