Things To Do
Niagara Falls
30 minutes driving Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, Niagara Falls is a must-see destination. You can choose to visit the Falls on the American side or bring your passport and cross over to the Canadian side. The Canadian side is considered to have better panoramic views and the surrounding area has a much more developed tourist infrastructure in an area called Clifton Hill (think restaurants, mini golf, ferris wheel, etc.). That said, the American side is still a breathtaking experience. We recommend doing one of the immersive experiences at the Falls. You can go on the Maid of the Mist, which is a boat ride that brings you right up to the waterfall, or you can walk alongside and under a portion of the waterfall in the Cave of the Winds (Journey Behind the Falls is the Canadian equivalent). Just be prepared to wear a poncho and get wet at both!
Canalside Buffalo
3 mins walking Explore the waterfront behind the Marriott Harborcenter hotel. Canalside is at the heart of Buffalo's waterfront revitalization and many events are held in this area throughout the year. Walk along the boardwalk, enjoy ice cream, a beer garden, take a ride on the heritage carousel or rent a bike or kayak. There is also a Naval and Military Park and well as several different types of boat tours departing from this area. Don't forget to try and find Shark Girl while exploring the area. For beer lovers, there is a craft beer festival on Saturday. Liberty Hound is always a good choice to relax and enjoy the waterfront with some good food and drink selections.
Buffalo RiverWorks
20 mins walking or 5 mins driving Riverworks is the perfect example of Buffalo's industrial flair. This waterside entertainment destination includes everything from a ropes course, zipline, and ferris wheel, to a great sports bar and often live music. You can rock climb up the converted grain silos or even rent a floating tiki hut to drift down the river with friends. This place truly has it all.
Hertel Avenue
15 mins driving Explore Hertel Avenue to see murals, antique shops, and restaurants. The best area is between Delaware Avenue and Parkside Avenue. A good place to start is Cafe Bewilderment. It is a new funky bar/restaurant inside a building with a great home store. Then explore the rest of the street and end at Lake Effect Ice Cream for some homemade treats with unusual flavors.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
50 minutes driving Beautiful lakeside town with great theatre, restaurants and shops. Explore the surrounding vineyards and relax in this historic town. Be sure to bring your passport!
Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
10 minutes driving The multi-structure estate (1903-05) that Frank Lloyd Wright designed for Darwin D. Martin is a masterpiece of 20th century architecture. The Martin House is widely considered one of Wright’s finest signature works from the early years of his celebrated career. Wright himself referred to the Martin House as “the opus”. Today the Martin House has been completely restored to its former magnificence in the most ambitious restoration of a Frank Lloyd Wright site ever undertaken. After visiting here, take the 5 minute drive down Parkside Avenue to Hertel Avenue and explore the murals, shops and restaurants.
Buffalo AKG Art Museum
10 minutes driving The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is the sixth-oldest public art institution in the United States. It was founded in December 1862 with former President Millard Fillmore among its incorporators. The museum recently reopened in 2023 after a 4 year renovation and has provided new and stunning spaces to exhibit an extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary art. After exploring the museum, exit behind the museum and walk to Hoyt Lake and the Delaware Park Rose Garden. The Terrace Restaurant overlooking Hoyt Lake or the museum restaurant Cornelia are both great spots for food and drinks.
Explore Buffalo Guided Tours
Locations vary If you are looking for a guided tour of Buffalo, Explore Buffalo has many options for walking tours over the weekend. Explore Canalside, enjoy the history of the mansions on Delaware Avenue, marvel at the works of some of the nation's greatest architects, or go to the top of City Hall (weekdays only).
Pizza and Wings (and other Buffalo fare)
We know everyone wants to have Buffalo wings. But first you need to know that you just order "wings" and with blue cheese, NEVER ranch. Almost every casual restaurant will have wings on their menu. But if you want some of the best wings close to the hotels we suggest Gabriel's Gate or Cole’s. If you are dying to go to the place where wings originated, it is called Frank and Theressa’s Anchor Bar. No locals will be here so you have been forewarned. Kyle and Josh Allen's favorite place is Bar-Bill Tavern in East Aurora. It is always busy and they do not take reservations so be prepared to wait. East Aurora is a quaint town to explore if you head that way. Pizza is also unique in Buffalo. Pair it with wings and you are a true Buffalonian. Pizza Plant near the hotel has some good pizza and Bob and John's on Hertel Ave. Some other unique foods you will find only in Buffalo are Beef on Weck, Loganberry (a drink) and Sponge Candy. Bonus points if you try any of these.