Buffalo is a bustling metropolitan area filled with history, including Victorian-era architecture in the Allentown District, the Darwin Martin House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Erie Canal Locks built in 1838. Modern sights include tall skyscrapers and the General Mills factory, which fills the air with the sweet smells of cereals. Tours of all kinds--on boat, by foot and on an open-air bus--provide a variety of options for getting to know Buffalo. One local company, Forgotten Buffalo Tours, provides bus tours of off-the-beaten path locations. Visit classic taverns downtown, old-world neighborhoods and local oddities while drinking and eating through Buffalo. Participants must be 21 years old since the tours include visits to clubs and pubs. Tour prices include transportation and food, as of 2010.
Waterways in Buffalo, such as Lake Erie and the Niagara River, are well known, and recreational activities on the water take advantage of the raging rivers and peaceful lakes. Enjoy a rowboat ride across Hoyt Lake at the Olmsted Parks Conservancy at Buffalo's "Central Park." Go sailing on the Spirit of Buffalo through the historic Buffalo Harbor for a relaxing journey back in time. The more adventurous will enjoy kayaking down the Buffalo Harbor with an exhilarating ride past the Black Rock Lock and Canal, a lighthouse built in 1833, and Old Fort Erie across the Canadian border. BFLO Harbor Kayak rents kayaks for excursions down the Buffalo Harbor seven days a week, as of October 2010. Kayaks are available for rent by the hour, and guided tours are arranged upon request.
Buffalo is home to sports teams in a wide range of programs. Enjoy watching the Buffalo Bisons hit home runs at the Coca-Cola Stadium, or support the puck-shooting Buffalo Sabres hockey team at the HSBC Arena. Experience a Native-American sport--lacrosse--with a visit to watch the Buffalo Bandits. For a cool way to spend a Sunday afternoon, head over to see the National Football League's Buffalo Bills. Revel in an afternoon of tailgating before watching the battle over the pigskin. The Buffalo Bills play at the Ralph Wilson Stadium for home games during the regular season, from August through January.
