Gina Marie & Jayson Richard
Things To Do
Glen Park
Glen Park in Williamsville, NY, is a walking park known for its scenic beauty, including Glen Falls and the Williamsville Water Mill. Bordered by the picturesque Glen Falls and the 215-year-old Williamsville Water Mill (now home to Sweet Jenny’s – another favorite spot of ours), there’s a beautiful parcel of land with interconnecting ponds, streams, trees, waterfalls and wildlife. Parking is easy – navigate to Glen Falls Parking – Williamsville, NY.
Eternal Flame Falls and Hiking Trail
This nearby hike in Orchard Park is home to a waterfall tucked away in a forested ravine with a natural gas spring that flickers behind a waterfall. The flame is produced by the emission of natural gas coming from cracks in the shale. This is a 1.2 mile out and back hike. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 29 min to complete. The best times to visit this trail are April through October – the foliage should be beautiful during the wedding weekend! A fun memory – we attempted this hike while it was frozen over and at dusk. We learned not to do this again.
Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls holds a special place in my (Gina here – hi!) heart – as I vacationed here with my parents as a child. This incredible natural wonder is situated on the border between the United States and Canada. The Falls are truly a must-see and there are amazing hiking trails around this area. The Maid of the Mist boat ride – as featured in “The Office,” where Jim and Pam get married – is an amazing way to experience Niagara Falls and runs through November. The Niagara Whirlpool and Whirlpool Aero Car ride are also favorite spots I visited with my parents.
Sweet Jenny’s Chocolates & Ice Cream
Jayson and I share a love of ice cream, making Sweet Jenny’s a favorite spot. Sweet Jenny’s is right next to Glen Park in the 215-year-old Williamsville Water Mill – blending our love of ice cream with our love of historic industry. If you want to try a local favorite ice cream – we recommend Orange Chocolate – a popular Buffalo combination.
Britesmith Brewing
Next combining our love of craft beer with historic industry – Britesmith Brewing is a craft brewery in an 1800 blacksmith shop overlooking Ellicott Creek. You can hear and see the creek from most seating in the brewery, which we love. We recommend their wood-fired Neapolitan pizza!
overwinter coffee
This cozy coffee spot is the best coffee you will find in Williamsville. With rotating house-made syrups and single-origin coffees, their lattes and mochas are a highlight. Jayson enjoys the maple latte – and I am often enticed by a rotating flavor from the “secret menu” – just ask or follow overwinter on Instagram.
The Screening Room
A favorite spot to catch a classic film on a big screen, we almost always visit the Screening Room on each trip to Buffalo. We have gone to The Screening Room to see the Princess Bride (the movie we watched together the night we officially started dating on June 10, 2017 in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, CA), Double Indemnity, Vertigo, CLUE: The Movie, Back to the Future, and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Platter’s Chocolates
The Buffalo area is well-known for their “sponge candy” – and Platter’s is our favorite. Sponge candy is a light and airy toffee confection with a porous, sponge-like interior. It's made by introducing air into a caramelized sugar mixture, which creates a bubbly, foamy texture. The resulting candy is often coated in chocolate, typically milk or dark chocolate. Platter’s sells their own version of orange chocolate sponge candy if you want to try something truly local to Buffalo! Platter’s also has a café and ice cream shop with monthly special custard flavors.