Heritage Itineraries
A City of Many Colors
African American Heritage
 Buffalo Niagara's location across the Niagara River from Canada made it one of a handful of final destinations on the Underground Railroad and an important center of African American culture. Visitors to the region will find many vestiges of the Underground Railroad at sites such as the Michigan Street Baptist Church (Michigan Ave. near Broadway), the oldest structure in the area continuously occupied by African Americans; Murphy Orchards (2401 McClew Rd., Burt, NY), a farm that served as a safe house and remains virtually the same as it was 150 years ago; and Broderick Park (W. Ferry St. and Niagara St.) on the Niagara River which was a major crossing point into Canada.
Tours of the region's Underground Railroad sites may be arranged through Motherland Connextions.
Among the cultural institutions dedicated to African American culture and history are: the Langston Hughes Institute (25 High St.), including the Kush Museum of African and African-American heritage and antiquities; the African-American Cultural Center (350 Masten Ave.) which houses the Paul Robeson Theatre, an African World Studies Archives, The Paul Robeson Children's/Adult Theatre Workshop Ensemble, and three African Dance Performing Companies; and the Ujima Theatre Company (545 Elmwood Ave.), one of the oldest African-American theater companies in the country.
 Also worth checking out is the legendary Colored Musician's Club (145 Broadway, right). Located on Broadway near Michigan downtown, the CMC has been a hangout for local and visiting jazz musicians since the time of Louis Armstrong. There's an open jam every Sunday night and the atmosphere exudes the smoke-filled history of America's classical music. Ring the bell and get buzzed up to the second floor for a truly original Buffalo nightlife experience.
Juneteenth, the annual celebration of African-American culture, takes place in June each year at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. You'll find ethic food, dance, music and more.
The Gospel Festival is held annually at Johnny B. Wiley Sports Pavilion at Jefferson and Best Streets. For information, call 716-855-1569
And for a taste of satisfying soul food, try GiGi's Restaurant at 257 E. Ferry Street.
City of Good Neighbors:
A Buffalo Day Trip
The city of Buffalo offers its guests a mix of heritage, cultural and entertainment options. Begin your tour with breakfast at Mattie's Restaurant, 1412 Fillmore Avenue. After breakfast, proceed south on Fillmore Avenue and turn right on North Hampton Street where you will arrive at the Buffalo Museum of Science (1020 Humboldt Parkway). For more than 140 years, the Buffalo Museum of Science has provided learning experiences for its visitors by showcasing scientific collections and national traveling exhibits.
 From the museum, turn right onto West Parade Street. Turn right onto Best Street. Turn left onto Route 33 West. Exit at Goodell Street. Turn left on Michigan Avenue/Harriet Tubman Way and look for the Michigan Street Baptist Church (511 Michigan Avenue, left). Built in 1845, it is oldest structure in Western New York that was built for and continuously occupied by African Americans. It was a legendary rest stop on the Underground Railroad. It was also a meeting place for 19th Century abolitionists.
Continue onward, going back towards Michigan Ave turn right onto Nash Street. Arrive at the Nash House (36 Nash Street). Reverend J. Edward Nash, Sr. was the pastor of the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church from 1892-1953. Reverend Nash's statewide and national reputation allowed him to host national civil rights leaders like Booker T. Washington and many others. A wealth of speeches, notes and letters has been preserved highlighting Buffalo Niagara's importance to the nation's civil rights movement.
 From the Nash House proceed south on Nash Street. Turn right onto William Street. Turn left onto Michigan Avenue until you arrive at the Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum (236 Michigan Avenue, right). Visitors will steer there way through a myriad of impeccable Pierce-Arrow and Thomas Flyer vintage cars.
Return north on Michigan Avenue. Turn left onto Goodell Street. Turn right onto Main Street. Turn left onto Allen Street for lunch at the Palm Tree Caribbean Restaurant (69 Allen Street) or another of the many restaurants in the neighborhood.
Within walking distance are El Museo (91 Allen Street) and an assortment of specialty boutiques. El Museo is dedicated to the exhibition of art by Latin, Caribbean, African American and other artists of color. After a tour of the shops, turn right on Elmwood Avenue and arrive at Albright-Knox Art Gallery (1285 Elmwood Avenue). The Albright-Knox enjoys a worldwide reputation as an outstanding center of modern art. Or, enjoy an afternoon at the Buffalo Zoo (300 Parkside Avenue). Continue north on Elmwood Avenue past the Albright-Knox. Turn right on Amherst Street. Turn right onto Parkside Avenue and proceed two blocks to Jewett Parkway. Turn right onto Jewett and into Zoo parking
For dinner try any of the great number of restaurants on nearby Hertel Avenue. Turn left onto Parkside Avenue from Jewett Parkway and proceed six blocks to the Hertel Strip. Take a left on Hertel. Greek coffee shops, Italian restaurants, pizza, chicken wings can all be found along this friendly neighborhood strip.
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Queen City of the Lakes:
A Buffalo Day II
Start the day off with breakfast at Gigi's Restaurant (257 E. Ferry Street). After a soulful feast, go west on Ferry Street until you arrive at Broderick Park. Slaves gathered here to cross the Niagara River to freedom in Canada.
 Continue on to Erie Basin Marina Gardens (left) and the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park. Leaving Broderick Park, turn right onto Niagara Street into downtown Buffalo. Turn right onto South Elmwood Avenue. Cross Church Street to the Lower Terrace and turn right on Erie Street. Walk the Erie Basin Marina Gardens, which have the distinction of being one of 25 All-American Rose Selection test gardens in the United States. Specialty annuals flowers include over 200 worldwide varieties.
Stroll along the beautiful banks of the Buffalo River and visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. It is the largest inland naval park of its kind in the United States and home to the guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock (which houses an African American Soldiers exhibit), the destroyer USS The Sullivan's and submarine, USS Croaker.
The Miss Buffalo II is docked nearby. Narrated tours and dining cruises will take you onto Lake Erie and the Black Rock Canal where you can view Buffalo's lovely skyline and the 1833 Lighthouse. Lunch or a snack is available at the Hatch in the middle of the rose garden.
From the Marina, make your way to Tifft Nature Preserve, one of the largest urban nature preserves in the United States. From Erie Street turn left onto Bingham Street (directly under highway overpass). Turn left at Church Street, followed by another left onto 190 South. Bear right towards Route 5/Lackawanna. Exit at Tift Street/Fuhrman Blvd. Turn left onto Tift Street. Make an immediate left onto Ohio Street. Arrive at Tifft Nature Preserve (1200 Fuhrman Boulevard). This 264-acre habitat feature walking trails, a 75-acre freshwater cattail march and attracts over 200 species of birds annually.
 Departing from Tift, go right onto Ohio Street, then left on Fuhrmann Blvd. Take Route 5 West to Ridge Road Exit. Turn left on Ridge Road. Then make a left on South Park Avenue and arrive at Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens (2655 S. Park Avenue, right). Take a stroll through the most intact Frederick Law Olmsted landscape and arboretum in the country. Exotic horticultural treasures from different climates can be found in the Victorian tri-domed conservatory, one of only two crystal palaces designed by Lord & Burnham left in an Olmsted-designed park.
A short walk away, you'll find Our Lady of Victory Basilica and National Shrine (2760 South Park Avenue). This Roman Catholic church is an exquisite combination of Italian Renaissance and French Baroque styles. You'll be amazed by this architectural masterpiece.
For dinner try the Caribbean fare at nearby Curly's Bar and Grill (647 Ridge Road).
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You'll Fall for the Falls:
Niagara Lewiston Itinerary III
After breakfast at the Towne Restaurant (186 Allen Street) you'll be ready for a day of fun in Niagara Falls. Start on Allen Street and turn left on Elmwood Avenue. Turn right onto Church Street and immediately onto the New York State Thruway/I-190 North towards Niagara Falls. Proceed to the Robert Moses Parkway North/Buffalo Ave. Exit. Continue towards Niagara Reservation State Park entrance. Proceed to the Visitor Center and purchase tickets to one of the world's great tourist attractions, The Maid of the Mist. This world famous cruise will take you to the very heart of the thundering Horseshoe Falls. It's a fantastic journey through crashing water and alongside massive rocks.
 Next, visit the Cave of the Winds. You'll take an elevator to the base of the American Falls, where you'll be led by a tour guide on a series of twisting and turning trails and catwalks that will bring you a mere ten feet from the billowing torrents of the Bridal Veil Falls. Feel the rushing water looming above, dousing you with a generous spray as you faces the thundering Falls head-on. Rainbows are visible day and night.
Have lunch at one of the assortment of eateries in the Park before departing for historic Lewiston. From Niagara Street, turn left onto Rainbow Blvd. North and continue onto Robert Moses Parkway North. Exit at Lewiston/Artpark. Turn left on Center Street before taking a left onto South Fifth. Turn left onto Cayuga Street and look for the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston (505 Cayuga Street). The church gave shelter to runaway slaves and conducted them to freedom in Canada. Today, an Underground Railroad sculpture stands in the front of the church.
 For some afternoon excitement, take a ride on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours (115 S. Water Street). Going back towards South Fifth, turn left on Center Street and drive to the end of the street. Turn left on South Water Street and look for the Jet Boat dock. Passengers six and up will enjoy an hour-long whitewater adventure through the Niagara Gorge.
To end your day, take a tour of Murphy's Orchards, a historic safe house on the Underground Railroad that remains virtually unchanged from the mid-1800s. Follow Center Street until it becomes Ridge Road. Turn left on Ewings Road, make another left on McKee Road before turning right on West Creek Road. Make a left on Ide Road, then turn right on McClew Road to arrive at Murphy's Orchard
(2402 McClew Rd.). The barn that harbored slaves in its secret hideaway still offers a profound experience for a visitor.
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Follow the North Star:
A Day Trip to Canada
Start your day with breakfast at Spot Coffee (227 Delaware Ave. at Chippewa St.). Begin your tour by taking the New York State Thruway/I-190 North. Follow the signs to the Peace Bridge. After a toll and Customs check, make an immediate right onto Goderich, Street and go two blocks to Queen Street. Turn right and proceed three blocks to the Niagara Parkway, one of the world's great scenic drives. Stop at Mahoney Doll's House Gallery (657 Niagara Boulevard). Its basement is said to have a tunnel used by the Underground Railroad for smuggling slaves escaping from the United States.
Continue on to the St. Catharines Museum. Return to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) via Goderich Street and proceed toward Toronto. Exit at Route 89 Glendale Avenue. Turn right on Glendale. Go left on York Avenue. Follow York, then make a right on Route 55/Niagara Stone Road. At the first left, turn onto Steward Road/Route 86. Make a left on Carlton Street. Take Carlton past bridge to Welland Avenue. Arrive at St. Catherines Museum. The Follow the North Star exhibit chronicles the story of slaves who fled the United States into Canada via the Niagara. Next, visit Salem Chapel British Methodist Episcopal Church (92 Geneva St.). Through its association with Harriet Tubman, Salem Chapel played an important role in the abolitionist movement in Canada.
 Visit to the lovely village of Niagara-on-the-Lake via the QEW South and Route 55. Spend the afternoon visiting wineries and enjoying the specialty shops, or see a production at the internationally acclaimed Shaw Festival (right). Shaw offers a dazzling variety of live theatre, from George Bernard Shaw to Oscar Wilde. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautifully preserved 19th century village that is worthy of a visit based on its rich atmosphere. There are several wineries close by that offer free tours. There are many excellent restaurants for lunch and dinner.
Return to Fort Erie and the Peace Bridge via the scenic Niagara Parkway. This lovely stretch of road will take you through the charming village of Queenston, past the extraordinary Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, the Butterfly Conservatory, and into downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario. Stop and walk through Queen Victoria Park and along the edge of the Niagara Gorge before heading south along the Parkway. Follow the signs to the Peace Bridge and on back to Buffalo.
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Irish Heritage
The region's Irish community is concentrated in the area of the city south and west of the Buffalo River known as South Buffalo. And the Hibernian heart beats quickest at the Buffalo Irish Center (245 Abbott Road), home to all manner of cultural and community groups dedicated to the nurturing of Irish heritage. The Center features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 9 p.m.
 The Irish Classical Theatre Company (625 Main Street, left), was founded by members of Dublin's legendary Abbey Theatre and features world class productions of Irish, American and international classics in the only true theatre-in-the-round in the city of Buffalo.
The ICTC's annual celebration of the events celebrated in James Joyce's Ulysses, Bloomsday Buffalo, takes place on June 16th every year at the theater. All are invited to come and go as they please, to partake in the festivities, to read an excerpt from Joyce's masterpiece or to simply enjoy the music, food, drink, and spirit of fun. Come enjoy Buffalo's celebration of Joyce's classic.
 The Buffalo Irish Festival (right) is an annual summer event at the Festival Grounds at the Grove at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. The festival features traditional Irish music, more than twenty vendors selling Irish goods and crafts, food, beverages as well as carnival rides and fun for kids.
For a taste of Buffalo's authentic Irish heritage stop by Gene McCarthy's Tavern at 73 Hamburg Street in the Old First Ward. Like all good neighborhood pubs, conversation is the primary fare here, but the roast beef, fries and gravy - along with the Friday night fish fry - are not to be missed by a hungry visitor. Be sure to take a look at the faded photos of lake freighters, fireboats, grain elevators and locomotives that adorn the walls and tell the story of a bygone era when immigrant workers were building Buffalo's industrial might.
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Italian Heritage
 The Italian Heritage and Food Festival (Hertel Ave. between Colvin and Delaware Avenues, left) takes place every year in July. Set along a multi-block section of North Buffalo's Hertel Avenue, this annual celebration of Italian culture and cuisine features entertainment, games and rides for the kids as well.
For a taste of the ambiance of Buffalo's old Italian West Side, as well as distinctive salads, home made mozzarella, fresh produce, imported vinegars, olive oils and pastas, stop by Guercio's at 250 Grant Street.
In nearby Niagara Falls you'll find the Italian Heritage Museum and Cultural Center of Western New York at 1700 Pine Avenue.
Fans of Italian films will want to check out Cinema Sotto le Stelle, a free, open-air film festival held every Friday in July in the city's Elmwood Village.
 Buffalo has a wealth of authentic family style Italian restaurants, foremost among them the Italian Village at 313 Grant Street; Santaserio's at 1329 Niagara Street and Chef's at 291 Seneca Street. More upscale Italian dining spots include San Marco at 2082 Kensington Avenue in Amherst and Lombardo's Ristorante at 1198 Hertel Ave (right).
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Jewish Heritage
 Founded in 1850, Temple Beth Zion is one of the oldest and largest Reform congregations in the nation. The synagogue, located at 805 Delaware Avenue, is notable for its extraordinary stained glass windows (left), 30-foot high Ten Commandment tablets and menorah designed by internationally-renowned artist Ben Shahn.
The Cofeld Judaic Museum of Temple Beth Zion has a collection of more than a thousand Judaic artifacts dating from the 10th Century to the present.
The Orthodox synagogue most convenient to hotels is Young Israel on Maple Road in Amherst. The Residence Inn at the Marriott is directly across the street. There are several other hotels about a ten-minute walk away, notably the Marriott, the Red Roof Inn and the Comfort Inn University.
The Jewish Community Center of Buffalo has two locations, 787 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo and 2640 North Forest Road in Getzville. Fitness and sports facilities are located at both. Call 716-688-4033 for times and schedules.
The Jewish Community Book Fair takes place each year in October and November at the JCC Buildings. For more information and tickets, call 716-688-4033.
The Jewish Federation sponsors the Dosberg Notable Speaker Series each year. Tickets may be purchased by calling 716-886-7750.
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Latino Heritage
Hispanics United of Buffalo (251 Virginia Street), is a community clearinghouse for all things Hispanic in Buffalo.
At La Luna (52 W. Chippewa St.), DJ's bring you the newest in bachata, bolero and Afro-son, and the tried-and-true salsa and meringue. For those with two left feet, the club offers dance lessons starting at 9pm on Saturdays. A racially diverse crowd enjoys specialty frozen drinks, 20 kinds of rum and an 8,000 sq. ft. outdoor patio with a second full bar.
 El Museo Francisco Oller y Diego Rivera (91 Allen Street), features art by Latin-American, African-American and other artists of color.
El Buen Amigo (114 Elmwood Avenue), is a non-profit organization that sells arts and crafts from Latin America. All profits are returned to the artists and their communities.
The Annual Grease Pole Festival (left) , the area's oldest Puerto Rican festival, is held annually in July at the Agustin "Pucho" Olivencia Center at 261 Swan Street in Buffalo.
The Annual Allen Street Samba Festival is held annually in the heart of Buffalo's Allentown district. The festival features an art opening at El Museo, cultural displays, a world marketplace, dance demonstrations and a Saturday evening concert.
For a taste of authentic Hispanic cooking, try the Niagara Café/Hispanic Kitchen on Niagara near Pennsylvania Street.
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Polish Heritage
Buffalo's Polish community is synonymous with the city's East Side and the Broadway Market, located at 999 Broadway, one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the country. Since 1888, the market has been known for its butcher shops, bakeries, poultry stands, candy stands, delis and restaurants. Stop in for a lunch of pierogis (Polish stuffed dumplings) and treat yourself to the powdered puff pastry known as chrusicki for dessert.
The Polish Community Center of Buffalo (1081 Broadway), offers an array of Polish heritage and culture programs and is a depository of items related to the region's Polish heritage.
 Active since 1873, St. Stanislaus (123 Townsend, right) is the oldest Polish Roman Catholic Church in Western New York. It is the center for ecclesiastical and secular commemorative ceremonies for the Polish community. The oldest Polish library in the United States, the Polska Czytelnia, with a collection of 8,000 Polish-language books, was established in 1889, and is located in the parish Pitass Center.
The Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle, located at 612 Fillmore Avenue, presents Polish language theatrical productions. The library contains over 4,000 volumes, including handwritten scripts of Polish plays. The building serves as a social center on Friday and Saturday evenings as well.
The annuals Polish American Festival and Pulaski Parade takes place in July at the Cheektowaga Town Park in suburban Cheektowaga. This is an annual celebration of Polish music, cuisine, customs and culture.
The Polish Villa at 2954 Union Road in Cheektowaga serves authentic Polish cuisine in pleasant, family surroundings.
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Gay/Lesbian
You might begin your visit with a trip to Allentown, the heart of Buffalo's gay community, and one of the largest urban historic preservation districts in the United States. This residential and commercial neighborhood represents a funky urban village in every sense of the term. The district's streets reveal a variety of architectural styles among a cityscape of galleries, shops, taverns, mansions and rowhouses, and some of Buffalo's best restaurants and liveliest nightspots.
 By far the biggest annual celebration of the spirit of the area's gay/lesbian/bisexual community is Pride Weekend (left) - hosting non-stop events and entertainment. Kick off Pride month with a fabulous party. The official kick-off to Pride is a no-holds-barred, all night celebration of your fabulous self. It is guaranteed to be a night you will never forget, complete with incredible sensations that will stimulate your senses.
On Saturday women celebrate their Pride Season by taking to the streets of the Elmwood Village, to affirm in the righteous unity that is The Dyke March, part of Pride Weekend. The big day is Sunday, as the Pride Buffalo parade unfolds on the streets of Buffalo in an all-day festival.
For details on the annual Pride Weekend and other gay/lesbian community news, log onto www.outcomebuffalo.com.
If a relaxed evening of cocktails and conversation is your desire, enjoy what's been voted "Buffalo's best Cosmopolitan" at Fugazi (503 Franklin Street), an intelligently designed, gay-owned and operated Allentown lounge. The all-ages crowd enjoys the warm atmosphere, billiard room and comfortable patio in warmer months. For nightlife with a little more intensity, check out the flamboyant and eccentric Club Marcella (622 Main Street), one of Buffalo's most talked-about nightclubs since opening eight years ago. Resident DJ's spin the latest in progressive house, techno and trance into the early morning hours. Marcella hosts weekly drag shows, and encourages vibrant behavior in its patrons, who range from straight to curious to the unabashedly diva-esque.
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