NAME: Carolyn
CITY: Buffalo, New York
COUNTRY: United States of America
YEAR OF TRIP: Local
HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE? Local
BEST TIME TO GO: Early September-Late November
GREATEST CHALLENGE: Driving in the snow and ice conditions, dressing warm enough for sub-zero temperatures, and a lack of subway system (however, ride sharing such as Uber and Lyft do exist).
WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SPECIAL? Known as “the city of good neighbors,” Buffalonians never fail to be anything short of friendly, helpful, and boisterous. A 20 minute ride from Canada, Buffalo offers affordable activities and a plethora of food choices!
MUST EAT:
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Duff’s Chicken Wings (multiple locations throughout the metro area)—mild medium
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La Nova Pizzeria (multiple locations throughout the metro area)—offers a home-maid, gluten free crust option
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Anderson’s (multiple locations throughout the metro area)—Beef on weck, curly fries, and vanilla custard
MUST SEE:
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Niagara Falls—USA and Canada
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Darwin D. Martin House by Frank Lloyd Wright
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Erie Canal
MUST DO:
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Maid of the Mist/Cave of the Winds tour at Niagara Falls
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Buffalo Canalside-summertime offers free concert series every Thursday, kayaking in the Buffalo River, bike tours throughout the city; wintertime offers ice-skating on the largest outdoors ice rink behind the one in Central Park, New York City
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Buffalo Bills (NFL)/Buffalo Sabres (NHL) game—both teams are terrible, yet the fan presence and camaraderie rivals that of a top-rate team
Other Recommendations: Wear a warm coat, gloves, and a hat especially when near Lake Erie/the waterfront as it is always 10 degrees colder by the water—take this seriously as the cold and snow can be extreme. Ask a local where the best places for food are as chances are you will get many different answers—and try all of them! Buffalo has Eastern European roots, and the neighborhoods of each ethnicity still exist—visit all of them.