When I first applied to UB, all of my friends asked me the same thing: "Isn't it cold there?" I usually replied: "Yeah, it probably is but my brother goes there, and it's far from home." This is my fourth and final year in Buffalo, and I'd like to think for an outsider, I know a substantial amount about the city I've lived in.
Once you get over the arctic chill (and the frequent crime sprees), Buffalo isn't so bad of a place. You just need to know where to look.
Go to a sports game.
Whether you favor football, baseball or hockey, there's an event to go to. The first professional football game I attended was a Bills vs. Jets game. While wearing a Jets hat, I was "assholed" by an entire group of Bills fans too drunk to spell J-E-T-S. I pregamed with chili burgers and Shocktop, and I got to watch my team destroy the Bills. My first hockey game was a Sabres game and it gave me a newfound appreciation for the sport. I mean, who doesn't like watching dudes rumble on ice skates?
Head to Allentown.
If you get tired of the college life atmosphere - the basement frat parties and the dining hall food - Allentown is the best place for a fresh and exciting environment. Located just a subway ride down Main Street, you can find a ton of varied and delicious restaurants, cute boutiques and antique shops. Also if you have proof you're legal, it's definitely worth your while to check out the bar scene on Allen and Elmwood.
Delaware Park.
The only reason I knew Delaware Park existed was because my brother lived in Buffalo and introduced me to all the cool aspects he knew I wouldn't see otherwise. I'm grateful he did. The park is home to the Buffalo Zoo and features tigers, polar bears, giraffes and elephants. The park itself is arguably one of the most beautiful places in all of Buffalo. Whether you're just walking around on the circular path, playing a game of football or using the golf course, Delaware Park is an inexpensive way to spend your weekend.
Eat wings.
My mom, back when she was in college, roomed with someone from Buffalo and all she heard about was Duff's, Duff's, Duff's (and Buffalo wings). I experienced Duff's for the first time this weekend. It was pretty good, but I guess I'm just an Anchor Bar girl through and through. Whatever your preference, Buffalo is the birthplace of the Buffalo wing and you need to eat them in this city at least once.
The Buffalo Wing Festival is Sept. 1 and 2. There you'll find wings for a bunch of different restaurants and you can choose your favorite for yourself.
Go to Niagara Falls.
It's one of the seven natural wonders of the world and you live less than half an hour away. Why wouldn't you want to go? Just one look at the Falls and you will feel overcome with an appreciation for nature around you. And let's not forget - as college students - one of the greatest things about living so close to the Canadian border is that the drinking age in Canada is 19. So all it takes is a trip through customs and you go from being two years too young, to just right.
Email: lyzi.white@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
