There are two things you should know about me before I get into this:
- 1. I love trying new things, especially when it comes to exploring Buffalo.
- 2. I am, without question, a bit of a scaredy cat.
So when I booked a ghost tour with US Ghost Adventures, specifically their Buried Below Buffalo tour.
I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. But after taking so many history-focused tours with Explore Buffalo, I was ready for something a little different… even if it meant leaning into the spooky side of the city.
And honestly? I had so much fun.
A Different Way to Experience Buffalo
The Buried Below Buffalo tour takes place right in the heart of downtown, guiding you through the city after dark and stopping at several historic buildings along the way.
Each stop comes with its own stories, some rooted in history, others in the unexplained.
I won’t give too much away (because that’s part of the fun), but what stood out to me most was how the tour blended real historical context with local legends.
When I got my ticket, it said the guide would be carrying a lantern. And, when I arrived at the meetup spot, they were! I don’t know why it surprised me, but it was a nice touch.
And doing it all at night? Perfection.
A Snowy Night Made It Even Better
The night I went, it was actually snowing, not a full-on storm (thankfully), but enough to give everything that quiet, eerie stillness.
At first, I thought the cold might take away from the experience, but it ended up doing the opposite. The snow made downtown feel almost suspended in time, which somehow made the stories hit even harder.
Would a warm summer night be fun too? Absolutely. But I have to say, the snow really brought the spook factor.
My Favorite Stop: The Hotel Lafayette
One of my favorite stops on the tour was the stunning Hotel Lafayette, a building I already loved before this experience.
What makes it even more special is that it was designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, who is widely recognized as America’s first professional female architect.
According to the stories shared on the tour, she was incredibly proud of the hotel, and some say she never really left. There have been reports of unexplained activity tied to her presence, as if she’s still keeping an eye on her work. I can’t say I blame her!
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, hearing that story standing outside the space she designed added a whole new layer of appreciation.
The Tour Experience
I also have to give credit to our guide, who was incredibly knowledgeable and did a great job pacing the tour. There’s a balance to something like this: you want enough storytelling to stay engaged, but also enough movement to keep the energy up—and they nailed it.
Final Thoughts
Going into this, I wasn’t sure how I’d handle a ghost tour (I’ve been on some in other cities, but it’s been years), but it ended up being one of the most unique and memorable ways I’ve explored Buffalo so far.
It pushed me just slightly outside my comfort zone (in the best way), and reminded me that there are so many different ways to experience a city, even one you’re starting to know well.
Would I do another one?
…Yes! I mean, as long as it’s not too spooky 🙂
But I’m really glad I did this one.
To see more writing from me, be sure to subscribe to The Bitter Lemon by clicking “subscribe” on the right side of your screen. Want even more? Subscribe to my newsletter to get roundups, book recs and lifestyle tips.
The Bitter Lemon 