Did you see what we did there?

We could get even more cheesy and keep rhyming but we will leave that for the Holiday Hallmark commercials.

In October, Hamilton Small Fries had the AMAZING opportunity to check out the city of Buffalo. We ate delicious food, visited amazing places and of course – you know we did some serious shopping.

Because of our extensive visit we are splitting this into two blog posts this week! Where to Go and Where to Eat!

Both of us had been to Buffalo before but only ever to go to the mall or to use the airport, so we were very excited to explore this city and see what it had to offer. And BOY were we excited!

We love the name Buffalo – because well, we love chicken. But while gallivanting around the city, we came up with a new name for our new favourite US city – the American #HamOnt.

That’s right proud Hamiltonians – Buffalo is our home away from home. The love of local food, architecture and community is evident in this border city. And we love that sort of enthusiasm and pride!

Okay so where did we visit during our 2 day stay? Check it.

Albright–Knox Art Gallery

The Hamilton Small Fries are experienced in the art of eating. But we were excited to check out this contemporary and modern art gallery!

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is described as a hub of artistic and cultural energies. And we agree! The art at this gallery literally jumped off the walls. The energy and liveliness of these pieces were evident.

Since its inception as The Buffalo Fine Arts Academy in 1862, the museum has been dedicated to acquiring, exhibiting, and preserving modern and contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on the collection, presentation, and interpretation of the artistic expressions of our times.

A great stop on our tour!

Darwin D Martin House

This was definitely one of our favourite places of the entire trip! We’re sure the Darwin D. Martin House is a must-see on any architect’s bucket list. Built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1900s, it was abandoned for years and unfortunately fell into a state of disarray.

In the 80s and 90s, the city of Buffalo listed the Martin House Complex as a National Historic Landmark and they have been restoring the home to it’s former glory!

Though some sections of the house are still undergoing restorations, most of the home and the main floor has been completed and it’s absolutely breath-taking. (Sorry guys, they don’t allow photos anywhere with a roof overtop, but trust us, it’s a must visit!)

Waterfront

Much like our city of #HamOnt, Buffalo is undergoing some revamping of their Waterfront! We went there on a chilly blustery day, but with lattes in hand it was still an amazing part of our trip.

This city has created walking paths along the wide stretch of waterfront. We’re guessing that in the Summer this is a go-to hangout for locals and visitors alike!

Shopping 

Sure, when many of us think of shopping in Buffalo, we think of Walden Galleria. Most Hamiltonians we know feel very strongly about shopping locally – though when we go over the border that often goes out the window and we end up at big box stores. Well we have good news for you, guys. Buffalo is jam-packed with fabulous independent shops where you can get all your Christmas shopping done!

Our fave neighbourhoods for shopping included: Allentown and Elmwood Village. We like to imagine Allentown is a bit like James Street North (very hip with a focus on art) and Elmwood Village is a lot like Locke Street. Love it!

What Buffalo wants you to know? That their renaissance is here to stay! (Whether or not they are the landscape for Frozen 2). If you haven’t seen Buffalo lately, you haven’t seen Buffalo. From hotels and historic buildings to the entire waterfront at Canalside, Buffalo is undergoing a dramatic transformation. A civic revival that some snow will simply not stop.

Make your days merry and bright with a visit to Kleinhans Music Hall for their annual Holiday Pops concert, take in A Christmas Carol at Alleyway Theater or simply warm up over a cozy cup of hot cocoa at Sweetness_7 Cafe.