Jungles and palm trees may seem worlds away when you're living in Buffalo. Despite the cold and snow winter brings, little-known exotic locales exist right around the corner.
Some of the finest palms and jungle vegetation can be found at the Buffalo and Erie Country Botanical Gardens. Located at 2655 South Park Ave. in South Buffalo, the gardens are the perfect spot for an escape to paradise.
Enclosed in beautiful glass houses and atriums, the gardens produce foliage that can be enjoyed all year around. While some of the arrangements feature plants from the local region, the majority of plants are native to tropical climates.
There are rainforest, desert, dinosaur, Victorian and tropical flower gardens, all of which are framed by spacious walkways.
Complimenting the exotic verdure and reptilian shrubberies in the dinosaur garden is a large rock waterfall and Koi fish pond. In other gardens are also plenty of cacti, orchids and the Karate Kid's favorite bonsai trees.
Along with interior greenhouses, the gardens boast seasonal outdoor landscaping on the South Park grounds, part of the larger Buffalo Parks system.
A trip to the Botanical Gardens in Buffalo costs only $5 with a valid school ID and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday.
For those few students who leave without satisfying their tropical hunger, a visit to M&T Bank's Rainforest Falls exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo may be the perfect finishing touch.
The Buffalo Zoo is located at 300 Parkside Ave. and lies just on the edge of Delaware Park.
Rainforest Falls replicates Venezuela's Canaima National Park, famous for the world's tallest waterfall, Angel Falls. The exhibit itself features tropical birds, snakes, bats, frogs, monkeys, fish and a 25-foot waterfall.
The foliage might not be as extravagant or well-displayed as the Botanical Gardens, but the addition of wildlife is enough to make it a must see.
Rainforest Falls feels more like an attraction, but that's because of the wild animals and linear paths. The overall design of the facility and imitative jungle landscape is still breathtaking and entertaining.
Concluding the exhibit is an overlooking balcony where patrons can view all of the lush exotic wildlife they just experienced along their journey.
Admission to the Buffalo Zoo is $7 for full-time students and remains open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day between the months of September and June.
For students who are looking for relaxation and hands on experience, the Botanical Gardens will offer the most enjoyable afternoon. Rainforest Falls however, offers a theme park like adventure that few can match.
Students should find both places to be perfect for relieving those cold weather blues.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
