Let’s Go to Buffalo, New York!

Buffalo, like many Midwestern towns, is overlooked and underrated. Yet this New York town has restored and revitalized itself and has so much to offer. Located along the eastern shore of Lake Erie, Buffalo has a great mix of historic architecture and waterfront fun. Here are some of my top suggestions to experience the area!

Buffalo’s been designated America’s best designed city and you can see why with it’s city-widepark system design by Frederick Law Olmstead and filled with art deco architecture and numerous buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. But I like to look at big cities in the way of it’s neighborhoods. There are always little pockets of what seem like small towns within a city and they each have their own unique vibe. Buffalo has numerous little neighborhoods that one can visit to get the full flavor of this city.

Starting downtown, Buffalo has completely transformed its waterfront district, Canalside, and it is a happening place in the summer with kayaking, paddle boarding and picnicking along the river and in the winter it is a fun, frozen scene for the sport of curling. Sitting out in Adirondack chairs listening to live music or enjoying a beer or taking a ride on the Spirit of Buffalo sailing vessel is a great way to spend a day. The largest inland naval park also resides here or you can catch a boat ride for a river history tour or water taxi out to the main harbor and Lake Erie.

Heading further into downtown you can go on a architectural walking tour and see the many historic art deco buildings. One not to miss is City Hall with its fantastic views from the top and it’s amazing stained glass ceiling on the 13th floor common council chambers

Heading north from downtown is the growing area of Ellicott Street. There are tons of new breweries, distilleries, and restaurants to enjoy for an afternoon. Two blocks over there is a unique market arcade that was modeled after a London arcade with shops and a food hall that is worth strolling through!

The next stop on your way north is Elmwood Village, filled with numerous cafes, coffee shops, boutiques, and pubs. You can stroll through the popular farmers’ market through November and enjoy all of the public art installations and art galleries. If you want to fit in some shopping, this is a great place to get your fill.

Other neighborhoods to the north worth checking out are Black Rock with it’s funky murals, music, and breweries and North Park with tons of authentic ethnic food that is diverse ranging from Italian to Middle Eastern, Mexican and Greek all while surrounding the restored, historic North Park Theatre with it’s old-school marquee.

South Buffalo is where its at to get your fill of original buffalo wings. Culturally this region is Irish so there are plenty of pubs, great food and traditional music as well.

If you have time to venture further afield, you can see Niagara Falls that really is pretty spectacular and to the south is the quaint and historic village of Hamburg, where you can enjoy a day of strolling the streets and shopping and dining along the way.

There really is so much explore and experience for a wide variety of interests in this unexpected but great destination!