Buffalo, New York

Published: Thursday, July 13, 2017

Signs of the new Buffalo are everywhere these days – from the craft breweries and new restaurants popping up around town to the surge in recent hotel openings. But, perhaps nowhere is Buffalo’s comeback more apparent than on its waterfront; the result of several years and hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment.

The eastern end of Lake Erie and the Buffalo Harbor offers boaters more amenities and attractions than ever before.

Here are some of the best ways to make the most of Buffalo’s waterfront:

Kayak, Stand-up Paddleboard, and Water Bikes

There are now several different spots to rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, one of the best ways to see Buffalo from the water. Another novel way to cruise the city’s waterways is on water bikes, which are available for rent at Canalside.

Explore a Grain Elevator

Buffalo’s efforts to preserve and restore its grain silos have received international praise. This summer, see them first-hand on a Buffalo River History Tour that stops at Silo City to explore the grounds or an Explore Buffalo tour, which offers both “Silo City: Grounded” and “Silo City: Vertical” tours.

Take a Cruise or Pedal Yourselves Around on a Cycle Boat

The Spirit of Buffalo schooner offers “Wine in the Wind” Wednesdays – an evening cruise with a glass of wine – as well as public tours throughout the week. An old favorite, the Miss Buffalo, also offers public cruises from its anchoring spot near the Erie Basin Marina. The newest waterfront attraction that launched in May is the Buffalo CycleBoats, a floating pub/group bicycle allowing its 14 passengers to pedal along as they take in all the sites on the waterfront with a cold beer.

Grab a Bite
There have never been more options to eat near the water. Just since 2014, (716) Food & Sport, William K’s, Pizza Plant, and the unique Tim Hortons at HarborCenter all opened on or near the waterfront. Further up the river, The Ward at RiverWorks delights with its open-air, garage door-style windows on summer days. Also, the expansive outdoor patio at Charlie’s Boat Yard features waterside fare on the Outer Harbor. Templeton Landing continues to delight with its patio and stunning views of downtown. The brewery/beer garden at Buffalo RiverWorks is a must-see while visiting. And, don’t forget the Swannie House, Buffalo’s second oldest tavern dating back to 1886, and Gene McCarthy’s, which has become a craft beer destination on Hamburg Street.

Attend a Concert
Canalside hosts a weekly concert series on Thursdays while Wednesday night concerts at RiverFest Park are against the backdrop of all the recent development along the Buffalo River.

Step Back in Time
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park is the nation’s largest inland naval park with a World War II era cruiser, destroyer, and submarine. Along with the ships, there are a variety of vehicles, vessels, and aircraft on display that bring U.S. military history to life.

Soak in a Sunset and Admire a Light Show
Take full advantage of Buffalo’s status as one of only a handful of cities in the Eastern United States that enjoy sunsets over the water. One of our favorite spots is the path along the Erie Basin Marina out to the peninsula, and the adjacent observation tower. After enjoying a beautiful sunset check out Buffalo’s largest public art installation: a nightly light show spanning the length of four football fields on the Connecting Terminal, a grain elevator directly across from Canalside. See it nightly from dusk until 11 p.m.

Click on the sites below today and see what else Buffalo has to offer while you are visiting the area.
www.canalsidebuffalo.com
www.outerharborbuffalo.com
www.visitbuffaloniagara.com
www.buffaloriverworks.com

Canalside Events

July 1: Saturday Artisan Market 10am – 5pm
July 7: Boardwalk Bazaar 5pm–10pm
July 15: Saturday Artisan Market 10am–5pm
July 21: Boardwalk Bazaar 5pm–10pm
July 29: Buffalo Rib Fest 11am–10pm
August 11: Boardwalk Bazaar 5pm–10pm
August 12: Saturday Artisan Market 10am–5pm
August 19: Saturday Artisan Market 10am–5pm
August 25: Boardwalk Bazaar 5pm–10pm

WNY Family Fun every Thursday throughout the Summer from 11am–1pm

Visit www.canalsidebuffalo.com and check out their events calendar to see all they offer in this very exciting area in Buffalo. They have anything from fitness classes, family fun, and fire performers to paddle boarding, concerts, shopping, and lots more!

tags: Destination, Lake Erie