As someone from Toronto, Buffalo, New York was always someplace I had heard about but never visited. We drove through it several times but never made a point to explore the city itself. Visitors often overlook Buffalo in favour of bigger cities like New York City and Chicago. But for us Canadians close to the border, Buffalo has one big draw: cross-border shopping. Last weekend, we set out on a missing to bring home a big Trader Joe’s haul! They have an amazing selection that just can’t be brought home in airplane luggage. But rather than just make a quick day trip, we opted for an entire weekend getaway.
What we found throughout the weekend truly surprised us. As well as everyone else we shared our trip with. We discovered that behind the outlet malls and great department stores is a city rich in history, culture, and charm! From the architectural masterpieces of Frank Lloyd Wright to the vintage shopping scene and the foodie paradise, Buffalo is a city that will truly amaze you. In this guide, we’ll show you how to discover an alternative side to the town and where to find all of Buffalo’s Hidden Gems!
- Map of Buffalo's Hidden Gems
- Stay in a Gorgeous Historical Mansion
- Discover Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin Martin House
- Explore Buffalo's Vintage Shopping Scene
- See a Movie at the Old North Park Theatre
- Indulge in Buffalo's Foodie Paradise
- Share a Sundae inside Parkside Candy
- Relax in the Natural Oasis of the Buffalo Botanical Garden
- Dive into Buffalo's Street Art Scene
- Discover the Downtown Architecture
- Be One of the First to see the New AKG Art Museum
- Feel Like a Kid Again Riding the Buffalo Heritage Carousel
- Tour a Haunted Asylum
- Grab a Flight at a Local Brewery
Map of Buffalo’s Hidden Gems
Stay in a Gorgeous Historical Mansion
When we were first planning our trip, we knew we wanted to stay somewhere that made the weekend away worth it. And when I saw the pictures from InnBuffalo, I fell immediately in love. Staying at this lavish bed and breakfast was perhaps the biggest highlight of the weekend. The InnBuffalo Bed and Breakfast is a historic and charming boutique hotel located in the historic neighbourhood of Elmwood. The house, or rather the mansion, was built in 1898! So you are sleeping inside a piece of Buffalo history. The beautifully restored mansion, now a bed and breakfast, features exquisite architecture, elegant décor, and modern amenities. Everything to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Joe, the amiable owner, welcomed us home like we had been lifelong friends. The hospitality here is unrivalled from anywhere I’ve ever travelled. We’ve already started planning our next visit with no plans other than to relax on Joe’s peaceful front porch and read a good book! It’s just that wonderful of a place to stay. The true definition of home away from home.
InnBuffalo Suites
The old home has 13 different guest rooms. Each styled with its own unique decor and furnishings. We stayed in the Art Nouveau East suite on the third floor. It was super spacious, with one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. The heated marble floors in the bathroom were such a nice touch. Very important in these old buildings that tend to get chilly, especially during the frigid Buffalo winters. Next time, we will be sure to book one of the rooms with a fireplace and bathtub to complete the warm and snuggly experience. Each room came with it’s own little coffee maker, but I loved going downstairs to enjoy my coffee in their antique breakfast room.
Guests at the InnBuffalo can enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast each morning. The breakfast featured freshly baked pastries that you could hear being made in the back kitchen when you came downstairs. The smell of baking scones greeting you good morning. In addition to this, there was fresh fruit, homemade granola, and yogurt. Along with, of course, coffee, tea and fruit juice. Sitting in their sumptuously decorated dining room and enjoying this delicious breakfast was the perfect way to start the day! But it did make it hard to want to leave. Remember to book direct to save 15%!
Discover Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House
While researching the trip to Buffalo, I was amazed that in 2019, one of Frank Lloyd Wright‘s housing masterpieces had just finished its multi-million dollar restoration. And it was finally open to the public! I jumped at the opportunity to explore another of his homes and booked the tickets immediately.
History of the Darwin Martin House
If you’re a fan of architecture, then you must visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House. The Darwin Martin House was originally designed by Wright in 1904 for businessman Darwin Martin and his family. The Darwin Martin House comprises several interconnected structures. The main house stretches out, not up, in comparison to the other surrounding Victoria-style nhouses. Reaching like limbs across the property. Its long, outdoor covered walkway connects the main house to the conservatory, a carriage house and a gardener’s cottage.
The main house features an open-plan living and dining area, a library with hidden bookshelves, and several bedrooms and bathrooms. You are given free rein to explore each room on the guided tour, with no velvet ropes separating you from the home. Just don’t sit on any of the old furniture.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Design Style
The house features Wright’s signature Prairie School architectural style. These designs are characterized by horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, and integration of the home with the surrounding landscape. Wright utilized over 400 different types of art glass throughout the house, creating a stunning interplay of light and colour. The house also features intricate woodwork, including over 300 pieces of furniture designed by Wright.
The Decline and Potential Destruction of the House
Sadly, after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the Martin family lost most of their family fortune. When Martin died in 1936, during the Great Depression, his wife wanted to sell the house to recoup her own growing personal expenses. But she found that trying to sell such an expensive house was impossible. Instead of continuing to search for find buyers, Mrs. Martin just walked out the front door. Literally leaving the house unlocked and open to squatters and the elements. It quickly deteriorated with no one there to take care of it. Entire parts of the house were destroyed and eventually totally torn down to make room for other potential properties. It wouldn’t be long before nothing was left except the memories…
After his death in 1959, Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses became architectural treasures. And those that weren’t already owned were hidden gems. But the Darwin House was in rough shape, and no one thought it could be saved. But in 1992, the Martin House Restoration Corporation was formed and began a massive undertaking to restore the house to its former glory.
The Great Restoration
The restoration of the Darwin Martin House was a significant undertaking. The project took over 20 years to complete and cost millions upon millions of dollars. During this time, the project team conducted extensive research to understand every tiny detail from the original designs. Aiming to preserve and restore this iconic architectural masterpiece to its original condition. The restoration process involved enlisting all different types of artists. From stained art glass makers, to masons, carpenters and woodworkers.
The result of their efforts is a beautifully restored masterpiece that showcases the talent and vision of Frank Lloyd Wright. Perhaps the greatest American architect. Visitors can now experience the house for themselves. With the guided tours, you can explore the fantastic interiors and learn all about the little details that make Frank Lloyd Wright such an illustrious architect.
Explore Buffalo’s Vintage Shopping Scene
Now, it’s time for some shopping! But not the kind you usually think of. Let’s head out to explore Buffalo’s thriving vintage and antique shopping scene. Perfect for those who love unique finds. You can find everything from retro clothing to bygone furniture in Buffalo’s vintage shops. Hertel Avenue in North Park, is a haven for vintage enthusiasts with numerous boutiques and shops. The Antique Lamp Co. is a magical little shop overflowing with vintage lamps and retro-inspired decorations. Queen City Vintage has some of Buffalo’s best vintage sports apparel if you love a good retro tee. And for a rummage around a labyrinth of unique and one-of-a-kind antiques, check out Queen City Antiques!
COOCOOU
If you’re a serious antique furniture and art lover, head to the secretive COOCOOU antique warehouse. This place is located in the North part of Buffalo in what I would otherwise have thought to be an abandoned warehouse. But walking inside, you suddenly find a treasure trove of high-end vintage designer furniture. All stacked on top of each other, vying for space and attention. I saw a Herman Miller chair, tons of authentic mid-century pieces and some drool-worthy art. Even if you can’t afford anything (like me), it’s worth exploring, almost like going to a museum!
See a Movie at the Old North Park Theatre
Also, in the North Park neighbourhood is where we find the old North Park Theatre. A historic movie theatre that was built here way back in 1920! It was initially constructed to screen silent movies. But after years of neglect, it has since been restored and renovated to its former glory! Today, the theatre shows a mix of classic and contemporary films and often hosts special events like local film festivals and more.
North Park’s iconic Art Deco marquee was installed in 1941 and is still, to this day, one of the highlights of driving through this neighbourhood. Along with the marquee, the interiors have also been lovingly cared for. The beautiful and ornate Art Deco designs, featuring intricate plasterwork, vibrant stained glass, and other decorative elements, all make you feel like you’ve gone back in time to when going to the movies was an elegant affair. North Park Theatre is a must-visit destination for movie lovers and anyone interested in the history of cinema. Check out the showtimes to see what’s playing when you’re in town!
Indulge in Buffalo’s Foodie Paradise
Buffalo is a city that takes its food seriously! And you’ll find plenty of delicious options. But if you’re visiting Buffalo for the first time, you should make a point to order the most famous food to come out of the city. And that is, you might have guessed it, Buffalo Wings. Yes, this staple menu item found in pubs and bistros all over the world was first invented right here in Buffalo. Where it got its name. They were first served at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, which is still open today! The story goes that the bar’s owner, Teressa Bellissimo, created the dish for her son. He and his friends came to the bar looking for a snack. So she took some chicken wings destined for soup, deep-fried them, and coated them in a hot sauce. The wings were an instant hit, and the rest is history.
Another popular spot for Buffalo wings is Duff’s. Duffs has been serving up Buffalo Wings since 1969 and is known for its spicy wing sauce! But my favourite spot for wings is Allen Burger Venture or ABV to locals. This hip joint might claim to specialize in gourmet burgers and craft beer. But I come here for the wings. Ask to get them “crispy” and to be served with a lemon wedge on the side! That’s the way the Buffalonians eat them. You’ll never eat a Buffalo wing plain again!
Share a Sundae inside Parkside Candy
If you have a sweet tooth, there is no better or more beautiful place to go than Parkside Candy! Parkside Candy and ice cream parlour were established back in 1927. From the minute it came onto the scene, it was a beloved local institution. As soon as you walk inside, you’ll immediately be overwhelmed by the charming old-fashioned decor emanating from every corner of the shop. It almost looks like nothing in here has changed a bit since 1927. The store’s decor blends art deco, art nouveau, and classical design together. Elegantly curved stucco ornaments and gold gilding swirl around the walls. Pink roses cover the wallpaper, and then there is the bold black and white tiled floor to create a bit of juxtaposition with the otherwise delicate designs.
The walls are lined with shelves and display cases filled with an impressive variety of candies, chocolates, and other sweets. All are arranged in colourful and eye-catching displays. We bought their sponge toffee, and let me tell you, this is another reason we need to come back ASAP! One of the highlights of Parkside Candy is its vintage ice cream parlour. This is a great spot to sit and relax on a hot summer’s day and enjoy a cool sundae with a cherry on top! Tucked away in their romantic alcoves that surround the store. Just the most darling thing I can imagine.
Relax in the Natural Oasis of the Buffalo Botanical Garden
Buffalo gets its fair share of bad weather, but the city has so many indoor places to come and escape the storms! One of the most amazing is the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. No matter what time of year, even in the dead of winter, you can come into this glass cathedral to feel the warmth of the summer while strolling through its collection of tropical plants from around the world.
The garden covers over 11 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Its most impressive place to admire is the Palm Dome, a stunning glass-enclosed conservatory. Marvel at the towering palm trees, vibrant orchids, and exotic ferns that seem to emerge from every little nook and cranny. My favourite time of year to visit is the Spring when their tulips bloom in every colour of the rainbow. During the summer, you must check out their fantastical Japanese Garden and Rose Garden, which boasts over 2,500 roses! One can only imagine the perfume-like smell coming from these roses that waft throughout the perfectly manicured gardens. Absolute heaven.
Dive into Buffalo’s Street Art Scene
It might surprise you that Buffalo is an up-and-coming destination for street art enthusiasts. The city’s vibrant art scene boasts a range of styles, from abstract murals to thought-provoking political statements. With so much real estate up for grabs, many street artists have been reclaiming parts of the downtown as their living canvas. While Buffalo might not be one of the most walkable cities, we could easily drive from one spot to the next. Hopping out of the car to look at some of the most memorable pieces.
One of the best murals to see is “Wildflowers for Buffalo” by artist Louise Jones, also known as Ouizi. The massive mural spans the side of a building and depicts a vibrant array of wildflowers. Aiming to highlight the beauty of nature in an urban environment. The piece has become a beloved landmark in the city and is a must-see for anyone visiting Buffalo. For more info on where on to find street art in Buffalo, check out this site!
Discover the Downtown Architecture
One of the most surprising things about our trip to Buffalo was driving through the downtown and being in total awe of the architecture. The architecture in downtown Buffalo is a mix of various styles and eras. But wherever you look, you’ll find hidden images of Buffalo’s embedded everywhere you go. It’s like a built in scavenger hunt are you explore.
The most prominent architectural style is Art Deco. Art Deco is characterized by geometric shapes, streamlined forms, and bold, decorative elements. The most impressive of these art deco buildings is Buffalo City Hall, which is one of the largest and most impressive Art Deco buildings in the world. Simply wandering along Main Street, you come upon building after building with the most amazing display of architectural decor.
Be One of the First to see the New AKG Art Museum
If you prefer the indoor approach to art, come June 2023, you NEED to make your way over to the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. In 2019, the museum underwent a major renovation project that cost over $160 million and took over five years to complete. The renovation added a new wing to the museum and updated much of the museum’s original 1905 building.
But one of the most significant changes was reconfiguring the museum’s outdoor space, which was transformed into a public park with walking paths, a reflecting pool, and a new public sculpture garden. Sculpture gardens are one of the most interesting art forms to me as you can enjoy beautiful natural environments while surrounded by stunning works of art. There is just something about viewing art outside that brings the experiences to another level.
Inside the museum, you can see their vast modern and contemporary art collection. Same art but featured inside a brand new building. This includes works by famous artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock.
Feel Like a Kid Again Riding the Buffalo Heritage Carousel
If you want whimsical fun, head to the riverside Buffalo Heritage Carousel. The Buffalo Heritage Carousel is a stunning piece of historical art that brings a smile to everyone who walks through the doors. The old carousel features 48 hand-carved wooden animals located along the Buffalo Waterfront’s Canalside. Each one is meticulously hand-painted and unique, allowing every rider to choose an animal that speaks to them.
The carousel also features a beautiful, hand-painted mural that depicts iconic Buffalo landmarks and symbols, including the Buffalo City Hall and the grain elevators. When the carousel was recently restored, it was also given a special update to make it more accessible for anyone in a wheelchair or mobility aid. Love seeing these additions to ensure everyone can ride the carousel.
Wurlitzer Band Organ
As the carousel spins round and round, you get to listen to the amazing nostalgic sounds of the rare Wurlitzer band organ that plays nearby. The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company initially manufactured the band organ in the early 1900s. Wurlitzer’s were originally designed to replicate the sound of a live band. The drums and cymbals are mechanically operated by the organ’s paper rolls. The music was so surprising when it first started. It sounded so realistic, and I was amazed at how rich the effect was on a machine over 100 years old.
One of the most wonderful things about the Carousel is that it costs only a dollar to ride! That is almost unheard of in this economy but a wonderful surprise to those looking for inexpensive entertainment for their kids. It’s only open on the weekends, so remember that when planning your trip!
Tour a Haunted Asylum
The Richardson Olmsted Campus is a sprawling 90-acre complex of Gothic-style buildings once home to a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital. Today, the campus has been transformed into, of all things, a modern boutique hotel. It invites visitors to sleep inside what were once hospital wards of criminally insane patients. While the hotel has done all it can to separate itself from any notion of being “haunted,” it only takes visiting the campus to see why it is viewed by many as one of the most haunted places in Buffalo.
A multimillion-dollar renovation transformed a portion of the main building into the Hotel Henry. But, this hotel closed shortly after opening, citing the pandemic as the primary reason. But one only has to wonder if the ghosts were the ones who wanted them out. The building was recently repurchased and renamed The Richardson Hotel. It still welcomes visitors to stay the night, but you might find yourself sharing the room with some unwanted visitors…
Are There Really Ghosts that Haunt the Halls?
If you opt to take a guided tour, you can go inside a few of the still-untouched buildings. You only have to see some pictures from the interior buildings to understand why it is no surprise that people find it sends chills down their spine. But the architecture is also, eerily, some of the most beautiful in Buffalo. One of the main building’s most captivating but strange facets is the two enormous towers that rise high above the rest of the complex. Towers are mainly built to house bells or lookouts, but these are totally empty and merely ornamental. With nothing but platforms and ladders inside to help maintain the roof. Which feels very bizarre all in itself.
Those not brave enough to spend the night can take a self-guided tour of the old campus grounds. While the tour mostly focuses on the beauty and architectural history of the campus, it only takes a keen observer to start to notice the creepy nature of the abandoned buildings falling about at the seams.
History of Asylums
Asylums were originally set up as safe spaces for the mentally ill to seek wellness. But over time, these places became overpopulated. The building was originally meant for 600 patients, but over 3000 were housed inside. Rumours of doctors experimenting with extreme treatments on these helpless patients still remain. Creating this mythology of pain and suffering permeating throughout the walls.
Tours are available from May through October and run about an hour and thirty minutes long. They sell out quickly, so buy your tickets as soon as possible. Again, they won’t touch on ghost sightings, but you can fill in the blanks where you want.
Grab a Flight at a Local Brewery
Buffalo has a thriving brewery scene. The city’s rich history of brewing dates back to the 19th century. Back then, German immigrants came into the city in droves, bringing their brewing traditions. Today, Buffalo’s brewery scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Various breweries all over town offer everything from unique flavours to a joyful atmosphere. The perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring.
One of the must-visit breweries in Buffalo is Resurgence Brewing Company. In a historic warehouse on the West Side of Buffalo, Resurgence offers a range of beers brewed right on-site! Everything from strong IPAs, stouts, and sour ales. The brewery has a lively and welcoming atmosphere, live music, and delicious local cuisine. You can also try out Thin Man Brewery. This brewery in Elmwood is more bohemian with a fun, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to craft beer.
Buffalo is a city full of surprises and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From catching a movie at the North Park Theatre to exploring the street art scene or marvelling at the beauty of the Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin House, there’s something for everyone in Buffalo.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring these hidden gems for yourself! You never know what kind of adventure you might stumble upon in this dynamic city. And if you have any other favourite hidden gems in Buffalo, be sure to share them with us in the comments below.
Happy Travels, Adventurers!
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