The first thing most downstaters complain about when they get to Buffalo is how boring Western New York is. They say there are no good restaurants, no good music or culture and, worst of all, no good shopping.
However, there is an easy substitute for the Big Apple. Less than two hours away by car and probably more cosmopolitan, is Toronto.
Students who have visited the city think that it's worth the short drive up north. Tara Sullivan, a sophomore English major, took a romantic trip with her significant other last year.
"Last Valentine's day my boyfriend took me on a romantic weekend trip to Toronto. We stayed at a cute bed and breakfast near a castle," she said. "The overall feeling of Toronto is similar to N.Y.C., but cleaner and with a more European influence."
But for those who are single, or just looking for a good time, Toronto has plenty of nightlife to offer as well.
"Let's be honest, all college kids go to the bars when they're in Toronto," said Parker Mackay, a senior psychology major. "There are a ton on Yonge Street, and Guvernment and The Docks are like N.Y.C. clubs, always busy."
Sousie Tsotskos, manager of consumer-media relations for the Toronto Convention and Visitors Association, confirmed that Toronto's nightlife is nothing to sneeze at, especially for those stuck in the underage nether region of ages 19 to 20.
"The vibrant nightclub district is three blocks long and everything's within walking distance," she said. "Drinking hours go until 2 a.m. every night. There are great pubs and bars for drinking and a spectrum of night clubs for dancing, where you can hear everything from underground music to rave and jazz."
The city of Toronto is big enough to offer something for everyone. Courtney Barnas, a sophomore psychology major, said she looks forward to going to Toronto for the shopping.
"I'm from Westchester and I miss the shopping in New York City. I've heard there are hundreds of great places to go," she said. "I haven't been yet but plan on a trip real soon."
Tsotskos pointed out that the range of stores in Toronto is endless. From high-end designer goods to a wide variety of department stores and large shopping centers, the city has it all.
"Shopping options are endless here," Tsotskos said, "you can find local urban designs in Queen West SoHo or high-end designs in Bloor-Yorkville, with names including Tiffany and Chanel. There is also Eaton Centre, Brewer Street, and PATH, an underground mall that covers over sixteen miles."
The large shopping malls offer those on a budget the chance to shop for some unique goods without the designer cost. And for those strapped for cash, Toronto also has cheap overnight accommodations.
"Next time I go to Toronto I want to stay at this cool hostel I saw which has rooms for like $25 a night, which is really inexpensive," Sullivan said.
For those looking to see a little culture on their trip to the city, Toronto is also the home of many museums, art galleries and theatres.
"A major attraction that just started is the world premiere theatrical performance based on 'The Lord of The Rings' trilogy playing at the Princess of Wales Theatre," Tsotskos said.
Senior anthropology major Samantha Wolff has visited Toronto and gone to a few attractions unique to the city.
Toronto even caters to the sports fanatics.
"The NBA and NHL community is huge this season," Tsotskos said. "Sports enthusiasts can attend a Toronto Maple Leaf hockey game or a Raptors basketball game. We also have the Hockey Hall of Fame."
Both and are great places to find out more about what Toronto has to offer. With sites like the CN Tower and over 7,000 restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world, Sullivan said that Toronto makes a great weekend vacation.
"For some weird reason even the fast food tastes better there," she said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
