Things to do in Western New York
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Wellesley Island State Park
Alexandria Bay has the greatest concentration of old homes – more like castles, really – on the dozens of tiny islands along its coast. There’s where you’ll find Wellesley Island State Park, a 2600-acre floating village attached to the mainland by the Thousand Islands International Bridge. The park is full of wildlife, and has a nature center open to visitors. If you’re carrying a valid ID (preferably a passport), you can go to the Canadian side of the bridge and take an elevator to the top of the Skydeck, a massive tower with sprawling views of the St Lawrence Seaway.
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Thousand Islands Museum
A beautiful drive that can easily be done in a day from Niagara, with plenty of scenic stops as you progress alongside Lake Ontario and the Seaway Trail, will bring you to the Thousand Islands, a stunning collection of small islands dotted with turn-of-the-century dream homes. Head for the towns of Oswego and Sackets Harbor to Alexandria Bay, taking in the tiny fishing villages and small communities along the bright blue water. If you don’t have time to visit the islands as you drive through, take a detour to the village of Clayton to check out the Thousand Islands Museum.
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Niagara Falls State Park
The traditional way to see Niagara Falls is on the Maid of the Mist, a boat cruise that’s ferried soaking visitors into the rapids right below the falls since 1846. You can also walk along the Prospect Park Point walkways to view the American Falls. Goat Island is accessible by foot, and has an elevator bringing folks down to the Cave of the Winds. From there you can hike to Bridal Veil Falls. The bulk of the attractions are all within Niagara Falls State Park and there’s a trolley offering guided trips through the park.
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Boldt Castle
Among the thousands of options floating around you, don’t miss a visit to the grandest and most romantic castle of them all: Boldt Castle on Heart Island. This gothic gem was built by George C Boldt, who used to own Manhattan’s famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel. It was supposed to be a replica of a huge castle in Rhineland, Germany, but Boldt abandoned it partway through after his beloved wife Louise died. It was a playground for squirrels and beavers for decades, until a preservation effort in the 1970s reclaimed it and finished it the way Boldt intended.
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Singer Castle
A standout is Singer Castle on Dark Island. It was constructed by the president of the Singer sewing machine company, and modeled on a classic Scottish castle. It’s a spooky sight, all long, gloomy passages and turreted walkways, but you can spend the night in handsomely renovated suites that are luxurious enough for any modern Scottish laird.
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Prospect Point Observation Tower
You can see side views of the American Falls and their western portion, the Bridal Veil Falls, which drops 180ft, by simply walking across the pedestrian bridge from Canada. Take the Prospect Point Observation Tower elevator up for a vista.
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Anchor Bar
Buffalo is curiously blessed with an abundance of eateries serving unique, tasty and cheap dishes. For the famous deep-fried chicken wings covered in a spicy sauce, head to the landmark Anchor Bar, which claims credit for inventing the 'delicacy.
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Summer Concert Series
Neighborhoods such as Elmwood, Linwood and Allentown have more than their fair share of late-night options. From late May through July a summer concert series draws an eclectic mix of new and established artists to outdoor spaces in downtown.
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Prudential Building
Architecture buffs will have a field day here, starting at the Prudential Building. It was designed by Louis Sullivan in 1895 as the Guaranty Building, and used an innovative steel-frame construction to create the first modern skyscraper.
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Albright-Knox Art Gallery
North of downtown, sprawling Delaware Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Its jewel is the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, a sizable museum including some of the best French Impressionists and American masters.
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Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Guided tours of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in the Ansley-Wilcox house examine the tale of Teddy's emergency swearing-in here following the assassination of William McKinley in 1901.
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Bob & John's
Bob & John's serves beef-on-weck (sliced roast beef on a crispy German kaiser roll sprinkled with caraway seeds), buffalo wings and, according to some, the best pizza in Buffalo.
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Maid of the Mist
The traditional way to see Niagara Falls is on the Maid of the Mist, a boat cruise that’s ferried soaking visitors into the rapids right below the falls since 1846.
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Left Bank
Left Bank, housed in an attractive 100-year-old building, is an atmospheric restaurant serving large portions of homemade ravioli, grilled meat and good wine.
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Cave of the Winds
From the north corner of Goat Island, an elevator descends to the Cave of the Winds, where walkways go within 25ft of the cataracts (raincoats provided).
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Burchfield Penney
Burchfield Penneyis a city's art scene which has exhibiting works, mostly American, from the late 19th century to contemporary.
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Betty's
Try Betty's. In the neighborhood of Allentown, Betty's does interpretations of American comfort food.
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Allen Street Hardware Cafe
Allen Street Hardware Cafeis a place where the best local musicians play to regularly packed houses.
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Chef's
In business for 85 years, Chef's is a Buffalo landmark doling out classic red-sauce Italian dishes.
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Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
For those seeking more of an adrenaline rush, check out Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.
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Niagara Helicopters
For those seeking more of an adrenaline rush, check out Niagara Helicopters
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Ted's
Ted's fast-food specialty is hot dogs, foot-longs, any way you like 'em.
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City Hall
Be sure to glimpse the stunning art-deco City Hall, built in 1931.
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