BUFFALO’S WHERE IT’S AT
Buffalo’s where it’s at: An easy exit off the highway takes you to authentic, off-the-beaten path experiences.
Some destinations can be too crowded for group tours to relax and explore. Buffalo is just right — for discovering hidden gems and an immersive exploration of arts, culture, food, history and a rich legacy shaped by the Erie Canal and our border with Canada.
The wealth that followed the opening of the canal created a legacy that this modern city nurtures and shares — beautiful gardens and walks, boat tours, a naval and military park, a restored carrousel made here a century ago, breweries, stunning sunsets. In winter, the adventures continue – from curling to ice bicycling.
Plan a one-of-kind tour with our itinerary guides. You’ll find unique things to do, waterfront and boat tours, hotels and spacious restaurants. In Buffalo, we have accommodation options everyone loves. Luxury, economical and everything in between.
Discover our surprising, historic, big city with a small-town heart.
Buffalo’s secret ingredients?
This Great Lake city with arts and culture, a unique American story has a food scene that comes complete with the original, and world’s best, chicken wings and abundant culinary delights…
FOOD
Buffalo’s scene has everything from taverns where Buffalo wings are at their best to elegant, white tablecloth dining and historic inns. Taste more of our original creations — from sponge candy coated in chocolate to the savory and tender, thin sliced beef on weck sandwiches and famously oversized beer battered fish fry dinners.
ART
Art abounds. The Buffalo AKG Art Museum has re-opened with expansive new grounds and airy galleries. This must-see stop is ranked as one of the top museums in the world for modern and contemporary art. Explore without the crowds. Walk the surrounding park, part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s most sweeping urban landscapes.
HISTORY
Buffalo’s history has left behind captivating experiences for the modern traveler. Iconic architecture that came with the wealth of the Erie Canal and a city story revealed at the Buffalo History Museum built for the 1901 Pan American Exposition. There’s more: An African American Heritage Corridor that includes a church that was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Around the corner find the historic Colored Musicians Club, a performance space and tavern, and museum, where Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and John Coltrane played. The mansion, and National Historic Site, where Teddy Roosevelt took the oath of office.
ARCHITECTURE
The restored estate with the house Frank Lloyd Wright called “a perfect composition.” The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum featuring a collection of its namesake luxury cars favored by Hollywood tycoons and stars and a sleek copper-clad gas station designed by Wright.
“Buffalo continues to surprise us. In a good way! For many years we simply drove by. That changed when Leah Mueller invited us to explore her beautiful Buffalo. We took a shine to everything architectural — from the art deco city hall to unique Frank Lloyd Wright designs like the gas station and boathouse. Buffalo really does have it all. The 2020 debut of the Buffalo Book Club was a genius idea to help operators like us discover the Gilded Age history, the people and life of this modern city that has the friendly intimacy of a small town. The books have introduced us to Buffalo through many lenses. Looking forward to bringing our groups back to the city on the lake.”
Fields Trips
“As an Australian group operator specializing in small group, cultural themed tours, we were at first attracted to Buffalo for the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Ever since the Visit Buffalo Niagara team helped with recommendations and introductions in 2016, they have become an invaluable resource. We expanded our stays from two nights to three! We always include a visit to Niagara Falls and keep the Buffalo focus to make time for the architecture, urban renaissance, waterfront parks and restaurant scene.”
Academy Travel
“I have been bringing student groups to Buffalo because of its broad appeal, and neighborhoods and districts that make for unique immersive experiences. Students love getting dressed up for the evening with a dinner out before heading into the elegant vintage glamour of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre to watch a touring Broadway show. Leah Mueller’s knowledge of the area and her understanding of what makes for memorable trip for student groups has made the Buffalo Niagara area a perfect destination.”
RS Tours
“Buffalo has changed so much over the years. We love bringing our senior groups to rediscover the revitalized waterfront, the AKG Art Museum and quaint districts like the Elmwood Avenue neighborhood and the village of East Aurora. Stops that include the Frank Lloyd Wright house museums and tours of the stained-glass artistry in historic houses of worship make it easy to create exciting programs. Whenever we are in doubt, VBN is there with fresh ideas. It’s a wonderful destination to bring our groups to!”
Twin Travel Concepts
THEATER
Buffalo has 22 professional theater companies. Feel like royalty watching a Broadway show in the gilded splendor of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre with its Tiffany-designed interior. Take in comedy, drama, musical and the avant-garde at the playhouses in the downtown theater district and beyond.
LOCATION
Location, location, location. This region is a “hub and spoke.” That means, Buffalo is at the center of things. You only have to unpack once. Head out and explore each day and return to the same hotel. Rest easy and spend the night here.
“Buffalo is as unique as the groups visiting. One thing that is so compelling about this position is I never know what the hook will be and what will be enough to inspire a group to choose Buffalo as a tour destination. The passion I feel for Buffalo helps lead the way for authentic experiences for each group that visits. Whether it be a garden group, book club, architecture enthusiasts, student musicians, history buffs, or sports fans I help provide the vision to make the tour a reality. It’s authentic, it’s unique and it’s Buffalo! The story is always changing and evolving and I just love being a part of it!”
–Leah Mueller