Life in Buffalo has a way of surprising us. While snow in May might not be completely welcomed, most of the unexpected events and attractions are positive in nature. For Buffalonians, it’s not all that uncommon to hear of interesting new developments in the 716, but it’s a different story for those just passing through. Here are nine things outsiders would never expect to see in Buffalo.
- Tiki boats.
Photo Courtesy of Samantha Gill / Kin & Kindling When you think Buffalo, “tropical vibes” are probably two words that don’t come to mind. Outsiders would never expect to see tiki boats dotting the waters of Lake Erie, but head to RiverWorks in the summer months and you’ll be transported to a paradise island – if only for an hour at a time!
- Catamarans.
MoondanceCat - Facebook Another water attraction you wouldn’t quite expect to see on Lake Erie: a catamaran! The Moondance Cat is one of the most popular attractions in the summer months for business events, private parties, and more. Catch a sunset or some rays while on board!
- All-season rooftop dining.
VUE Rooftop Lounge - Facebook Dining on a rooftop in the dead of a Buffalo winter probably doesn’t sound too appealing, but this restaurant downtown is out to prove you wrong! VUE offers up all-season rooftop entertainment on the top level of the Curtiss Hotel.
- Water bikes.
Water Bikes of Buffalo - Facebook Row, row, row your… bikes? Water Bikes are an odd commodity to see anywhere, and they’re an especially surprising sight in Buffalo!
- Curling rinks.
Canalside Buffalo - Facebook You might expect this from our Canadian neighbors, but why should they have all the fun? Outsiders would never expect to see a full-fledged curling rink in Buffalo, but they’ll find it in the winter months at Canalside!
- Waterfront restaurants.
Liberty Hound - Facebook They might not be ocean views or situated on beaches, but Buffalo’s waterfront restaurants can compete with the best of them! We have several spots nestled along the shores of Lake Erie to enjoy.
- Sandy beaches.
Sunset Bay, USA - Facebook Outsiders would never expect to find sandy beaches in Buffalo. And we mean NEVER. We do, however, have a few great spots where you can feel the sand between your toes and take a dip in the water!
- Safari parks.
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure - Facebook Zebras certainly are not native to the Western New York region, but just south of Buffalo lies a safari park that is definitely worth checking out. It’s a fun surprise for family entertainment – and something outsiders would never expect to find anywhere near the 716.
- Sharks.
Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Facebook (PC Tom Loonan) Buffalo’s surrounding waterways are freshwater lakes, but that doesn’t stop our shark population from thriving. And by that, we mean Shark Girl and her fan club! You can find this unique statue at Canalside as part of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s public art initiative. Shark Girl also makes many-a-cameo around the city in other forms.
What are some of the most unexpected things you’ve seen in Buffalo and the surrounding areas? Share them with us in the comments below!
Photo Courtesy of Samantha Gill / Kin & Kindling
When you think Buffalo, “tropical vibes” are probably two words that don’t come to mind. Outsiders would never expect to see tiki boats dotting the waters of Lake Erie, but head to RiverWorks in the summer months and you’ll be transported to a paradise island – if only for an hour at a time!
MoondanceCat - Facebook
Another water attraction you wouldn’t quite expect to see on Lake Erie: a catamaran! The Moondance Cat is one of the most popular attractions in the summer months for business events, private parties, and more. Catch a sunset or some rays while on board!
VUE Rooftop Lounge - Facebook
Dining on a rooftop in the dead of a Buffalo winter probably doesn’t sound too appealing, but this restaurant downtown is out to prove you wrong! VUE offers up all-season rooftop entertainment on the top level of the Curtiss Hotel.
Water Bikes of Buffalo - Facebook
Row, row, row your… bikes? Water Bikes are an odd commodity to see anywhere, and they’re an especially surprising sight in Buffalo!
Canalside Buffalo - Facebook
You might expect this from our Canadian neighbors, but why should they have all the fun? Outsiders would never expect to see a full-fledged curling rink in Buffalo, but they’ll find it in the winter months at Canalside!
Liberty Hound - Facebook
They might not be ocean views or situated on beaches, but Buffalo’s waterfront restaurants can compete with the best of them! We have several spots nestled along the shores of Lake Erie to enjoy.
Sunset Bay, USA - Facebook
Outsiders would never expect to find sandy beaches in Buffalo. And we mean NEVER. We do, however, have a few great spots where you can feel the sand between your toes and take a dip in the water!
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure - Facebook
Zebras certainly are not native to the Western New York region, but just south of Buffalo lies a safari park that is definitely worth checking out. It’s a fun surprise for family entertainment – and something outsiders would never expect to find anywhere near the 716.
Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Facebook (PC Tom Loonan)
Buffalo’s surrounding waterways are freshwater lakes, but that doesn’t stop our shark population from thriving. And by that, we mean Shark Girl and her fan club! You can find this unique statue at Canalside as part of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s public art initiative. Shark Girl also makes many-a-cameo around the city in other forms.
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