What to do in Buffalo day trip from NYC?
Jun 28th, 2001, 08:39 PM
#1
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What to do in Buffalo day trip from NYC?
Hiya all!I will be in NYC this summer from 21st to 26th July and have managed to book JetBlue el cheapo flight tickets fr NYC to Buffalo to catch Niagara falls. We are renting a car to make the trip from Buffalo to the falls...and have 9 hours to kill. What wld be the best sightseeing options for the falls and Buffalo (this is the birth place of ol' Blue Eyes Sinatra, no?)
Also: how best to get to JFK airport from our Times Square hostel to catch a 7.05 am domestic flight? Helllp!!And thanks for all inputs!!
Also: how best to get to JFK airport from our Times Square hostel to catch a 7.05 am domestic flight? Helllp!!And thanks for all inputs!!
Jun 29th, 2001, 02:21 AM
#2
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I don't know too much about Buffalo but you could easily spend the 9 hours visiting the American and Canadian sides of the Falls. Two things you would want to do on the CAnadian side are the Maid of the Mist and the Scenic Tunnels. On the American side there was a walk along the river to the Falls - I think it is called the Cave of the Winds.
The best way, and quickest, to the airport is a taxi. At the time you would leave the hotel the trip should take around 40 minutes, maybe a little less. TAxi will cost around $40 with the toll and a tip. I think Sinatra was born in New Jersey.
The best way, and quickest, to the airport is a taxi. At the time you would leave the hotel the trip should take around 40 minutes, maybe a little less. TAxi will cost around $40 with the toll and a tip. I think Sinatra was born in New Jersey.
Jun 29th, 2001, 03:14 AM
#3
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I don't recall whether he was born there or not bnut Frank Sinatra is ussually associated with Hoboken NJ, where he grew up. Niagara Falls is an excellent suggestion. You might also check out the Albright-Knox Gallery. It's a small art museum with a widespread reputation - among the best small museums in the U.S.
Jun 29th, 2001, 04:08 AM
#4
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I grew up in Buffalo and still live in the Upstate New York area, so I would recommend that you focus minimal time in Buffalo and more in Niagara Falls. In the summer, a whole day can easily be used up taking in the sites and activities around Niagara Falls. On the American side, you can spend some time in the park on that side and take in the view of the Falls from there. Also, it is nice to walk around Goat Island where you can walk very close to the edge of the rapids near the Falls. However, I would recommend to plan the spend the most of your time on the Canadian side which is much nicer all around ... the area is better kept up with nice landscaping, the views of the Falls are great, and there are more activities (shops, restaurants, casino, etc.). I highly recommend the Maid of the Mist ride, a large boat which goes right to the bottom of the Falls. Don't be too scared by the lines ... they move along fast. You could easily spend most of, or the better part of the day seeing the Falls.
If you are still looking for other ideas, the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is about a 30-45 minute ride north of the Falls along the river gorge on the Canadian side. It is a quaint town right where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. You can get some nice views of the river gorge during the ride. The town is relatively small, but quaint, and has many interesting shops and restaurants, and a nice park area right on the water. Most of the summer activity center around the Shaw Festival which involves three theaters that feature live plays all summer from George Bernard Shaw and other playwrights of his era.
Expect a large amount of visitors to both towns; especially on weekends when things can get very crowded.
If you still want to spend some time in Buffalo, I would second the above poster's recommendation of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery ... there are also some interesting shops and restaurants in the Elmwood Avenue area which is right near there. If you go there, you may want to take a ride through Delaware Park which is right near there. Also, Buffalo has a minor league baseball team (Bisons) ... so if interested you could look into catching a game ... there is a nice, small baseball stadium downtown.
If you are into antiques/flea markets, every Sunday there is a huge flea market in Clarence which is a town north about 20 minutes north of Buffalo. There are also many antique stores and antique co-ops in the Clarence area so you could literally spend an afternoon there (if that interests you).
Hope this helps.
If you are still looking for other ideas, the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is about a 30-45 minute ride north of the Falls along the river gorge on the Canadian side. It is a quaint town right where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. You can get some nice views of the river gorge during the ride. The town is relatively small, but quaint, and has many interesting shops and restaurants, and a nice park area right on the water. Most of the summer activity center around the Shaw Festival which involves three theaters that feature live plays all summer from George Bernard Shaw and other playwrights of his era.
Expect a large amount of visitors to both towns; especially on weekends when things can get very crowded.
If you still want to spend some time in Buffalo, I would second the above poster's recommendation of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery ... there are also some interesting shops and restaurants in the Elmwood Avenue area which is right near there. If you go there, you may want to take a ride through Delaware Park which is right near there. Also, Buffalo has a minor league baseball team (Bisons) ... so if interested you could look into catching a game ... there is a nice, small baseball stadium downtown.
If you are into antiques/flea markets, every Sunday there is a huge flea market in Clarence which is a town north about 20 minutes north of Buffalo. There are also many antique stores and antique co-ops in the Clarence area so you could literally spend an afternoon there (if that interests you).
Hope this helps.
Jun 29th, 2001, 09:28 AM
#5
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Rupert- After seeing the falls, do ride up to Niagara 0n the Lake...its only twenty minutes from the Falls...The best thing I can add to your agenda is the Whirpool Jet Boat ride...they take you on a one hour trip up the rapids to the devils hole and whirlpool. You will get extremely wet, but its really cool running the rapids similar to the Colorado River...Its safe for the family,(my 10 year old loves it), but make sure you have a change of clothes.
Jun 29th, 2001, 12:51 PM
#6
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I'm a life long Buffalonian and it's a great area. 9 hours isn't enuf, and it's best spent in the Falls. The Maid of the Mist is not too be missed. It's really thrilling. I love walking across the Ranibow Bridge (bridge between USA & Canada) It gives a great view of the falls and you get to walk thru customs. Speaking of customs, if you plan on entering Canada, have proper identification in case you are asked for it. The Canadian side of the Falls is much nicer. Clifton Hill has real touristy shops and musuems. There is a gambling casino nearby too. There is a Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood restaurant, and I think there may now be a Rainforest type restaurant (all popular with kids). YOu can drive to the Floral Clock near Niagara Falls, which has a great butterfly conservatory. Niagara on the Lake is a great little town. It has cute shops and fabulous live theatre. Once you go there, you may find yourself planning a return trip. All the other things mentioned are as good as billed. Best of all, Buffalo is the City of Good Neighbors and I hope you find our area as friendly as I do. Frank Sinatra is not from here. I think the writer who mentioned New Jersey is correct, but we love his music here
Jun 29th, 2001, 02:51 PM
#7
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You could visit one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces, which is in Buffalo: the Darwin Martin House. Info here: http://www.darwinmartinhouse,org
Jul 2nd, 2001, 01:28 AM
#8
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Wow! Looks like 9 hours may not be enuf will all the great suggestions! The consensus seems to be that I shld spend a better part of my time at the Falls area....wld there be problems driving my rental car into Canada? What formalities are there for entry/passport etc? Would like to pick up food/grub from a supermarket/grocers and pack a picnic lunch to take along in the car....any recommendations for deli type spreads in Buffalo?
And yes: fd out that Frank Sinatra is from Hoboken NJ...my mistake..wld have flunked this question in the Who wants To Be A Millionaire!!
Thanks to all for the inputs!
Rupert
And yes: fd out that Frank Sinatra is from Hoboken NJ...my mistake..wld have flunked this question in the Who wants To Be A Millionaire!!
Thanks to all for the inputs!
Rupert
Jul 2nd, 2001, 04:32 AM
#9
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Check with the car rental folks as to whether they allow the car to be taken into Canada - that's the only real issue. Assuming that this is a day trip and you're not bringing luggage over to Canada, you might just as well park on the American side and walk over - it's all very close and it's a nice walk across the bridge.
Jul 14th, 2001, 08:11 PM
#10
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I just spent a week in Buffalo on business and there is nothing to do in Buffalo. I was little surprised at how many deserted downtown buildings there were. Definitely spend your time in Niagara Falls. I highly recommend the Maid of the Mist boat trip. I've gone from both sides and the U.S trip was much less busy. Both trips are the same. The Cave of the Winds trip is great also. Enjoy and let me know if you need further info.
Jul 20th, 2001, 08:39 AM
#13
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The falls are a great day long activity, but if you want to go to Buffalo and like chicken wings I think it would be on your list to stop at the Anchor Bar. It is where wings started or at least the place that made them famous. The place is on Main St. just a short drive from downtown. It made our trip to the falls complete.
