the 5-Photos of Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York surprised. It did. I didn’t expect to see a city with so much historical treasure, especially with its architecture nor did I expect to see a city in the midst of a major resurgence. Yes, Buffalo surprised me during few days first as a volunteer for the New York Special Olympics and then again when spending a few days in town for leisure.

Yes, I found myself enjoying a different city in the state of New York and here are the 5 photos to describe my time and the city. Enjoy.

Buffalo, “USA”

On a walk to capture the sunset in Buffalo, I walked through the countless military naval vessels, aircraft and memorials (including a place for the upcoming Iraq / Afghan war memorial).  On a peaceful border with Canada (celebrating 200 years of peace from the two year War of 1812 this ’12-’14) this was a surprise and a fine tribute to those who serve.

the Buffalo Naval and Military Park is the largest inland park of its kind in the US

Also, I noticed many USA flags in Buffalo too, some even painted on the buildings serving up Hot Wings. Buffalo was a very patriotic city.

 Teddy Roosevelt in Buffalo

Theodore Roosevelt ascended to the world stage in Buffalo. He was inaugurated as President in the city after the assassination of President McKinley at the Pan American Exposition (also in Buffalo). And spending time in the city you will certainly see the references to the fame Rough Rider who appears on Mount Rushmore.

One must stop is the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural House, a museum run by the National Park system. Admission is $10 and guided tours (the only way to see the house) occur nearly ever hour.The city also has a monument for President McKinley.

“Under Construction”

Any visitor to Buffalo will notice the massive construction projects and when you understand the resurgence of the city, you hardly curse its annoyance, but rather share excitement for its future. Whether it is the huge canalside project, the main street improvements, the roads outside the Albright-Knox Art Museum or even at the Frank Llyod Writght Martin House, Buffalo is improving.

I can't wait to see the finished product, the designs look impressive

And after my visit, I’d say put this city on your visit list in the near future.

Architectural Treasure

Buffalo had money. Tons of it. At one point just after the turn of the 20th century, the city held more millionaires than New York City (per capita). And these millionaires put money into the city and especially its buildings. Many invited the world’s most forward thinking architects to build and design in the city. In Buffalo, you’ll find work by; Frederick Law Olmsted, Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, H.H. Richardson, Stanford White, Richard Upjohn, Eliel and Eero Saarinen and Daniel Burnham to name a few from the textbooks of time.

a MUST visit for everyone who comes to Buffalo - Impressive

I highly recommend a Architecture Tour for anyone visiting the city. You’ll be amazed and learn the basics as well as appreciate the details. My Architecture Walking Tour, from Buffalo Tours was just a few hours at a leisurely pace and it was some of the best hours I spent in Buffalo.

Buffalo Wings

When in Rome, you eat carbonara, when in Buffalo you eat-buffalo wings. Well, in Buffalo it’s either chicken wings or probably more aptly called hot wings, never buffalo wings. Talk to anyone in the city and they can offer you an opinion of the best  place to enjoy a basket of hot wings.

a plate of hot wings from the Anchor Bar

On my visit, I enjoyed lunch at the Anchor Bar, the birthplace of the Buffalo wing in the 1960s. The medium spicy might not be enough spice for those die hard hot wing fans, so be bold.

Stay adventurous, Craig

 I’d like to thank the Buffalo-Niagara Tourism board for hosting my stay in Buffalo and the Comfort Suites on Main Street for its excellence service. Additionally, I’d like to thank Larissa of Changes in Longitude for “selling” me on Buffalo. She was right, Buffalo is a great place.