Buffalo, NY

Answer 1

The state of New York is most well-known for the city of its namesake - New York City. However, Buffalo offers a gorgeous landscape with the big-city feel for less than a trip to Manhattan would cost. For families of young and old to couples looking for a romantic getaway to friends just looking for a weekend adventure, Buffalo's got you covered.

Upon first arriving to the city, the first thing on everyone's list is to check out one of the nation's greatest landmarks - Niagara falls. Located just 20 minutes from downtown, Niagara Falls has been exciting and awing onlookers for centuries. Take a ride on the Maid of the Mist or Cave of the Winds for a water-front view of the massive falls, or explore the lush grounds of Niagara Falls State Park on one of the many daily guided tours.

For more family fun, check out the Buffalo Zoo where you can admire 23.5 acres of the nation's third oldest zoo and experience a bevy of daily shows and exhibits. After that, take a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour through the Niagara Gorge and into Lewiston, NY, where you can take in the beautiful scenery and have a little wet and wild fun. Or if you'd rather stay on dry land, take the kids over to the Toy Town Museum where you can view over 8,000 square feet of antique toys from the past and various exhibits including the Fisher-Price archive collection, a working Erector set, and a 12-room antique doll house.

And if you're family likes a little rowdy fun, be sure to sneak a peek at any one of the many professional and semi-professional sports teams Buffalo houses. Throw on your best game gear and check out the Buffalo Bills (NFL), Buffalo Sabres (NHL), Buffalo Bisons (MiLB), and Buffalo Bandits (NLL) in action.

After the game, stop by Pearl Street Grill and Brewery to sample any one of their homemade microbrews and some of their signature game food, including the infamous Buffalo chicken wings and the classic loaded pub fries with melted Jack, Cheddar, bacon, sour cream and chives. Or if you're in the mood for a more upscale dining experience, head on over to Sample Restaurant where you can literally sample from an array of tapas for a budget-friendly price including their Cheese Board, featuring caramelized onion, goat cheese and roasted pear butter Panini, house made ricotta cheese with fire roasted pineapple chutney and aged provolone fondue with roasted tomato and basil pesto and baguette cubes. Paired with a glass of wine these small plates are perfect for sampling and indulging.

No matter how you choose to spend your time in Buffalo, NY, you're guaranteed a great time.

Answer 2

Buffalo, NY may not be most people’s idea of a vacation destination, but the city actually has a lot to offer. Situated in western New York State between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, it has an unmistakably northern feel to it, accentuated by the fact that it is one of the snowiest areas in the U.S. While not the booming northern metropolis it was in the early 20th century, the city is coming back after some rough economic times. If you can look past its reputation as a snowy and remote locale, you’ll find a city with some interesting artistic, cultural, and entertainment scenes.

Arts and Entertainment

Three main areas to look for art and culture in Buffalo are the Elmwood Strip, Allentown, and Chippewa street. Elmwood avenue is a long street that runs a long length of the city. Allentown is a major arts district. Elmwood avenue eventually runs right into Allentown if you follow it down. Chippewa street is further downtown. The latter is the nightclub district and features all the upscale dance bars. Live music is quite plentiful in these and other locales in the city. Pick up a copy of the free local entertainment paper called the Artvoice to see what’s going on.

Some interesting live music joints include The Clarence Coffee Company (a short drive outside the city in a town called Clarence), McGarrett’s, Merlin’s (both on Elmwood), Merge Restaurant on Delaware, and Nietzsche’s on Allen street in Allentown. The latter is the home of the longest running open mic in Buffalo, hosted on Monday nights by Mike Meldrum.

The famous Albright Knox art gallery on Elmwood Avenue is a must see in Buffalo. It features modern painting, sculpture, and art installations of all types. This is one of the cultural bastions of the area and features quite a bit of innovative contemporary work.

In addition to this there are frequent lectures, concerts, and theatrical events at the State University of New York at Buffalo (colloquially known as U.B.).

Food and Drink

Some Buffalo culinary specialties are the beef on weck sandwich, and of course the famous Buffalo chicken wings. From high end restaurants like E.B. Green’s and Ristorante Lombardo to sandwich shops like the Gourmet sausage Co, to health food/beer joints Like Merge Restaurant, there is a lot of variety in Buffalo cuisine.

The bars are also plentiful. In addition to those mentioned above try pubs like the Irishman Pub and Eatery on Main St., the Cozumel Grill on Elmwood avenue, and The Buffalo Brew Pub in the outlying area called Williamsville. The Anchor Bar on Main st. is the home of the original Buffalo wings mentioned above.

Buffalo may surprise you. It’s not Paris or New York, not by a long shot, but it is gradually outgrowing its problems and coming into its own as a reasonably up to speed city. It is slowly learning at its own pace that the answer to depression is stimulus and renewal. It has a rich American heritage that is well worth looking into, and a new up and up attitude for the 20th century.

Answer 3

The second largest city in New York, Buffalo (your gateway to Canada) has some of the more pronounced winters known to man. Because of its welcoming nature, Buffalo has received awards like “All-America City Award” and City with a Heart.

Whether your taste is towards the natural environments of the parks and preserves, or your preference is to feel the power of 65,000 cu ft/s at Niagara Falls, there is something for you. A trip to the Buffalo Zoological Gardens will produce grizzly, reindeer and Indian rhinos. Check out some of the cities architectural wonders in Buffalo City Hall, Niagara Mohawk Building or Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge welcomes all species of birds and other types of endangered animals. Make a date with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall.

Don’t leave Buffalo without paying a visit to the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum where you will be able to observe and enjoy a variety of amusement park rides.