Buffalo is a gold mine of late 19th/early 20th century urban design. This lakeside city harbors an unexpected discovery around every corner, offering a staggering range of cultural resources as well as some of the country's most captivating architecture. Nestled between the pristine network of city parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted are National Historic Landmarks by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and H.H. Richardson. Extraordinary examples of Victorian, Beaux-Arts, Romanesque and Art Deco architecture can also be explored on one of the city's more than 500 walking tours. Buffalo is also home to the Erie Canal Harbor, a 184-year old Commercial Slip that has been restored and is now open to the public for the first time in generations.
Reasons to Visit
The city features an awe-inspiring collection of historic grain elevators and other examples of commercial urban design as well as surviving buildings by the nation's first professional woman architect, Louise Blanchard Bethune. Buffalo also boasts critical sites related to the Underground Railroad, and is perfectly positioned for a quick trip to nearby Niagara Falls where some of the oldest buildings on the Great Lakes can be found.
Preservation & Revitalization Efforts
For the past decade, historic preservation has played a critical role in Buffalo's revitalization efforts. Neighborhood by neighborhood, Buffalo's turn-of-the-century legacy is being restored. Many landmark buildings have returned to past glory while former warehouses, department stores and manufacturing plants have found new life as offices and residential lofts.
Arts, Eats & Activities
Today, Buffalo caters to all tastes and interests. There is a lively arts scene that includes the world-class collection of modern art at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the opulent European-style opera house that now houses Shea’s Performing Art Center. Beautiful botanical gardens and annual festivals are also an essential part of the city’s appeal. Buffalo’s pedestrian-friendly Elmwood Village, recently designated one of the best neighborhoods in America by the American Planning Association, combines clusters of galleries, boutiques and shops with an assortment of bistros, bars and cafes where distinctive regional delicacies such as chicken wings, beef-on-weck and foot-long charbroiled hot dogs can be sampled. While those who love winter sports will have many choices for recreation, Buffalo’s summers are the most temperate in the Northeast, thanks to Lake Erie, one of the world’s largest natural air conditioners.
Listed below you are impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... thingvisitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by Dave at: January 22, 2009
As a former Buffalonian... Like a Marine... " once a Buffalonian, always a Buffalonian, I was impressed with the optimistic appraisal and outlook concerning the best kept secret in the USA!
Submitted by Gary at: January 21, 2009
With the old Aud coming down and more waterfront development in the works, things should be getting very interesting downtown. Now if we could only get a major restoration done on the wonderful old Central Terminal.
Submitted by Lynn at: January 19, 2009
Don't miss the Garden Walk in late July. Residents open their yards for tours on Saturday and Sunday. Some offer refreshments. Most are glad to offer information and advice about their gorgeous gardens! It is an event for anyone interested in gardening.
Submitted by Marilyn at: January 18, 2009
Buffalo is one of the best kept secrets. The summers are so beautiful but even winters are fun. Great skiiing an hour away and snowshoing, crosscountry in the city's beautiful parks. It's a city of warm,friendly,active people.
Submitted by joey at: January 18, 2009
fantastic!!!
Submitted by bamf at: January 16, 2009
The Allentown Art Festival in early June is one of the largest in the country. A new art gallery - the Burchfield - has just opened on thr campus of Buffalo State College.
Submitted by Suzanne at: January 14, 2009
Though I no longer live there, I tell everyone about Buffalo, that they MUST go see for themselves all the city has to offer. There are so many delights the film couldn't touch on--I'll put in a plug for the West Side Rowing Club and the new Frank LLoyd Wright boathouse. But Buffalo's greatest resource and attraction are its wonderful, friendly, hospitable people. The film made me homesick!
Submitted by Nancy at: January 14, 2009
Actually, there's so much to see and do in Buffalo that it's difficult to find a time to leave town when you wouldn't be missing out on a great event. Some of my favorites take place on the waterfront, for example, the Pond Hockey Tournament in February and Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor concerts during the summer. The setting for these events is amazing. It's Buffalo from a whole new angle.
Submitted by Laura at: January 13, 2009
Old and new: Burchfield-Penney, Albright-Knox; Richardson Towers; preserved neighborhoods, four seasons, two presidents, great food, theater, music, a lake, a river, next door to Canada. See you all in 2010!
Submitted by Buffalo Homecoming at: January 13, 2009
Discover all the reasons to fall in love with Buffalo June 25-28, 2009 during Buffalo Homecoming!
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665 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14203
As a former Buffalonian... Like a Marine... " once a Buffalonian, always a Buffalonian, I was impressed with the optimistic appraisal and outlook concerning the best kept secret in the USA!
Submitted by Gary at: January 21, 2009
With the old Aud coming down and more waterfront development in the works, things should be getting very interesting downtown. Now if we could only get a major restoration done on the wonderful old Central Terminal.
Submitted by Lynn at: January 19, 2009
Don't miss the Garden Walk in late July. Residents open their yards for tours on Saturday and Sunday. Some offer refreshments. Most are glad to offer information and advice about their gorgeous gardens! It is an event for anyone interested in gardening.
Submitted by Marilyn at: January 18, 2009
Buffalo is one of the best kept secrets. The summers are so beautiful but even winters are fun. Great skiiing an hour away and snowshoing, crosscountry in the city's beautiful parks. It's a city of warm,friendly,active people.
Submitted by joey at: January 18, 2009
fantastic!!!
Submitted by bamf at: January 16, 2009
The Allentown Art Festival in early June is one of the largest in the country. A new art gallery - the Burchfield - has just opened on thr campus of Buffalo State College.
Submitted by Suzanne at: January 14, 2009
Though I no longer live there, I tell everyone about Buffalo, that they MUST go see for themselves all the city has to offer. There are so many delights the film couldn't touch on--I'll put in a plug for the West Side Rowing Club and the new Frank LLoyd Wright boathouse. But Buffalo's greatest resource and attraction are its wonderful, friendly, hospitable people. The film made me homesick!
Submitted by Nancy at: January 14, 2009
Actually, there's so much to see and do in Buffalo that it's difficult to find a time to leave town when you wouldn't be missing out on a great event. Some of my favorites take place on the waterfront, for example, the Pond Hockey Tournament in February and Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor concerts during the summer. The setting for these events is amazing. It's Buffalo from a whole new angle.
Submitted by Laura at: January 13, 2009
Old and new: Burchfield-Penney, Albright-Knox; Richardson Towers; preserved neighborhoods, four seasons, two presidents, great food, theater, music, a lake, a river, next door to Canada. See you all in 2010!
Submitted by Buffalo Homecoming at: January 13, 2009
Discover all the reasons to fall in love with Buffalo June 25-28, 2009 during Buffalo Homecoming!