Interesting things in Western NY state
 

At the end of October we're traveling through NY state, from Binghamton to Niagra Falls. We've got time for a few stops along the way. Any suggestions? We like wineries, breweries, regional food, history, folk arts, and natural points of interest for hiking, etc.

No chain or cheesy tourist stuff (although we're from Wisconsin and like real cheese:-)

Also, will there be any fall color left?

Buffalo will be hosting the National Preservation Conference beginning on Wednesday, October 19, with some activities starting as early as Monday, and officially ending on Saturday, October 22. Some events and activities are open to the general public. This listing includes some conference events and tours and other doings 'til the end of the month.

http://tinyurl.com/3qhxloc

Letchworth State Park is known as 'the Grand Canyon of the East.' Plenty of opportunities for hiking there!

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/79/details.aspx

For your drive to the Falls, think about crossing into Canada at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo and following the River Road. It's leisurely (speed limit 35 mph) and you travel fairly close to the river so you can see as it gathers speed and strength as it approaches the falls.

Check out the "happenings" at the Corning Museum of Glass.
http://www.cmog.org/ There is also a Rockwell museum in Corning. There are several good museums in Rochester including the George Eastman house on East Avenue.

Ya got buffalo wings, beef on weck, botanical gardens, beautiful park designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (same as Central Park NY), excellent museum of fine arts and several Frank LLoyd houses for you to visit.

Thanks everyone for your great ideas. Letchworth looks interesting! And thanks for the Peace Bridge tip. 330east, where is the park located, also the FLW houses? Big fan of architecture - sorry to miss the preservation conference.

The Darwin Martin House--

http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/

Not far from Buffalo--

http://graycliffestate.org/

Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy--

http://www.bfloparks.org/

Browse through the preservation conference program (or the events link above) to get further ideas on architectural places of interest in the area. See pages 10-19--

http://tinyurl.com/3e23836

Along the way from Binghamton, you will drive right through the Finger Lakes wine Region... there are dozens of wineries and scenic choices including Watkins Glen State park, where there may be some Fall color left on an amazing trail through the park... just google Finger lakes Wine...