Growing up in New York City and having traveled a lot, I had low expectations when I first arrived in Buffalo. I was naive enough to assume I had seen it all and that there wouldn’t be much excitement here.
Boy, was I wrong.
Having no car throughout my first year and a half at UB was pretty limiting, as simple tasks like getting to the grocery store or an appointment were a hassle and always meant asking a friend for a ride.
During the second semester of my sophomore year, I decided it was time to lease a car, and since then, I have taken full advantage of my ability to explore.
Experiencing Western New York has truly been life changing. Over the past three years, this region has opened my eyes to a whole new way of living, full of incredible spots more people should know about.
If you’re lucky enough to have a car during your time at UB, it’s time to take advantage of all the opportunities and wonders that await you in and around Buffalo.
Stop by the Buffalo AKG Museum from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month for pay-what-you-wish admission.
For more art, venture across the street to the Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State University. The center also offers free admission, but from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. Additionally, Buffalo State offers the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium which transports visitors through immersive 360° shows, with discounted tickets starting at $7.18 for students.
The Buffalo Botanical Gardens features a historic conservatory housing a wide variety of botanicals. They offer a discounted $10 admission on the last Wednesday of every month, excluding May and June.
Those who love architecture should definitely explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Museum. His work is famous for mastering the intersection of what is organic and what is man made, making this a remarkable piece. Another architectural beauty is the Richardson Olmsted Campus and Hotel, where if brave enough, spend the night in what once was the infamous Buffalo States Asylum of the Insane.
Finally, craft and antique enthusiasts should surely check out the Old Chapel Market to browse to their hearts content.
Don’t want to venture far? Find the galleries inside UB’s Center for the Arts. Both the center and the Katharine Cornell Theatre — where many student productions take place — host outstanding performances year-round.
The food scene in and around Buffalo offers plenty of options for all. Enjoy delicious breakfast or brunch inside a restored 1930s vehicle at the Swan Street Diner. If in search of more culturally diverse options, stop by the West Side Bazaar to explore an international food court. For a quicker option right near UB’s North Campus, Mayback's Deli is a go-to for classic sandwiches and bagels.
Outside of restaurant style options, there are many markets vending all kinds of food.
The historic Broadway Market is filled with traditional Polish goods, baked treats and local vendors. For European food and snacks difficult to find in ordinary American supermarkets, check out European shops like Euro Deli & Gifts, Euro Taste Foods & Deli and the Slavic Bazaar Euro Delicatessen Store. The Asia Food Market features a massive grocery selection as well as a food court within the same building.
Within walking distance of UB, Fattey Beer Company offers a casual taproom experience with cornhole, games, unique ciders, DJ Bingo and trivia.
Located inside Whole Foods, Bar 1818 acts as another casual spot to grab a drink, play games and participate in weekly trivia.
If heading to Letchworth or Six Flags, The Vintage Cow Farmers Market is an adorable market serving delicious food and ice cream, including my personal favorite flavor, the Salty Heifer.
Western New York is definitely the place to be to spend some time outdoors.
Glen Falls Park is perfect for a relaxing outing in close proximity to UB. Whirlpool State Park features scenic trails overlooking the Niagara River Gorge and rapids. Nearby, but located within Whirlpool River Park is the Whirlpool trail down to the water. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the East for a reason, Letchworth State Park makes the perfect day trip for hiking, waterfall views and breathtaking gorge overlooks.
For additional regional adventures, Watkins Glen State Park boasts dramatic gorge waterfalls about two and a half hours from UB, and just nearby, have wood-fired pizza and homemade ice cream at Clover Knoll Creamery. Located only 50 minutes from campus, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure provides drive-through and guided safari park tours. In Lockport, explore the historic Erie Canal locks on a boat cruise or go antiquing.
Just south in East Aurora, eating wings at Bar-Bill: Tavern during your time at UB is a must. Knox Farm State Park offers a peaceful setting for a walk or picnic, and Emery Park features hiking trails with four scenic waterfalls.
Finally, head up to the observation deck at Buffalo City Hall for great views of Downtown Buffalo and Lake Erie.
Having access to a car opens up incredible opportunities for a multitude of day trips.
Near the falls, the Whirlpool Aero Car offers sweeping views as it carries passengers over the Niagara River in an antique cable car. In the opposite direction, traveling toward Rochester, the Genesee Country Village & Museum stands as one of the largest living-history museums in the country.
If adventuring in Rochester — just an hour away from Buffalo by car — stop by Dice Versa, the perfect board game cafe, before it closes at the end of November and The Pawsitive Cat Cafe, a fun stop for cat lovers. For a relaxing evening, visit the Unwine’d Wine Bar for beautiful wine flights and customizable charcuterie boards.
Heading across the border into Canada, Niagara-on-the-Lake allows for exploration of vineyards, wineries, a charming downtown and the lakefront. In St. Catharines, you can visit Port Dalhousie, relax on Lakeside Park Beach and ride the historic 1903 Lakeside Park carousel which is still just 5¢ per ride.
While it’s easy to spend your college years moving strictly between campus, home and a couple of nearby spots, there is a whole region waiting to be explored. Take advantage of a unique vantage point being so close to Canada and Buffalo’s surrounding areas.
The features desk can be reached at features@ubspectrum.com.
