Opened in 1849, the Forest Lawn Cemetery is a 267-acre (108 hectares) property that serves as the gravesite of some of the city's most important citizens. Buried here are former U.S. President Millard Fillmore, Indian Chief Red Jacket, from whom the land to create the city of Buffalo was purchased and Pony Express pioneer William Fargo, to name a few. You can stop at the office inside the main entrance for a self-guiding map. Bird watching and Sunday hayride-style tours of the beautiful grounds are also available.
The Darwin D. Martin House Complex is one of the several historic buildings built by Frank Lloyd Wright in and around Buffalo. Located near Delaware Park, the building is a good example of Wright's Prairie style. Other structures on the complex include the Barton House, with original interior wood and art glass, a covered walkway connecting the main house with the conservatory and a gardener's cottage.
Considered among the best in the city when it comes to modern and contemporary 20th-century art, this gallery has a rich selection of works by artists like Sol Lewitt, René Magritte, and Mark Rothko. The Delaware Park gallery also features outstanding work from the 17th-19th Centuries. In addition to the gallery, the center also includes a gift shop and the Garden Restaurant for a bite to eat after all that culture.
Located three miles from downtown Buffalo on the Lake Erie shoreline, this unique urban nature reserve offers 264-acre (106 hectares) of trails, anachronistic boardwalks and a marsh. This preserve is the environmental education site for the Buffalo Museum of Science and it's perfect for bird-watching, hiking, and family picnics—not to mention snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the cold winters. In the 1950s, the site was used as a refuse dump, but thankfully it was converted to a nature preserve in the 1980s. Admission is free but donations are requested.
The jewel of Buffalo's park system, this public space was one of six designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 19th Century. The Delaware Park's 376 acres (152 hectares) include one of Buffalo's three public golf courses (Delaware Park Golf Course), plus tennis courts, baseball diamonds, the Buffalo Zoological Gardens and it hosts the popular Shakespeare in the Park Festival every summer. The Rose Garden makes a perfect setting for a romantic walk when Spring arrives and in the winter, bring your skis and do some cross-country skiing over the demarcated trails.
Located in an 1890s tri-domed Victorian glass conservatory on the grounds of South Park and created by NY Central Park designer Frederick Law Olmsted, these gardens feature exotic flowers and plants from around the world. The gardens are operated by the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Highlights include an orchid and bromeliad house, herb collection, and waterfall. There are also seasonal shows such as Spring Flowers, All-American Annuals in summer, and December Poinsettias.
Dedicated mostly to the work of painter William Kurelek, this gallery was the dream of Canadian immigrants Mykola and Olha Kolankiwsky who were so inspired by the artist's The Passion of Christ series, they purchased land in Niagara Falls to house his collection. Today, the gallery also features temporary exhibitions on a rotating basis from local artists and has an art education program for children. The gallery also hosts the International Women's Day Non-Juried Exhibition, held in honor of International Women's Day from February to April and features female artists from the region.
Presenting an educational union of drama and culture, the Jewish Repertory Theatre is a professional stage that endeavors to share Jewish culture and to celebrate Jewish playwrights with the Western New York community. While the plays focus on issues important to the Jewish community, they also relate the drama of the universal human experience, speaking to a diverse audience and bringing both Jews and non-Jews together to enjoy the performing arts. Additionally, check out the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo, also located in Getzville, which has day care for children, water sports for the family, and fitness and recreational facilities.
The Alumni Chapel at the Niagara University, conducts regular Masses for one and all. Being a staunch Roman Catholic Vincentian Institution, the chapel also conducts numerous prayer services from time to time. Check website for more details on mass timings.
Treat yourself to sweet tasting maple syrup by visiting the Smith's Maple Farm in Hamburg, a few miles south of the city Buffalo. The farm is a place where you can arrange a picnic with your family and also indulge in syrup and maple products tasting. Also, know all about the procedure involved in the preparation of these syrups which begins from collection of saps from the trees to the evaporation of water and its final processing. The Maple Weekends Festival which is held every year gives you an opportunity to participate in various fun activities.
If you are looking for a place to plan out a social function, a wedding, a birthday or a corporate dinner, look no further than the Banchetti Banquet Facility and Grove, run by the Banchetti Banquet and Catering company; this place is truly spectacular. Well-decorated, spacious and equipped with modern furniture, the place will suit you just right. The menu served here is fabulous, with fine traditional Italian cuisines being served. One can choose from a variety of packages that the Banchetti Banquet Facility and Grove has to offer, and the well informed staff will guide you on that front. The place also hosts cultural and community events. Besides this, there is also an on-site cafe, serving delicious cuisines and hot coffees. Call ahead or check website for more information.
Magnificent Tours offers Winery Tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a relaxing and scenic tour of local wineries. Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its great wines, and with this tour you'll be able to taste some great bouquets. The tour also includes a gourmet lunch. The friendly guide will ensure you'll have a great time.