Buffalo turns into quite a magical place once the holidays roll around, with the snow falling and enchanting tree-lighting events taking place all around the city. Equally so, Western New York's delightful small towns also turn into quite amazing places to visit during the wintertime. Embark on this scenic drive to discover one of the merriest winter villages in Chautauqua County.
The Chautauqua Institution is a fascinating destination all year long, but the Winter Village brings this slice of Ames Avenue to life around the holidays.
Though only in its second year of operation, the first Winter Village event in 2017 proved to be a hit with both locals and out-of-towners and it’s clear that this festivity will remain a popular tradition here in Western New York.
So, what comes along with this amazing Winter village? For starters, there are horse-drawn carriage and sleigh rides available that'll make your holiday season complete.
The Winter Village is a great place for the entire family to explore, with lots of activities and events going on that our younger visitors will enjoy.
For adult visitors, Winter Village weekends also offer opportunities for wine and food pairing dinners that'll give your taste buds the ultimate holiday gift this year.
The festivities all take place on selected weekends from now through December 31st at the Chautauqua Institution, located at 1 Ames Ave., Chautauqua, NY 14722. The event is free to enter and there is free parking available as well. Each weekend features different events and activities, including musical performances, shopping, dining, Breakfast with Santa, decorating workshops for gingerbread houses and cookies, New Year's Eve poppers, and so much more.
To learn more about the Winter Village and to view the full weekend schedules for upcoming events, visit the Chautauqua Institution website here.
We may have the pleasure of having the Metro Rail running through Buffalo, but sometimes our local residents are craving a true train ride. If you're ready to take a leap back into the past to enjoy a timeless form of transportation, then you won't want to miss out on this list that features all our favorite nearby scenic train rides around Buffalo, New York you can take this fall! Fall foliage train rides near me, here. We. Come!
Visit the area of our neighboring city of Rochester, and you can experience a noteworthy scenic fall train ride. Located just over an hour east of Buffalo, Rochester Train Rides are offered at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in the small town of Rush. Beginning in the month of September, you'll start to see all sorts of exciting fall-themed train rides offered, like an Octoberfest themed train ride that includes beer samples and a tasting glass.
Just under an hour away from Buffalo, the Arcade and Attica Railroad offers some of the best train rides in all of Western New York. Arcade and Attica's scenic fall foliage train rides begin the very first weekend in October and run until the end of the month. The 2.5-hour adventure takes you through Western New York's countryside, where all that's required of you is to sit back and enjoy the view.
Bringing you north of Buffalo where you're a little less than an hour outside of the city, the Medina Railroad Museum features charming fall foliage train rides. Taking you along the Erie Canal, the round-trip ride is two hours long and brings you through a wonderland of autumn colors. With only a handful of select dates available during the month of October, you'll want to start planning your trip ASAP if you're longing to ride this train!
Roughly twenty minutes south of Buffalo, near the small town of Hamburg, the Buffalo, Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway features fall foliage train rides that are delightful — and close to home! Lasting between an hour and an hour and a half, the railway's fall foliage train rides will be available this year in October.
For Buffalonians who are willing to travel three hours to enjoy what's generally considered to be our state's most scenic railroad, you won't regret it! Departing from the Utica Station, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad features fall foliage train rides with both one-way and round-trip options. Taking you up into the gorgeous Adirondacks and through secluded, scenic areas of New York, this scenic route is one where you'll enjoy a slight change of scenery as you ride this railroad.
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Wondering what other fall adventures you should enjoy? Then be sure to read about this epic pumpkin patch in Pennsylvania! And if you need more autumn activities in Buffalo, Airbnb Experiences makes for a great resource. There are so many one-of-a-kind opportunities for adventure.
As much as there is to keep us busy here within the city of Buffalo, it's always fun to plan an out-of-town adventure that gives us something to look forward to. If you're ready to make the most of your adventures and explore more of what Western New York has to offer, then check out these 12 best day trips from Buffalo, one for each month of the year.
Ready to explore another equally large and wonderful city within Western New York? Then let's visit our neighbor to the north: Rochester! Families who are making a day trip up to Rochester can spend the day exploring all that's inside of The Strong Museum of Play, including its very own butterfly garden that's open all year long - even during January.
If you're ready to explore other sides of the city where you'll be able to stay bundled up warm indoors, you can visit one of America's oldest operating breweries where you'll be able to enjoy views of High Falls along the Genesee River, or even go for a hike out along Turning Point Park if you're feeling up for it. You'll never run out of reasons to take day trips to Rochester.
A charming city out in Genesee County, Batavia has a little bit of everything to offer visitors. If you make your way out here for an easy little day trip, you can stop into places like the Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle Shop to shop for vintage trinkets that will make you feel like a kid again.
While you're in town, you'll also want to stop into the Center Street Smokehouse, which is full of nothing but finger-licking good food. What better way to stay warm this February than with barbecue in hand?
If you don't have a lot of time to travel from Buffalo and are looking to surround yourself with Western New York's rural beauty, one of the quickest day trips you can take is to head over to East Aurora. Within this city, you'll uncover local gems like Knox Farm State Park, which will start to green up around the month of March. If the weather is still a little chilly, choose to spend the day indoors by shopping around the 16,000-square-foot Vidler's 5 & 10 store.
Travel south of Buffalo and make your way down to Chautauqua County to enjoy a town that's full of character. Jamestown resides along the lakefront, so there are tons of fun things to do around Chautauqua Lake, as well as plenty of in-town attractions - many of which revolve around the fact that this happens to be the hometown of Lucille Ball! Check out the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum or spend the day at the National Comedy Center. If you'd like to stretch out your day trip into a weekend adventure, consider staying the night at Chautauqua Harbor Hotels, which is one of only a few harbor hotels in the state. After a trip here, we're sure you'll agree that Jamestown is one of the best day trips in New York State.
Both an easy and scenic drive, heading out to Letchworth State Park for a day trip is wonderful to enjoy during any time of the year. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, you can experience camping in rustic cabins, enjoy awe-inspiring gorge views, and explore waterfalls along the Genesee River on the amazing hiking trails that will bring out the adventurer in you. If you're looking for a day trip that's packed full of fun, then this is the one to take!
If you're searching for "getaway spots near me," head on out to Schuyler County to the small village of Watkins Glen, one of the most beautiful places that you can visit outside of Buffalo. Situated along the shores of Seneca Lake, the village has everything from delightful restaurants by the waterfront to a picture-perfect pier and, of course, Watkins Glen State Park.
Though dependent on the weather, the Gorge Trail is typically open by the end of May each year, so planning a trip for June will ensure that you get to explore the most beautiful part of this park! What better way to spend the day than exploring along the lakefront and hiking your way through one of the country's most beautiful gorges?
For some warm-weather fun in the midst of summer, take an easygoing drive up north to spend some time along the shore of Lake Ontario by visiting the village of Olcott. This scenic beach town is known for its beautiful lakefront views, a charming shopping village, a famous and historic popcorn stand, and an entire kiddie amusement park that will take you back to the good old days. If you're ready to take on a great family-friendly day trip, look no further than this village.
Lily Dale just might be the most unique town you'll visit near Buffalo. If you've managed to go this long without hearing about it, let us give you a quick rundown. Lily Dale is known as the world's largest center for Spiritualism and all of the residents living in this gated community are certified spiritual mediums. In fact, in order to live here, you'll have to prove that you're actually a medium and not some phony!
Lily Dale is a popular spot to visit in the summer and fall because it's as scenic and peaceful as it is spiritual. Pay a visit to partake in readings and to explore all of the shops and sites that are set up inside the town. It's unlike anything else that you'll ever see here in Western New York.
If you're itching to explore more of Western New York's history, then you'll have a blast taking a day trip up north to the historic town of Lewiston. The town dates all the way back to 1818, so you'll find buildings that are more than 200 years old on Center Street, as well as monuments highlighting the fact that Lewiston was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad. Also, September is the last month you'll have in the year to get a taste of the seasonal The Silo Restaurant along the river!
If there's one thing that this list will remind you of, it's the fact that Buffalo is surrounded by an endless sea of waterfront towns and breathtaking lakes. Taking you out east towards the Finger Lakes, Canandaigua has so much to offer to those who are willing to make the drive out from the Queen City.
Make the trip up here to enjoy paddleboat tours out on the lake before things completely freeze over in winter; however, there are plenty of year-round attractions to keep you busy as well. Consider visiting the Sonnenberg Gardens, Roseland Waterpark, the stunning Canandaigua Pier, and the waterfront Kershaw Park. This little city has it all, and is home to some of the most unique things to do around Buffalo.
A popular place for Buffalonians and New Yorkers in general, Niagara Falls is one of the most scenic cities you'll ever visit. If you've already visited America's oldest state park, step outside of Niagara Falls State Park and visit unique other spots in town - like the city's Third Street Art Alley that's a totally Instagram-worthy spot!
Although it's packed with activities and attractions all year long, the Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville truly comes alive in the wintertime. Whether you pop in for the day or make this an overnight trip, visiting the Holiday Valley Resort will leave you with a smile on your face. Aside from the charming attractions in the village, Holiday Valley offers activities like an exciting mountain coaster, scenic chair lifts, mountain biking trails, and even its own aerial park. Sounds exciting, right?
What are your favorite day trips to take in and around Buffalo? What do you think are the best day trips from Buffalo? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
