Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy

I’m a lover of all things outdoors and my love for the parks grew stronger this past year when all I felt comfortable doing during the pandemic was taking walks and hikes. Give me some fresh air + green space and it just fuels my soul, calms my nerves and gives me some peace + clarity.

Fast forward to the Fall of 2020 when I came across a social media post from Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (BOPC) looking for young professionals in the community to join their new initiative - Young Professionals for Olmsted Parks (YPOP), I immediately applied hoping that I would be accepted into the program.

In January of this year 50+ young professionals came together (via zoom) with the BOPC staff to meet for the first time. Through this new initiative, we are able to support the Conservancy's mission to care for Buffalo's Olmsted Parks. YPOP members are involved with activities like park tours, volunteer events, networking sessions and fundraising initiatives. It’s been four months and I’ve met a lot of great people and have learned so much about our Buffalo Parks.

With Spring officially here, people heading outside and Earth Day next week I wanted to share more information about the organization, what you can do to help support and sustain our Olmsted Parks and learn more about the creative Development Team who are always finding innovative ways to engage with the community.

The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is the first nonprofit in the nation to manage and operate an urban park system.

The Conservancy cares for 850 acres of Olmsted-designed parks, parkways, circles and smaller spaces and has more than 1 million visitors each year. From BPOC’s website:

Frederick Law Olmsted believed the purpose of green space was to “refresh and delight the eye and through the eye, mind and spirit.” Upon touring the City of Buffalo in 1868, he convinced the city’s leaders that not one park – as in New York City’s Central Park – but multiple parks would better serve Buffalo’s needs.

The Buffalo Olmsted Park System is composed of six parks, seven parkways and eight circles and have a talented and dedicated team of individuals that maintain and operate these spaces all year round. Another division of the team helps sustain the Conservancy by donor cultivations, fundraising initiatives, marketing and more and that’s there Development Team. This team consists of Catie Stephenson, Director of Development + Communications, Sarah Larkin, PR + Events Coordinator and Zhi Ting Phua, Marketing Communications Specialist. Learn more about them and the work they do below.

photo’s courtesy of Sarah Larkin, BOPC

What's the most unique/one-of-a-kind thing about your position? 

Sarah: I’m able to think out of the box and create a brand new program like YPOP! But also, being able to just pop by one of the parks during the day to check in on a project or with the operations crew. To be able to break up the day at the office, it’s amazing that our other office space is our Parks.

Zhi: Being in the communications team offers me several opportunities to interact, learn and engage with staff from every Conservancy department. I hope to use my position to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and talents of my colleagues as we work together to fulfill our mission to steward Buffalo’s Olmsted Parks.

What's something the public may not know about your position? 

Catie: I think there’s a perception that development professionals are 100% focused on asking for money. In reality, development is about building relationships with people who have similar values and interests. While finding funding to support our organizational mission is important, it’s equally important to connect with people on a personal level and find those connections that sustain relationships for the long term.

What does the Olmsted Park system mean to you? 

Sarah: A free attraction that’s open to the public 365 days a year. These parks are the true lungs to our city.

Zhi: Our Olmsted Parks are places we can find peace, solitude and comfort.

Catie: I love thinking about how the Olmsted Parks have served me throughout my life. When I was little, I played soccer in the parks. When I was in high school and college, the parks and parkways became a place to meet and spend time with friends. Now that I have my own family, they are spaces for my son to play and enjoy nature, and for us to spend time together. I’m so proud to work for BOPC and give back to these parks that have given so much to me.

What's your favorite thing about Buffalo/WNY? 

Sarah: Buffalo Pride. The amount of Buffalo clothing or house decorations I own that are Buffalo themed is not healthy, but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. 

Zhi: I find so much joy walking/running the Olmsted parkways and savoring delicious food all around the city!

Catie: I love how Buffalonians make conversation with people we don’t know at any time, in any place. That friendliness and warmth gives me life!

Favorite Olmsted event and why? 

Sarah: The Olmsted Gala is kind of the culmination event of the park season. It’s a big celebration with our donors and the community to celebrate all that we accomplished during the park season. And also be able to celebrate with the Olmsted staff.

Zhi: Outdoor Family Movie Nights are one of my favorites! I love how we use our Olmsted green spaces to offer a classic, family-friendly and free activity to Buffalonians.

Catie: Any event that allows us to connect with park users be it a walking tour, a bike tour, or a fundraising event. I love meeting new people and sharing stories!

Most memorable moment of your job and why? 

Sarah: The kickoff of the YPOP Program. In 2019, an idea popped into my head of creating a young professionals program and it was pretty surreal to see it all come together and officially launch!

Zhi: Leading my first walking tour around Hoyt Lake was great fun! I am especially thankful to our volunteer historian Jim Mendola for his trust and guidance. Buffalo’s Olmsted Park System turns 153 years old in 2021, and I am so glad to be able to share the stories of our historic greenspaces and structures, especially when these spaces mean something different to everyone.

Catie: There are so many memorable moments – the 150th celebration of Olmsted, FLOmingos, Wednesdays with Olmsted, team volunteer projects – too many to choose from!

What advice can you share with people that they can take and apply/help our parks? 

Catie: Parks need people. Olmsted designed these spaces not just for Buffalo in 1868, but for the Buffalo of today. His vision was extraordinarily innovative and we need people to sustain and advocate for our parks to ensure they are available for the next generation.

What are some fun ways the community can get involved with Olmsted Parks as we head into the warmer months? 

Zhi: Follow the Conservancy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Our social media handle is @bfloparks. There will be a mix of virtual and in-person engagement opportunities, and we would love to have you!

Catie: Volunteer! We are always looking for individual volunteers or volunteer groups to help support the care and maintenance of these spaces.

Can you explain the work that goes into getting the parks, parkways and circles ready for the spring and summer months? 

Zhi: Every season of the year has its own needs and priorities. For example, in the winter, snow plowing and icing pathways throughout the park system is essential. To get ready for spring and summer (which we refer to as the “park season”), seed sowing of over 12,000 plants is a crucial project that begins at the end of January in the MLK Jr. Park greenhouse. This growing process lasts through May, when the plants grow large enough to be transplanted from the greenhouse to the flowerbeds in the Olmsted Parks. The operations team also tend to the green spaces catered for various park activities such as striping the soccer fields, preparing the golf greens for tee times and restoring the turf at areas with high foot traffic.

Catie: While the parks may seem quiet over the winter, the operations team never stops! When spring arrives, the team kicks into high gear assessing and fixing any winter damage, prepping beds for planting, coordinating full scale clean ups, preparing for mowing season, cleaning trails and pathways, and partnering with other departments to ensure we’re ready for a busy park season.

What impact does the Olmsted Parks Conservancy have on the City of Buffalo and on the community? 

Catie: The Olmsted Park System provides a one-of-a-kind space for health, wellness, and connection to each other and nature. Across the world, cities are trying to find ways to connect their parks with the exact parkway system we have in Buffalo. We have something special here in Buffalo and I hope it makes everyone proud.

Can you share your favorite spot at your favorite park and why? 

Sarah: My favorite spot is on either Lincoln or Bidwell Parkway and looking down at the lines of symmetrical trees. On a beautiful summer day with the plush trees, it’s just so satisfying to see that design right in front of you.

Zhi: I appreciate the parkways and circles as they represent a connective tissue in an urban and growing city, but I do have a soft spot for Cazenovia Park! If you are not sure why, you should take a walk at Caz to find out for yourself!

What is one of your most memorable or fun collaborations that you've gotten to work on? 

Sarah: I would say that for the Gala last year, when were pivoting everything to virtual, we partnered with WKBW on a 30 minute Olmsted special that aired the night of, what would have been, our Gala. I really got to put my creative producer hat on and work with everyone at WKBW to make the special our own. It was a really great feeling to see the end result and know how much hard work our team put into that project.

How did you get your start in the position you hold? 

Sarah: I have a background in Public Relations and Events. I’ve always been a planner and logistical queen, so I knew the event route was something I’d enjoy. My past jobs have included a mix of PR and Events at the Buffalo Bills, M&T Bank, Canalside and the NF Conference Center.

Zhi: I started as a photography volunteer for the Conservancy, somehow wiggled in as a Marketing intern and applied to join the d=Development and Communications department full-time.

What is one thing you have learned during your time with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy? 

Sarah: That you should love what you do for work. When you love what you’re doing daily, it doesn’t event seem like work. Everyone at the Conservancy is very passionate about the work that they do, which makes for a strong Olmsted family and amazing work culture.

Zhi: When you believe in the mission of your organization, it provides you with greater inspiration and motivation to work hard and excel. The Conservancy’s mission is so much larger than myself, it is multi-faceted and a huge undertaking. Yet, it all began in 1978 thanks to a group of young park advocates who had the foresight, urgency and courage to speak up for our green spaces. Isn’t this piece of history marvelous?

Are there other parks (doesn't have to be in WNY) that you look to for ideas, collaborations or inspiration? 

Catie: Yes! Over the last few years, we have worked hard to build relationships with other conservancies and parks organizations across the country. We even visited a few prior to COVID. It’s wonderful to have a group of people to brainstorm with and share ideas. Olmsted’s 200th birthday is coming up in 2022, which will be a national celebration with a good deal of collaboration.

If you could describe your co-worker(s) with a superpower, what would it be and why? 

Sarah: The Dream Team – we are all Wonder Women!

 Catie: The creativity and commitment of this team is unparalleled. I’m so proud to work with them!

The Year of 2020

Each year, like many, I take time to reflect on this past year and re-set my intentions for the upcoming year. As we all have said at one point, 2020 has been nothing like we have ever experienced. Not only has the pandemic impacted all of our lives in some way, we all have our daily life experiences (good and bad) to add on to this.

a day trip to Ellicottville in February. This photo was taken outside of West Rose. Highly recommend you visiting.

For me, this year started off with a kick in the gut when we learned that my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. As my family and I wrapped our heads around this, we entered this pandemic world in the U.S. in March, and since then there have been highs and lows.

At the end of March I started a new job with Shea’s Performing Arts Center, while it’s definitely been a crazy, yet fun onboarding experience and first year, I am so thankful to be a part of the Shea’s family. In April, we lost my grandmother which I still don’t think I’ve fully come to grasp with. Then in June, I was furloughed, but I looked at that time, as time to spend with my family, to learn what is really important in my life and what isn’t worth holding onto. In July, we celebrated my Mom finishing her chemo treatment and moving in the right direction. In August, I was lucky to go back to work.

Harlie at Knox Farms

Rock City Park

Spring Lake Winery

Hansa

Backyard Get Together - Reliving Bills Training Camp

Bird Island

As we entered the Fall I continued that theme of family and spending as much time with them and exploring the outdoors by going on as many hikes in WNY and the surrounding areas as I could. In November my brother and I moved into a new home. And during all of the family and daily life stuff, even in a socially distant world, I was able to support local businesses, volunteer more of my time, meet some cool WNYer’s, seek out new places, build my relationships with others and re-visit places I haven’t been to in a while.

Griffis Sculpture Park

Letchworth State Park

Shea's Performing Arts Center

Stonybrook Park

Tia + Jeff Hartrich | Hartrich Chateau

Hunters Creek

Seneca One Tour

Pumpkinville

Volunteering for UPward Design for Life

There were many special moments throughout this year but here are some of the ones that stood out the most for me. Visiting Shuck Shack on Ohio Street, Spring Lake Winery, Stony Brook State Park, touring Seneca One Buffalo, meeting and working with Kristen from Meet + Eat Charcuterie, visiting the beautiful Hartrich Chateau in Corfu and taking a mini day trip to Presque Isle State Park in PA.

Did I put my blogging life off during this past year? Maybe a little, and while I look at other local influencers there are times when it’s hard for me not to think what am I doing wrong? am I relevant? do people even care or read what I share? But I continue to tell myself to follow my own journey and share my experiences I chose to share because it’s a hobby for me and I want my site to be used as a resource to inform others in the community and beyond about the cool places and people WNY have to offer.

New Home Projects

Arrowhead Winery

Virtual Charcuterie Class with Kristen | Meet + Eat Charcuterie

Wild Blossom Hollow

The Ice at Canalside

A few weeks ago during a meeting someone asked what is one word I would use to describe this past year, my word was Hope. I chose Hope because even during all of the uncertain, bad, difficult, sad, stressful and anxious times I still have hope that things will be better. Maybe that hope comes from the faith I have that everything will always work out even if it’s not to your timing, maybe I’m naïve, I’m not sure, but that is something that has gotten me thru some of the lows.

As I close out this last blog post for the year, and as we approach 2021 I’m looking forward to continuing to shift my energy to what really matters to me and what truly makes me happy. It’s a constant journey to continue to better yourself.

We are all on this planet for a reason, we each have a purpose. I’d like to think this past year was an opportunity for us to all have a good re-set in our lives. It gave us time to evaluate what fills us with love and happiness and to let go and rid ourselves of what is holding us down and what doesn’t matter.

As always thanks for being a part of this journey with me.

Cheers to a healthy + happy 2021

-B

Shopping & Supporting Local this Holiday season

There is no doubt everyone is feeling some sort of effects from the pandemic and the recent mandate to shut down temporarily due to WNY being in the orange zone. Like many, I wanted to share my list of favorite locally owned businesses and some of the places I’ll be supporting this holiday season.

Whenever I’m at Rev it really is the best day!

Fitness Studios:

Revolution Buffalo - Take a virtual or on-demand class, purchase merch or a gift card

Reform - Purchase merch or a gift card to gift to your fitness pal or use when restrictions are lifted

Barre Centric - Sign up for a virtual class, purchase merch or a gift card

Space on Seneca - we could all use a little inner peace and zen right now. They are offering virtual classes during this time.

Clothing + Jewelry:

BKind City - Katie offers everything for clothing for adults and kids, and new home decor!

Anna Grace - this has always been my favorite clothing boutique in town, this store reflects some of my taste in clothing, jewelry and home decor items.

Indie Twenty - Rachel’s boho style and the jewelry she creates makes me enjoy seeing her continue to grow in her business.

Rusterior - Carrie offers a wide variety of clothing, toys and decor for those who have the adventure soul.

Half & Half Boutique - currently offering 20% off your order of $100 or more at checkout.

Copper & Steel Chainmail jewelry (on Instagram)

Peg’s Hardware - I love everything Gretchen creates, pay a visit to her new space for the holiday season at 657 Persons Ave in East Aurora. (Check her social media before heading to the store).

Home Goods + Decor + Candles + Art:

MuseJar

Witches of Wax

Linwood Candles

Oxford Pennant

Kitch Studios

Rusterior

Finishing Touches by Caitlin Krumm

Food + Drink:

Whether you’re ordering take out or purchasing a gift card it will help these businesses be here for when we can be back together again.

Winkler + Samuels - did you see the have a Wine & Spirit Advent calendar - use code holiday fun for $20 off before Thanksgiving.

Paradise Wine

Resurgence Brewing Co.

Hartman’s Distilling Co. - they have a Holiday Market taking place 11/27 thru 11/29, face masks required and social distancing will be enforced. Vendors will be announced the morning of each day.

Hydraulic Hearth

Hearth + Press

The Grange Community Kitchen

West Rose

Share Kitchen + Bar

Toasted Bflo

Breadhive

Meet + Eat Charcuterie - don’t feel like cooking? This is a perfect way to have a custom board made for you. Kristen creates some of the best charcuterie and cheese boards in town.

Bflo Charcuterie Creations - (on Instagram)

Billy Club

Cantina Loco

Kuni’s

The Place

The Cereal Spot

What’s Poppin Gourmet Popcorn

Coffee Shops:

Overwinter Coffee

Remedy House

Five Points

Wonder Coffeehouse

Healthy Options:

Her Kitchen Buffalo

Squeeze Juicery

Newbury Salads

Fresh Catch Poke

Florists:

Who doesn’t love a fresh floral bouquet or wreath for the holidays?!

Wild Blossom Hollow

Wild Root Floral

Petrichor Flora

Kinloch Farmstead - they are offering cute gift sets to purchase, Lavender package or the Bee package

Pet Stores:

Buffalo Barkery

Cultural Institutions:

I’m going to use my platform as a way to promote organizations who need are support if we want them to remain open. There are MANY organizations in WNY that need our support (any little bit counts). Below are cultural institutions and non-profits near and dear to my heart, please consider donating to one of these or to an organization that is near and dear to your heart. The point is to support each other the best way we can during this difficult time, that can be financially or by volunteering your time and talents.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center

The Buffalo Zoo

Albright Knox Art Gallery

Art Park

The Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo Science Museum + Tifft Nature Preserve

Non-Profit Organizations:

Aquarium of Niagara

The Central Terminal

UPward Design for Life

Let them LOL

Make-A-Wish of WNY

Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy

The John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital

Carly’s Club

Explore & More Children’s Museum

7. 1. 6.

When I began this blog of mine over six years ago I never imagined the amount of love and passion I would have for the city that I am so lucky to call home. Having always loved this region I didn’t think it would be possible to find deeper meaning, deeper roots and deeper passions that I have come to find, but it has happened and there is so, so much to be grateful for in our region.

Since it is “716 day” I thought I would share my list of favorite (favorite!!) restaurants, venues, activities, events, and people I like to follow. I know I missed A LOT on this list (it’s so hard to think of it all), but take a look. Let me know what are some of your favorite things in the 716 - places you like to go, events you like to attend and people you like to follow.

Western New York may be a small region compared to big cities, but it has a ton of talent, pride and passion to share with visitors and those that are lucky to call it home.

Favorites broken down by category:

Brewery: Resurgence – Have you checked out their new location at 55 Chicago? If not, definitely put it on your list of things to do

Restaurants:

• Southtowns: Alchemy Wine Bar/The Grange

• Downtown Restaurants: Marble + Rye, Hearth + Press (especially before a show at Sheas), Hydraulic Hearth (love their outdoor patio in the summertime), Cantina Loco is my favorite spot for guac, and chips and they are my favorite spot for margaritas. Love Wasabi on Elmwood for Sushi

• Northtowns: Share on Main Street, TCB on Transit Road and Greens on Transit

Cocktails – Duende at Silo City is a pretty cool, chill place, Angelica Tea Room, Just Vino on Main Street, Blackbird Cider on Chandler Street, The Terrace at Delaware Park is a beautiful spot as well, those views of Hoyt Lake are BEAUTIFUL.

Dog Park: Hands down my Harlie girl loves the Knox Farm – whether its running around at the dog park or walking the trails it’s a happy place for her

Workout Spot: #REVLIFE is the best life. Any class at Revolution Buffalo is sure to be a fun time. It is my happy place. A place where I take in all the positive vibes that I can. I also love Love in Motion yoga. Kate and Kath bring those feel good vibes with every flow

Outdoor spots: Hands down The Outer Harbor is my favorite waterfront spot and a spot that I never get sick of. Whether it’s a run, walk, the views or visiting Tifft Nature Preserve it has a special place in my heart. Delaware Park and Artpark are also places I love to visit outdoors

Fun things to do: A fishing excursion with Brookdog Fishing is a blast and I highly recommend for anyone (at any fishing level). The Buffalo Pedal Tours are so much fun, Hatchets & Hops is also a fun place to check out as well as the Silo City tours with Explore Buffalo

Coffee Shops: Remedy House, Tipico, Public and Overwinter

Favorite places: The Buffalo Zoo (that’s a given; I mean if you know me you know how much I love animals (more than some people)). The Aquarium is another favorite spot. The Science Museum, kayaking, The Buffalo Central Terminal and the Broadway Market

Shops I love to visit: Anna Grace on Elmwood, Mod Nos on Hertel, Winkler & Samuels Wine Purveyors at 500 Seneca, Pegs Hardware

My spots for wings: Nine Eleven Tavern in South Buffalo is a hole in the wall, but the wings are one of the best in town (in my opinion), I am also a fan of Carbone’s on South Park and Duffs

Favorite social media accounts to follow/motivate me, locally here in Buffalo: Buffalo Boss Babes, Christy at Wild Blossom Hollow, Lloyds, The Buffalo Zoo, Adventures are Waiting (Jess Kelly), BKind City, We Must Dash, Indie Twenty (Rachel), Love in Motion Yoga, Balanced Bright Life (Jessica Reagan), West End Interiors, Yoga Steve (Steve Procknal), and Lauren from Rev @liittlelauren

Favorite summer time events: Jack Craft Fair and new this year – Door Open Buffalo/Explore Buffalo, I always try and visit Shakespeare at Delaware Park too, it’s a classic summertime activity in Buffalo. Wines in the Wild at the Zoo is also one I always go to. For me being an event planner I feel like I attend a lot of events not just plan a lot so when a new event is created or its an event I have never been to – that excites me more than a recurring event, unless it has “wowed” me.

My bucket list of things to do before summer is over: Visit the new Explore & More, A hot air balloon ride (this has been on my bucket list for years), learn/try to paddle board – all those years at the Harbor and I never had a chance to do it then, visit Shirt Factory in Medina, and take a class with Ren at Rise Fitness.

-B

Doors Open Buffalo

Yesterday with the talents of the Explore Buffalo staff and volunteers, Doors Open Buffalo took place. Offering inspiration and an appreciation for Buffalo’s unique history and architecture through free public access to significant building interiors.

From a visitor stand point I thought it was a great opportunity to visit historical buildings filled with beautiful architecture and so many stories. While walking thru the streets of downtown, it looked like hundreds of people took advantage of this great opportunity. While I didn’t get to visit every place on the list, the ones I did get o visit didn’t disappoint.

Kudos to Explore Buffalo and all the participating buildings for a great day!

-B

above: my photos from Hutch Tech

above: my photos from the Avant Building and M&T Bank (formerly Buffalo Savings Bank)

above photos: DL&W

A Staple on the East Side of Buffalo

I said this in my blog post from 2015, the Broadway Market has been a staple in my childhood. Growing up on Fillmore my family and I would frequent the Market on what seemed to be a weekly basis stopping at the comic book stand (Blind Eddie’s) to pick up the latest Betty and Veronica comic on the corner of Fillmore and Broadway afterwards. Since moving to the suburbs in my junior high years we still would visit the Market but not as often. Fast forward to my adult life now and I visit it multiple times a year and with this week being Holy week I am there a couple times within just a few days.

Seeing the Market back in the 1980’s-1990’s and comparing it to now - my oh my how it has changed, I can only imagine how it was when it first opened. From being a place that people would make a part of there daily and weekly routines to now only visiting during the Easter season, it makes me thankful for the time I was able to see it really active.

The Market was created “As immigrants flocked to the east side of Buffalo in the late 1800’s. They looked for the continuation of old world customs in their new and unfamiliar environment. While they wanted to enter the mainstream of city life, they also sought to preserve their Eastern European traditions and heritage. The Broadway Market would prove to serve these needs quite well.” (The Broadway Market -History).

“Started by a group of citizens on a city donated parcel at 999 Broadway in 1888, the Broadway Market quickly became a community meeting place–a place ideal for combining business with socializing and for sharing with one another the latest in gossip and news from the old world. “ (The Broadway Market - History).

As people visit the Market during this week to pick up their traditional Easter pieces, it makes me think what is being done during the rest of the year to help activate the Market. I know last summer they tried to host a series of farmers markets, how successful was that I’m not quite sure. In a news piece Spectrum News posted on 4/14/19 it sounds like plans to make improvements are in the works and over the course of the next couple of years visitors should be able to see those improvements, hopefully calling people to visit more often than just during Holy week.

Visiting my friend Shanna in Milwaukee this past Fall she took us to Milwaukee Public Market - a gathering place where people can eat, get fresh food and even take a cooking class from time to time. To have something like that in Buffalo I think would be great and I think taking ideas from that Milwaukee Public Market and applying to the Broadway Market may be what it needs to reactivate and reinvigorate that area on Broadway and the Market in general. Right now in my opinion Its the dedicated vendors who have been there for decades and the families who are passing down there traditions to the younger generation that keep the Broadway Market thriving. Hopefully if the City invests in the East Side and allots money for improvements in the Market it will last for many more years to come, I guess only time will tell. Maybe its because its been a part of my life, but I feel that at the end of the day the elected officials need to invest more time and efforts in seeing the Market improve.

Lastly here is a shameless plug - follow me on Instagram as I visit the Market this week and come visit me on Monday, I’ll be one of the judges for Buffalo’s Best Kielbasa contest at the Market beginning at noon. Come join in the Dyngus Day festivities.

-B

A special thank you to Aniela Baj from Council Member, Fillmore District David Franczyk’s office and Beverly McLean, President of the Friends of the Broadway Market District, for providing me with information for this piece.

The Buffalo Lighthouse

Being at the Outer Harbor for last few years, I decided this year for the end of season staff outing I wanted my staff to get something out of the Harbor (outside of just the programs and events we run) so I scheduled a private tour of the Buffalo Lighthouse with Mike Vogel.

We walked the property, learned about the history of the space and future plans. And at the end of the day we were able to experience a cool opportunity that provides much history about Buffalo.

I encourage anyone looking for something new to experience to look into the Buffalo Lighthouse Association. If you’d like to learn more about the 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse go to www.buffalolight.org

Getting ready to climb the lighthouse!

Did you know the Buffalo Lighthouse is the oldest structures on the Great Lakes. Located at the foot of the Buffalo River.

Another fun fact - The Buffalo Lighthouse is the oldest still standing in its original location in the city of Buffalo. It is 60 feet tall and has an octagonal limestone shape.

(Photo on the left) Group Shot (missing part of our staff)

(Center photo) City of Buffalo Shots

(Photo on the right) Oh hey guys!

Featured Exhibition: Robert Indiana: A Sculpture Retrospective

I was looking for something to do earlier today so I stopped by the Albright Knox art gallery and visited the Robert Indiana exhibition that is currently on display. Today is the last day for the exhibition, but his Numbers ONE through ZERO are on display at Wilkeson Pointe until September 2019.

It was a nice way to spend part of my day. Check out my photos below showcasing some of his work that was on display.

TWO - Robert Indiana’s Favorite Number

Fun Times at the Albright

Don't ask me any technical questions about art because I won't have the answer for you, but what I can tell you is that the newest exhibit at the Albright Knox, Out of Sight! Art of the Senses is pretty fun for any age.

{oh hello}

{I could have walked through these beads all afternoon}

Running from now until January 28, 2018 it is something I would suggest you put on your list of things to do over the holiday break. In my opinion you don't need to know a lot about art to be able to enjoy this exhibition. Below are photos from my trip there with my friend Kelsey and if you follow me on Instagram, check out my Insta- story.

B

{folding table & chairs}

{Without Beginning & Without End}

{the Carousel, yes me and Kelsey went on this!}

{Takashi Murakami}

{Mirrored Room}

A trip to the Darwin Martin House

A few months ago I attended a private tour of the Darwin Martin House {thanks to Lindsay from Nickel City  Pretty for setting it up for the Buffalo Blogging Network.} Being from WNY I have been past this incredible complex multiple times, but had never been on a tour, something that had been on my "bucket list" for a while.

{the attention to detail is amazing}

Mary Roberts the Executive Director took us along for the hour tour and told us about the history, improvements made and some fun facts about Frank Lloyd Wright and the building. I could share a lot of the facts and information with you on here, but that's boring and I think you would get more joy out of actually attending a tour there in person. The complex is operated year round making it convenient for you to check it out!

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!! Even though I'm not there to celebrate opening day in Buffalo, I'm reppin' my spirit in Poland. Its a great time to come down to Coca-Cola Field and celebrate everything the Buffalo Bisons Organization is doing this spring and summer.  Make sure to celebrate with us as we celebrate this wonderful season.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Thinking Warm Thoughts at the Botanical Gardens

A couple weeks ago my niece and I went to the Botanical Gardens to attend their Dollar Days promotion along with checking out the new exhibit. My friend Jen and her daughter Aila came with us. Because tonight is the Lumagination Launch Party and tomorrow kicks off the almost month long special event, I thought I would share some of my photos that I took from my visit.

I attended Lumagination last year {see that post here} and it was a great event and a different and fun way to see the gardens. To learn more about the event, including dates, times and admission prices click here.

-B

{All photos in this post - Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

A Classic Museum - A Destination and Attraction for Buffalo

I drive past this venue almost every single day and up until last weekend I had not been in there. I'm talking about the Pierce Arrow Museum, a destination in the Buffalo area. Open Thursday thru Sunday from 11-4 pm this museum offers more than just a venue for those who love classic cars. The museum is a space that shows the great work of Frank Lloyd Wright's Filling Station design along with the history of automobiles and transportation dating back to the early 1900's.

{Frank Lloyd Wright's Filling Station}

Next week if you're looking for something to do the museum has special hours - open December 26 thru the 31st from 11-4 pm and the admission price is $10 ADULTS; $5 CHILD {6 TO 15}. You can also call ahead for a guided tour if you'd like. More information can be found here. 

Included here are some of the pictures I took while I was there. Another piece of Buffalo history that I'm happy I went to.

-B 

{being tourists in our own hometown}

{classic cars}

 

{a good looking bar used for private events}

Jack Craft Fair

A couple weeks ago I attended the Jack Craft Fair at the Central Terminal. Being my second time attending the event, I was looking forward to seeing some of the Etsy shop owners face to face. While sometimes ordering online is nice, I am a fan of shopping face to face and meeting with the owners. Vendors lined the main floor of the Central Terminal with amazing pieces of art, furniture, jewelry and more. There was a live band, a DIY section and food and drink available. Even though it was quite warm inside, the backdrop of the Central Terminal was quite stunning. I've been inside that building a number of times and each time I'm there it still amazes me how beautiful of a place it is, its also nice to see it being used for events.

Below are some of my pictures from the event.

-B

{Welcome}

{Live band and line up of events}

{view of the main lobby full of vendors}

From The Top Looking Down

{the first view from the tops of the spiral staircase}

I'm a big fan of learning about the history and people in the Western New York area. I'm also a big fan of Explore Buffalo . They provide some really cool tours in and around the Buffalo area and yesterday my Dad and I went on one of them; the Silo City Vertical Tour. Different from the walking Silo tour, you get to go up inside these grain elevators and take in the beautiful views, all while learning about the history of the silos, how they impacted much of the Country back in the 1900's and what the plans are for them now {some are still being used today}. What we thought would be a public tour turned out to be a private tour as me and my Dad were the only two signed up. It worked out really nicely {in our favor}. Larry was are Docent and he was AWESOME! He spoke about the history, the people and told stories making it a one of a kind tour. For me, a person who is deathly scared of heights I am proud of myself for overcoming my fear to go up hundreds of stairs to the top to see the inside of these beautiful silos and to take in some of the most beautiful views of Western New York I have ever seen.

I have been to Silo City before, but to get an in depth tour of this particular area and to learn about the history was one of the best things I've done this summer and I highly recommend anyone looking for something to do to check out the list of dates this is offered. It was one of the best tours I've been on a while.

-B

{Photos are all Just a Blonde in Buffalo Photos}

{We walked across that}

{A beautiful view}

{Inside the walkway to the Perot Malthouse}

"Where Friends Come Together.."

{hard hat ready!}

Last week I was able to take a tour of the Curtiss Hotel which sits on the corner of Franklin and Huron in Downtown Buffalo. Built in 1912 the hotel is being renovated and should be open in September. Taking this tour was pretty cool, the operators of this property {Mark Croce and his team} are offering free valet parking, smart cars for guests to use while they are in town {for free!}, a rooftop bar {OMG, the views are amazing!}, indoor and outdoor hot springs, coffee service, a 24 hour fitness center {for anyone to use or have a membership to} and a revolving bar and Chez Ami restaurant. Pricing will range from $190-$400 depending on room choice.

Being in a construction zone and seeing the work in progress was pretty cool. I liked it even more, when Conner said it is a place where anyone can go, you don't just have to be a hotel guest to be able to dine at the restaurant or grab a drink at one of the bars. Below are some pictures from the tour. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product in the Fall!

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{view of the Curtiss Hotel from the outside}

{main entrance off of Franklin}

{inside of the reception area}

{views from the revolving bar}

{K. Sweet}

{views from up on what will be the rooftop bar}

{these windows are amazing}

{6th floor views}

{basement views - Danger}

Touring the Fontana Boathouse

This past Saturday my Mom and I attended Explore Buffalo's tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fontana Boathouse. For Explore Buffalo pass holders the tour was free and for non members it was $10. You learned about the building structure, how the Boathouse was brought to Buffalo and what the building is used for today. Saturday was a little chilly, but the views by the water were spectacular.

{view of Lake Erie from inside upstairs}

{Outside on the balcony}

The tour was approximately one hour in length which for me was perfect because sometimes if tours are to long I kind of space out. I learned about a little history, got to take some nice pictures and spent a nice afternoon with my Mom at a place I haven't been to yet. If you've been to any of Frank Lloyd Wrights other buildings in the area {Darwin Martin House, Graycliff Estate} then you should put this one on your list of places to see this summer.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{it wouldn't be complete without a selfie of my Mom and me}

{Outside view}

{Downstairs storage}

184 Years Strong

Happy 184th Birthday Buffalo, you're looking pretty good! Today marks 184 years since Buffalo was incorporated as a city.