Looking for some restaurants to try in NYC? Check out these incredible Black-owned options below!

Home for me is all about the food, and I believe in the power of celebrating and supporting Black-owned restaurants year-round. I come from a huge family, so moving to Harlem in the middle of the pandemic in 2020 – and during the week when many protests started to pop up around the city – meant I wanted to find not only the best Black-owned restaurants in the city but also the best spots for comfort food.

While I obviously couldn’t get the full NYC summer experience, I took advantage of ordering takeout and compiled a list of some of my favorite spots as I began to settle into the city I had waited half my life to call home.

7 Incredible Restaurants to Check Out in NYC

The Edge Harlem

The Edge Harlem was started by two native New Yorker sisters in 2014 and celebrates their British and Jamaican roots. You can order everything from fish & chips to ackee or jerk chicken, and brunch staples.

“So… what made you move to New York in the middle of a pandemic?” My soon-to-be father-in-law asked during our first meeting over brunch one Saturday in October. I nervously laughed in between bites of shrimp and grits and explained my love for the city and childhood dreams of being a cliché Black girl writer in Harlem. The shrimp and grits are easily in my top 5. I can’t speak to libations (I was trying too hard to impress my partner’s parents) but the homemade ginger beer and sorrel are definitely worth a try.

Lolo’s Seafood Shack

Lolo’s was started by Leticia Skai Young and Chef Raymond Mohan. The two take the best of West Indies flavors, particularly with a Guyanese flair. As the daughter of a native Virginian, it was only right that I FaceTime my now inland bound mother as I cracked into the crab and shrimp boil.

The side of sweet plantains were the perfect addition to my crab legs and shrimp steam pot. My taste buds are sensitive to spicy foods, but I chose to indulge myself with the Lolo’s fries. I ordered for pick up, but if you get a chance, sit outside. Their building brings beach vibes to 116th Street––you can’t miss it!

Harlem Shake

Harlem Shake opened in 2013 and has since received rankings for best milkshake, burgers, and family restaurant in New York City for multiple years. The menu has plenty of options (even for vegetarians––or flexitarians like myself!) but they keep it simple. You can choose between the Classic, Hot Mess, or Jerk for your burger.

I’ve been trying to become vegan for about 5 years. It’s not working, and Harlem Shake doesn’t make it easier. I have had the Hot Mess veggie burger, but I’ve also ordered the Harlem Classic with beef, the cookies & cream milkshake, and sweet potato cheesecake. And I’d do it again. And again.

67 Orange Street

Founder and Owner Karl Franz Williams established 67 Orange as a tribute to Almacks, a 1840s speakeasy and one of the first Black owned and operated bars in New York City. They are mostly known for their creative cocktails, but their small plates are just as enticing.

I ordered Brussel sprouts with a fig balsamic reduction (to be honest, the first bite had me thinking it was BBQ sauce which made this Kansas City girl very happy) and lobster mac & cheese. So far, 67 Orange Street has the best seafood mac & cheese I’ve eaten in NYC, but keep reading for my favorite mac & cheese. And if the in-person ambiance is half as good as the food I had delivered, I will quickly make this my happy hour go-to spot when it’s safe to do so.

Red Rooster

Any Google search of Black-owned restaurants in NYC will surely pull up Red Rooster, so I’d had this spot on my list long before I moved to New York, but never made it. The restaurant also includes Ginny’s Supper Club, a lounge and usual spot for live music performances before the pandemic. They also regularly support and highlight NYC-based artists in their restaurant.

I ordered the Bucatini Piccadilly with a side of mac & greens. That’s not a typo. I said mac & greens, not mac & cheese. And yes, this is my favorite mac & cheese in NYC I hinted at before. It has the comfort of a mac & cheese, but with a little less guilt because collard greens were included. That basically counts as a salad, right? *Googles what vitamins are in collard greens* Rarely do I call mac & cheese perfect (because I respect my mama), but this was perfection.

Harlem Biscuit Company

Harlem Biscuit Company was the vision of Melvin Johnson, or Chef Boots. He has described the difficulty of sticking to his roots––originally taught by his grandmother before formal culinary training––in an ever-evolving culinary world. But Chef Boots has found a niche with Harlem Biscuit Company, which specializes in its namesake––biscuits! They have a selection of biscuit sandwiches, including the classic bacon, egg, and cheese (Bodega) and the eclectic Josephine, a crabcake (yes, on a biscuit), with arugula and aioli.

I had a sweet tooth when I stumbled across the restaurant on Seamless and ordered the Ruby D—strawberry shortcake, but on a biscuit. It was inhaled within 5 minutes while lounging in bed one Sunday afternoon. Delicious is an understatement. It’s simmered in brown sugar, cinnamon, and bourbon––which brought enough joy to someone who drinks her bourbon neat, but subtle enough for someone who may not be a fan of dark liquor.

Melba’s

Melba’s opened in 2005 and was one of the first restaurants I ordered from when I moved. It’s fitting that their website proclaims how the restaurant is like “coming home for dinner, whenever you’re away from home.” I have ordered the fried catfish and eggnog waffle at least 10 times through Seamless since I moved here, so a home away from home, or at least my old home, is exactly how I’d describe Melba’s.

My only warning is the red sangria: it is delicious and sneaky; don’t become a casualty! Two friends and I took a sip of our sangrias one August evening, nodded our heads, set the drinks down, and collectively agreed we would wait until our food came.

What do you think? What are some of your favorite Harlem restaurants?

This list doesn’t cover it all. I’ve walked past many other Black owned restaurants in Harlem that I definitely want to try in person in the coming year, including BSquared, Lido, Seasoned Vegan, and BLVD Bistro!

We all have to eat and let’s be honest, most New York City kitchens aren’t necessarily the best size to cook and quarantine if you don’t live alone. So, next time you’re scrolling through Seamless to find your next bite, support Black owned restaurants in Harlem.

For More NY Travel

• Gossip Girl Guide to NYC
• 20 Fun Things to Do in Buffalo, NY
• How to Spend a Weekend in Buffalo, NY

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The post 7 Delicious Restaurants to Check Out in NYC appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Looking for the best beaches on Long Island? Check out this post from local, Jenna!

Long Island is known for a few things: high property taxes, Billy Joel, Amy Fisher… and great beaches. As a kid, I built sandcastles all over the best beaches on Long Island, and as an adult, I found the ones with live music and appetizers at sunset. The south shore beaches are the ones you want if you’re a fan of smooth sand; the north shore ones are primarily rocky. Still pretty, but a lot harder to walk on barefoot.

Below are some of my favorites!

Best Beaches on Long Island

Cooper’s Beach

268 Meadow Lane, Southampton, NY 11968

You haven’t experienced a sunset until you’ve experienced it at Cooper’s Beach. Serenity and beauty abound at this well-maintained 7-mile-long stretch of beach in the Hamptons with soft, fine white sand and clean water. The $50 daily parking fee (yes, not a typo!) before 5 p.m. is a deterrent for many visitors, though, so it’s not usually overcrowded. It’s consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the entire country, so they get away with pricing it like you’re going to a theme park. It faces the Atlantic Ocean and the waves can get rough. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and buy whatever you need at the on-site store and upscale snack bar. For a sneak peek, check out their webcam.

Jones Beach

2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793

Probably the most famous Long Island beach, Jones Beach has been the site of big concerts and events every summer (air shows, parades, fireworks) and light shows for the winter holidays. This is a great spot if you’re looking for activity—biking on the boardwalks, surfing, paddle boarding, fishing or crabbing, and organized nature walks. Zach’s Bay is the area to hit up if you’re looking for calm water to swim with children. There’s also a new adventure park (WildPlay) with ziplines and an aerial rope obstacle course for adults and kids.

It’s 6.5 miles long, so while it’s always crowded in nice weather, you can still find places to stake out your own spot.

Cherry Grove Bayview Walk

Cherry Grove, NY 11782

This is the longtime hot spot for LGBTQ+ beachgoers on Fire Island—it’s been known as a safe haven since the 1940s. The only way to get there is by ferry (or water taxi or private boat). It’s not officially a nudist beach, but it’s clothing optional and not for those who get freaked out easily. While 2,000-ish people live there over the summer, only 20 live there year-round—it’s really just a summer destination, heavy on partying and events like drag shows. Like the rest of Fire Island, it’s all very walkable or bike-able. You don’t have to be gay to go there, but you’re expected to be an ally. Catch a sneak peek here.

Robert Moses Beach

600 Robert Moses State Parkway, Babylon, NY 11702

This is another wildly popular beach that’s just about five miles long and accessible by car or train (get off at the Babylon station). Different fields have different vibes and activities: there are areas for family picnics, surfing, volleyball, fishing and crabbing off piers, boating, nature walks, swimming, and playgrounds. You can walk to the Fire Island Lighthouse from here (Field 5 is the closest), and spot lots of wildlife along the way. It’s $10 for parking.

Venetian Shores

850 Venetian Blvd., Lindenhurst, NY 11757

If live music is what you’re after, Venetian Shores has it… every night! Well, on season, of course. It’s open to non-residents of Babylon after 5 pm. In the summertime, this little beach gets pretty crowded, so you may have to drive around a while to wait for a parking space to open up as the family-friendly daytime crowd thins and the adults take over at night. There’s a new little restaurant, Katch, that offers real food and drinks (not just the standard hot dogs and burgers at many other beach stands).

Smith Point County Park

1 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, NY 11967

Smith Point is a Fire Island barrier beach and park, but you don’t need to take a ferry to get there—there’s a bridge on the William Floyd Parkway that will lead you right to it. It’s a popular place for tent and RV camping (you need reservations, sometimes far in advance, and full hook-up sites go within minutes of release at the start of the season). This is a clean, white sand beach that has ocean and bay areas, a tiki bar, live entertainment, a boardwalk, a playground, and an area where dogs are allowed. Lifeguards are plentiful and on top of things. There’s also an outer beach area where off-road four-wheeling is allowed with permit. Campers get their own private stretch of beach, which is almost always less crowded than the main beach. Be aware that non-residents pay $18 parking fees before 5:00.

Ditch Plains

Montauk Peninsula, Montauk, NY 11954

This is the spot for early morning surfing and boogie boarding, and local businesses offer lessons and equipment for rent. You can’t park here without an East Hampton Village parking permit, though (you will get an expensive ticket), so you either need to Uber/Lyft/taxi your way in, or walk from a nearby private lot. Bring a jacket in case it gets windy.

Ocean Beach Park

Nevada Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561

Nassau County’s Long Beach is known as “the city by the sea.” Its trademark beach is four miles long, with a 2.2-mile boardwalk and all kinds of things to do: fishing, biking, swimming, surfing (in designated areas), and playground…ing. There are also several good places to eat (most notably, lots of pizza), though not many shops. It’s an easy commute by train from New York City and has a completely opposite vibe: it’s quaint and slow-paced, and very clean. Day passes are $15 per person for non-residents.

For More New York Travel

• Gossip Girl Guide to NYC
• 20 Fun Things to Do in Buffalo, NY
• How to Spend a Weekend in Buffalo, NY

Pin for later!

Jenna Glatzer is the author or ghostwriter of more than 30 books, and she just released the book Kids and Teens in Quarantine: WTF Are We Supposed to Do Now? 100+ Activities and Ideas for Safely Beating Boredom and Isolation.

The post 8 of the Best Beaches on Long Island, New York appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Buffalo, NY has plenty of surprises for day trippers and weekenders alike. A short drive from the Greater Toronto Area, it’s a popular south-of-the-border escape, with intriguing food, shopping and activities, and a chill college-town vibe. I visit throughout the year – here are some of my favorite things to do in Buffalo, NY.

Tours in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo Historical Bike Tour

From Canalside district through Michigan Street Baptist Church, learn more bout Buffalo’s history. Check rates and availability here

Classic Chicken Wings Experience by Bike

Don’t feel bad about indulging in the food Buffalo is known for on this tour! Bike around to main famous spots for Buffalo chicken wings while learning more about the city. Check rates and availability here

East Meets West Foodie Bike Tour

For a more unique tour of Buffalo, try this foodie experience that takes you from Buffalo’s East to West Side as you explore the city’s immigrant and culinary traditions. Check rates and availability here

Waterfront Harbor Bike Tour

This bike tour takes you all along Buffalo’s waterfront from the Outer Harbor to the city’s grain silos, network of canals, and more. Check rates and availability here

20 Unique Things to Do in Buffalo, NY

1. Try the wings at Anchor Bar

Birthplace of the original Buffalo Wings, this modest bar and restaurant has won accolades ranging from a James Beard Foundation Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant,” to “Best of Show” at the National Chicken Wing Festival. Try Tuesday nights for the killer combo of live jazz + pizza + a couple dozen hot wings.

2. Grab some Mexican at Cantina Loco

If you love Mexican spirits, this Elmwood Village hangout is the place to take a flight, with nearly four dozen tequilas and mezcals to choose from. It’s also the place for stick-to-your-ribs tacos. The deep-fried California Fish Tacos rock, with zesty pickled slaw and spicy sauce.

3. Grab a coffee at Grindhaus

Need to re-caffeinate? This boho Allentown coffee shop has a cozy, pre-Instagram aesthetic and cheap eats (many vegan). It’s the perfect place to hunker down with a book… or kill time if you’re waiting for a table at Cantina Loco or Allentown Burger Project.

4. Find your next read at Talking Leaves Books

Buffalo’s oldest indie bookshop is one of Elmwood Village’s anchor shops, and a must for those with a passion for literary fiction, poetry and/or social justice. While small, the shop has a well-curated selection – I never leave without an armload of books, including my fave genres – travel, essays and creative nonfiction about running.

5. Eat your way through Elmwood Village Farmers Market

May through November, Bidwell Parkway is the place to on Saturday mornings, especially if you’re hungry! This 20-year-old alfresco market is only open to producers, meaning, all the vendors make what they sell. That sourdough loaf, cold-pressed juice or artisanal kimchee? All made locally, by the person selling it to you!

6. Try out Wasabi Japanese Restaurant

It’s not slick, but Wasabi is an Elmwood staple where you can enjoy satisfying sushi and teriyaki in a cozy little hideaway – perfect for a date night.

7. Or try the Japanese at SATO

For a hipper, more casual-upscale take on Japanese cuisine, consider SATO, a homegrown success that has grown now includes the modern Japanese restaurant in Elmwood Village;

SATO Ramen in University Heights; and SATO Brewpub, a downtown izakaya with a small-plates menu, including yakitori (grilled meat skewers) and bentos.

8. Check out Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Exploring the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is one of my fave things to do in Buffalo, NY. Unfortunately, the main campus of this leading modern-art institution is freshly closed for renovations, but you can catch engaging exhibits through 2020/2021 at its temporary Albright-Knox Northland location.

9. Go mural spotting

Make sure your phone battery is fully charged before hitting the town in search of the larger-than-life wall murals that are transforming communities into art hubs. From quirky-cute to thought-provoking and historically centered, many of these murals are part of the Albright-Knox Public Art Initiative.

10. Shop at Target

If you’re American, you’re probably scratching your head wondering “What’s the big deal?” but Target’s ill-fated mission to Canada a few years ago left many fans starved for the capsule collections our American friends take for granted. So yeah: Target.

11. Get some food souvenirs at Lexington Coop Market

Drop by to stock your fridge if you’re staying overnight. You’re not? It’s still worth a stop for foodie souvenirs from local hot sauces (I always pick up some, whether I’m traveling locally or internationally) to regionally crafted dog treats (for those of us with pampered pups).

12. Try the beer, bourbon, and burgers at Allen Burger Venture

Splurge on a grass-fed angus burger, washed down with a craft beer and a whiskey-bourbon-Scotch flight, if you dare. Allen Burger Venture says its beef is sourced from verified humane and sustainable ranches, but a full list of “alternative burgers” ensures non-beef eaters are covered, too.

PRO TIP: Order the wings. ABV never claimed to invent Buffalo wings, but I’m pretty sure they’ve perfected them.

13. Shop at Walden Galleria Mall

Sure, Canada has a lot of the chains we used to have to travel south of the border for, but… not all in one place. While many Canadians associate Buffalo with outlet shopping, Walden Galleria is the mall to hit if you want fresh finds, not cheap-and-cheerful steals. Everything you could possibly need is here – with a Cheesecake Factory, too. Perfect for a rainy day in Buffalo.

14. Hang out in Canalside

A four-seasons destination and part of Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization, Canalside is the place to go right now for ice skating, curling, ice bowling and – hello! – ice bumper cars. During the warmer months, the inner harbor the perfect spot to walk, picnic, or catch an outdoor concert or festival.

15. Explore Outer Harbor

The “wilder”part of the waterfront, this 200-acre green space is a must if your idea of things to do in Buffalo, NY includes enjoying the great outdoors. Hike or snowshoe the trails in winter, or catch a concert in summer. Bike or run the trails (bike rentals are available in season), or join a free summer fitness class.

16. Run the Buffalo Marathon

Looking for a flat, fast course to hit a new PB (personal best)? The Buffalo Marathon is a runner favorite (93% of past runners recommend the event), and uber-inclusive, too. Race weekend includes the full marathon, a half marathon, 5K, and the 1K Ruffalo Stampede dog run, and a kids’ mini marathon.

17. Visit the Buffalo & Erie Country Botanical Gardens

Organized around a stunning 67’-tall palm dome filled with lush palms and tropical fruit trees (including a lemon tree and cacao tree), the greenhouses also host geographically themed areas. My favorite: the koi pond in the Asian Rainforest. Millennial alert: House 4 is home to cacti and succulents!

18. Relax at Tipico

Sip a pour-over from this café/roaster located in the Front Park area. Bring a laptop and work away in the airy space for a taste of the digital nomad lifestyle, or just swing by for a bag of their single-origin beans.

19. Shop at the West Side Bazaar

Head to Buffalo’s West Side for all things global: this small-biz incubator features vendors selling treats and treasures from around the world. You’ll find cool merch such as cult-fave black soap from Ghana, handcrafted jewellery from South Sudan, and locally made macramé plant hangers (naturally!), plus tasty eats like Burmese street food and traditional dishes from Puebla, Mexico.

20. Check out the architecture at Market Arcade

Shop, eat or just feast your eyes on the Beaux-Arts/Neo-Classical architecture of the Market Arcade, a beautifully restored circa-1892 shopping arcade. Hot picks: handmade souvenirs from local artists at Buffalo Arcade and artisan snacks for foodie dogs and cats at Buffalo Bakery.

What do you think are the best things to do in Buffalo, NY?

For More New York Travel

• How to Spend a Weekend in Buffalo, NY
• Gossip Girl Guide to NYC
• TBEX Blogging Conference: Speaking on a Panel & Goat Yoga

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The post 20 Fun Things to Do in Buffalo, NY appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

It may be surprising, but there are actually a lot of wonderful ways to spend a weekend in Buffalo!

When I moved to here for my (now ex) partner’s work, I received a lot of snide comments from Americans and Canadians. (People from outside North America didn’t tend to know where it was, so didn’t have any opinions to share!) The rust belt city used to be one of the wealthiest in the USA, but that was a long time ago and it had gone through several decades of economic decline, urban decay, flight to the suburbs, and even depopulation.

But, what I found was completely different from what I’d been led to expect. And honestly, most people who spoke negatively about Buffalo had never been there. Although the city definitely has its problems and inequalities (where doesn’t!?), in reality it’s a vibrant and creative city with amazing architecture, good food and drink, beautiful nature not far away, thriving arts and music scenes, and urban rejuvenation projects breathing new life into previously abandoned and derelict spaces.

One rumor that was true, however? The winters! The winters are next-level cold and snowy, and especially shocking for someone coming from New Zealand, as I was. But there are few things more exciting than a Buffalo summer. Buffalonians really earn their summers!

Here are some insider tips for enjoying a weekend in Buffalo.

Tips for a Weekend in Buffalo, NY

Getting There

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is in a suburb of Buffalo, and connects to other US and some Canadian cities. Buffalo is right on the border with Canada, and only about two hours’ drive from Toronto (although the border crossing can slow things down).

If you’re coming from an international destination, it often makes more sense to fly to Toronto and then drive or take the bus across the border to Buffalo. I did this a few times as it was cheaper than getting domestic US connections to Buffalo. The city is also really close to Niagara Falls, about a half-hour drive away, so it makes sense to combine visits to Niagara Falls and Buffalo.

Getting Around:

Buffalo has a small subway network, and an extensive bus network. Although many visitors have their own cars, this isn’t strictly necessary, although obviously it’s more convenient.

Where to Stay

Elmwood Village is one of the most interesting neighborhoods, with lots of shops and attractions, so it makes sense to stay there. There are also a handful of lovely hotels downtown.

Recommended hotels that ooze with historic charm are:

• InnBuffalo, in a restored 1898 mansion in Elmwood Village
• Hotel Henry Urban Resort, in a refurbished psychiatric asylum on the edge of Elmwood Village
• Hotel at the Lafayette, in a French Renaissance-style building dating from 1904, and the best option downtown
• The Mansion on Delaware Avenue, between Allentown and downtown and another charming 19th-century mansion option
• Curtiss Hotel, another great downtown option in a restored historic landmark building

Check for more hotels in Buffalo here

How to Spend a Weekend in Buffalo, NY

Friday Evening Arrival

Try to arrive in Buffalo for Friday evening, so you can enjoy the city’s nightlife. Art lovers should kick things off by joining an Allentown First Fridays Gallery Walk. The Allentown neighborhood has a large concentration of independent art galleries, which open late on the first Friday of every month for guided walks (as well as drop-in visitors).

You’ll be in a good location to enjoy some food, drinks, and live music afterwards. I really love Allen Burger Venture, a burger bar that sells local and regional craft brews, or Cantina Loco, for tasty Mexican and strong margaritas to kick the night off.

If you want to stay out later, Allentown has some fun grungy dive bars that get loud with live music on the weekends, much of it local. Buffalo’s most famous music exports are Annie di Franco and The Goo Goo Dolls, and while you probably won’t run into them, you might find Buffalo’s next big thing.

by Pete716 via Wikimedia

Saturday

Morning

If your weekend in Buffalo is between May and October, head to the Elmwood Village Farmers’ Market on Bidwell Parkway for breakfast and some gentle morning entertainment. I especially love the local peaches and nectarines in summer. If you had a big Friday night and need a sit down, grab an outdoor table and a strong coffee at Caffe Aroma, just across the road from the market.

After breakfast, take a short walk up Elmwood Avenue to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. In the late-19th and early-20th centuries, Buffalo was one of the wealthiest cities in the US, thanks to its location on the Great Lakes trading route.

Rich locals (the same who lived in Buffalo’s amazing mansions) collected some of the finest art of the time, much of which is now displayed in the Albright-Knox. Art aficionados will be happy to see Warhol, Pollock Frankenthaler, and Lichtenstein in the permanent collection, and art novices will still enjoy browsing the manageable-sized gallery.

Afterwards, don’t miss the impressive outdoor sculptures that face the park. My favorite is the mirror mosaic tree stump with tentacles! Take a walk in Delaware Park, designed by the same guy who designed New York City’s Central Park and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, Frederick Law Olmsted. It’s much smaller than those other parks, though.

Afternoon

After a refreshing walk in the park, walk the short distance back to Elmwood Village and grab some lunch there. There are lots of places to eat to suit your tastes, but great spots for a light Japanese lunch are Sato and Wasabi, both on Elmwood Avenue. Sato is a bit more modern, whereas at Wasabi I always felt like I was back in Japan.

In the afternoon, spend some time browsing the shops of Elmwood Village. Gift stores here focus on local Buffalo-made crafts, and there are fun second-hand clothing stores. I really love the local stained glass lamps, reminiscent of Tiffany glass. If you keep going south on Elmwood Avenue to Allentown (an easy walk if you’re active), there are a number of shops selling antiques, too.

Evening

After a late afternoon rest at your hotel, check out the Colored Musicians Club in the evening (check the program on their website), on Broadway, east of downtown. The area of Broadway around where the Colored Musicians Club still stands was home to a vibrant African American jazz scene in the 1920s and 1930s. While the Colored Musicians Club is all that remains, visitors can enjoy listening to some first-rate live jazz music here, for free or a very small entrance fee.

The drinks are cheap, and you can grab a bar snack here for dinner. Even if you don’t know much (or anything!) about jazz, like me, you can still enjoy an evening of entertainment. There’s also a fun and interactive museum downstairs, which tells all about Buffalo’s place in US jazz history, but you’ll have to return in the daytime for that.

Sunday

Morning

After a quick breakfast at your hotel or a local coffee shop (Spot Coffee is a popular local mini-chain), begin the day with a fun walking tour. Explore Buffalo runs a huge range of walking tours, which are a great way to see parts of the city you might miss otherwise, and to learn about some of its history.

These focus on all kinds of places and themes, including areas of the city (downtown, East Side, etc.) and architectural types (churches, Frank Lloyd Wright, and so on), and even the Buffalo mob. Whatever your interests, you’ll likely find a walking tour to interest you. I’m particularly interested in Buffalo’s old architecture, and there’s so much of that downtown.

Afternoon

To refuel after your tour, visit the West Side Bazaar for a delicious and affordable lunch. Buffalo has become home to many refugees as well as other immigrants over the past few decades, and many of these have settled in the West Side of town.

The West Side Bazaar is a very simple food court that serves very tasty food from Ethiopia, Laos, Myanmar, Puerto Rico, and other places. Plus, the place operates as a small business incubator, to help these new arrivals develop business skills. My favorite meals here are the Ethiopian platters, with injera bread and curries.

Spend time at the Buffalo Waterfront for the rest of the afternoon. The recent development over the last few years has breathed new life into a part of the city that wasn’t previously very appealing, and there are activities there for all kinds of travelers.

Park up for an afternoon of beer and sport, if that’s your thing (unlike me!), at (716). If you’re feeling a bit more active, you can go kayaking in the Buffalo Harbor, or ride a cycleboat. For a happy medium, go on a harbour cruise on the Miss Buffalo, or visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, complete with the decommissioned USS Little Rock battle ship.

by David Wilson via Wikimedia

Evening

If you’re well organized and can book tickets ahead of time, spend an evening at one of downtown Buffalo’s most iconic and attractive buildings, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. The building dates back to 1926, and shows local as well as touring performances. If you can’t see a show, at least take a quick photo of the lit-up sign outside.

Alternatively, catch a movie at the North Park Theatre on Hertel Avenue. Opened by Michael Shea of Shea’s Theatre fame, the movie theater has a beautifully ornate exterior and interior. It shows independent and art-house films, classics, and some more mainstream ones.

For dinner, either before or after a show or movie, you won’t want to miss out on trying some authentic Buffalo wings in the city that created them. In Buffalo, though, they’re just called wings! Anchor Bar, on Main Street, is credited as being the inventor of the spicy fried chicken drumstick served with blue cheese sauce, and while it’s not the only place in town to get them by a long shot, it’s definitely the most iconic.

So there you go, after following this Buffalo weekend itinerary you’ll have no reason to believe any lies or rumors you hear! You’ll now have experienced some of the city’s best eating, entertainment, shopping, and sightseeing activities! Whether or not you’re en route to/from Niagara Falls, there are many good reasons to spend a weekend in Buffalo.

Have you spent a weekend in Buffalo, NY? What did you get up to? Let us know below!

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