The Festive Lights at the Hamburg Fairgrounds

 {Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Still looking to get into the holiday spirit? I think I have something that can help... the Hamburg Fairgrounds Festival of Lights. Sunday night my sister and I took my niece to see the "light spectacular." Upon entering the grounds you turn your radio to 87.9 to listen to the festive music while driving along the path seeing all of the different displays on hand.

Once the drive is over you have the opportunity {if you want} to walk around the grounds to check out Santa, the merry go round, Christmas Tree Park and the Igloo building where there are a bunch of different ice sculptures on display. You can even order a cocktail at the ice bar or watch the ice sculpture demonstration that takes place.

it was a fun event and helped me get into the Christmas spirit {something I have been lacking a little}. The Festival of Lights continues through the rest of this week {click here for the schedule and more details}.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

One tip: Dress according to the weather, if you are walking around on the grounds or enter the Igloo building it is a little chilly.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

This past weekend my niece, nephew, sister and I went to the Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees. It was an all day event that was free to the public. Really not knowing what to expect, all I knew was there were going to be a number of trees decorated by a number of different non-profit organizations.

Once we arrived there was more than just the looking at Christmas trees, there were pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, live music from a local school band and the opportunity to play in the Electric Lab. For being a free event it was great and I highly suggest going next year, if you've never been. While you have the opportunity to learn about new organizations you also have a lot of other activities taking place, making it worth the drive if you're coming from the Buffalo area.

{You also got to see a great view of the Niagara River Gorge}

{Ornaments that you could make}

Just a Blonde in Buffalo's Holiday Event Guide

The Holiday Season is upon us and with that comes a number of Christmas Tree lightings and pictures with Santa. Below is a list of Holiday events taking place from now thru the month of December. If there is something you see that's not on my list let me know, I'm always up for attending new events!! Happy Holidays!

-B

Holidays at the Market - the Broadway Market that is. Pay a visit to Santa, shop local vendors and get into the holiday spirit at a Buffalo staple.

The Fairgrounds - Festival of Lights - taking place throughout the month of November and December stop by the Fairgrounds for a holiday light spectacular.

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine - Festival of Lights - a beautiful place to visit

November 27, 28 & 29

Christmas in Ellicottville

Tuesday, December 1st

An annual favorite - Festival of Trees at the Niagara Power Vista - come see artificial evergreen trees light up by local non for profits who decorated them

Wednesday, December 2nd

Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo Haute Holiday Fashion Show

Friday, December 4th

Canalside Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting - 5-8pm come down to Canalside - ice skate, meet with Santa and watch the Tree light up the Ice.

Friday, December 4th & Saturday, December 5th

Hertel Holidays taking place - walk up and down Hertel Avenue, visiting the shops and dining and you may run into a visit from Santa Claus

Holiday Live at Larkin Square

Saturday, December 5th

Queen City Market event - Karpeles Manuscript {I went to this last year and there are a lot of local vendors with a lot of great gifts ideas - I knocked a lot of people off my list that day}.

Rotary Rink Tree Lighting beginning at 5pm - come for free ice skating and get into the holiday spirit

Pictures with Buster Claus - Coca Cola Field - come down to the ballpark for a unique picture opportunity with Buster Claus. Make a toy donation to Hillside Family of Agencies and be entered in a shopping spree

Wednesday, December 9th

Join Sarah Danielle {local Women's Boutique} for A City of Buffalo Artists Market. Taking place inside the beautiful Ellicott Square Building, a number of local vendors will be on hand from 4:30-9pm for all of your shopping needs.

Thursday, December 10

Wreath making with Makers Buffalo! Grab some friends and decorate a wreath for the Holidays with Makers and Fern Croft Floral

Friday, December 11

Tree of Hope Celebration at Roswell Park from 4:30-6:30pm

Saturday, December 12th

Buffalo Museum of Science - Celebrations - celebrate cultural traditions from around the world with fun family activities taking place from 10-4pm.

Deck the Halls at the Niagara Power Project - 10-4pm Free pictures with Santa and you can take a stroll on the trolley.

Saturday, December 19th

East Aurora Carolcade - I remember attending this when I was younger and it was so much fun. Make a day of it and stop by the famous Vidlers and MUSEjar's Holiday Market event!

City of Light

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

My friend Jen and I were one of the 8,000 some people that attended the illumination event at Canalside last night. While it was a neat experience and nice to see I am going to be honest and say I wasn't "wowed" by the event. Leading up to the event you saw it all over social media and the news that it was going to be this big event and it was {I mean 8,000 people is a lot of people} but it wasn't as lively as I thought it would be.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

I will probably get some people who disagree with me, but I'm just being honest. For all the hype that built around it I guess you could say I was expecting more. More of what, I don't know.. I thought the music was mediocre and maybe I wasn't as patient to see the illuminations appear and change. Yes, it was nice to see lights on the grain elevators, yes I think it was cool that we had people and companies step up to make this happen and yes, I think having that many people in our community come out to attend the event was beyond great, but I think I would enjoy the experience of seeing the lights just as much on any other night. Maybe I'm being to critical, but that was my take on the City of Light.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Hey There November!

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

We are on the 2nd day of November and before you know it we will be hearing the Christmas tunes on the radio {insanely early} and it will be Thanksgiving. This month my focus is mostly on moving into my new home, but with that I have been following some local home décor/furniture shops that I am looking forward to checking out. Below are the few businesses I've been following, along with some other exciting things taking place around town this month that I hope I can try to attend.

-B

• Ro Home Shop
• Patricia's Back Barn
• Room Buffalo

Fun events taking place this month:

• Grain Elevator Illumination - Nov. 4th
• Buffalo Without Borders - Nov. 5th
• Liquor and Letterpress at WNY Book Art Center - Nov. 7th

{Women & Children's Hospital photo}

• A fun event taking place at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott for the little girls on November 8th

{Buffalo Zoo photo}

• Alex and Ani on Main St. in Williamsville is hosting an event on Monday Nov. 9th to benefit the Buffalo Zoo.

• Providence Social Happy Hour with the Buffalo Zoo - Thursday, Nov. 19th {more info to come on this}
• Small Business Saturday - shop and support local on November 28th

Cool Art at a Sculpture Park

I've had the Griffis Sculpture Park on my bucket list of places to visit for over a year now, so I was determined this past weekend to pay a visit and do some exploring while getting some fresh air with my niece. A 45-50 minute drive from Buffalo, the park is located just before Ellicottville {driving down to Ellicottville this time of year is beautiful with the fall foliage taking place which was an added bonus}. There are three different trails to travel in the park; Green - easy, Blue- moderate, Red- hard. My niece and I went through the green trail and half of the blue trail before turning around because her sneakers were soaked. It was definitely a cool place to go and for a small donation of $5 for anyone over 12 {seniors and students $3} it was a nice way to spend your afternoon.

The park is open May thru October and closed for the winter, if you've never been it is definitely a place I would say you should check out come next spring. While we only spent a couple hours there, guests can have picnics and make a full day of it. Whatever your bring in, they ask that you take out with you. Below are some of the handful of pictures I snapped.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo Photos}

As you entered the park sculptures were on both sides of the road

The entrance to the green trail

The scenery was just beautiful

"$5 Million. One Night" - 43 North

We are a little over a week away from meeting some of the best entrepreneurs and start up companies around the globe and its all taking place here in Buffalo, NY with the help of 43 North. 43 North is part of NY Governor Andrew Cuomo's Buffalo Billion initiative which helps Buffalo and WNY with new economic opportunities. The competition operates with the support from The New York State Power Authority and Buffalo Billion.

Last week I was able to meet with Colleen Heidinger, Director of Events and Programming for 43 North and she broke down all of the fun and free events taking place starting Oct. 21st. The events taking place provide you with the opportunity to learn more about these entrepreneurs and their start up ideas while letting you interact and meet with community organizations you may not have known about before. During this week you also are given the opportunity to see a lot of the new economic development taking place in Buffalo through 43 North Week

A few of the events I am looking forward to attending are the following:

Oct. 26th - Think Big with 43 North  at the Buffalo Marriott Harbor Center - 5:30-8pm

Oct. 27th - Ping Pong Diplomacy - A ping pong competition taking place at 43 North  beginning at 6pm. To register email Colleen at colleen@43north.org

Oct. 29th - Finalists pitch session being held in the morning and afternoon with the awards ceremony taking place in the evening at Shea's. This is OPEN to the public and FREE. All you have to do is click here to get your tickets.

To see a complete list of events during 43 North Week click here.

{Colleen, 43 North}

Colleen is originally from Buffalo, moved away and worked with highly reputable companies planning events.  She decided to move back home to help make a difference and develop Buffalo and she is doing just that. With the help of Colleen not only do the finalists get to experience all Buffalo has to offer, Buffalonians are encouraged to come out to these free events to learn about the new and exciting things taking place in their hometown.

Star judges will be coming into town from all over the country to meet the finalists and hear their ideas {See a complete list of judges here}. This is a perfect night out - celebrate the city, before heading out to dinner. The winner will move to Buffalo by January 1 and receive mentorships from a variety of local partners and community supporters. For the complete list of sponsors you can check them out by clicking here.

I'd like to end with a quote from Colleen that I think sums up 43 North perfectly - "The award ceremony on Oct. 29th is not about trophies, its about building a culture of entrepreneurs while building the city and that is all possible because of the help from 43 North."

So what are you waiting for -click here to see the Next Things Now video from 2014 and get your tickets for Oct. 29th here to see where Buffalo is headed.

-B

Down on the Farm with Muse Jar

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Saturday night my friend Tara and I headed to Arden Farm where we attended a farm table event with Muse Jar. The event was 3 hours and you made 4 Spanish tiles, drank some Spanish wines with Salut and had some delicious farm fresh food from Daily's Catering. All of this took place in a barn with the Troubadours providing music to calm those who felt like they had no clue how to draw {myself included}. Dan from Arden Farm provided tours and Vanessa from Muse Jar walked around throughout the night offering to help anyone with their designs. It was nice to see everyone's own personality coming through in their artwork. Overall the event was fun and something different to do. A lot of local businesses came together in one event and that was nice to see. To see a list of events from Muse Jar click here.

-B

{My finished tiles - by no means am I an artist, but these will make for great coasters}

{Vanessa introducing herself and welcoming everyone to the event}

My October To-Do List

Fall is officially upon us so I thought I would compile a short list of things I want to get done this month. A lot of the things I want to do are your typical Fall things to do in WNY, but they are places I have yet to be so it makes me look forward to it.

1. Apple Picking - Check
2. Pumpkin Picking with my niece and nephew at the Great Pumpkin Farm
3. A visit to Kelkenberg Farms in Akron
4. A hike to the Niagara Gorge - specifically Devils Hole Park
5. Taking an art class with Muse Jar/a Farm Table event
6. A nice drive out to Ellicottville to see the leaves changing color
7. A trip to Southern Tier Brewing Company
8. Volunteering some of my time at the Buffalo Zoo's Trick or Treat weekend event

Apple Picking

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

I haven't been apple picking ever at least not that I recall. I've only ever gone berry picking when I was younger, but its been years since I've gone so Sunday morning me and my niece took a nice trip to Murphy Orchards in Burt, NY {in Niagara County} to do a classic fall activity in Western New York.  It was a nice drive out in the country seeing the horses and corn stalks.

Before we headed out to the Apple trees we were told the apples were picked over, but we still found a handful that were good. I think my niece just enjoyed running around the open field and telling me which ones to pick and not to pick. On top of the apples we picked out we also were able to get a couple pumpkins too.

It was my first time visiting Murphy Orchards and I liked it a lot and would definitely go back - they are open year round! Check them out online for more info. http://murphyorchards.com/

-B

{I love this old fashion scale}

{Lots of jam to choose from}

Corpus Christi Dozynki!

Saturday my Dad and I headed to Corpus Christi on the east side of Buffalo and were supporting my friend Annette at the Pierogi Contest. There were a number of contestants participating in the dessert, non-traditional and traditional pierogi contest with a panel of judges voting who would receive the golden baking roller.

Annette was in the traditional category and her cheese pierogi were DELICIOUS! The Pierogi contest was part of the Polish Harvest Festival - Dozynki that was taking place all day. Admission was only $1!! And there was a basket raffle, Tyski beer, polka music and more. It was my first time attending the event and made for a fun day back in my childhood neighborhood! I can't wait for next year.

-B

{Non traditional category}

{Polish décor}

{Annette preparing her cheese pierogi}

{YUM!}

Cruising thru Buffalo on Water Bikes

One activity I wanted to do this summer was the Water Bikes of Buffalo, so with an extended Labor Day weekend my friends Annette and Chris joined me on my adventure.

Every time I would walk by the kiosk at Canalside there was always a long wait, but the nice thing was you could put your name and number down and if you were available great, and if you weren't that wasn't a problem because you didn't have to put down a deposit upfront.

We waited about an hour and a half for them to call us, but it was better than the original two and half hour wait time and we just walked around and caught up. It was $15 and you had the bike for an hour. There were some restrictions - like no standing while on the bike and not going to close to the edge because of seaweed, but not going right in the middle of the water either because of boaters. Other than that it was easy sailing or pedaling as I should call it. You could pedal as fast or as slow as you'd like and you could take pictures of the different scenery around you.

{Annette's photo above}

It was a lot of fun and I'm happy I was able to check it off my summer bucket list. If you ever have the chance to try it out, I highly suggest doing it. For more information on Water Bikes of Buffalo click here.

Until next time...

-B

{Annette's photo}

Exploring the Canal and Caves in Lockport

Last weekend Kate and Brian took a tour of the Lockport Caves with me. The tour was $13 for adults and 75 minutes long {tours run multiple times during the day}. It was a walking tour that went to the Lockport Canals before heading to the caves. It was a nice a morning learning about what the canals were used for in the mid 1800's to 1900's. It was also nice to see out-of-towners on the tour with us. Below are some photos and fun facts I took away from it.

-B

{Kate and Brian learning more about the canals}

{Inside the caves}

{Canal way}

Fun facts:

These are man made caves The canal is 363 miles long Lockport has Locks 35 and 34 It took from 1817-1825 to complete Powered by gravity and is an active spill way Holly Manufacturing Factory - Birsell Holly invented the fire hydrant {First company powered by the caves 10 stories high and 3 city blocks long} Richmond Factory was the 2nd building built off the canal

A Hidden Gem in Newfane

Part of my adventure on Saturday with Kate and Brian was a stop to Gordie Harper's Bazaar. A place I came across on social media and it landed on my bucket list of places to go. A restaurant {serving breakfast until 2pm}, lunch and dinner. With an added touch of shopping antiques and flea market finds, making it a fun place to visit. On a beautiful day you can sit outside on the patio and enjoy the pretty flowers, fresh air and good conversation.

The food we had was delicious - I had the Chicken in the Grass sandwich, Kate had a Veggie Burger and Brian had the Sirloin Steak Sandwich.  Gordie's seems to be a favorite with the locals in Newfane and if you're coming in from the City of Buffalo you can't find anything like this {at least I haven't yet} "back home."

-B

{Patio seating}

{A classic record player}

{Flea Market Finds}

A day trip to Olcott, NY

Over the weekend one of the places I paid a visit to was Olcott, NY. Having never been there before I didn't know much other than it holds a beautiful place to take in a sunrise or sunset. Even though the last I heard you couldn't swim at the beach because of the water, the area hosts beautiful small town shops, ice cream stands, a pier to fish off of, and an awesome Carousel/kids area where you can take the little ones to ride rides and play skee-ball, making it a perfect afternoon with the family. On Sunday's you can visit the Van Horn Mansion for free. Looking to explore? You can hike the Burt Dam trail and walk inside the Olcott Beach Lighthouse.

Looking for something to do this weekend - they are hosting a Classic Car Show all day. While Olcott, is only about a 40 minute drive from the City of Buffalo, the small town feel makes you feel like you're on a mini-vacation.

-B

Venturing through the Inner & Outer Harbor

Saturday I had two of my very good friends back in town and it has been a while since they've seen Canalside, so being the big "Buffalove" advocate I am, we went down to Canalside for the afternoon. The Saturday Artisan Market was in full effect along with live music from a variety of bands throughout the day. We grabbed ice cream from Clinton's Dish, went over to put our name on the 3.5 hour water bike list {which we didn't end up doing} and took some touristy pictures with Shark girl.

We ended up taking the Queen City Ferry over to the Outer Harbor where I showed Michelle and Shanna the Lighthouse before heading back to take them to Buffalo Riverworks where we ended the day. For me, I think I take advantage of Canalside and the development in downtown sometimes because I work down here and I see it on a daily basis.  To have both my Buffalo friends say how they can't believe how quickly the area has changed reminded me of how lucky we are to have these exciting things taking place.

Until next time...

-B

{Just enjoying the Queen City Ferry Ride}

{Canalside on a Saturday}

{Picturesque}

Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Part of my " Buffalove Sunday Funday" consisted of taking a spin class with Revolution Buffalo down at Canalside before heading over to Buffalo Riverworks to watch the boaters and kayakers on the water. It made for the perfect way to start your day. I haven't had the chance to take any of the exercise classes down at Canalside before Sunday. With a beautiful view of the water and boats it in some way makes you forget you're even working out and the time goes by fast. I really recommend you taking a class down there sometime.

{Rev Ride at Canalside}

At Riverworks they had the Jack Craft Fair taking place from 11-5pm. There were a lot of artist and craft vendors along with live music making it a great day to meet new local businesses and explore a new venue in your city. Sometimes a mini day trip in your own city can be fun and beneficial.

-B

{Part of the Sunday Funday was at Resurgence Brewery with a beer flight}

{Jack Craft Fair}

{Buffalo Riverworks}

Pedaling thru Buffalo

Yesterday some of my family and I did a "mini" Buffalo tour and today I wanted to highlight part of it. The Buffalo Pedal Tour - you may see people cruising thru the streets of downtown Buffalo singing and screaming and ringing the bells. We started off at Big Ditch Brewing {note to self a lot of breweries and distilleries are closed on Sundays}, but that didn't stop us from having a great time. We pedaled are way to Pearl Street, Liberty Hound, 716 and Pan American Grill {another note I wouldn't go back to 716 because the bar service was slow and unfriendly and I have been there multiple times}. We stayed at each place for about 25-30 minutes {you can stay as long or as little as you want at each place you visit within the two hour tour period} and some places like Pearl Street offer a special pedal tour perk of buy one get one half off prices for certain beers.

{Group shot}

We pedaled the streets eating brownies and snacks that we could bring with us and sang the Bills Shout song at the top of our lungs. We waved and got honked at by cars passing by and had a lot of laughs with our tour guide Caitlyn. Overall, it was a lot of fun and I would recommend it to out of town guests as well as locals. Its a great way to see your city and visit places you may not have been to yet.

-B

{The start of the tour}

{Cruising thru the streets}

{End of tour shot}

The Happiest 5K

Last Saturday a group of us headed down to Canalside for the Color Run -"The Happiest 5k" and it was a pretty fun way to start our morning. People of all ages young to old wore white and were ready to dance and be blasted with colored cornstarch. Below are some of my pictures from the event.

{Pre-Run}

{Walking to the start line}

{Canalside}

{The Blue-Tiful Color Spot}

{Blurry because it was in a Ziploc baggy, but at the yellow spot there was post-its and the happy wall}

{Think Pink}

{Post Race}

{Thumbs up}

{With the Color Run Unicorn}

"A Thousand Islands Adventures Weekend"

Gals weekend to the 1,000 Islands was a success this past weekend. From walking around Alexandria Bay looking for a selfie stick, stopping at Clayton Distillery, to hoping aboard a 2 hour wine cruise with Coyote Moon {which you got a whole bottle of wine with} to spending the day with are awesome rafting guide Sadie on Sunday as we rafted down the Black River, this past weekend was a great mini adventure!

Whitewater Challengers has multiple rivers you can raft down at various locations. We were an all girl raft and none of us fell out. I will say I was pretty nervous when we first started because I didn't know what to expect and they kept prepping us for what to do if you were to fall out of the raft. We received a mid-day snack and then after rafting for a few more hours there was a chicken BBQ back at home base. It was an adventure I loved and I honestly wish I had more free time so I could go back.

If you're looking for something fun to do, I highly recommend Whitewater Challengers. The guides were awesome, we got to shout Go Bills and the only thing I would change would be bringing a waterproof camera so I could have taken some pictures while we were on the water.

-B

{Home Base}