Day trips around Buffalo NY
 

I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas for day trips around the Buffalo NY (WNY) area. I have been searching online and was looking for more ideas. We are thinking of things that are cheap or free, that are up to an hour away or a little farther if there is some place to camp. Thanks For the Help we have an upcoming vacation

Breeze; There are a ton of things to do, (Lived in the Buffalo area all my life). My favorite is to go to Niagara on the Lake. It is a small, quaint town with shops, restaurants and the drive there is spectacular. Take I-190 over both Grand Island bridges to the Canadian border. After customs, turn right and follow the signs to Niagara on the Lake. Another day trip is to go over the Peace Bridge to Canada and see the Butterfly Conservatory and afterwards go and walk the falls. Third, take a day trip down to Lake Chataqua and see the Institute and and the grounds. There is an Amish community somewhere near there; just ask. Fourth; go to the downtown marina and enjoy the sunset. Enjoy and have a great time.

If you like hiking you could go to Letchworth State Park south of Rochester. The Genessee gorge is 17 miles long and from the pictures I've seen, is beautiful.
Or you could go to Allegheny state park south of Buffalo.
Here are two great web sites, if you haven't already seen them.
www.iloveny.state.ny.us
and
www.gobuffaloniagara.com
Lots of good ideas.

About 1/2 hour southeast of Buffalo is the village of East Aurora. It's full of great little shops, museums, Fisher Price factory outlet, several terrific restaurants (all prices), and the Knox Estate State Park where you can hike or ride your horse. It's a terrific place full of small town ambiance.

Be sure to visit Vidler's on Main Street it's an authentic 5+Dime store full of great stuff, wood floors and two lovely old Mr. Vidlers!

Thanks for the help. A lot of these places I know about, but forgot they were around. Got to enjoy the outside around here while it is nice. Thanks again off to the Taste of Buffalo !!

I'll repeat a few suggestions you've already received and add a few of my own:

- Niagara Falls: Walking around Goat Island and checking out all the viewing areas (free)!

- Chautauqua Institute on Chautauqua Lake: I think it's free on Sunday!

- Letchworth State Park: Absolutely beautiful and you only have to pay an entrance fee. You can hike there.

- Ft. Niagara State Park: One of my most favorite places. The park itself is beautiful....a large sloping grass lawn that overlooks Lake Ontario and the sail boats. It's $6.00 to enter the park. The actual fort does have an entrance fee, and the fort is located within the park. The fort is a wonderful piece of American History and is historically interesting and architecturally stunning. Check out www.oldfortniagara.org. The park also has swimming pools.

- Evangola State Park south of Buffalo on the shores of Lake Erie...a beautiful park to have a picnic....the picnic areas sit up on the cliffs and there is a nice beach for swimming.

- For the cost of crossing the bridge, you can drive to Toronto and walk around all day and just take in the sites and people watch!

- I agree with another poster, an evening at Erie Basin Marina in downtown Buffalo. One of my absolute favorite places in the city. You can walk there from Taste of Buffalo.

Have fun!

I second the Fort Niagara suggestion. We loved the park and the Fort.