Folks driving through New York State on their way to Niagara Falls are advised to make a pit-stop in Buffalo. Buffalo has more to offer than being the birthplace of the pub-grub classic and the spicy Buffalo chicken wing, Buffalo features art, horticulture and other treasures that only a seasoned native can help you find.
Spend the day exploring the horticultural delights at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, located just two miles from Interstate 90. The gardens were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., the same landscape designer who worked on Central Park in New York City, and boasts a variety of horticultural displays.
Discover the conservatory, comprised of "three glass domes and nine greenhouses" sitting on 1.14 acres, according to the Buffalo Gardens website. Explore exhibits devoted to a variety of plants, such as those found in the Everglades, the Cloud Forest of Panama, or exhibits devoted to specific varieties, such as orchids and begonias. In addition, there are outdoor gardens showcasing varieties of roses and perennials. Let the kids play and try gardening in the Children's Garden, open from May to October. Docent-led tours are available for a fee, and reservations should be made a month in advance.
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14218
716-827-1584
buffalogardens.com
Peruse the contemporary and modern art at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, just minutes from Route 198. The gallery features several temporary exhibits, such as the paintings of Clyfford Still and the “graphite wall drawings” of Sol LeWitt, plus their permanent exhibits at the nearby G. Robert Strauss, Jr. Memorial Library. The library is only open to gallery members.
Ask about their free docent-led gallery tours that are offered throughout the week. After touring the gallery, treat yourself to a bowl of soup, locally made dessert or a tasty beverage, at muse, the on-site restaurant.
The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, but hours of operation are seasonal. The gallery is closed Mondays, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Albright-Knox Art Gallery
1285 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14222
716-882-8700
albrightknox.org
See Buffalo under the guidance of Marty Biniasz, a seasoned native, on the Forgotten Buffalo Tours. Embark on one of the “Off the Beaten Track” tours and learn about Buffalo's history, architecture, while making stops along the way to eat and drink at some of the city's time-worn taverns. In addition, there are tours spotlighting the food and culture of the area's famous immigrant inhabitants, such as those from Poland and Ireland. You also can take a tour that investigates the private, members-only clubs that once dominated the city.
The tours do stop at taverns, and patrons are allowed to drink on the tour bus, which means that all tour participants must be 21 years of age or older. The tour also includes a meal, prizes and giveaways. Reservations can be made by phone, email or by regular mail. Please note that phone and email reservations will be held only for 48 hours.
Tours are held on Saturday nights; however, private tours are available.
Forgotten Buffalo Tours
244 Potters Rd.
Buffalo, NY 14220
716-883-5211
forgottenbuffalo.com
