Buffalo, New York has been on my list of places to visit for a while, so I finally made the trip this past week to explore the city, soak in some history, and (of course) eat plenty of good food.
My best friend joined me on the trip; she drove to meet me, which was kind and helpful! I enjoy traveling alone, but it was so much fun having someone to explore with on this trip.
First Impressions of the City of Good Neighbors
One thing I heard about Buffalo before arriving was how friendly people are, which proved true at every turn. From shop owners to bartenders to people I met while exploring, everyone seemed genuinely curious and welcoming.
The city has a fascinating mix of historic architecture, waterfront charm, and pockets of creative energy. Even in the chilly, foggy weather, I could tell there was a warmth to the community here.
Exploring Downtown & Buffalo’s History
Thursday was our big downtown exploration day. We started with a visit to Buffalo City Hall, one of the most beautiful government buildings I’ve seen. The Art Deco design is stunning, and we made our way up to the observation deck, though the thick fog that morning meant there wasn’t much of a view. Even so, it was cool to stand up there and imagine what Buffalo must have looked like during its industrial boom.
From there, we wandered toward Canalside, the revitalized waterfront district. While the winter season meant some of the activities were closed, it was a great glimpse of how this area must come alive in the summer.
We walked past Shark Girl, a quirky public art piece that has become a bit of a Buffalo icon. We passed Sahlen Field, home to the Buffalo Bisons, the city’s minor league baseball team. It’s always fun to see a city’s sports culture up close, and this definitely won’t be my last time near a Buffalo stadium.
One of my favorite stops downtown was Big Ditch Brewing, where I had a classic beef on weck sandwich—Buffalo’s lesser-known but equally delicious local specialty. The combination of tender roast beef, a salty kummelweck roll, and horseradish was exactly what I needed after walking in the cold.
A Day in Elmwood Village
Friday, we took the bus up to Elmwood Village, and I immediately understood why people love this neighborhood. It has a mix of historic homes, indie shops, and walkable streets that make it feel like a small town within the city.
We spent the afternoon popping into local favorites like Talking Leaves Books, Watson’s Chocolates (where we finally tried Buffalo’s famous sponge candy), and Revolver Records. A highlight was learning about butter lambs—a Buffalo Easter tradition I had never heard of before but now find completely charming.
I ended the afternoon at Coles, a classic Buffalo bar that has been around for over a century. The wings were great, the bartenders were even better, and the people-watching was top-notch.
A Quick Trip to Canada & A Taste of Buffalo Sports Culture
One of Buffalo’s most significant advantages is its proximity to Canada—just a quick drive over the border. Since it was a particularly cold day, we decided to take advantage of that and headed across the Peace Bridge for lunch.
We ended up at The Lighthouse Restaurant, a cozy spot with great food and an even better view. It’s incredible how easy it is to explore beyond the city, whether that means visiting Niagara Falls or spending an afternoon in Ontario.
After returning to Buffalo, we took a scenic drive down Millionaire’s Row on Delaware Avenue, admiring the grandeur of the city’s gilded-age mansions. We also stopped to see two well-known murals: the Welcome to Buffalo sign and the Freedom Wall, which commemorates civil rights leaders.
That night, we got our first real taste of Buffalo’s sports scene at a Sabres vs. Canadiens game. The atmosphere was electric, and I had a great time bantering with the fans sitting beside me. Taking the train back afterward gave me a small but fun glimpse into the city’s post-game energy.
Final Thoughts
This trip was just a first impression, but Buffalo left its mark on me. It’s a city with a deep history, a strong sense of identity, and some of the nicest people I’ve met while traveling. I can already tell there’s so much more to see, so I’ll definitely be back.
Until next time, Buffalo.
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