Visiting Buffalo and Western New York State

Buffalo and Niagara Falls sound cold in winter, but it is a great time to visit the area. Buffalo is New York's second largest City and doesn't let a chill dampen the action. You know, Niagara Falls doesn't freeze and winter is the only time ice bridges form below the falls creating a fantastic winter wonderland.

The Niagara Arts and Community Center in Niagara Falls hosts The Art of Beer near the end of February. Come out of the cold and sample regional craft beers and local cuisine. Remember the legal drinking age is 21.

Among the fun events at the Niagara Falls Aquarium are Penguin Days in March and the underwater Easter Egg Hunt SEAster. Both great fun for families with kids. Get up close to penguins through special activities with lots of fun and prizes. Plan now for Easter and the SEAster Egg hunt, as the weather won't matter at the Aquarium.

Buffalo Ski Club Ski Area, fifteen minutes outside Buffalo is an active winter destination for skiing and snowboarding. Complete with miles of trails and six lifts it is a perfect and convenient winter resort. The Rotary Ice Skating Rink in the city is fantastic and free making for a great date or family outing.

The Tifft Nature Preserve is another outdoor option for skiing and snowshoeing among magnificent natural surroundings. The Buffalo Zoo is also open in the winter, not only do you avoid the crowds but the animals are more active in cold weather.

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Buffalo Museum of Science are a couple of good indoor options in the area. Check the Gallery calendar for current exhibits, lectures and workshops. The Science Museum features an Explorations Gallery for young children to participate in interactive and hands on activities. In February the Sesame Street Presents: The Body begins which is an amazing exhibition to educate children on our bodies insides, outsides, and how they work.

Fun Fact - South of Buffalo in Jamestown was Lucille Ball's hometown and she is also buried there. The Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown is dedicated to preserving their legacy. In May fans can enjoy Fan Appreciation Week at the Center, a week long event with a full schedule of fun and interesting activities.

Holiday Valley Ski Area and Holimont Ski Area are located in the area outside Allegany and 2010 has been a great winter for snow so far. Another fun activity nearby is O'Dea's Mountain Snow Tubing Paradise where kids and kids at heart can get a lift up the hill and ride tube runs down. Tubing is comfortable and safe with the cushion of the tube absorbing the bumps and ice.

The City of Rochester New York challenges the hardiest cold weather fan at the annual Lakeside Winter Celebration. Not talking about the Chilly Chili Challenge but the Polar Plunge. February brings the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge, it will chill anyone to the bone, but warm the heart as it is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. The weather will be chilly but the chili in the Chili Challenge won't be chilly, so come challenge the taste buds.

Best Western Hotels are conveniently located in and around Western New York's major cities, highways and thruways. Easy to find and affordable accommodations, Best Western lodging enhances your travel experience.

Buffalo and Western New York State Hotel Map