Dozen Distinctive Destinations

Submitted by petey in CC at: October 27, 2009
Question: does anyone from the area know or have heard of the Niagara Baking Company? I have an old biscuit crate and it says it was located on 23 and 25 Ellicott Street. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated, I cannot find anything online regarding this. I too am from Western New York and miss it. The people of Western New York are the friendliest people anywhere, and I especially miss autumn, that was always my favorite time of year. Go Bills!

Submitted by pyrexmaniac at: September 20, 2009
I'm a native Western New Yorker. I lived in Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis and Chicago. I decided to move back to the Buffalo area in 2001. It was the best move I ever made. I am an architecture and design buff and I am constantly amazed at the beauty of the region.....not only the structures, but the natural beauty as well. Buffalo is a wonderful place to call home.....it offers the amenities of much larger cities, has incredible shopping, and the restaurant scene is beyond compare. Best of all, it's extremely affordable. I make a modest living and could never live in the style that I do ANYWHERE else. The people are truly friendly and caring, and the change in seasons is a delight. Everyone knows Buffalo for it's purported weather extremes in the winter months, but most people fail to mention that the folks who make Western New York home know how to deal with a foot or two of snow. What closes schools in this area would cripple most major cities. We just deal with it. I love Western New York and my friends and family who visit are always absolutely amazed at the amenities and the beauty of the region. Buffalo is the best-kept secret in North America. Period.

Submitted by george at: August 3, 2009
Lived there 15 years, and miss it every day.

Submitted by merry tourist at: March 3, 2009
If you have ever visited the churches of Europe and have loved them, then come to Buffalo and visit St. Anne's , Corpus Christi, St. Adelbert's, St. Stan's, Blessed Trinity and the new Buffalo Religious Arts Center at the former St Francis Xavier Church (corner of Amherst Street and East Streets) . Truly amazing churches on a par with the great European churches!! Great city to visit if you love outstanding architecture. Check out photos of these churches by typing in their names and "Buffalo New York" You will be amazed at the photos.

Submitted by Grooch at: February 21, 2009
Incredible! Sonny is either 13 years old and absconded with his banana bike, or he grew up around 998 Broadway and let his house deteriorate and rents it out in absentia. Where to start.....Visited many cities. All have their detriments; all have their worn areas; all have their poor. Buffalo is changing from an industrial area to a service educational, and health center. New builidngs are taking shape in downtown Buffalo. The old Federal Reserve Building was remodeled very adroitly into the Corporate Office for New Era Cap Company. Then new curved facade Federal building is taking shape across from the Buffalo City Hall, a fantastic example of metropolitan architecture of the early 1920's. The Sullivan Building, an early design with a steel skeleton which was to develop into the skyscraper concept, the Ellicott Square Building, which was one of the first multi-storied buildings to use the open center court to add light to the interiors of large buildings. The Darwin Martin House, that is mostly restored, also reflects our historical architectural iheritage. With the University of Buffalo, Canisius College, Buffalo State College, D'Youville College, Daeman College, Medaille College,, and nearby Niagara University, all bring cultural venues to the area. Broadway shows and entertainment abound at the restored Shea's Theatre, world-class plays at the Studio Arena, Irish Classical Theatre, with world class performers are available. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Joanne Falletta has, within the last few weeks, won two Grammys. Parks are abundant. The waterfront, for years obliterated by industry and bureaucratic incompetence ( read NFTA) is beginning to see a rebirth. The Terminus of the Erie Canal has been a central development in the Cobbelstone District where a WWII Destroyer, and Submarine are docked. The Skyway is one of the most unbelievable treasures of the trip to the southtowns from the city. In the Summer it offers a vista from 500 foot high roadway of the Small Boat Harbour with sailboat regattas, Lake Erie looking westward to the horizon and south to the cliffs of Hamburg. In the early winter the lake winds beat cascades of water over the breakwalls, falling to form great ice sculptures,and remind us of the unbelievable power of nature. Late winter finds ice fishermen on ice, as well as the Labatt's Blue sponsored Hockey tournament, where hundreds of amature teams compete. The Elmwood Strip holds an impressive array shops, and hosts an art festival in the late summer so as not to competer with the Allentown Art festival, a nationally known event, in early summer. There is a National Hydroplane competition in Tonawanda on the Niagara River, across from Mississippi Mud's, and Old Man River, where you can get a great Sahlen's Hot Dog with Wever's Horseradish Mustard or a hamburger accompanied with sweet potato fries. The Hertel area hosts an Italian Festival in the summer, where you might find a Roman Certurion, and certainly some of the finest calamari, artichokes, pizza, sausage with peppers and onions anywhere. When you visit you must savor the Texas Red Hot Sauce of Louie's on Elmwood, Louie's Texas Red Hots at Delaware and Hertel, or on Southwestern in Orchard Park, the home of the frustrated Buffalo Bills, and Zorba's on Transit in Depew. Restaurants? Daniel's, Tempo, Fiamma's, E. B. Green's, Cozumel, Tibree, Stillwater, The Dove, Curley's Grille, Harry's, Saigon Cafe, ETS, City Griile, Salsarita's, Sole, Sienna, Pano's Lombardo's, Sinatra's, La Marina, Oliver's.............there's many many more. Yes, we are neighbor Canada, and we see many of our Canadian friends here for skiing, Sabres Hockey games, the Bills, and shopping. We also spend time in Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the Lake, St. Catherine's, Fort Erie, and Toronto. Did I mention Skiing...... The wineries, both north and south of the city. Ah, yes, the Grain Elevators.... do we have grain elevators....The Seneca Nation demolished one last year prior to starting work on bulding a casino. The rest will remain until the land becomes more valuable along the Buffalo River. It will be awhile, but most of them will come down. You know there is a group of people who love these things, and while I don't particularly having so many, we should keep one or two. They are hulking monoliths that bear witness to our forefathers sweat and work ethic that brought all of us to this beautiful place we call our home. I can see why Sonny doesn't belong here.

Submitted by Virginia at: February 21, 2009
Where is the old Granger Farm/ homestead? What does anybody know about it? I've heard about it and am just interested.

Submitted by Jean at: February 10, 2009
A wonderful piece! However, I wish there had been a piece about the classical music scene, including our world class Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Then there is our multi-faceted theatre community. We should be known for our restaurant scene (not just chicken wings and beef on weck). However, I know that it is difficult to cover every aspect of our great city!

Submitted by Chris at: February 7, 2009
Awesome! I love Buffalo and will be back someday! Let's go Buffalo!

Submitted by Gene at: January 29, 2009
No matter where you travel, go can find "Buffalo Wings". Go to the Anchor Bar for the original! If there not still around, go to Duff's Tavern out in Amherst for the next best! Then you can tell everyone that you have had the best!

Submitted by Suzanne at: January 29, 2009
I love Buffalo and miss all the wonderful places. I left there is 1978 but it will always be home to me. Someday, I hope to return...Thanks for such a beautiful video..