Visiting Buffalo and Western New York State

Spring in Niagara Falls is synonymous with honeymoons. Historically a popular destination for honeymooners, Niagara Falls is still a draw for newlyweds today. If you skipped the honeymoon to the Falls, now is the perfect time to visit. Enjoy terrific spring and summer weather, and with the 2010 winter runoff, Niagara Falls will be spectacular. Buffalo, just thirty minutes away has a full schedule of spring and summer events for residents and visitors. Rochester, less than two hours away, is also an exciting summer destination for travelers. Buffalo and Rochester are the second and third most populous cities in New York state, hosting a diversity of entertaining activities for all ages and tastes.

Rochester starts gearing up for summer in May with two popular events. The birthplace of film, the 360 | 365 George Eastman House Film Festival celebrates the art of filmmaking and emerging directors. Held the beginning of May, the film festival is geared for everyone from serious film buffs, aspiring artists working in film and casual movie goers. Rochester's Lilac Festival, later in May, is unique with 10 days filled with fun and entertainment, and it is free.

Travelers between Niagara Falls and Syracuse along Interstate 90 have a nice selection of Best Western Hotels along the route. From the Best Western Summit Falls in Niagara Falls and Buffalo's Best Western on the Avenue, through the Best Western Crown Inn & Suites in Batavia or the Best Western Victor Inn & Suites, take your time, stop and enjoy the local sites.

Buffalo hosts the 2010 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition May 31st through June 4th. This unique event is held every two years providing inspiration for classical guitarists and showcasing the best up and coming young musicians of the genre. Fans enjoy concerts featuring world class musicians competing with the accompaniment of the Buffalo Philharmonic. Travelers fortunate enough to be in Buffalo during this event, take advantage and attend a performance.

The Buffalo Marathon, Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay is May 30th, 2010. Runners get your training in gear or find some friends who will join in the relay. A fun race, on a flat scenic course, in the ideal spring weather of Buffalo – races don't get any better. Bring the kids along, there is a mini-marathon on Saturday. Kids 2 to 12 can participate in a 26.2 yard fun run and the entire family can enjoy fun and refreshments.

Runners looking for a 10K, head south to Bemus Point just west of Jamestown June 27th. This is the 2nd in the Bemus Point Triple Crown series. You can return in the fall for the 15K, the final event in the series. The Best Western Downtown Jamestown is a delightful place to stay and is close to Chautauqua Lake where you can enjoy fishing or boating. Return in July and enjoy the fun and event filled Scandinavian Folk Festival July 16th through the 18th. Celebrating the heritage of upstate New York, the festival showcases Scandinavian food, dancing and music. A great mid-summer family getaway.