Buffalo And Erie County Naval And Military Park
Located along Canalside, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, or simply the Buffalo Naval Park, is one of the most unique things to do in Buffalo, New York.
In fact, its the largest inland naval park in the United States!
The focal point at the park is the three naval ships, the USS Little Rock, the USS The Sullivans, and the USS Croaker submarine. Visitors can climb aboard all three ships to tour them and learn both about their history and what life was like for the sailors that served here.
There is also a great museum and some land-based equipment on displays for visitors to explore.
Steel Challenges And The Modern Era
At the start of the 20th century, Buffalo was the world’s leading grain port and a national flour-milling hub. Local mills were among the first to benefit from hydroelectricity generated by the Niagara River. Buffalo hosted the 1901 Pan-American Exposition after the SpanishAmerican War, showcasing the nation’s advances in art, architecture, and electricity. Its centerpiece was the Electric Tower, with over two million light bulbs, but some exhibits were jingoistic and racially charged. At the exposition, President William McKinley was assassinated by anarchistLeon Czolgosz. When McKinley died, Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in at the Wilcox Mansion in Buffalo.
Attorney John Milburn and local industrialists and convinced the Lackawanna Iron and Steel Company to relocate from Scranton, Pennsylvania to the town of West Seneca in 1904. Employment was competitive, with many Eastern Europeans and Scrantonians vying for jobs. From the late 19th century to the 1920s, mergers and acquisitions led to distant ownership of local companies this had a negative effect on the city’s economy. Examples include the acquisition of Lackawanna Steel by Bethlehem Steel and, later, the relocation of Curtiss-Wright in the 1940s. The Great Depression saw severe unemployment, especially among the working class. New Deal relief programs operated in full force, and the city became a stronghold of labor unions and the Democratic Party.
Go For A Ride In The Neighborhood
During good weather months, the city organizes one of the most unique things to do in Buffalo . The Slow Roll bike ride is a group ride of literally hundreds of riders, shutting down streets with a police motorcade every Monday night. Although the movement was founded in Detroit, Buffalo is one of the largest worldwide.
The point of these rides is to bring the community together, show off routes through Buffalos many neighborhoods, and then have people stick around to socialize afterward near the ending point.
You can grab a cheap rental through our Reddy Bikeshare and then find the start point to join in. Its free . Its easy enough that pretty much everyone can do it, with most rides about 10 miles long.
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Things To Do In Western New York This Weekend: October 14
BUFFALO, N.Y Buffalo Sabres hockey is back, the Buffalo Bills take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s playoff game and there are several other family-friendly events taking place.
Buffalo Sabres take on the Florida Panthers at KeyBank CenterThe Buffalo Sabres begin their season Thursday against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center. They return to the ice on Saturday at 1 p.m. against the Florida Panthers. You can find the team’s 23-man roster and more information here.
Buffalo Bills Block Party on ChippewaBusinesses on Chippewa Street in Downtown Buffalo will once again come together to host an outdoor “block party” for the Buffalo Bills game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. You can find more information here.
Porchtoberfest in Buffalo’s Elmwood VillagePorchtoberfest will take place in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village on Saturday. “We combined our Porchfest with Octoberfest to bring you Porchtoberfest! Enjoy live music while you hang out on Elmwood,” its website says. There will be events and activities taking place throughout the day. You can find more information here.
Go On Americas Longest Underground Boat Ride
Um, what?
Buffalo is pretty much surrounded by water, what with a great lake and two rivers and some canals, but its the underground boat ride at Lockport Cave thats the most fun of all.
Tours of the cave lead you past two Erie Canal locks and take you through the water tunnel next to the canal, which was blasted out of solid rock in a not-so-safe fashion. The tour ends with an underground boat ride through the tunnel with a few more chances to learn about industrial history in western New York.
Lockport is about 40 minutes from downtown, but its not like you can do this just anywhere.
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Stroll Or Cycle Delaware Park
This forested retreat is the right lung of the Niagara Frontier. Designed by famed landscaper Frederick Law Olmsted in the mid-1800s, Delaware Park is a mecca for city-weary folk wanting to commune with nature. The Buffalo History Museum, Japanese Park, and the world-famous Albright Knox Art Museum are great candidates for stops on a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
Read next: 13 cool facts about Niagara Falls!
The turning of the leaves in fall transforms Hoyt Lake into a mirrored border between water and forest. In the winter, the white expanse goes easy on eyes that can fully appreciate a wide-open snowy panorama.
If you drive or cycle from City Hall to Delaware Park, along Delaware Avenue, you will be awestruck at what were once palatial private residences. Today, they have been converted into charming office spaces. The regal residences around the Park showcase the architecture for which Buffalo is known. This includes the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece and the , which is open for self-guided tours.
Things To See In Buffalo
Buffalo’s industrial past spurred a flurry of development, and the result is an incredible collection of distinct architecture from visionaries of the 19th and 20th century. Explore one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest creations at the Darwin D. Martin House Complex, and then pay a visit to Buffalo City Hall to admire a stunning example of exquisite Art Deco style. For a taste of Buffalo’s impeccable outdoor planning, revel in the peaceful greenery at Delaware Park, part of an extensive park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Olmsted also created the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, which feature one of the few large Victorian conservatories in the United States.
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Erie Basin Marina Buffalo New York
The Erie Basin Marina is a beautiful riverfront park and marina located on Buffalos downtown waterfront. The marina, situated next to the Erie Canal Harbor, is home to a private marina, a public park, and gardens with a waterfront observation tower, restaurants, and a lovely winding waterfront path to stroll along.
If you are wondering what to do in Buffalo on a sunny day, this is a beautiful place to visit. During the summer, the marinas glorious garden features a variety of flower collections and an award-winning rose garden set against the backdrop of the tranquil water and bobbing yachts and boats of the marina. During summer, the marina is packed with walkers, joggers, boaters, kayakers, and families enjoying the lovely surroundings and views.
Things To Do This Weekend In Buffalo & Wny
Here are the best things to do this week in Buffalo, Western New York, and the Niagara Frontier as chosen by Step Out Buffalos editors. This list includes the best things to do including live music, festivals, comedy shows, theater, concerts, sports, nightlife parties and more. Love knowing whats going on in Buffalo and Western New York? Be the first to know everything from the best new restaurants to coolest events !
Please check with venues & event organizers for times and schedules
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Shop In Elmwood Village
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This charming neighborhood north of downtown is a little bit like the Brooklyn of Buffalo, with stylish shops selling design-forward clothing, accessories, and homewares. Check out Ró, Half & Half, Anna Grace, and Renew Bath + Body to put a dent in your wallet. When you need to refuel, head to Inizio for Italian fare or Forty Thieves Kitchen & Bar for pub fare and craft cocktails.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
One of the most unexpected things to do in Buffalo, NY is the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.
It was in this home that Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated as president in 1901 after President William McKinley died from an assassins bullet only a few miles away.
Visitors can tour this historic spot and view their excellent exhibits and films while learning about the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.
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Start Planning Your Trip To Buffalo Ny
There are so many things to do in Buffalo.
Looking for what to see or what to do in Buffalo will open your eyes to incredible tourist opportunities.
There are places to visit that teach you about history, in and out of Buffalo, and which give you a great idea of the culture of the city.
Even on a weekend, you can have tons of fun in this New York city.
The best things to do in Buffalo are comparable to the best things youll do in any other city.
Schedule a trip to Buffalo today.
See Buildings By Legendary Architects
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While many people know about Frank Lloyd Wrights Buffalo buildings, hes not the only famous architect to have left his mark on Queen City. Observe the early origins of skyscraper design at Louis Sullivans Guaranty Building, gaze at H.H. Richardsons landmarked Romanesque Richardson Olmsted Campus, and be amazed at the curves of Eliel and Eero Saarinens Kleinhans Music Hall. The iconic red brick and white terra cotta façade of the was designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first professional female architect in the U.S. Check them out on your own or go on a walking or open-air bus tour.
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Burchfield Penney Art Center
Make sure to pay attention to the spelling, as this isnt a museum for art thats only worth one cent.
Instead, the Burchfield Penney Art Center is home to some of the greatest art in Western New York.
It celebrated its tenth birthday last year, and it already seems to become a true part of Buffalo culture.
Some of the artists whose work youll have the privilege to see at the Burchfield Penney Art Center include Patrick Foran, Gloria Plevin, and Chuck Tingley.
If those names dont sound familiar, have no fear.
These are contemporary artists whose work showcases just how much soul Buffalo has.
Admission to the Burchfield Penney Art Center is very affordable.
It costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students, and free for children 10 and younger if they come with an adult or senior.
Make some time in a Buffalo weekend visit for the Burchfield Penney Art Center.
Address: 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA
Planning to visit other parts of New York? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Brooklyn & things to do in Rochester, NY!
Look Into Special Exhibits At Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, as its name implies, is the famous location where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office as the 26th President of the United States after the terrible death and assassination of President William McKinley in September 1901.
View the collections and artifacts about Theodore Roosevelts life and presidency as you stroll the impressive museums expansive grounds.
Check out the special exhibits and those devoted to Theodore Roosevelts times social issues, many of which are still relevant today.
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People Are Also Reading
Nolan Scales looks at Route 33 near his home.
The most likely option calls for constructing a deck over the expressway for three-fourths of a mile between East Ferry and Dodge streets, by MLK Park, with the project area extending south to Best Street. A tunnel would be built for the roughly 75,000 motorists who drive on the expressway each day, allowing open space and improvements above ground for the benefit of those like Scales.
“I know how Humboldt Parkway was because when I was a kid, I saw it,” Scales said. “What they’re proposing would be a start, but I think they could go farther than that. I think we should have it done all the way because they messed it up when they put the highway there.”
But restoring Humboldt Parkway between the parks is not an option being studied by the state Department of Transportation. That would require filling in the sunken expressway and diverting all the cars and trucks onto city streets.
The News found strong differences of opinion among homeowners and renters who live within a block on either side of the expressway between East Ferry and Dodge.
Scales said he just wants something anything to happen.
“For years they been talking about covering this expressway,” said Scales, adding that neighborhood residents have “waited long enough.”
Others, like Edward Bell, want either full restoration of Humboldt or nothing at all.
“I don’t see the sense of having it from Dodge to East Ferry,” he said.
‘Connect the parks’
Buffalo And Erie County Naval & Military Park
After arriving at the Buffalo-Exchange Street Station, I made sure to visit the first stop on my list. As soon as you get off of the last stop on the metro, its only a three minute walk to the Naval and Military Park. You cant miss it the massive USS The Sullivans destroyer is docked there, its mast flying high and prideful. Admission is $5 for adults. If youre a boat, plane or military buff, this is a little dose of heaven on Earth. Cold War era aircraft such as the F-101F Voodoo interceptor, the FJ-4B Fury naval fighter and the UH-1 Huey helicopter are all displayed on tall metal posts, keeping them in the sky where they belong.
After gazing at the aircraft, you have the exclusive options of climbing into a submarine or stepping on a cruiser. The submarine, the USS Croaker, was a Gato-class submarine used during World War II. When the Cold War began, she was upgraded to more advanced electronics with the goal of hunting down Soviet vessels. She was decommissioned in 1971 and has been at the park since 1988.
If youre claustrophobic, the Croaker may not be ideal for you but for those who arent, its a surreal feeling to stroll around a previously classified military vessel that lived underneath the waves for months on end. If you want a bit more sunshine and open-air, feel free to board the USS The Sullivans, a Fletcher-class destroyer that served in World War II and the Korean War.
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Enjoy The Energy And Action Of Canalside Buffalo
The Canalside Buffalo district is situated just on the edge of Lake Erie in the very heart of the city. Its risen and risen in recent years to become one of the urban hubs for entertainments, shows, arts and socialising.
People flock here during the summer to kick-back on the al fresco sun chairs, to play in the sand pits, rent kayaks, learn how to sail, or simply to stroll the boardwalks.
See The Birds Of The Times Beach Preserve
Proclaimed by local activists as one of the most important wild bird pollinator sites in the entire Great Lakes region, the Times Beach Preserve sits on the edge of historic downtown Buffalo, where the meanders of the mighty Niagara River give way to the waters of Lake Erie.
Awash with countless interesting species of fliers right throughout the year, the spot hosts everything from red-throated loons to palm warblers, snowy to great horned owls, meadowlarks to western sandpipers.
Come in the winter to see the ice-caked banks covered in snow, or drop into the nature trails during the warmer months for some of the best bird spotting in New York State!
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Wander The Pretty Streets Of Elmwood Village
Arguably the single prettiest neighborhood in all of Buffalo, little Elmwood Village is a crisscrossing grid of streets and sidewalks that hosts oodles of charming Queen Anne-style cottages and homes.
These endearing little rows of houses come painted in colourful hues and dressed in age-stained timber cladding, offering the look and feel of a real American slice of suburbia.
The area also has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that oozes from each of its independent coffee shops and boutique stores, bubbles up in local chatter amidst the veg-stacked stalls of its weekend farmers markets, and manifests in local picnickers on the street-side lawns during summer.
In short, this ones a wholesome, happy place to while away a day in Buffalo!
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
One of the best travel hacks you can use is figuring out what the best places to eat are.
Youll have all kinds of places to check out in Buffalo, but one of the best is Pearl Street Grill & Brewery.
At this New York restaurant, you can enjoy some of the best beer and most mouthwatering food in all of Buffalo.
The beer is arguably the star attraction at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery.
This entire building is made up of four floors with nine total bars.
On tap are fantastic craft beers like Trainwreck Amber Ale and Blue-eyed Blueberry Blonde.
Every beer has a distinct, complex flavor.
The menu also complements the beer quite well.
Items like steak sandwiches, onion rings, and stuffed peppers will go just right with your tasty brews.
If youre on or near Pearl Street, be sure to check out this business, one of the best places to visit in the city.
Address: 76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
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