Canalside by Carly Riter
Located at the Buffalo waterfront, Canalside is a known hotspot for a variety of different activities and events. While many of their outdoor concerts and classes were put on hold during the lockdown, it looks like they will be making a comeback this summer. There is already a performance scheduled for Canalside’s Live Summer Concert Series, as well as several Creators on the Boardwalk where artists share their work in an open-air farmers market.
It is very exciting to hear about the revitalization of some of these events, but there are plenty of other fun things to do at or near Canalside that are open throughout the year. Even a stroll down the boardwalk is a great way to unwind and relax with the beautiful scenery, snow cone vendors, and the aroma of Cheerios in the air from the nearby General Mills factory. Canoes are available for rent at the Buffalo Harbor, and there are even sunset cruises aboard the renowned Spirit of Buffalo. In the opposite direction is a showcase of Buffalo’s history with the Ruins, the Canalside Longshed, and the 1825 terminus of the Erie Canal. Even farther down is a walk through the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park which exhibits several decommissioned US Naval vessels as well as some aircraft on display. Nearby is the famous canal which is frozen in the winter for ice-skating and used in the summer for paddle boating and water biking. Also at the canal is Shark Girl, a popular statue for photoshoots among tourists and locals alike. There is even a fun attraction for kids located less than a minute’s walk from the canal. The Explore & More Children’s Museum not only has several play zones for anyone looking to have fun, but it also has educational studios about different areas of Western New York.
After a long day of activities, dig in to a great meal at one of the many wonderful restaurants near Canalside. Not far away are the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, Liberty Hound, Templeton Landing, and so many more. And finally, enjoy an ice cream cone standing atop historic cobblestone at Bryce’s Ice Cream. Whether you’re looking to pack your day with activities or to relax, Canalside is a great way to spend your free time while also exploring Buffalo’s rich history.
Devil’s Hole State Park by Allen Gelfond
Hiking is a perfect quarantine activity to get you out and about, and when it comes to hiking, few local hikes compare to the trail at Devil’s Hole State Park. It’s an amazing location to truly appreciate the power of the Niagara River without having to go to the rather crowded Niagara Falls.
A rather grueling hike takes you from the Devil’s Hole parking lot at the top of the gorge, down 410 steps to the water. Once you’re down by the water, you can get up close and personal with the stunning rapids and interesting rock formations. Get the opportunity to witness fishermen fighting salmon and trout in the rapids and see the spray of the water against the rocks by the shore. The trail at the bottom of the gorge can take one multiple mile upstream, all the way to Whirlpool State Park.
Along the trail there’s a few destinations to look for. One such place to keep your eyes peeled for is a huge hole in the cliff face called the Cave of Evil Spirits. It’s a 4 ft tall, 30 ft deep fissure that is easily accessible from the trail, but many legends claim that the cave will bring misfortune to all who enter it. The cave also tends to feature tepid water and an unpleasant scent so entering it isn’t always too appealing. Furthermore, along the trail one is bound to see some of the very large boulders balanced along different points as well as the rock piles left over from past landslides.
The trail’s scenery is truly a sight to admire, but one cannot forget that for each step taken coming down, is another step required to climb back up. The climb back up is both tiring but also fruitful in that upon completion, it’s not uncommon to feel very accomplished. To give you some perspective, the elevation difference from the bottom of the trail to the top is approximately a football field placed vertically, but don’t let the physical component scare you away! There’s ample opportunity to rest along the way and the trail is child friendly so one won’t have to worry about having to climb anything particularly difficult. I recommend that everyone gets out and enjoys the natural beauty of Western NY!
Transit Drive-In Movie Theatre by Sydney Fitzsimmons
The Transit Drive-in Theatre is definitely in the Top 5 Places to visit locally during the pandemic. Something we all love to do, while being safely distanced from one another. Almost nothing changed in their protocol and they could safely operate through the pandemic.
The drive-in is a very easy place to visit even if it’s your first time, with signs that direct visitors where to go, well-paved ground, and also a clean concession stand with lots of options for snacks and drinks. The five separate viewing screens are very large and easy to see from all parking spots, there is a clear sign for the radio station the movie will play on, and good sound quality. It is $10 per person for a double viewing of two movies which is even cheaper than a single movie ticket at most indoor movie theaters. There are workers that can help direct you to your correct screen, help you find a parking spot, answer questions for you, and make sure cars do not have their lights turned on for an undisrupted viewing experience.
This is a perfect activity to go with family, friends, a date, fundraiser, party, and more. They have a variety of movies that range from horror to action, romance, comedy, and animations. Not only are the movies very entertaining, there is a public playground at one of the viewing screens that serves great entertainment before the movie starts as well as mini golf for $3 that can be played before or in between your movies. Whether you want to bring your own snacks and drinks or purchase them at the snack stand that is open and running, you must sit inside your car, or directly in front of it, and keep your mask on outside of the car as a safety precaution. They are also filling viewing screens to half capacity to allow more space between groups and cars.
I highly recommend the Transit Drive-in as a quarantine or post-quarantine activity, it is a fun experience that most places do not have, it is one of few drive-ins left and it is a very safe and cautious activity. It is very close to us, and you can easily buy tickets online at https://www.transitdrivein.com/
Niagara Falls State Park, by Lamar Caldwell
Niagara Falls State Park is a fun and relaxing place to visit. It’s definitely one of the top 5 places to visit locally during the pandemic. There are a variety of fun activities you can do from attractions, to guided tours, and outdoor adventures.
