Skip to main content

Say Hello to the Best of Buffalo, New York

Buffalo may not top most travelers’ lists of must-see cities. But, this underrated urban hub that anchors New York’s extreme western region has undergone a remarkable renaissance in the past decade.

With beautifully preserved Art Deco architecture, a legitimate and extensive wine trail, trendy coffee shops and craft beer bars, and an obsessively rabid sports following, modern Buffalo offers far more than the average traveler might expect. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to play, eat, drink, and sleep in the state’s most underrated city.

Recommended Videos

Do

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Frank Lloyd Wright is, without a doubt, America’s most well-known and prolific architect. Some of his earliest, most inspiring works were constructed in Western New York where they still stand, open to the public. A tour of any one of his properties — including the Darwin Martin House and Graycliff Estate in particular — is fascinating even if architecture isn’t really your thing. These homes tell the story of Buffalo’s history — of its sharp rise and dramatic fall — all in just a few short decades.

The Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres have experienced crushing defeat throughout the past few decades. Still, the steadfast dedication — nay, obsession — of Buffalo sports fans is legendary. So it’s no surprise that the city is home to one of the greatest temples to sports in the country. The aptly named 716 Food & Sport (named after its area code) is a two-story, 13,000-square-foot sports bar mega-complex complete with a 40-foot long “ice hockey rink”-inspired bartop, more than 360 seats, a massive, 38-foot television, and more than 70 additional HDTVs. To fully appreciate the city’s rabid fandom, grab a beer and a chair here on any given Sunday and be prepared for a whole lot of screaming.

Related: New York Archives

Eat & Drink

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Somewhat surprisingly, the area in and around Buffalo and Niagara is home to New York state’s best wine. The region is even recognized as a legitimate AVA (that’s American Viticultural Area to the layperson), meaning the grapes feature a set of definable growing characteristics and the vino boasts an earthy, mineral flavor profile entirely unique to the region. Explore the entire wine trail via the official trail map.

Buffalo is home to one of the country’s largest and oldest Polish communities and that means plenty of eateries with traditional Polish eats. R&L Lounge is a local culinary institution that opened its doors nearly 50 years ago and it’s hardly changed since. Husband and wife owners, Ronnie and Lottie Pikuzinski, are beloved by locals who happily line up at lunch every day for their simple, out-of-this-world good pierogies.

Stay

Generic-Lafayette-Square
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Few buildings in downtown Buffalo represent the city’s rich architectural roots like the iconic Hotel Lafayette. The historic Art Deco hotel was built in 1904 by the first professional female architect in the United States. Today, every detail of its French Renaissance-style facade has been beautifully preserved inside and out. Check out The Lafayette Suite which features a private dining area, a large soaking tub, and a balcony overlooking Lafayette Square.

(Photo via Flickr)

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Delta adds new global flights and lounges as it grows Seattle presence
Delta SkyClub, Seattle

This week, Delta bolstered its offerings at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), announcing two new lounges and direct service to Rome and Barcelona. The airline will also offer priority access to 18 gates throughout Concourses A and B, so travelers can enjoy a smoother experience from ticketing to touchdown.

Flights to Rome and Barcelona, and two new lounges

Read more
This Midwest city is the top trending spot for Fourth of July weekend
Chicago is this year's top Fourth of July destination
Chicago

Looking to get away this Fourth of July? According to a new travel trends report from Going, the flight deal app, Chicago is the top trending destination for Independence Day weekend, and it’s easy to see why.

The Windy City puts on one of the country’s most spectacular fireworks displays, lighting up the sky over Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. But that’s just the beginning. This year’s holiday weekend also brings the third annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend and the Independence Day Salute, a free, family-friendly celebration featuring patriotic music, Broadway favorites, and audience singalongs. And when it’s time to unwind, Chicago’s lakefront beaches offer the perfect spot to soak up the summer vibes. Flights to Chicago are averaging around $502 roundtrip.

Read more
Golf in Las Vegas: What to know, where to go, and how to make the most of it
Top 5 golfing experiences in Las Vegas and how to make the most if it
Golf in Las Vegas

Like the Scottsdale area, Las Vegas is famous for world-class golfing experiences. That said, there's no doubt in my mind that Las Vegas has the better off-course scene. With its many resorts and casinos, Las Vegas has a lot more for everyone to enjoy, even those of your party who aren't as enthusiastic about golf. While there are only about 50 courses as opposed to the 200 or so in Scottsdale, Golf in Las Vegas promises a vibrant and exciting atmosphere, full of its own luxurious flavor. Here are the top 5 courses in Las Vegas.
Top 5 courses to visit while at Las Vegas

Shadow Creek Golf Course
Shadow Creek is a bucket-list course for many golfers. While it is in North Las Vegas, about a 25 minute drive from the Strip, Golf Digest ranks it among the best in the United States due to its exclusive experience and meticulously maintained greens. Signature holes include the par-3 17th with its water features and the par-5 18th, which has a creek guarding the approach.

Read more