The Majesty of The Queen City

Although I was only there for 27 hours- I don’t sleep much and I like to fill my days. I encountered  much more than I ever thought possible. From Arts to sports and all stops in between “the Queen City” will once again arrive with majesty.

From an industrial force on the great lakes to “Talking Proud” in the 1980’s Buffalo New York  has a great deal to offer. Even though, it has gone through some economic hardships in recent  years. Here are “11” reason as to why the The Queen city is on the road to recovery and many of the interesting attraction that may entice you to visit this “Jewell” where lake Erie and Ontario meet.

The population in the Buffalo region is about 250,000  inhabitants. By modern standards this is a small city.  In fact at it peak during the 1950’s as many as 580 00 people inhabited the city primarily due to its industrial importance. Unfortunately the city has been in decline over the last 60 years to the current population. However we see an influx of millennial’s back into the area at a growth that is greater than the national average. Although the population is small, the number of entertainment and attraction venues are huge. Whatever you are looking for can be found in Buffalo N.Y.. Rivaling cities ten times its size. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls take a walk with me through the most surprising Buffalo New York.

Top Tier Professional Sports

In spite of its population Buffalo it is home to some major sporting teams that like Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL) three times in the Super Bowl finalist- this may be a record https://www.buffalobills.com/. Not to be outdone the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL) missed championship glory and they too were left on the championship altar. https://www.nhl.com/sabres/

Unparalleled Architecture

Buffalo City Hall

Buffalo is also known for some of the best Art Deco Architecture of it is time. This is a testament to the industrial giant it once was. Consequently, The City hall is majestic with a foyer that will introduce you to the foundation of what this city had intended. Take the elevator to the 23rd floor, however,  be prepared to walk two more flights of stairs to reach an amazing observation location. Here you have a 360 degree view of the city and surrounding area. The day we were here it was cloudy with rain, but its was a great vantage point nonetheless.  Did I mention it is Free!      http://www.buffalony.gov/

The Darwin D Martin

Not to be outdone, The Darwin D Martin house is an amazing example of the Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style available in the Buffalo area. This property had  National Historic landmark status since 1986 and is considered one of the finest examples of his work. The structure embodies the “Prairie House” ideal. With strong horizontal lines and cantilevered roof.  This complex also contains 394 example of FLW designed “Artglass.” For a twenty year period (1927- 49) Buffalo had the largest concentration FLW designed buildings anywhere in the US only second to Chicago.     http://www.martinhouse.org/

Dynamic Arts scene

The Albright- Knox Art Gallery

Officially founded in 1862, The Albright- Knox Art Gallery is among the countries oldest public art institutions.  The gallery continues to be the hub of cultural and art within the region and is an educational inspiration for all that pass through into its magnificent entrance. Above all, for those that enjoy an afternoon surrounded by artistic  treasures this is a must see. Truly The Majesty of the Queen City. Please note at time of this writing admission is half price, please follow the link for more information.   https://www.albrightknox.org/

Buffalo Arts Studio

Buffalo Arts Studio ( BAS) is a not for profit organization. While their goal is to provide affordable gallery space and regular public exposure for regional, national and international artists through exhibitions. The BAS also holds community art and mural classes. Furthermore, these public exhibitions serve as a center of cultural interaction and activity. Get involved with this ever evolving community. https://www.buffaloartsstudio.org/

Tremendous Theater Offerings

Shea’s Buffalo

The Majesty of the Queen City is at its brightest at Shea’s Buffalo this is the diamond standard of the theater scene. Designed like many great European opera houses of its time, consequently, Shea is now designated a National Historical Site. Located on Main street in the Theater District. Shea’s has been a Buffalo icon since 1926. Originally built as a movie house for Paramount pictures. Later is was used as a vaudeville house and has been the home to such legends and the Marx brothers, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and many more. Today’s Shea’s is comprised of three theaters to complete the Shea’s’ Performing Arts Center. Take the opportunity to see live stage performances at there best. https://www.sheas.org/

The Irish Classical Theater Company

Approaching its 20th Season, The Irish Classical Theater Company’s has been known for it international flavor through repertoire and Artists. Located on Main street in the heart of the theater district.  As a result, many fine international artists have both performed and directed in some of their most memorable productions. Recent examples are the late great mime Marcel Marceau; internationally known Polish playwright and director Kazimierz Braun. Most recently, Buffalo’s own Jesse L. Martin. If you crave for something beyond the pure commercial taste. I would suggest you look at the ICTC, you will not be disappointed.  http://www.irishclassicaltheatre.com/

Delaware Shakespeare in the Park

In most regions of the North, summer is a very short period of time, a glimpse and then a shadow. For those of us that prefer that outdoors during the short summer months the Delaware Shakespeare in the Park is must attend. Produced with exquisite costumes and staged in the traditional Shakespearean manner, outdoor theater is an experience for one and all to experience. So bring a blanket or folding chair, perhaps a glass a wind, sit back enjoy as unwind.

https://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/

Amazing Outdoor Activities and Restaurants.

The Buffalo RiverWorks

The Buffalo RiverWorks is a 20 million USD multi-functional recreation facility and entertainment complex on the banks of the Buffalo river. With its massive grain elevators converted to look like a “six  pack” RiverWorks stand unique. Hence we have unparalleled example of the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle). The conversion of a of the old grain elevator thus retaining the iconic imagery of the city’s past. Enclosed with in this complex, is a brewery, restaurant, rock climbing and so much more. As a result the facility has the capability to showcase any event from Gymnastics to Ice hockey. With such a wide array of activities, the RiverWorks should be on every visitors “man I have to go there list.”

Please follow the link for more information. https://buffaloriverworks.com/

Canalside

From the earliest inception of the city of Buffalo, the waterfront has been instrumental in the creation of the city. Last but not least on our list, Canalside is the result of a 300 million USD investment of waterfront revitalization . The area hosts more than a thousand events annually. These include concerts on the wharf and other family friendly activities. During the winter months, Canalside creates a 35, 00 square foot outdoor skating facility where activities range from skating to curling. For the Sports and food fanatics, they  can flock to the two-story (716) Food and Sports that houses over 70 televisions one of which is 38 feet tall. Super bowl, Stanley Cup let me at it. www.716foodandsport.com. For more information regarding upcoming events please follow the link. https://buffalowaterfront.com/

 

The Majesty of the Queen City has returned

This was an important city in its prime and the citizens still view it that way. For this reason, and many others Buffalo is not a hand out city- hoping for governmental guidance, but one that is in the process of transition. They insist that with proper management they can bring people back in to its core to enjoy the city beyond just its attractions. With great theaters, top tier sports teams, and outstanding architecture and museums “The Majesty of the Queen City’ will once again raise its scepter.  With more than 30 Theaters and 30 plus museums and a thriving arts community. Buffalo has everything a major metropolis has if not more.

The result, the city that had once “Talked Proud”, will be “Shouting Proud” in the near future and everyone will start to take notice and listen. .

If you have recently been to the Queen city, drop us a line. Share  your experience in the comments section below, your opinion is important.