While it's often known for snowy weather, Buffalo offers warm hospitality and a fun atmosphere for spending time with friends and family. Whether you're looking for kid-friendly activities, bustling nightlife or unique dining options, Buffalo delivers.
Well-Known Weather
Buffalo has a well-earned reputation for winters that are, shall we say, memorable. Lake-effect snowstorms blow in from Lake Erie periodically and drop snowfalls that can be measured in feet, sometimes as early as November. But unexpected thaws are just as common, and wintertime temperatures usually hover around the 20s and 30s degrees. Summers are much more inviting, with sunny 70 and 80-degree days punctuated by the occasional thunderstorm. Bring your sunglasses and spend a day by the lake at Allegany Park or Woodlawn Beach.
Lake Erie, the Bills—And Those Famous Wings
Buffalo is a great place to be if you like to spend time in the outdoors. Take advantage of Lake Erie's great fishing, kayak around Buffalo Harbor or stroll through the stunning Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. Catch a free concert at Canalside Park or take in a football game courtesy of the Buffalo Bills. There's plenty of art and culture to be had as well, including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
When it's time for a cold brew or a bite to eat, head to Buffalo's Allentown district or Elmwood Village to see what's cooking or make a beeline to the Anchor Bar (1047 Main St., Buffalo)—home of the original chicken wing. Yep, that's why they're called Buffalo wings. And of course, no trip to Buffalo would be complete without a detour to Niagara Falls. This natural wonder is just 30 minutes away.
Economy on the Up
In its early days, Buffalo was an important shipping and manufacturing hub thanks to its prime location at the western end of the Erie Canal, but a major economic downturn hit the city hard during the latter half of the 20th century. To the surprise of many, Buffalo has made a near-miraculous turnaround since the dawn of the millennium. Investments in its natural resources and huge growth in financial services, technology and education have breathed new life into Buffalo's economy, and you can see the signs of revitalization everywhere—from the vibrant downtown theater district to the bustling campuses of the University at Buffalo and Bryant and Stratton College.
Getting Around With Ease
One thing's for sure: you won't have any trouble getting around in Buffalo. The NFTA operates a bus and rail system that makes citywide transportation a breeze, with easy-to-find transportation hubs everywhere from downtown to the suburbs. If you have your own car, so much the better; Buffalo is just a 10-minute hop from Interstate 90. Buffalo-Niagara International Airport handles nearly 100 non-stop flights per day, including carriers such as Jet Blue, American Airlines and Delta. Greyhound has a station in Buffalo as well, and Amtrak service is available to the nearby village of Depew.
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