Dunkirk

Dunkirk, one of the few harbors along the east coast of Lake Erie, lies in a wine-producing area. Relatively mild winters and glacial soil (left by retreating Ice Age glaciers) make the area south of Buffalo between Silver Creek and the Pennsylvania border perfectly suited for growing grapes. The town was named after Dunquerque in northern France, and was most famous in 1851, when it became the terminus of the longest railroad in the world. Dunkirk's historic lighthouse was built in 1875 and is still operating.

Across I-90 is the pretty village of Fredonia. It's home to Fredonia State University, a four-year college in the State University of New York system and the provider of several cultural opportunities.