One of the most beautiful outdoor landscapes within the city of Buffalo, the grounds of Forest Lawn Cemetery, the city’s largest, beg to be explored no matter the season. Aside from the marvelous natural sights, like reflecting ponds, a forest of trees, picturesque bridges and even a family of deer, the cemetery, founded in 1849 across 269-acres, is the ideal place to literally walk through Buffalo’s past. And as spring approaches, guided tours or private walks have us yearning to learn more about Buffalo’s rich history. During Women’s History Month, we take a look at six women who had a tremendous impact on Buffalo, the region and beyond: Mary Burnett Talbert, Civil Rights Leader
Kathleen Howard, Opera Singer, Actress, Magazine Editor Margaret L. Wendt, Philanthropist Dorothy Goetz Berlin, Public Figure For more famous residents of Forest Lawn Cemetery, take a look at our extensive blog post here. The post 6 Influential Women of Buffalo’s Past at Forest Lawn Cemetery appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/6-influential-female-residents-forest-lawn-cemetery/
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Fresh fish? Check. Mac salad? Check. Potato salad, French fries, rye bread? Check, check, check. During Lent in Buffalo, there’s no shortage of neighborhood pubs, taverns, restaurants, and even churches serving up tender, delectable fish fry. With only so many Fridays left before Easter, you’ll want to make the most of each one by sampling the catch at these establishments that are just a little off the beaten path: ![]() Joey’s Place Joey’s Place, 1122 Hertel Ave., Buffalo Jades Bar & Restaurant, 4495 Broadway, Depew ![]() McPartlan’s Corner McPartlan’s Corner, 669 Wehrle Dr., Buffalo Bailey Seafood, 3316 Bailey Ave., Buffalo ![]() Wallenwein’s Hotel Wallenwein’s Hotel, 641 Oakwood Ave., East Aurora Rodney’s, 4179 Lakeshore Rd., Hamburg ![]() Happy Swallow – photo courtesy of Am-Pol Eagle News Happy Swallow Bar & Restaurant, 1349 Sycamore St., Buffalo Boomerang’s Bar & Grill, 995 Niagara St., Buffalo ![]() South Side Social South Side Social, 444 Elk St., Buffalo Pamp’s Red Zone Bar & Grill, 1492 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca ![]() Wiechec’s Lounge Wiechec’s Lounge, 1748 Clinton St., Buffalo The post 11 Fish Fry Places You’ve Probably Never Heard Of appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/9-fish-fry-places-youve-probably-never-heard-of/ Boasting not one, but two St. Patrick’s Day parades, Buffalo celebrates the heritage of its large Irish population with a weekend of celebrations eclipsing the majority of cities in the United States. The folks at Departures Magazine, a Travel + Leisure publication, looking for the top St. Patrick’s Day events across the country, discovered that Buffalo is one of the best places to partake in St. Paddy’s Day shenanigans. Among the company of cities like Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City and more, Buffalo was selected as one of the top nine St. Patrick’s Day parties in the nation. Plan your hooley in Buffalo around the Old Neighborhood Parade on Saturday, March 16th. Taking place in Buffalo’s famously Irish Old First Ward neighborhood, the parade marches past some of the city’s premier pubs and taverns. But make sure to save some energy for the big St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 17th. Join tens of thousands of spectators clad in green, white and orange as a procession of floats, cars and bagpipes make their way down Delaware Avenue. You can read the entire Departures round-up here: Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Across the U.S. The post Buffalo Named Top St. Patrick’s Day Destination in U.S. appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/buffalo-named-top-st-patricks-day-destination-in-u-s/ Spring might seem like it’s just around the corner these days in Buffalo, but you know winter is going to give us at least a few more wallops—it’s only early March, after all. But there’s a bright side to the cold temperatures that are inevitably around the corner: it means there’s still time to try out your curling skills at the Ice at Canalside. Two curling lanes are available to reserve by the hour at the Ice at Canalside during open skate hours, with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 10 people per lane. Check their website for hours and special holiday events. With the oddly enthralling spectacle of Olympic curling in our minds, I asked my husband and two game friends to join me at Canalside to test this unique sport out for ourselves. Our instructor, Amanda, helped us check in the Curling pavilion (which includes signing a waiver—you can access it online to help speed up the process), then led us onto the ice. We were glad to find that curling—often described to novices as shuffleboard on ice—can be enjoyed by people at any skill level. Amanda showed us the basics to get us started. ![]() ![]() With one foot braced on a hack—similar to a track runner’s starting block—you push off and heave the 40ish-pound curling stones across ice to a bullseye (called the house) that’s about 100 feet away. The object is to slide your stones—there are 8 per team—as close to the center of the bullseye (the button) as possible, while strategically bumping your opponents out of the house if need be. The other part of the game—the most hilarious one, we thought—is the sweepers. The teammate(s) of whomever is throwing their stone is stationed close to the far house armed with a tiny broom. Sweeping the ice furiously right in front of the stone as it cruises in can help keep it going and influence where it stops. Advanced sweeping can help straighten the stone’s path or direct it into different trajectories (needless to say, we were not at an advanced sweeping level). Those stones are way heavier than we expected and required some “oomph” (and a few belly flops onto the ice) to get them going, and we started out playing half-court curling while we figured it out. However, it didn’t take long to acclimate, and after a few rounds we switched to the full lane.
Curling at Canalside costs $10 per person on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays. Pre-reservations are strongly encouraged (make them here) but walk-ons are also welcome. Staff ask that you get there about 15 minutes early so the paperwork doesn’t cut into your playing time. The post Go for Gold with Curling at Canalside appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/go-for-gold-with-curling-at-canalside/ Whether you’re looking for a place to rest your head in style when coming in from out of town, or planning a staycation and need a change of scenery for a night or two, a stunning boutique hotel is just the ticket. One the newest and most popular in the area is the Reikart House. From the moment you step through the door, you’ll notice their unique furniture, a huge roaring fireplace in the dining area, and a delightful mix of vintage touches with modern decor. When I went to check in at the front desk, right away I noticed the boxes of antique keys displayed in the background. Throughout the dining area and lobby there are subtle antiques like globes, travel trunks, old clocks, and photos of the Reikart family and the real Jacko, the family’s pet capuchin monkey, that now acts as the hotel logo. Frank and Dolly Reikart were known around Amherst for their bold, welcoming personalities and their musical skills. They would perform as vaudeville musicians at various events and parties around town with their adorable monkey by their side! Every single staff member I came in contact with was helpful, accommodating, and gracious. Frank and Dolly Reikart set the bar high for how they wanted their guests treated, and I’d say that their staff is definitely carrying on their cherished tradition of providing excellent service. When I received my room key for the King Suite, it was time to head upstairs and relax for a moment. The rooms are modern and contemporary, with a few vintage photos on the wall to carry the same feeling from the lobby. As I walked in, right away I noticed the comfortable living area furnished with chairs, a couch, TV, desk, coffee station, and even a separate half bathroom. As I made my way into the bedroom, the king bed with a huge fluffy white comforter was calling my name. A large bathroom with marble tiling, skeleton key wallpaper, and a cozy white robe with slippers completed the premium setup. With luxury bath amenities to use while taking a hot shower, complimentary Wi-Fi (which is always a plus for a writer), and more, the room is ideal for rest and relaxation. Although they haven’t completely nixed their phone, the Reikart House has an interesting touch for asking the front desk questions. I saw an Amazon Echo next to my bed and near the coffee station in the living area that prompted, “ALEXA, ask the front desk.” It might seem like a subtle detail, but I have to say I’ve traveled a lot and done quite a few staycations and that is a very fun, modern touch that I haven’t seen yet! After taking a much-needed moment to relax, it was time to order dinner. You can enjoy dinner downstairs in their cozy dining area or order room service. They have a number of handheld options like a turkey and avocado sandwich, the salmon BLT with maple glazed salmon, thick cut bacon, and lemon caper aioli, and veggie wraps. They have salads to choose from like traditional mixed greens and caesars along with some fancier options like farro and quinoa with pulled chicken or burrata and honey roasted root vegetables, grilled fig, pomegranate, and balsamic. And if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, the Reikart House kitchen has plenty of starters like colossal lump crab and poke, too. ![]() ![]() If you’ve noticed the construction next to the Reikart House, they’re currently building a full restaurant set to be named Jazzboline to commemorate the instrument that Frank and Dolly Reikart actually created themselves. I can’t wait to give it a try. After much deliberation, I ordered the burrata salad with the honey roasted root vegetables, grilled figs, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of acidic balsamic with a side of mac and cheese with imported cheeses, farfalle, and Panko bread crumbs to give both a taste. The burrata was plated on top of thick, flavorful pesto and a drizzle of sweet honey and served with a hearty, toasted bread to smear the creamy cheese on top. Absolutely delicious! The mac and cheese was crispy on top from the bread crumbs and had a ton of flavor. I definitely thought a side of mac and cheese would be a small cup, but they certainly don’t skimp on the portions here. It was rich and creamy – the ultimate comfort food! After a wonderful night sleep and a steaming hot shower with their Guild + Pepper products (side note, their bath products smelled amazing and gave my hair tons of volume) I had breakfast delivered to my room. They leave a card in your room so you can check what time you’d like breakfast delivered, what beverages you like (because coffee is a must, of course), and what you’d like to eat. They make your decision easy with their daily selection of a hot breakfast or you can order a la carte different things like fruit cups, toast, bacon, salmon, and eggs, just the way you like it. During my stay, the daily breakfast included a biscuit with butter and jam, fresh fruit, berry yogurt, and a hash with ham, rice, a fried egg, and savory sauce. I was so incredibly pleased with my stay and can’t rave about the Reikart House enough. If you’re looking for character, excellent customer service, luxurious accommodations, and delicious food, consider the Reikart House for your next getaway or staycation! I’d like to thank the amazing staff at the Reikart House for welcoming me and making me feel so comfortable during my stay. As always, all opinions are my own. Reikart House, Buffalo, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Some images courtesy of the Reikart House The post This Boutique Hotel Is Perfect for Your Vacation (or Staycation) appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/this-boutique-hotel-is-perfect-for-your-vacation-or-staycation/ During winter, as cabin fever starts to set in, many parents, grandparents and sitters are looking for ways to get the little ones out of the house. Well there just so happens to be a place in Buffalo that provides hours of education, cleverly disguised as fun – the Buffalo Museum of Science. Four floors of interactive exhibits, displays, games and kid-friendly laboratories will have your whiz kids zipping from room to room so fast that they’ll forget they’re actually learning! Make your way to these 6 exhibits the next time you visit the museum:
The Art of the Brick: Rethink Extinct: Biodiversity: Our Marvelous Earth: Buffalo In Space: Explorations: Ready to discover your own family favorites? Plan your visit today! Monday – Tuesday: 10am – 4pm The post 6 Exhibits for Family Fun at the Buffalo Museum of Science appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/6-exhibits-family-fun-buffalo-museum-science/ Canalside, Buffalo’s beloved summertime destination and the linchpin of the city’s revitalized waterfront, transforms when the temperatures dip below freezing. Concerts in the summer sun and paddleboats in the replica Erie Canal waterways make way for wintry outdoor activities and 33,000 square feet of ice to skate, curl and bike (yes, bike) upon. Here are 8 ways to enjoy Canalside in the winter: Open Skating: Ice Biking: Ice Bumper Cars: Winter Pavilion: Good Eats: Shark Girl: Grain Elevator Illumination: ![]() The Connecting Terminal at Canalside by Joe Cascio The post 8 Ways to Enjoy Canalside This Winter appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/9-ways-enjoy-canalside-winter/ With a current roster of nearly 40 breweries, Buffalo is practically overflowing with tasty suds. And with another 10 brewery openings on the horizon in 2019, the city’s craft beer wave shows no sign of losing steam. This surge of Buffalo born pilsners, IPAs and porters hasn’t gone unnoticed. Most recently, online media company Uproxx, ranked Buffalo among the ten best craft beer destinations in the United States. “While a lot of beer lover’s out there might not immediately jump to the upstate NY city for beer, there’s a lot to be loved about the scene. There’s a balance of old-school microbrews side-by-side with a burgeoning and hip craft scene thanks to all that Great Lake freshwater,” Zach Johnston wrote for Uproxx. From places like Flying Bison Brew Co. and Community Beer Works, the pioneers of the city’s craft beer scene, to Froth Brewing Co. and Belt Line Brewery, the new brewers on the block, Buffalo is making a name for itself in the highly-competitive brewing world. You can read the entire Uproxx list here: The Best U.S. Cities for Beer, According to the Masses The post Buffalo Named a Leading Craft Beer Destination appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/buffalo-named-a-leading-craft-beer-destination/ The buzz about Buffalo’s transformation continues to build in 2019. Travel magazine AFAR, known for their “what the locals know” destination guides, recently turned its gaze toward Buffalo when choosing the Best Weekend Getaways in the United States. “Western New York offers more than just Niagara Falls and chicken wings,” the article stated. “Visit for monumental architecture, a rejuvenated waterfront, and a food hall that’s a veritable United Nations of cuisine.” Taking a deep dive into Buffalo’s ever-expanding and diverse food culture, creative communities, restored architectural wonders and waterfront development, AFAR discovered an unexpected Buffalo hidden beneath the surface. You can, too. Read the entire AFAR piece with tons of suggestions for where eat, drink, play and stay in Buffalo here: The Best Weekend Getaways in the United States. The post Buffalo Named Best Weekend Getaway in United States appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/buffalo-named-best-weekend-getaway-in-united-states/ Ladies and gentleman, step right up and witness the almighty Vidler’s 5 & 10! Come one, come all, to this legendary variety store located in East Aurora. Witness the bizarre, the charming, the colossal, the family-owned destination. Stories of this landmark are all true…just pick a door under the red and white awning and step right into a wonderland of shopper’s bliss! ![]() Celebrating 89 years in business, this 5 & 10 dominates EA’s charming Main Street. With 4 connected buildings, Vidler’s offers twelve departments of fun. A visit is like walking back in time, where the lineup of penny candy jars is never-ending and you can buy Christmas ornaments year-round. What I love most about Vidler’s is the wacky and wild things you can buy. Owner Don Vidler estimates the store stocks a whopping 75,000 unique items! If you’re looking for something for yourself or need a gift, you will find the perfect one for your mother who takes gardening to another level, your father who loves anything camo, your sister who loves to cook, and your brother who loves anything with a Buffalo on it. This is the place to find everything, and anything you’ve ever wanted, and didn’t even know existed. ![]() ![]() You could spend hours in this haven of happiness, and I’m not exaggerating. Every corner you turn puts a smile on your face, and there are a multitude of corners, nooks and crannies too. Could you use some bacon-flavored floss or a mini Hello Kitty frying pan or even a Buffalo Wing infused soda? It’s like every dream you’ve ever had woke up and sat on a shelf. The straightforward but vintage department names alone should help paint the picture: candy, school supplies, bath & body, specialty foods, retro & collectables, seasonal, home décor, crafts, toys, “take a look nook,” kitchenware, and fabrics & yarns. From room to room the sheer size of this store is incredible, and there’s even a basement jam-packed with gourmet and home-spun kitchenware and sundries. I would recommend packing a snack and bringing a water bottle in case you get lost amidst the aisles (perhaps a GPS visitor tracking system would help?), but why not just buy while you are there and taste along the way. ![]() If this hasn’t gotten you into your car and driving towards East Aurora, I don’t know what will. You can’t miss the spot. Look for the GIANT smiling “Vidler on the roof”. It’s family owned and now run by the 3rd generation. So, stop in and play. Even just purely for an epic Instagram photo. This circus of fun is awaiting your visit! The post Find Anything and Everything at Vidler’s Five & Dime appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara. from https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/quirky-unusual-finds-at-vidlers/ |