Why an outsider should visit Western New York
When the playoffs came to an end for the Buffalo Bills, the rest of America kind of tends to forget about our little corner of paradise called New York State. When it comes to people that don't live here, most of the country only gets to see the standard shot of Niagara Falls when the Bills have a game broadcast on national TV. But we all know that Western New York is so much more than that.
The famous travel site Frommers recently did an article spotlighting 20 reasons why people should visit Western New York. But let's face it, they wrote their piece from the perspective of an outsider. So we decided that we would put together our top 5 reasons why everyone should visit Western New York.
1. The Food - Buffalo has become something of a foodie destination over the last few years. Sure the country knows all about our wings, but there are som many other foods that are unique to the region, that the rest of the world needs to know about. Sponge Candy, Beef on Weck, and Stinger Subs are a few that come to mind. Plus the area is loaded with some of the best Donut shops, steak houses, and high-end eateries that are sure to satisfy any palate.
Chicken Wings - Buffalo
2. The Booze - WIth nearly two dozen craft breweries, the state of New York's largest beer festival (Buffalo on Tap), and countless distilleries, there is sure to be a libation you like that will wet your whistle when in Western New York. Plus there are dozens of unique brews like the Sponge Candy Stout that will only be found in our little corner of the world.
Beer Flight
3. More Waterfront Than You Would Think - Nestled between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, with the Niagara River running between, Buffalo sits on a ton of prime waterfront real estate, which leads to tons of waterfront activities. From miles of waterfront walking trails to boating on the Great Lakes to kayaking in the shadows of historic grain elevators, the waterfront of Western New York is one of its most underrated features.
Buffalo Waterfront - Lake Erie
4 - Western New York is Presidential - For all of the history buffs out there, Buffalo has quite a bit of history itself when it comes to United States Presidents. President William McKinley was shot in a greeting line at the Pan-American Exposition in the summer of 1901. Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated at a library in a friend's house here in The Queen City. And finally, you can visit a president's grave. Millard Fillmore, the 13th U.S. president, is buried at the 269-acre Forest Lawn cemetery. You can visit all of these locations still today.
Theodore Roosevelt - Buffalo, NY
5 - We Have a Wonder of the World - Sure, most of the world thinks of Niagara Falls when it thinks of Buffalo. But, to be fair, it is a sight that needs to be seen when visiting Western New York. The falls are located just 20 minutes to the north of downtown Buffalo. But be sure to branch out from Niagara Falls State Park itself. A trip to Whirlpool State Park and a hike of Devil's Hole will surely make you appreciate the power of the mighty Niagara River.
Niagara Falls, NY
So, spread the word. Western New York has a whole lot more to offer than just wings. But, they are the best wings anywhere in the world, so you should probably try them when you're here.