5 of the Best Things to do in Buffalo, NY this Summer

Western New York has countless activities and things to do year-round but we’ll highlight some of the best things to do in Buffalo, NY this Spring:

‘Keep Buffalo a Secret’ has been an unofficial slogan of the Queen City for a few years now and it’s getting harder and harder to do so with all the changes the city has been going through. I’m not talking about the great new restaurants, or the cool hip brewery scene (what city DOESN’T have that revival going on right now?!), I’m talking about new neighborhoods, the revival of a glorified history and river walks. We also have parks along the lake, turn of the century mansions and an art scene that continues to grow and impress. Below is our list of the 5 best things to do in Buffalo, NY this spring:

1) Best Thing to do in Buffalo, NY: Rent (or bring) a bike and cruise around Elmwood Village, Delaware Park & Parkside neighborhoods

A short hop from the EV, you get to Delaware Park designed by the aforementioned famed Architectural Duo, Frederick Law Olmstead & Calvert Vaux of NYC’s Central Park, and the neighborhood that surrounds it. To the south of Delaware Park on Lincoln Parkway, you see stunning mansions that housed some of the countries wealthiest families in the 1900s. Just to the north, you cut through Hoyt Lake to make your way to the Park Meadow & Parkside neighborhoods. Filled with a mix of old and new mansions, biking around these streets is so visually pleasing and typically car traffic is at a minimum. Do yourself a favor and rent a Reddy Bike from one of the numerous spots around town, you won’t be disappointed.

2) Go to an estate sale (Usually held Thursday-Saturday, & sometimes Sunday)

Piggy backing from #1, exploring beautiful neighborhoods of Buffalo, comes one of my favorite things to do once the weather turns, Estate Sales! If you’ve never been, picture a garage sale but for an entire home. You get to enter a home of either someone who is moving and can’t bring everything they own or more commonly it’s held in a home of someone who has recently passed. Then the family brings in an estate sale company to organize and price out almost everything left in the home. Half empty spray paint cans, gardening tools and old furnitiure are quite common BUT you really never know what gem you might find. I’ve seen incredible collections of trains, music and sound equiptment, jewerly, plants, kitchen appliances, artwork from Asian and South America and beautiful local prints or paintings and so much more.

Walk into one of these and not only will the collection impress, but if you’re lucky enough to find one in the neighborhoods mentioned in #1 (Elmwood Village, Parkside or Park Meadow), you’ll have a chance to walk inside and explore a 130+ year old home. Multiple fireplaces, art deco interiors, beautiful original stained glass and woodwork throughout. A real treat!

3) Visit one of the many River Parks

4) Explore the culture of the city by visiting an art gallery; K Art, Birchfield Penny or the Albright Knox

5) Dine in at one of the many restaurants/bars with a patio

Now that winter is finally over, one of the best things to do in Buffalo is getting outside and enjoying some sun with a fresh pint or cup of coffee. I have always loved Five Points Bakery, they have transformed a corner lot & abandoned industrial building into a true gem in the city. Sit on one of their many outdoor tables and enjoy either their unique selection of toasts w accompaniments or sweets with a coffee or beer!

I mentioned at the top, “new neighborhoods,” well Chandler Street didn’t quite pop out from nowhere BUT it’s revitalized an area that otherwise would be missed by nearly all. Chandler Street, located between Elmwood Ave and Military Ave in the Black Rock section has impressed since opening back in 2019. There’s a Cider Hall with a great outdoor lawn, Thin Man/Tappo at Chandler with a brewery and pizzeria combo with plenty of outdoor seating. And lastly, the after-hours Market at Chandler Street caters to the after farmer market crowd, allowing visitors a chance to have some local eats and enjoy a beverage in a ‘small food fair’ setting. You don’t want to miss it!

Now it’s time to get outside and enjoy our beautiful city! If you are interested in exploring the Elmwood Village and eating some excellent food, join us @ Buffalo Food Tours. Certainly another option for best things to do in Buffalo in our humble opinion!