Travel Guide: Buffalo, New York

Intro:

Traveling locally can be just as rewarding but more cost-friendly than traveling far away. You may be surprised at all the beautiful sites right under your nose. A few months ago, I visited my best friend who was living in Buffalo, New York, and we spent a weekend filled with memorable moments. In this post, I will share with you how to plan a trip to upstate New York and give you a list of must-see sites.

Traveling By Train:

I took the Amtrak train from Poughkeepsie, NY, to Depew Station, NY. I highly recommend downloading the Amtrak app, which makes it easy to buy tickets and track your train.

The train ride was just over 6 hours, but there was a 15-minute stop in Syracuse, NY, so I was able to step out and get some fresh air, which was greatly appreciated.

The tickets vary depending on the time of day and which section of the train you’d prefer to sit in. The range is roughly $70- $200. I sat in the coach section, which is a notch down from the business section. The chairs were comfortable, and I had plenty of legroom. There were outlets to charge my devices and a tray attached to the seat in front of me so I could easily eat food.

There was a cafe on the train, and it was open almost the whole time, with a short break about halfway. The food was basic but enjoyable. They also offered a wide range of hot and cold beverages. Restrooms are located throughout the train, and they are kept reasonably clean.

Packing Hacks:

The Amtrak train allows you to bring two bags on board with no extra charge. The personal item can weigh up to 25 lbs and be 14 x 11 x 7 inches. The two carry-ons can weigh up to 50 lbs and be 28 x 22 x 14 inches each. If you were to bring two additional bags, that would cost $20. For families traveling with children under the age of 2, strollers and diaper bags will not count towards your carry-on limit. The Amtrak app will provide additional information on particular items, such as instruments and sports equipment.

Activities To Do/Places To Eat:

The Erie Canal Trail: While in Buffalo, NY, I recommend checking out some historical sites, such as the Erie Canal Trail. There are monuments, replicas of old boats, and signage that gives facts about the canal. It’s a nice and not terribly long walk. Also, there are various food trucks along the way so that you can snack and enjoy the city. (Keep in mind these venues are closed in the winter)

Spot Cafe: If you’re in need of more than just a snack and require a caffeine boost after all that walking and taking in knowledge, I definitely recommend you check out the Spot Cafe. It’s a very aesthetically pleasing place, with delicious coffee, food, and dessert. They have some old board games lying around that are open for the public to use. If you’re with friends, this definitely makes the experience more fun!

The Columns at Baird Point (University Of Buffalo): I highly recommend you check out the University of Buffalo campus; it’s open to the public. The grounds are beautiful, and they have a Starbucks on-site. You can enjoy a picnic on the grass in front of the lovely ponds or walk on the nature trails. Located on the North side of campus is The Columns at Baird Point. This is a gorgeous historical monument facing Lake LaSalle. A cute little selfie stand is in front of the monument, so you can easily take pictures of yourself with this breathtaking architecture.

Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium (Buffalo State Campus): Located only 20 minutes away from the University of Buffalo is the State of Buffalo College. This campus has an amazing Planetarium that holds a Laser Music Experience. While inside the Planetarium, music from a surround sound system plays, and there are laser projections all around that coordinate with the song’s theme. They have music by Taylor Swift, David Bowie, and other well-known artists. The ticket prices range from $6- $15. It’s a fun experience for all ages. Visit the school’s website to buy tickets and learn more.

Niagara Falls: Just around the corner from the University is the magnificent and powerful Niagara Falls. Bring your raincoat and boots and get ready to take a lot of pictures of one of Mother Nature’s amazing sites. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book a boat ride on the water and get an even closer view of the fierce falls.

Conclusion:

I really enjoyed my time in Buffalo/upstate New York. If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly and fun getaway, I highly recommend you look into this area!