36 Hours in Buffalo
Who Knew There was So Much to Do:
The city of Buffalo offers visitors an invigorating mix of heritage, cultural and entertainment options. Arriving Friday afternoon? Why not take in a Buffalo Art Gallery and head for the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (1285 Elmwood Ave.) for M&T Bank First Friday, an ongoing program of concerts, lectures and special events that is free of charge the first Friday of each month.
After surveying the Gallery's stunning collection of modern masterpieces, head to the nearby Elmwood Village for dinner and drinks at Nektar (451 Elmwood Ave.), a stylish restaurant that features an eclectic menu and memorable martinis.
After dinner, make a stop at the Allen Street Hardware Cafe at the corner of Allen and College Streets for a drink, and an atmosphere that's cool and creative.
Begin Saturday morning with a hearty breakfast at Ambrosia (467 Elmwood Ave.), a classy Greek coffee shop on Elmwood Avenue, before heading out on a walking tour of some great Buffalo Architecture with a guide from Buffalo Tours or try the Open Air Autobus tours by the Campaign for Buffalo. Tours run between May and October and last between one and two hours
Satisfy your post-tour hunger with lunch at Kostas at 1561 Hertel Avenue (at Parkside Ave.) in North Buffalo. Then stop by the Buffalo Zoo for a look at the new Sea Lion Cove and River Otter exhibits. These active animals are sure to please any kid in your party from one to 92.
Next, walk up Jewett Parkway for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's recently re-constructed Darwin Martin House Complex (125 Jewett Parkway) in the city's lovely Parkside neighborhood. This is one of the finest examples of Wright's "Prairie Style" in existence and the work he considered his "opus."
For dinner, stop by the Anchor Bar (1047 Main St.), the place where chicken wings first took flight and experience an American culinary legend. Terressa Bellisimo invented the tasty finger food here in 1964 and millions have been consumed in the years since. Find out why.
In late spring, summer and early fall, end your evening with a stroll along the Buffalo waterfront at the Erie Basin Marina Gardens and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. In summertime the blooms are beautiful, the sunsets often breathtaking and it's the best view to be found of the city's skyline.
Sunday morning, make your way to the Left Bank restaurant (511 Rhode Island, off Richmond Ave.) for brunch. It’s one of the nicest dining spaces in the city and the food is scrumptious.
If your schedule allows, visit the Burchfield-Penney Art Center (1300 Elmwood Ave.) across the street from the Albright-Knox for a look at their stunning collection of watercolors by American master Charles Burchfield or spend some time walking among the antiques and boutiques of the Allentown district. Great deals abound. Be sure to take home a treasure.
