Buffalo, NY Travel Guide
Out front of Buffalo’s Shea’s Performing Arts Center on Main Street, one of my favorite places to shoot.
PEARL HEADBAND, BLACK SWEATER, BLACK PURSE, SKINNY JEANS, SHOES
As I was working on my Las Vegas style guide last week, I realized I’ve NEVER done a feature/guide on my hometown of Buffalo, NY. Pretty embarrassing, if you ask me. I have a tremendous amount of pride being from Buffalo, we’re the city of good neighbors after all! Every now and then I’ll get requests for suggestions so I’ve finally put together this list of suggestions from a local.
WHY VISIT BUFFALO?
Although we’re known for our hearty winters, we have some incredible weather in the spring, summer and fall. All of the “snowbirds” who leave for the winter, always find their way back during this time. Depending on your interests, anyone can find something worth their while. From the famous architecture, to the waterfront activities to the underrated food scene and hidden gems of boutiques - there’s something for everyone! Niagara Falls is also pretty close, definitely something to see if you haven’t. Buffalo and it’s surrounding areas are also incredibly easy to navigate, everything is within a 15-20 minute driving distance.
one of my favorite spots to take photos, Buffalo City Hall
HOW TO GET THERE // HOW TO GET AROUND
Most people who visit drive in (because a car is essential here) but you can fly into Buffalo/Niagara International Airport. It’s a very easy airport to navigate and offers a great variety of routes. You could also take the Amtrak train, depending on where you’re coming from. When you’re here, I would strongly suggest you rent a car. Uber/Lyft is readily available but renting a car may be more economical, it really depends on how far you want to go.
our engagement photos were taken in front of Buffalo City Hall, photo by Colin Gordon
Outfits are 3+ years old, dress was BCBG
WHERE TO STAY
Buffalo has some incredible boutique hotels and Airbnb experiences. If I were traveling to Buffalo, I would stay closer to the downtown area - there’s a lot more happening then in the surrounding suburbs.
A few of my favorite locations (to shoot, especially):
Hotel Henry - Hotel at the Lafayette - The Mansion on Delaware Avenue - Curtiss Hotel - The Foundry Suites
If you’re all about racking up your Marriott/Hilton/etc. points there are some great new hotels downtown and near Canalside as well.
Buffalo winters call for shooting indoors, this was taken inside the Curtiss Hotel bar
Outfit is sold out ModCloth for Nordstrom
MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHERE TO EAT
I plan on adding to this as time goes on but here are a few of my favorites:
QUICK BITES:
O3 Cafe, Rachel’s Mediterranean, Joe’s Deli, Core Life Eatery, Squeeze Juicery, Ted’s Hot Dogs, Anderson’s Frozen Custard, Fresh Catch Poke Co., Wegmans
BRUNCH + LUNCH:
Betty’s, Sophia’s, The Original Pancake House, Cole’s Restaurant & Bar, Providence Social, Roost, The Dapper Goose, Billy Club, The Grange Community Kitchen, Creekview, Chris’ NY Deli, Ballyhoo, Allen Burger Venture, Panorama on Seven, Liberty Hound, Swan Street Diner, Rowhouse Bakery + Restaurant, Kostas
SIT DOWN DINNER:
Tempo, Bacchus, Frankie Primo’s, Billy Club, Dobutsu, Raclettes, Tappo, Marble & Rye, The Left Bank, Lombardo, The Dapper Goose, Roost, Acropolis, Romeo & Juliets, Pizza Plant
PIZZA:
Buffalo pizza has a style of it’s own and the town is always divided on who makes the best but my favorites include: Picasso’s, La Nova, Franco’s, Mister Pizza and Bocce Pizza.
WINGS:
Another touchy topic among passionate Buffalonians but a few of my personal favorites are:
Gabriel’s Gate, La Nova, Bar Bill Tavern
SWEET TREATS:
Paula’s Donuts, Anderson’s Frozen Custard, DiCamillo Bakery, Muscoreils, Lake Effect Ice Cream, Donut Kraze, Churn Soft Serve & Coffee, Fairy Cakes, Watson’s Chocolate, Altheas Chocolates
Another favorite place to shoot, Delaware Park with Albright Knox Art Gallery in the background
ROMPER, wearing size 14
THINGS TO DO
You should definitely bring your eating pants when you come to Buffalo. The food is pretty spectacular. But there is plenty to do, depending on what time of year you come. A few favorites (besides eating includes):
Walking around Delaware Park, Hoyt Lake and the Albright Knox Art Gallery
Checking out Buffalo’s Waterfront Canalside and it’s Buffalo Naval & Military Park
Scoping out some great local shopping off Elmwood Villiage + Hertel Avenue
Go get fitted for a bra at Lace & Day or Blum’s Buffalo (had to sneak that in)
Hatchets & Hops (axe throwing - SUPER fun!)
See a show at Shea’s Performing Arts Center
Food Truck Tuesdays in Larkin Square
Visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House - if you’re into architecture!
Step Out Buffalo also has weekly round ups of things /events happening year round. Check them out here!
THINGS TO KNOW + TIPS
Buffalo’s best weather is from June - December (in my opinion). January - May can be very hit or miss but it really varies year to year. No matter the weather, you’ll always be greeted by friendly faces and good food! I hope this inspires your next trip to Buffalo! Feel free to leave any favorites I missed or questions below!