Parking is conveniently located in the Harborcenter Parking Garage for $3. It is a 4 minute walk to the ship. The walk route is beautiful! Enjoy Buffalo's most beautiful season! The Liberty Hound/Naval Park Parking Lot is first come, first serve but is FREE! It is located right across the street from Liberty Hound (next to the Marine Drive Apartments). You can park along Marine Drive/Erie Street but be sure to check the signs! You can also Park and Ride the Buffalo MetroRail Subway System to Erie Canal Harbor Station/Special Events Station. It is also about a 4 minute walk to the ship. You can take an Uber or Lyft.
Semi-Formal Dress Please dress elegantly keeping in mind the importance of being weather appropriate. Keep in mind: Buffalo in August waterfront weather (both evening & post sunset) Foot comfort & safety (this space’s original use was a Naval Ship) If you choose to wear a shoe with a heal, it is recommended that you bring a pair of flat shoes. There are some steep steps to access the bathroom as well boarding the ship.
Guests may begin boarding the ship at 5:30pm. It is recommended to park no later than 5:30. You can somewhat leisurely stroll along the water, cross the bridge, board the ship, enter the forecastle, and find a seat or place to comfortably stand by 6:00pm. The ceremony will begin at 6:00pm sharp. Ceremony will be in the bow (forecastle) of the ship overlooking the Lake. Reception will be in the stern of the ship (fantail) overlooking the River and Canalside.
Dinner will be an elegant buffet; however, if you have any specific dietary needs, you can indicate so on the RSVP card for a specially prepared dish. Dietary needs may include being Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten free, nut allergy, dairy allergy, other allergy. The food is being catered by The Buffalo Catering Company. They won Buffalo Spree's Best Catering Award two years in a row. We sampled their food and it is delicious. Once the menu is finalized, I'll share the details... so check back!
The last drink will be served at 10:30. Guests must exit the ship by 11:00pm We plan on having an After Party ... please check back for more details!
The ship is equipped with an elevator which fits a wheel chair and then some. Chat with me for more details so that I can make sure that we take good care of you! =)
No worries! Rain is good luck, I hear! Bring an umbrella for getting on and off of the ship as well as from one side of the ship to the other. I will have some umbrellas but if you could bring one, that would be great! The reception and ceremony areas are fully tarped from the elements! =) Also, if it rains, be sure to hold railings and walk slowly as it could get a little slippery.
From the North: Take I-190 South into downtown Buffalo. Take the Niagara St. exit. Turn right on Niagara St., and right again on S. Elmwood, which turns into Lower Terrace after the Church St. intersection. . From the South/West; Take I-90 East to I-190 North into downtown Buffalo. Take the Church St. exit. Turn right on Lower Terrace (first intersection) and right again on Pearl St. . From the East: Take I-90 West to Route 33 (The Kensington Expressway). Take Route 33 into downtown Buffalo and exit to Goodell St. Bear left on Pearl St. and continue until it ends at the park.
The reception and ceremony areas of the ship are fully covered; however, we will still have vegan and gluten free SPF spray lotion and organic bug spray.
Sort of. We rented the WHOLE ship for ourselves, meaning there will not be any other events or parties on the ship at the same time. We get to see a LOT of the ship; however, a some of the spaces will be closed off.