If licking an ice cream cone and strolling through a friendly neighborhood lined with eclectic shops and restaurants sounds more appealing than being bored in the suburbs, then head to Elmwood Village on Elmwood Avenue in downtown Buffalo.
This neighborhood has entertainment appeal and some of the friendliest residents around. It's not uncommon to see residents riding bikes, walking their dogs or shopping on their lunch breaks.
Fowler's Chocolates at 754 Elmwood Ave. has an attractive pink-candied exterior and interior. Patrons can sample sponge candy, a native Buffalo treat, or grab an ice cream cone to lick while window shopping.
Elmwood Village is home to expensive clothing stores that are fun for browsing or trying on a $200 dress you'll never buy.
Shops like Spoiled Rotten and Everything Elmwood are fun to poke around in for hours because they carry everything from accessories to house wares to trinkets.
Lexington Co-op at 807 Elmwood Ave. is a community-owned store that carries fresh produce, organic foods for both vegetarians and meat-eaters, a hot bar and fresh sandwiches.
Browsing the co-op can be sheer novelty for those unfamiliar with organic foods, vegetarian foods or ethnic dishes. Half sandwiches are packed with meat and with a bottled soda, cost around $5. Seating and wireless Internet are available outside the co-op for watching the hustle and bustle of passersby.
Just across the street is Tru Teas tea bar and Clutch Accessories.
A bit farther down the avenue is Talking Leaves and Cafe aroma, linked on the inside and fun for grabbing a paper, browsing books or people watching.
Those on a tight budget can get entertainment from looking through loads of postcards, cards and stickers. This location is directly adjacent to Bidwell Park, a small patch of grass where people play pick-up games and guitars.
JP Bullfeather's is a great place to stop for an afternoon drink on the patio, as pint specials often run around $2.
Cole's Restaurant and Bar offers four beer samples from anything on draft for $5.
A perfect and cheap way to end a Friday afternoon on Elmwood Avenue is a visit to the Albright Knox Art Gallery, which is free on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. The museum is a great place for snapping pictures, as long as they aren't taken in the main exhibit.
Behind the museum, sits part of Delaware Park, where artists often draw chalk drawings on the sidewalk and row boats can be rented in the warmer season.
Even students without a car can reach Elmwood Village by taking the Metro from University Station to Delavan and Canisius Station and then taking the 26 Delavan bus to Elmwood Avenue.
