Where the Buffalo Roam
Buffalo might be best known for record snow falls and the birthplace of chicken wings but there is so much to experience in this iconic American city. There has been a revival going on over the past several years that has made Buffalo a place you should really check out. I started coming to the area almost 10 years ago for work purposes and was struck by the city’s diversity and spirit. Buffalo is a city rich with history (an essential part of the Underground Railroad), architecture (Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House), cobblestone lined streets, incredible art, and great people. With the rejuvenation of the city there are some marvelous places to stay, see, eat, and play. Keep in mind that this list is barely scratching the surface. Don’t worry, I will cover more in a future post! Here is what I recommend for your starting point of discovering Buffalo. I also highly suggest renting a car. The city is spread out and you will need a vehicle to reach your destinations. You can pick up a car right at the airport from any of the major car rental agencies. Parking is pretty abundant, inexpensive- if not free.
STAY:
Top row are images of Hotel at the Lafayette. Bottom row are images from the Hotel Henry.
Hotel at the Lafayette: If you are looking to stay in downtown Buffalo you should book a room at the Hotel at the Lafayette- a historical hotel in downtown Buffalo designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, America’s first female architect. Rooms are comfortable, modern, with retro touches. Local coffee purveyor Public Espresso is located in the hotel lobby, be sure to indulge in a house made pastry. Lafayette Brewing Company is also located on the premises, a wise choice for trying a local brew without ever leaving the hotel. Many restaurants and things to do are within walking distance of the hotel. You can valet park your car or opt to park yourself in the garage across the street. https://www.wyndhamhotels.com
Hotel Henry Urban Resort: *CLOSED *Located in the Elmwood Village right across the street from the Buffalo State College is the Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center. The Hotel Henry is one of my favorite hotel experiences due to the unique, repurposed architecture and design. Originally opened as the “Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane” in 1880 it has been revitalized as a hotel and conference center. The rooms are very comfortable and modernly appointed. The hallways display modern art. Many beautifully designed moments are offered throughout the public spaces, including a lovely restaurant named 100 Acres which serves local produce, some grown in the Henry’s garden. It’s an easy walk to the Albright Knox Museum and the restaurants and shops in the heart of Elmwood. In the morning you can fuel up with a coffee or yogurt parfait from the coffee bar. At night celebrate Happy Hour with a handcrafted cocktail in the bar or if you prefer- sip on the outdoor patio or in any of the cozily appointed nooks. Do yourself a favor and order the crispy potatoes with lemon aioli as a snack to go along with your cocktail. Quite possibly the best potatoes you will ever eat. There is free guest parking. If you are looking for an incredibly unique hotel experience you must stay here. www.hotelhenry.com
PLAY:
Top row: Shantell Martin’s “Dance Everyday”, Buffalo City Hall, KeyBank Center, Albright Knox Museum. Bottom row: Bonnie Reiss’s “Magic Buffalo”, Canalside , Albright Knox, Canalside.
Albright Knox Museum: One of my favorite places to visit in Buffalo is the Albright Knox Museum. It has a brilliant collection of work featuring everyone from Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Cindy Sherman, to Edgar Degas. The museum offers an intimate setting to experience art. During the summer there are special event concerts (such as Beck last July). Stop in the fun little gift shop for art inspired treats. There is a cafe to stop for refreshments. If you have time for only one adventure, make this your stop. https://www.albrightknox.org/
Buffalo City Hall- City Hall is a 32 story Art Deco masterpiece with outstanding murals throughout the building’s lobby. Hop on one of the vintage elevators to the 25th floor, take the three flights of stairs to the “Windows on Buffalo” observation deck and get a 360’ panoramic view of the city. https://www.buffalony.gov/
Hockey- If the Sabres are playing a home game see if you can score tickets for a game at The KeyBank Center. https://www.keybankcenter.com/
Murals- A great way to experience Buffalo is to seek out its Public Art. Go on your own art hunt and look for these brilliant murals from artists like- Shantell Martin, Chuck Tingley, Wojciech Kolacz, Casey Millibrand, Bunnie Reiss, and Alice Mizrachi. The perfect selfie backgrounds!
Canalside- New York put a lot of Benjamins into the revitalization of Canalside, a 23-acre modern playground abounding with activities, restaurants, and shops. During the winter you can try out an Ice bike or stick to regular old ice skating. During warmer months you can catch a concert, kayak, play ping pong, watch a sunset, or beat your sister at Giant Jenga. It is open 7 days a week offering many free activities. https://www.canalsidebuffalo.com/
COCKTAILS/DINING:
Left to right: Angelica’s Tea Room, Lake Effect Icecream, Public Espresso, Swan St. Diner, Marble + Rye.
Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream- If you eat one thing while in Buffalo- even in the depths of winter, make sure it’s this locally made ice cream. It’s quite possibly the best ice cream EVER. Super inventive flavors like Sponge Candy, Whiskey Brown Sugar, Black Sesame, Banana Pancakes, and Vanilla Chai. You can choose from scoops, flights, sundaes, bars, or come up with your own concoctions. Many flavors are seasonal. Even the sprinkles are amazing. http://www.lakeeffecticecream.com/
Angelica’s Tea Room- *CLOSED*Prohibition era cocktails are mixed, shaken, and stirred by friendly staff in a wildly wallpapered room. Seating is limited to ensure attentive service, you can make reservations but I have had no problem as a “walk in”. The drink menu includes drinks like the mezcal based “Crystal Castles” and party punches to share. Feeling hungry? Order up Spanish White Tuna Belly or Dutch Vanilla Stroopwafels. Happy hour is Tuesday through Friday. http://www.angelicatearoom.com/
Marble and Rye-For dinner and cocktails I highly recommend making a reservation here. Their cocktails are so darn magical that I asked the bartender to please host a cocktail class. There is a seasonally changing menu filled with dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their pasta and burger are standouts. But you certainly can’t go wrong the Farm Salad or Patatas Bravas. Everything is made from scratch. https://marbleandrye.net/
Swan Street Diner- Hungry for breakfast? Well why not dine in a fully restored 1937 train car? Ample parking is located behind the restaurant. Try sitting at the counter and order made from scratch omelettes, house hash, breakfast tacos, biscuits and gravy, mini donuts. Yes there’s pie, coffee, and milkshakes. https://www.swanstreetdiner.com/
Anchor Bar- Sorry, not sorry. You. Are. In. Buffalo. You are going to have wings where it all started at the original Frank and Teressa’s Anchor Bar. Order wings, fries, and a beer. Don’t get distracted by the burgers and other options...you are here for the wings. https://www.anchorbar.com/
Public Espresso- Are you in need of an coffee boost? Head on over to the lobby of the Hotel Lafayette for a Public Espresso coffee. Knowledgeable baristas can supply you with pour overs, espresso drinks, cold brews, and teas. They even roast their own beans. They have now expanded their menu to include breakfast and lunch items like avocado toast, sandwiches, and salads. http://www.publicespresso.com/
SHOP:
Buffalo City Mission Thrift - This is one of my regular stops when I am in Buffalo. There is a good supply of crafting supplies, interesting clothing, and there never fails to be some fabulous furniture and finds straight out of the 70’s. Someday I will rent a van to haul goodies back home. Buying from thrift stores helps support non-profits and takes care of the planet too. https://www.buffalocitymission.org/thrift-store/
Wegmans - Join the #wegmania! You might be a little surprised to find a grocery store mentioned here but if you are at all familiar with Wegmans you know it’s not just any grocery store. A family owned company founded in 1916 by Walter and John Wegman, this market has an emphasis on local produce and products. Their International Section has such a wide selection of items, I often shop here for items to use at home in Chicago. Pick up some local craft beers such as Southern Tier or Borsari Seasoned Salt from Jamestown. Wegmans also offers classes on cooking, wine tasting, gardening, and holiday ideas. Some locations even have a Pub or Tasting Room. And if all that is not enough to convince you to pop in-they are know for keeping their employees happy. There are many locations across the Buffalo area for you to grab last minute souvenirs, picnic provisions, or those local black raspberries that just came into season. https://www.wegmans.com/