Buffalo truly comes alive in the spring and summer, and one of the best places to join the hustle and bustle is in the heart of the city on Elmwood Avenue. From farmer's markets to street fairs, picnics in the park to window shopping, there's never a shortage of things do to, places to go, or people to see on Elmwood. Let's take a look!
Find a parking spot and hit the pavement to explore all that Elmwood has to offer.
Sure, you can drive on the street - but walking will get you the real feel for things on Elmwood Avenue. Take the time to take a look around. There are plenty of unique murals, shops, and features to enjoy!
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Elmwood is the place to be in warm weather, thanks largely to the Elmwood Village Association.
The team at the Elmwood Village Association works hard to plan public events and Buffalo-boosting fundraisers. Elmwood wouldn't be such a beautiful place without their dedication. Join in for the spring clean-up day on Earth Day, April 22nd, to get the village looking pristine before the warm weather kicks in!
There are several shops to enjoy on Elmwood.
From toy stores and candy shops to specialty food stores and local boutiques, you'll want to bring your wallet (or at least your wish list) with you for an afternoon stroll on Elmwood!
Join in on the festivities!
Elmwood Avenue is home to some of Buffalo's most unique live music events, such as Porchfest...
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...and the Picnic in the Parkway summer concert series, held every Tuesday from June through August at 7:00 PM with live music and local food vendors.
Sit back and relax.
If large crowds and live music aren't necessarily your thing, opt for a quieter vibe on one of Elmwood's many restaurant patios.
No matter what type of food you're in the mood for, Elmwood is sure to deliver with plenty of options – all of which have atmospheres to match their wonderful menus!
You'll find small town charm in the heart of downtown.
Buffalo is known as "The City of Good Neighbors," and, chances are, you'll bump into plenty of friendly faces during your time on Elmwood Ave. Whether you're out for a walk, meeting a friend for coffee, or simply relaxing on a sidewalk bench, there's always something to do here!
Don't forget the farmer's market!
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The Elmwood-Bidwell Farmer's Market is one of the biggest and best markets in the city. Dozens of vendors line up to sell local goods, and people flock to the village to enjoy the community feel.
The best part about it? The farmer's market is a producers-only market, meaning the goods being sold are locally made and never outsourced! Shop local, support local.
What do you love most about the Elmwood Village?
The next time you find yourself in the vicinity of Elmwood Avenue, stop for a strong latte from Spot and stay for a stroll in the area. It's a perfect place to spend the day!
Where is your favorite neighborhood in Buffalo? Share the best places with us so we can check them out!
Buffalonians may have the pleasure of having all of the Queen City's attractions right in our backyards, but not everyone has the luxury of living in our hometown. For those who are visiting Buffalo and are looking to see the best of what our city has to offer, we've compiled an ultimate bucket list of things to do in Buffalo to make sure that you hit all of the coolest places. From waterfront parks to old-school candy shops and more, let's see how many of these attractions you've already crossed off of your Buffalo NY bucket list!
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1. Explore Canalside.
Walk along the waterfront at Canalside and you'll get to enjoy a variety of attractions all in one spot. Canalside is often the host of some of our favorite Buffalo festivals, as well as other exciting events that are constantly going on in the park. During the winter you'll find locals and out-of-town visitors making use of Canalside's ice bikes, playing pond hockey, and skating, while during the summer you'll find us going kayaking out on the water or playing games on the lawn. There's so much to do here!
2. Stay at the Richardson Hotel.
Known for being one of the best hotels in the world, the Richardson Hotel is a 145-year-old building that's full of fascinating history. Once serving as Buffalo's asylum for the insane, the old campus is now a luxurious hotel that will make you feel like you've been transported to a realm like Hogwarts, where jaw-dropping structures like this exist.
3. See the works of art at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
There are plenty of places around Buffalo where you can enjoy art, but the Albright-Knox Art Gallery happens to be our favorite. A total must-see, you'll always find new eye-catching exhibits coming on display that are sure to lure you into returning for another visit. Founded in 1862, the Albright-Knox gallery has been showcasing amazing works of art for Buffalonians for ages and is more than worthy of being on your bucket list.
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4. Eat all the wings!
Growing up in Buffalo means that we all have our own favorite places when it comes to who serves the best wings in Buffalo. When you survey our residents, you'll hear the names of places like Bar Bill, Duff's, Anchor Bar, Gabriel's Gate, and more. No matter where you choose to eat, the important part is that while you're here in Buffalo you must feast on wings somewhere!
5. Please your sweet tooth at Parkside Candy.
After you've had a night out on the town and stuffed your belly full of wings, head on over to Parkside Candy on Main Street. These days, it's hard to find old-school candy shops like this that still carry their vintage charm. At Parkside Candy you'll be able to find local delicacies like sponge candy, as well as hundreds of other sweets that your eyes will be swooning over.
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6. Take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House Complex.
If you thought the architecture at Hotel Henry was impressive, try setting your eyes on the marvelous masterpiece that is Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House Complex. Offering a variety of tours throughout the year, the complex was completed in 1905 and is known for being one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most amazing projects.
7. See the natural beauty at the Buffalo and Eerie County Botanical Gardens.
If you're ready to take a break from the typical cityscapes, heading over to the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens is always a great idea. Open all year long, the beautiful glass building houses a variety of flowers, plants, and lush scenery. If you plan on crossing this off of your list, be sure to keep your eye out for exciting events like their Fall Orchid Show, Santa's Workshop, Dollar Day, and Lumagination. They'll blow you away!
8. Go to a Buffalo Bills game.
We understand that if you're an out-of-town visitor, this isn't something you'll always have as an option to see, depending on the time of year, but if you can make it work - go and see the Buffalo Bills in action! Tailgating at New Era Field is an experience you can't fully understand until you enjoy it firsthand. So turn off the TV and put down your phones, it's time to actually see the Buffalo Bills play right before your eyes.
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9. See a show at Shea's.
I will never not be mesmerized by the bright lights of Shea's. Shea's Performing Arts Center originally opened up back in 1926 and is still as stunning as ever. Shea's is everything you would hope a theatre to be, filled with red chairs and decorated walls and ceilings that make you feel like you're someplace magical - because you are! What's the best show that you've seen at Shea's?
10. Go inside the Ellicott Square Building.
Architecture, architecture, architecture! We can't help but love all the architecture in Buffalo. From the outside, Ellicott Square may look like just another entryway into an average Buffalo building, but once you step inside, prepare to be in awe. Ellicott Square is an Italian Renaissance office building with a lobby that looks like it belongs in a movie. When it was constructed, the 10-story Ellicott Square Building was the largest office building in the world!
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11. Take a stroll through Delaware Park.
Don't underestimate the lovely parks that you'll find in Buffalo. Covering 350 acres, Delaware Park has waterfront walks available all around Hoyt Lake. During the spring, their Japanese Garden comes to life in time for the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival, which is definitely a must-see.
12. Check out the Buffalo and & Erie County Naval and Military Park.
One last historic Buffalo stop is the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park - it may just be our most unique museum! Right on the waterfront, visitors can take tours of decommissioned U.S. Navy vessels, as well as see other vehicles and jets on display.
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How many of these amazing places have you experienced? What would you add to this Buffalo bucket list? Tell us in the comments!
For more ways to stay busy around the Queen City, check out some of the best Wine And Waterfalls In Buffalo! Just be sure to check out our road trip packing list before you head out on the highway and look for adventure!
When most people think of Buffalo, New York, they think of Niagara Falls and Lake Erie. However, those who call it home know there's a lot more to the area; and some of our best spots fly under the radar. From restaurants and coffee shops to nature preserves, the following list nightlights some of the many secret places in Buffalo, NY. So, if you're in the area and wondering, "What are some of the best things to do near me?" read on to discover so much more to explore!
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1. Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center
The Dnipro Ukrainian Center looks a lot different on the outside than it does once you enter. Upon stepping inside, you'll feel like you're entering another country. Since 1955, this has been one of the best secret places in Buffalo, with weddings, live music, and Ukrainian school taking place here. It's open to the public every Friday, where you can go for home-cooked Ukrainian food and great beer.
2. Eternal Flame Falls
Located in the beautiful Chester Ridge Park, Eternal Flame Falls has a very distinct feature: a small flame that keeps burning due to the natural gas the waterfall's base emits. If you live in Buffalo, we think you owe it to yourself to see this natural marvel at least once when you're seeking some of the best things to do near me.
3. Niagara Cafe
Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you. Inside this humble cafe, you'll find the best Puerto Rican food in the city (and possibly the country). Niagara Cafe always seems to be busy, yet some locals don't even know that heading here is one of the best things to do in Buffalo when you're craving a bite to eat.
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4. The Whirlpool Rapids Trail
You'll find this secret place in Buffalo NY at Whirlpool State Park. Walk to the top of the gorge from the parking area and turn left at the stairs, where you'll find a quiet (and often uncrowded) three-mile trail waiting for you to explore.
5. Hotel Dalmatia
This old-school bar and grill is nestled in a quiet neighborhood, where it has been serving patrons tasty burgers, wings, and booze since the 1930s. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming, with hearty pub grub and other specials offered weekly. We suggest heading here when you're looking for a local experience that's one of the best Buffalo things to do.
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6. Tifft Nature Preserve
If you enjoy being near nature but don't want to deal with the crowds of some of the area's top spots, you can head to this peaceful nature preserve. The 264-acre nature refuge is quiet and relaxing, with five miles of nature trails and plenty of wildlife. Hence, it's the perfect destination when you're wondering "What are some of the best things to do near me?"
7. Mark Twain Room, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
While most are aware of this magnificent library's existence, not many realize there's an entire room dedicated to Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, who spent some time in Buffalo. The room features plenty of mementos from the author, including the original Adventures of Huckleberry Finn manuscript! Therefore, we suggest adding it to your list of secret places in Buffalo NY.
How many of these hidden gems have you discovered? Are there others you would add to this list of under-the-radar places? Share your suggestions in the comments below!
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Buffalo may be one of New York's most populated cities, but it's still possible to escape the crowds. There are also plenty of peaceful destinations in Buffalo to check out when you don't feel like being around hordes of other people. If you're looking for more unique things to do in Buffalo, I recommend taking a look at AirBnb experiences, too.