Travel Guides > Buffalo, NY

Buffalo Tavel

Buffalo, New York boasts a number of claims to fame. Undisputedly, it's the chicken wing capital of the world and the spicy little chicken tidbits called Buffalo Wings, that are eaten all over the modern world, originated here. It's also well-known as one of the snowiest places in the United States, gathering nearly 100 inches of the white stuff each year.

Buffalo was once the sixth largest city in America and while it's since lost that distinction, it's still a place where you can enjoy quality fine arts performances, excellent museums, great restaurants, and extensive shopping opportunities.

Start with the quirky Pedaling History Bicycle Museum, the world's largest museum devoted to the sport of cycling. Here you'll find bikes of every style, and even though it won't take you all day to peruse the museum, you're sure to have fun viewing some interesting bicycles from days gone by.

Kids and adults alike will be thrilled with a visit to the Toy Town Museum. Located near the childhood home of toy gurus Fischer and Price, the old toys found here are fascinating. Look for the ones you played with when you were little! There's lots of opportunity to stop and play at various interactive exhibits, too.

Visitors also flock to the Herschell Carousel Factory Museum for a look at intricately hand-carved animals and a chance to ride two antique carousels in this building which was once a working carousel production facility.

In nearby Jamestown, you'll find the Lucy-Desi Museum, paying homage to that famous TV personality Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz. This is an especially fun stop for fans of Lucy's original show, I Love Lucy.

When you've had enough pop culture, enjoy a bit of local history at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society Museum or visit the fascinating interactive exhibits at the Buffalo Museum of Science.

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery offers excellent examples of contemporary art from all over the world. Another local fine arts museum, the CEPA Gallery, is dedicated to the art of photography.

For performing arts fans, the city of Buffalo boasts nearly a dozen theater companies, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Buffalo Choral Arts Society.

For many, Buffalo serves as the gateway to nearby Niagara Falls, just 20 miles to the north. Accommodations here are usually less expensive than lodging in Niagara Falls.