Thankfully, downtown Buffalo has signs of life again after almost turning into a ghost town during the height of the pandemic. Don't get me wrong, some businesses closed, like The Chocolate Bar, Rainbow, and Bank of America, but new businesses have moved in. I spent the day enjoying the beautiful weather, exploring downtown, and checking out some of the new stuff, along with some of the staples. If you're looking for a great date day, date night, or staycation weekend, you can save yourself the gas and enjoy all of the activities downtown has to offer.

1. Staycation In The Heart Of Downtown Buffalo

Why not get romantic and stay right in the city? There are plenty of hotels to choose from, including the Hilton Garden Inn, which has an indoor pool. Or maybe stay closer to Canalside at the Courtyard by Marriott.

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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2. Buffalo Heritage Carousel

Canalside
44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202

The Buffalo Heritage Carousel is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 12 to 5 pm. The cost is $1 to ride. There are also several displays that tell the story of the Carousel's history.

By Yasmin Youmg (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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By Yasmin Youmg (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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3. Have A Nice Dinner

There are tons of amazing restaurants downtown. You can get any type of cuisine. Plus, get as fancy or casual as you want. Here are a few to get you started.

Misuto Chows
521 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14203
716-259-8228

Misuta Chow's transports you across the globe to the bustling yokocho alleys of Tokyo City serving authentic Japanese street food available for take out!

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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The Flaming Fish
535 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
716-322-5480

The Flaming Fish serves a generous selection of food items. We truly have something for everyone, even for those who don’t like seafood. After all, we want every Buffalonian to taste The Flaming Fish difference! Some of the delicious food we have includes fried Haddock, battered fried shrimp and seasoned tilapia.

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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Tappo Restaurant
338 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203
716-259-8130

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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4. Ride Bikes Around Canalside

Information Kiosk At Canalside

The Bikes are super affordable. You can even ride the Queen City Bike Ferry over to the Outer Harbor.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY Members get the first hour free
Non Members only pay $1 for the first hour
Full-day rentals are $15

Canalside has teamed up with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York to offer bike rentals on the Canalside Boardwalk!

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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The Queen City Bike Ferry is a quick way to take your bike over to the Outer Harbor. It's about a 5 to 10-minute trip (including boarding and crossing the water). It's $1 each way. You can buy tickets from a machine at Canalside or the Outer Harbor.

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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5. BFLO Harbor & Kayak

Located at Canalside (44 Prime Street in Buffalo), it offers paddle boats, paddleboards, and kayak rentals. The 2022 season begins Memorial Day weekend. It's open from 9 am to 8 pm, Monday through Sunday. Call 716-288-5309 or visit its website.

Our paddleboard and kayak rentals include everything you need to enjoy a relaxing trip on the water. Explore the Buffalo River at your leisure, or book one of our tours to find out even more about Buffalo’s great industrial past! ~ Buffalo Harbor & Kayak

Photo by Brandon McDonald on Unsplash
Photo by Brandon McDonald on Unsplash
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6. Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino

1 Fulton St, Buffalo, NY 14204

The casino is open 24-hours a day. Why not have a night out where you and your boo feel like you're in Las Vegas, but in reality, you're in downtown Buffalo? The casino has a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can dance and try your luck.

The time of your life happens at the Seneca Buffalo Creek casino. We redefine excitement with over 1,001 of the hottest slot games on the floor, from the newest Video Poker to the familiar classics, plus over 30 table games, from baccarat to blackjack.

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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7. Have a Picnic
1 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14203

As I was walking over to Canalside from the radio station, I passed by Seneca One and noticed their nice courtyard. If you and bae are pressed for time, why not catch a quick lunch together enjoying the outdoors? Or you could do a picnic at Canalside - there's plenty of green spaces.

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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8. Catch a Movie

The AMC Market Arcade 8
639 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
716-803-6250

Berlin Movie Theaters Reopen During Coronavirus Pandemic
Getty Images
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9. Catch a Show

If motion pictures arent your thang, how about a live show? You can check out some local or national shows at the Road Less Traveled Theater or Shea's.

Road Less Traveled Productions
456 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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Shea's Buffalo Theatre
650 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202

Photo Credit: Google Maps
Photo Credit: Google Maps
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If you want to make a whole date day, you can take the train up and down Main Street in downtown (anything above ground) for FREE.

By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
By Yasmin Young (used with permission)
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