Buffalo Flights And Sights

Set in the westernmost part of New York state, Buffalo is often lost in the shadow of its nearby and more famous attraction, Niagara Falls. A relaxed feel permeates this working-class city on Lake Erie's shore, located just across the border from Ontario. Buffalo's cultural attractions, such as the Albright-Knox Gallery and the Buffalo Philharmonic, have long entertained locals when legendary snowfalls have kept them inside. Add to that Buffalo's unknown gem of a park system and its passionate hockey games and you've got the makings of a stress-free weekend getaway.

Things to Do

First-time visitors to Buffalo are often surprised by the Albright-Knox Gallery, a treasure trove of art with works by Picasso, Gauguin, Pollock and Warhol. The serious Greek Revival museum stands in sharp contrast to two quirkier local favorites: The Lucy-Desi Museum, dedicated to hometown girl Lucille Ball, star of I Love Lucy, and the Kazoo Museum.

Nightlife and Entertainment

In the 19th century, millionaires flocked to Buffalo when the Erie Canal shipping lane opened, and brought with them a love of the arts. Celebrate Buffalo's cultural tradition at Shea's Performing Arts Center, a velvet-and-crystal jewel box of a theater. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs nearly every week at the circular Kleinhans Music Hall. In a rehabbed historic church, hometown musician Ani DiFranco set up her Righteous Babe Records, along with a performance space and art gallery, and renamed it Babeville.

Restaurants and Dining

Buffalo natives are proud of their contribution to world cuisine: the Buffalo wing and the hot dog. You owe it to yourself to dig into a plate of chicken wings at the Anchor Bar, where locals claim the bar food staple was invented. They'll arrive deep-fried and served with hot sauce, blue cheese and celery. Sample the city's other fast food favorite piled with cheese and/or chili at eight Ted's Jumbo Red Hots locations across the city.

Active Pursuits

Frederick Law Olmsted of New York City's Central Park fame designed Buffalo's park system, and Buffalo's parks still draw playful families and adults. Delaware Park is a favorite, a 350-acre green space crisscrossed by pleasant footpaths and busy with impromptu Frisbee contests in summer. Residents fervently follow their winter sports teams. Throngs of fans fill HSBC Center when the Buffalo Sabres take the ice.

With American Airlines flights to Buffalo, New York, it's simple to get away and enjoy a relaxing time. From exploring nearby Niagara Falls to viewing amazing architecture, there are many things to do in Buffalo that will entertain everyone in the family.

One of the most popular activities in Buffalo is to view Niagara Falls. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Buffalo across the Canadian border, Niagara Falls is an awe-inspiring sight sure to capture the imagination of all ages. You'll hear the thundering roar of the water from afar, and you can find a great photo opportunity at Terrapin Point in Niagara Falls State Park with the Falls behind you. On the Cave of the Winds tour, you'll take an elevator 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge, then cross a wooden walkway to the Hurricane Deck, which is less than 20 feet from Bridal Veil Falls. Or for a bird's-eye view, try the Niagara Falls Grand Helicopter Tour. You'll be in the air a full 20 minutes enjoying an unobstructed, panoramic view along with a fully narrated tour.

On drier land, one of our favorite things to do in Buffalo is seeing the city's excellent 19th and 20th century American architecture. Buffalo is home to many Frank Lloyd Wright structures, including what's considered by many to be the finest example of his Prairie Style, the Darwin D. Martin House Complex. You'll also be able to see examples of works by Eliel and Eero Saarinen (Kleinhaus Music Hall), Louis Sullivan (the Guaranty Building) and H.H. Richardson (Buffalo State Hospital). And your tour of architecture won't be complete without paying a visit to Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, a National Historic Landmark. It's the birthplace of the Arts & Crafts Movement of the early 1900s.

The city is also full of American history, and exploring it is a must on any list of activities in Buffalo. It was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad, the site of battles during the War of 1812 and where Teddy Roosevelt took the oath of office. At Forest Lawn Cemetery, founded in 1849, you can see the graves of President Millard Fillmore, veterans of the Civil War and Seneca Chief Red Jacket. The cemetery is deservedly on the National Register of Historic places, and it's also where you can see one more work by Frank Lloyd Wright: Blue Sky Mausoleum.

This is one destination that's full of fascinating and historical attractions, and it's easy to see them all when you fly to Buffalo with American Airlines. Plan your getaway to Buffalo today!