Buffalo, NY: Home of a Lot of Cool Stuff

I will HAVE to say, that this is something you CAN miss. Even though you might think you shouldn't...it is TRULY a "touristy" thing to do and whether you are a local or a tourist (we were there together) you are treated LIKE a tourist (in that there's no value to treating you right because they're taking your money once and never planning on seeing you again...).

You think: wow, "buffalo wings"...everyone enjoys them and you're in the area...so you HAVE to stop by...UGH-no. It's crowded even though large, it's hard to find parking. Knowing it's a place where people want to "TRY" things (and you never know how HOT a "hot" sauce is...and you can't just order a bunch of wings and not eat them if they're "TOO" hot, they DO NOT MAKE IT EASY OR CHEAP TO "TRY" the wings that were ORIGINALLY (so they say) invented there. I spent $18 on 20 wings...and Buffalo is a cheap town. They are raking in money on their reputation but like any tourist trap, they can continue to do it even though they do not deserve that kind of business or loyalty.

If you go to Niagra falls and are eating in Buffalo on the way there OR back...go to Pearl Street...anyone there will take care of you and welcome you MUCH better than the "Anchor."

This is a "please miss" if you know what is good for you!

What a great place to kick back and relax...unless the Sabres are in town, then it's like a pep rally. Have you known a smaller town more "crazy" about their pro sports? This isn't an LA where sports are an afterthought...football and hockey are the lives of many Buffalonians :). And mostly that's a good thing :)

Pearl street had good food, great atmosphere and good service. They have a lot of areas that will serve any of your needs. Restaurant...straight up bar...outside dining area and banquet rooms of different sizes...it's definitely worth checking out to get some locally brewed awesome beer!

This place is great! It's got cool stuff for kids and things adults will find enjoyable. It is THE most tasteful gift shop I have ever seen in a place like a museum...it's worked right into the museum and actually has museum pieces in it so it's worth going even if you don't buy anything like us. great collections that rotate regularly :). It's a can't miss, especially for the kids!

This winery is a part of an association/group that puts on tours every month or so. $10 (Anywhere, this would be a good deal; in the state of NY, it is a STEAL) gets you a commemerative glass (you can start at ANY of the 10 wineries) and mostly unlimited tastings at 10 places along the way. If you're responsible you can drive it yourself. If you're a tourist, you'll be able to find the wineries by the busses and limos parked there (on tour dates...). If you want to get out of control, it's standard to rent a vehicle and driver for your group and do it up right.

This winery was big, had other stuff going on besides the tour (ie good for kids...) and I think had the best wine of the 10. It's a little bit far away from Buffalo but WELL worth the trip :).

Poke around a bit on the American side and then walk over the peace bridge to Canada (don't forget your passports!). The Canadian side has way better views but be a proud american and enjoy our views, too :). The American Falls are the best place to go to see all three falls from the US side, though Bridal Veil falls are also amazing and wonderful. The view of Horseshoe is nice, too!

Empire was a delicious way to end an evening. They had some FANTASTIC martinis. We were there for drinks and as it was after prime dining time, we didn't get a hard look when we wanted an old-fashioned booth. The service was um, non existent, but it was fine.

I'd come back for the food and since Buffalo is SUCH a cool place (their houses are amazing...and surprisingly affordable), I WILL be back. Can you imagine living in a mansion in a downtown area and actually being able to afford it on a middle-class salary? I'd move there in a heartbeat!