In And Around Buffalo
Besides the close proximity to Niagara Falls, this city on Lake Erie draws visitors to displays of its artifacts, art and architecture.
Albright Knox Art Gallery
Completed in 1905, the Albright Knox Art Gallery houses a large collection of modern and post-modern artworks as well as examples of art dating back as far as 3,000 B.C. The gallery offers free public tours on Wednesdays and weekends. Now through Sept. 10, the gallery is exhibiting two special collections by expressionist painter Clyfford Still and contemporary British artist Cathy de Monchaux.
Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
As the 100th anniversary of the 1901 Pan American Exposition approaches, the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society Museum has collected thousands of artifacts to commemorate the event that exhibited America's industrial and commercial success to the world. Featured in the collection is the revolver used by Leon Czolgosz to assassinate President McKinley as he toured the exposition, the museum boasts.
Also at the museum are works from some early inhabitants, the Iroquois, dating back to the 1500s, as well as artifacts from the War of 1812 and the construction of the Erie Canal.
Frank Lloyd Wright in Buffalo
Currently in the process of being restored, the Darwin D. Martin House is one of a few examples of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture still standing in Buffalo. Built in 1904, visitors are welcome to tour the residence and the surrounding grounds. Appointments are required.
For more on Buffalo's architecture, the Women for Downtown provide information for a self-guided walking tour of Buffalo's historic buildings, including several sites found in the National Register of Historic Places.
Pick of the Crop
In a town known for die-hard sports fans and frigid winters, a modern dance company has sprung up that softens the edges of this blue-collar town. Now in its 21st season, Pick of the Crop Dance infuses a resident company with guest choreographers and dancers to bring new works to Buffalo.
This fall, the company will perform a series of works choreographed by the founder of Pick of the Crop, Elaine Gardner.
Niagara Falls
Often called the honeymoon capital of the world, Niagara alls is by far the most popular tourist destination in the area. Visitors can experience the immense power of the falls from the comfort of the shore or get up close aboard the Maid of the Mist, a tour boat that brings passengers to the base of the falls. Find out more at Niagara Falls Live.
The Canadian side of the falls recently legalized gambling and now has a casino less than a mile from the falls. The Casino Niagara has more than 100 gaming tables and scores of slot machines as well as Vegas-style musical and comedy shows, according to its site.
The Niagara Falls area has other attractions including the Daredevil Hall of Fame, the Guinness World Records Museum and helicopter rides over the falls.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
Located just north of the falls in Canada, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers visitors a more peaceful experience. Nestled on the banks of Lake Ontario, the town was founded more than 200 years ago by British Loyalists during the Revolutionary War, according to the chamber of commerce Web site.
Main attractions include art galleries, antiques and historical sites. The area also has several wineries. Tours of the Niagara wine region are available through Niagara Wine Tours International.
For more information about Buffalo, Online Buffalo has local news and sports information, a restaurant guide and links to local attractions.
Compiled by Mike Wuebben