A Romantic Weekend

Start your romantic excursion for two with a delicious dinner at The Left Bank (511 Rhode Island St., left) voted Buffalo's Most Romantic Restaurant by readers of Artvoice, Buffalo's alternative newspaper. Afterwards hit the Chippewa Street scene to hear live music, dance the night away, or enjoy a cozy cocktail at one of the many clubs that line the street and spill out onto the sidewalks in summer.

The next day breakfast on Buffalo's Elmwood Avenue at Spot Coffee   (765 Elmwood).  In spring and summer you can sip your expresso and eat your scones at a sidewalk table, hold hands and watch the world go by. In winter cuddle up together on one of the comfy couches and drink some of their excellent hot chocolate or a vanilla steamer.  Or for more hearty fare try Ambrosia  (467 Elmwood Ave.) for overstuffed crepes big enough for two to share.

Afterwards wander up the avenue and check out the wide variety of unique shops and boutiques that line the street. If you're looking for a special gift for the one you love try stopping at the Neighborhood Collective (810 Elmwood) a space devoted to various artists and craftspeople, including Annie Adams (right) who designs gorgeous beaded and silver jewelry.  If it’s chilly winter day you may prefer to head to Buffalo Fleece and Outerwear (785 Elmwood) for a snuggly sweater you can both warm up to, or Everything Elmwood (740 Elmwood) where you can find jewelry, cards, gifts and even some bubble bath for two.  And don't forget to stop at Fowler's Chocolate (754 Elmwood) to buy some sweets for your sweetie.

If all the shopping makes you hungry you can stop for a delicious lunch at Brodo (765 Elmwood, left) or in the summer have a leisurely meal at Cecelia's Ristorante's wonderful outdoor patio (716 Elmwood).

Spend your romantic afternoon at Niagara Falls, only a 30-minute drive from Buffalo. What destination is more famous for romance?  In summer the Falls are bustling with tourists from all over the world and you can enjoy such damp and cooling activities as a ride on the famous Maid of the Mist or a walk down to the Cave of the Winds, right underneath the Falls. Take a walk on Goat Island, an out of the way spot with a wonderful view of the rapids.

In winter the Falls offers a different but equally romantic experience as shimmering ice coats all the trees and turns the whole area into a fantasy land. Stop for a drink at the Top of the Falls restaurant for a wonderful inside view. Or head to the top of the observation tower and see this unique view of the Falls encased in ice.

Return to Buffalo to enjoy a night out on the town. In summer buy a picnic at the Globe Market (762 Elmwood Ave.) bring a blanket and a bottle of wine and enjoy Shakespeare in Delaware Park under the stars.  In winter dine at Rue Franklin (341 Franklin St.) for the finest French fare and then enjoy a touring Broadway show at Shea's Performing Arts Center (646 Main St., right). Music lovers may want to enjoy the soaring sounds of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in the magnificent Kleinhan's Music Hall (3 Symphony Circle).

If it's a beautiful summer Sunday you may want to spend the next morning strolling along the waterfront gardens of the Erie Basin Marina. Enjoy beautiful views of the water and admire the Buffalo Lighthouse.  Then stop at Shanghai Reds (2 Templeton Terrace) for brunch with a waterfront view. In winter stay warm and happy with a trip to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (1285 Elmwood Ave.).  The extraordinary collection of modern art is amazing and you can eat a delicious brunch at Muse as you enjoy the view of the sculpture garden.