Discovering The Queen City: Buffalo, New York

Nicknamed “The Queen City” and “The City of Good Neighbors,” the second-largest city in New York State may be known to outsiders only as the home of the Buffalo Bills, or perhaps the birthplace of America’s favorite bar grub – chicken wings. But there’s so much more to uncover in the exciting city of Buffalo! From its turn-of-the-century architecture, vibrant downtown and eclectic cuisine – to its proximity to exciting theme parks, museums and, of course, Niagara Falls – it’s time to discover an All-American city unlike any other.

The best place to get to know any city is, perhaps, its downtown area. Just minutes from your Buffalo hotel room, you’ll find an abundance of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and one-of-a-kind art galleries to peruse, as well as a thriving theatre district, which is home to historic Shea's Buffalo Performing Arts Center and a variety of playhouses boasting everything from hot Broadway shows to local productions. If you’re visiting during the warm months, May through October, you’ll be able to partake in an exciting downtown street festival – or the bevy of other festivals that happen each weekend throughout the many neighborhoods in Buffalo.

Of course, Buffalo is not all about partying. A visit to the area just wouldn’t be complete without a day spent at the Buffalo Museum of Science, northeast of the downtown area. From its hand-on exhibits and impressive collections, to its fascinating interactive displays, everyone in the family will love exploring its many features. A trip to the third oldest zoo in the U.S. is also a must. Located in the Delaware Park area, the Buffalo Zoo is outdone only by Niagara Falls when it comes to being the most visited attraction in Western New York. Spend the day strolling through the many fascinating animal exhibits and beautiful garden areas. If modern and contemporary art is your thing, don’t miss the impressive collections at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, also in Delaware Park. Architecture buffs visiting the area may already know that Buffalo is home to more Frank Lloyd Wright structures than any other city in the U.S., with the exception of Chicago. So be sure to see the amazing Darwin D. Martin House Complex, featuring one of the most important designs of Frank Lloyd Wright's career.

Thrills and spills more your style? Here are two attractions you won’t want to miss: Darien Lake Theme and Martin’s Fantasy Island, Darien Lake Theme Park features an abundance of white-knuckle rides, including “Predator”, the tallest wooden coaster in the state and one of the top wooden coasters in the world. Martin's Fantasy Island boasts more than 100 rides, including "The Silver Comet", the latest classic wooden coaster in Western New York! Both have water parks and extreme H2O attractions. If shopping is your idea of excitement, be sure to visit Walden Galleria and Boulevard Mall. Together they boast exceptional stores such as Coach, Sephora, Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic and many more.

Most people come to this area for a chance to take in the stunning beauty of Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls State Park is the best place to get up-close and personal with the American and Horseshoe Falls. Set sail on the Maid of the Mist for an unforgettable experience with one of the world’s natural wonders, discover the history of the falls via the many historic sites and museums, or take a helicopter tour for a view of the falls you won’t get anywhere else.

Adventure, culture, history and natural wonders all await… just outside your Buffalo hotel room. Discover Western New York and experience all that this fascinating area has to offer.