Buffalo, New York, is one of those sleeper destinations that is rich in history and fascinating architecture, with unique venues that showcase both.
“In Buffalo, there are experiences for almost every interest!” said Leah Mueller, VP of sales and services, Visit Buffalo. “We have an extraordinary array of venues, from historic Art Deco-style buildings and repurposed industrial spaces to the largest convention center in Western New York, with 110,000 square feet of flexible meeting/exhibit space.”
[Related: Visit Buffalo Launches New Multimillion-Dollar Brand Campaign]
On the architecture and design side, Buffalo is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House—the city has one of the largest collections of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the U.S., with his Graycliff unveiling a $4 million visitor center this year—as well as a park system designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Groups can also hold events in the downtown waterfront Canalside district or in trendy neighborhoods such as Allentown and Elmwood Village that are filled with independent restaurants and breweries.
In addition to the city’s signature dish, Buffalo wings—the tangy appetizer was born at Anchor Bar—groups can avail themselves of a rapidly growing foodie scene.
“Food is a big part of the city’s identity,” Mueller said. “Buffalo is home to more regional specialties than almost anywhere else in the U.S. Make time to enjoy the new Ultimate Buffalo Food Trail, which includes Buffalo signature eats like Beef on Weck, Buffalo-style pizza and Buffalo wings. Other can’t-miss favorites are two-time James Beard finalist Southern Junction, which serves Texas barbecue with Indian flavor, and DiTondo’s, for scratch-made Italian fare at a fourth-generation family-run restaurant.”
Buffalo’s history can also be celebrated in districts such as the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, with landmarks tied to the Underground Railroad and the city’s deep jazz scene, most notably the historic Colored Musicians Club, which is set to reopen by the end of the year after an extensive restoration.
4 Outstanding Offsites
The Richardson Hotel
This National Historic Landmark Romanesque Revival venue on Olmstead-designed grounds showcases Buffalo’s rich architectural heritage and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a capacity to host up to 200 for a reception in its largest ballroom, in addition to four other event options.
Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
This ornate venue can seat up to 3,000 and shimmers with a century-old Art Deco interior and a stage that hosts nationally touring Broadway shows. Shea’s 710 Theatre is also a popular event rental option for groups of 500 or more. Shea’s 710 recently renovated its lobby and bar. Event capacities at Shea’s 710 are 558 (auditorium seating); 100 (table seating in lobby); and 200 (cocktail reception in lobby).
Kleinhans Music Hall
Home to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and renowned for its acoustics, Kleinhans Music Hall offers a variety of flexible rooms for large or mid-size gatherings in the city’s Symphony Circle district.
Buffalo RiverWorks
For a high-energy industrial setting, Buffalo RiverWorks offers banquet space, a brewery, two ice rinks and adventure activities. This expansive adaptive reuse facility that repurposes towering historic grain silos is the epitome of Buffalo’s resilience and creativity.
Getting There
Buffalo is located in Western New York, approximately 100 miles south of Toronto. Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is approximately 11 miles from downtown and served by Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Southwest and Frontier airlines, among others. Major hubs include Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, Minneapolis, Detroit, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
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