M&T Bank First Friday's at Albright Knox

The first Friday of every month M&T Bank and the Albright Knox offer First Fridays. Free admission on the first floor to the public. From 10am-10pm you can walk around and experience some of the amazing art the gallery has on display. If you want to walk around upper levels there is an additional fee.

At the beginning of the month I took the day off and spent it with my niece. For an almost four year old this was a great event to take her too. While she thought the Lucas Samaras, Reflections, aka the "Mirror Room" was the best, her attention span started to run out after about 30 minutes. With it being a beautiful day we walked on the outside grounds and took some nice photos.

Prior to this visit, it has been about 5 years since I was last inside the Art Gallery for a leisurely experience, so it was nice to walk around and experience it with a kid who has a vivid imagination.

I highly encourage anyone to take part in such a great event that takes place the First Friday of every month. The next one coming up is on Friday, November 7, 2014.

-B

{Snapping photos inside the Mirror Room}

{If you look at this for more than a couple seconds you get dizzy, or at least I did}

{One of my favorites on display}

{Anyone want to play some tic tac toe}

A Sweet Taste of Seafood

{Photo credit: Just a Blonde in Buffalo}

The other night my friend Nicole and I met for dinner and drinks at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria building which now is home to Oshun Restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, Oshun has an oyster bar and variety of seafood selections.

Recommended by our waitress, Nicole and I picked 3 small plates to share {Clams, Mussels and Calamari}. The mussels and calamari were both our favorites, sweet and a little spicy. The clams were ok, but left a "fishy" after taste.  We also ordered dessert - I'm not a big dessert person, but the warm cookies with salted pretzels and homemade vanilla ice cream was the second best decision after the Malbec wine I had ordered!

Overall, I loved the history that was used as part of the "art deco" décor. Add that element with the food and great company and it makes for a nice evening out!

-B

{Oyster bar}

Lovely Lewiston

Every time I go to Lewiston, I'm simply amazed at the beauty there, from Artpark to Old Fort Niagara it is simply amazing, especially in the summer months. My friend Lauren and I decided to spend a Saturday afternoon just walking around and taking in that "small" town feel. We first stopped at Artpark where we were able to be "big kids" and make some clay pottery for free. We then walked around and saw some of the sculpture artwork that was in the park.

After Artpark we hit up the ever so popular Silo to grab some lunch and ice cream, from there we walked down by the water and saw the Whirlpool Jet Boat tours that take place by Water St. Landing. We didn't have enough time to take a jet boat tour, but it is on my list of things to do. We drove through the Main St. and just looked at shops and restaurants that filled the street. It was a relaxing afternoon just exploring the "hidden treasures" that are only minutes away. Have you ever been to Lewiston? What are some of your favorites places to go when you're there?

 -B

#ArtparkWed

I don't make my way to Lewiston that often, but this past week my friend Lauren and I caught the Sara Bareilles concert for their Coors Light Wednesday concert series. You can't go wrong, for general admission, tickets were $11 and you we got to see a pretty talented artist. Artpark is such a pretty place, for those who love nature, music and being outdoors I suggest taking the pretty drive up to Niagara county and spending a day exploring and seeing what its all about.

-B

{ Sheltering ourselves from the rain }

{ Coors Light Wednesdays #cheers }

{ The pretty rainbow on our way home }

My Good Luck Elephant

Saturday I was lucky enough to finally meet the one animal I am literally in love with at the Zoo, no not Luna {though she is up there} it was Surapa the Asian Elephant. She has been at the Buffalo Zoo since she was a baby. Elephants are one of my favorite animals ever, so having the chance to meet her up close, feed her celery, watch her paint and do some tricks was one of the best things I've ever had the opportunity to do. Having my niece and sister with me made it even more special. Mindy her trainer was awesome, she gave us a background on the elephants, the elephant house and what she does there. Overall it was a great time and I couldn't be luckier. I was able to cross something off my bucket list. While we were there we also stopped by to see Luna and Kali and many more animals. Don't forget that you can see the animals at Buffalove Fest on May 30 at the Zoo. Proceeds go directly back to helping the animals!

-B

{ trunks up mean good luck }

{ she has some artistic skills }

{ showing off her moves }

{ I love this picture }

{ the lion was looking at us when we were waving }

{ up close }

{ what are you looking at?!? }

{ just having a good time }

{ morning swim }

Buffalo's Cherry Blossoms

This past weekend was the last weekend for the Cherry Blossom festival that was taking place at the Japanese Gardens in Delaware Park. Sunday was a great day to take a stroll and snap a couple of pictures. Tents were set up and you could learn about the activities going on during the day.

I opted out and decided to walk around the gardens and capture some photos of the Cherry Blossoms that were in bloom. The parking lot was full of cars and people we setting up for a picnic when I was there. Overall it was a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon and appreciate the nature around the Buffalo History Museum. Seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom was a nice reminder that spring is here.

-B

May {To-Do's}

{ Maxi dress from Ooo La La Boutique. Matt & Nat bag, you can find at Anna Grace on Elmwood. Stay up to date on the events I have coming up on my events page }

Happy Cinco De Mayo!! Today is a great day to celebrate some delicious margarita's at Cantina Loco! The month of May for me is a month to continue to get things done. By that I mean spring cleaning, organizing, traveling at the end of the month, training for the half marathon next month, trying new things & visiting new places {Newbury Street & The Boat House specifically} and kick starting a variety of events that are coming up throughout the summer that I have a part in.

What are some things you are looking forward to this month?

-B

Dyngus Day Wrap Up

Dyngus day has come and past and while I enjoyed my time with friends I must say I have to voice my "concerns" on how I feel about the event this year. Going down to the Polonia District in the east side of Buffalo is a tradition. It brings back memories of my old neighborhood, where I grew up and celebrating at the Central Terminal is a great time.

This year there were crowds and crowds of people, more so than in past years {I think the nice weather had something to do with that}, but with that came no sense of organization on the event planners part, people were cutting through fences, more garbage lined the streets than normal, the bands didn't stick with the tradition of playing just Polka music, I'm sorry but in past years that's all that was played, no modern music was played. There was no TYSKIE beer {how can you not have Tyskie Beer at Dyngus Day}, I thought there was a "lack of security" and I felt $5 per drink ticket was fairly high. Where does this money go to? If you have Sobieski Vodka or a beer sponsor, sponsoring your event, where does the money go from ticket and drink sales? Does it go to help renovations at the Terminal or Churches that are still open on the East side of Buffalo? I would like to know.

I don't like to be negative, but after attending this past yea,r all of these questions arose and I thought I would put it out there. All things aside I had a good time, the weather was great, the company was better and I'm looking forward to 2015, hopefully back inside the Terminal.

-B  

East Side Tradition

 

A tradition my family and I have had for many years is going to the Broadway Market and picking up all of our essential Easter needs { eggs, polish sausage, pierogi, butter lamb, platzek, pussy willows, etc. }. As I've gotten older I have appreciated the family time more. There's something about visiting the neighborhood you grew up in and thinking about all the memories you had when you were younger that makes this time of year more special to me. While most people only visit the market during this time of year, it is open ALL year round. If you've never been there before there's still time to make a visit, be prepared to wait in lines and be patient.

-B

 

{ The essential Easter needs, pastries and beads }

{ A staple in the Broadway Market }

{ A great place to go for all of your Polish souvenir/Dyngus Day needs }

{ Potts Deli - first time eating there and it was great! } 

{ BBQ Hamburger and Potato Pierogi at Potts }

{ Old Fort Niagara }

A few weekends ago (Labor Day weekend actually) I had the chance to visit Old Fort Niagara for the first time ever! Not only was I excited to see the fort, but I was able to go with my Dad and catch the War of 1812 Encampment. Lewiston is so beautiful, so walking around the fort and catching the sunset and boats in the water was an added bonus.

Both my Dad and myself enjoyed the fort and the show. It was nice father/daughter time out and anyone whether you are a history nerd or not would enjoy this amazing place and its right in our backyard.

If you're an educator looking to provide your students with a hands on experience in history this would be a great place to take them. The fort is also located inside a park, so if you are looking for a fun place to go on a date this would be great, set-up a nice picnic and then head to the fort after.

When visiting the fort make sure to wear comfortable shoes (such as sneakers) and be aware that if you are walking around the fort at night be cautious as there is little outdoor lighting walking from the fort to the parking lot.

Check out the Haunted Fortress event on October 19 and 26 here.

-B

[ Pretty Sunset ]

[ Getting ready for the show ]

[ That's a big drop down to the ground ]

[ Me and my Dad ]

Bird Island

Traveling over the Ferry Street Lift Bridge gives you access to the Bird Island Pier. This spot is popular mostly for fishing. The southern tip of Squaw Island is connected to a long, narrow stone pier that extends south under the Peace Bridge and into the mouth of the Niagara River. This pier has been rebuilt and the surrounding area is currently under construction. Bird Island Pier has been in existence since 1860. (Bird Island Pier Notes)

Driving past this pier frequently for work I was excited to finally have the chance to walk it a few weeks ago with my Mom and niece. It was overcast and a little windy, but a nice enough day to take a stroll on the pier and look at the Miss Buffalo and other boats that cruised by. Being under the Peace Bridge was pretty cool as well.

If you're ever looking for a place to take a walk or just relax check out Bird Island, there is construction going on, on site, but  don't let that steer you away, once you hit the walkway you can't even hear the noise.

-B

South Pier

Located on Buffalo's South Pier sits the main Lighthouse built back in 1818. People from all over WNY and beyond can stop by and walk around the site. Street parking is located on Route 5 and a pedestrian walkway is located along the Coast Guard Station and Outer Harbor, giving you beautiful views of Lake Erie and Downtown Buffalo.

When I went for a visit it was a little cloudy and gloomy of a day, but that didn't stop cyclists and families from taking a stroll out to this historic landmark right in "their backyard."

For more information on the Buffalo Lighthouse or to make a donation to help preserve the area go here: http://buffalolight.org/home.html

And for more history on the lighthouse you go here: http://www.buffalohistoryworks.com/light/preservation.htm

-B

Decorator's Showhouse

From April 27 to May 19 you can see a variety of different designers who gave the Knox Summer Estate at Knox Farm in East Aurora a new look. The Decorator's Show House is sponsored by The Buffalo News and The Junior League of Buffalo.

Each room was re-designed by multiple designers. I had never been to the Knox Estate prior to this showing- all I knew about the estate was it was owned by the Knox Family until 2001, so I was pretty excited to have the opportunity to see the home.

The house is beautiful! Each room has its own character that is unique and different. While walking through the tour the one downfall I noticed was some volunteers in the rooms weren't as "personable" as others were about the history and what the rooms were used for prior to being "revamped" for the show. Each volunteer was provided a "cheat sheet" that had information about each room and what it was used for when the Knox Family was residing in the home and what the designer chose to do with the room for the showing. Some spoke when guests were in the room and others didn't say a word unless you asked them a question. While I was there I did however find out that the designers come back and take there displays down after the show is over. For me personally, to get more out of it I would have preferred a private tour of the home so I could have learned more about the history of estate.

Overall, it was a beautiful home and all the decorator's did a wonderful job. You can still go see the house through the weekend. Go here for ticket and parking information: Decorators Show House Tickets

-B

East Side History

A beautiful Church called St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church is located at 348 Peckham St., in the East Side of Buffalo, known as the Polonia District. Growing up in this area and attending grammar school here (unfortunately, the school is no longer open) this Church holds a special place in my heart. While the area around the Church is not anywhere near where it used to be, it still remains the oldest Parish in the Diocese of Buffalo and is the oldest in New York State.

Being founded in 1873, this year is a special year as St. Stans is celebrating 140 years. Upon entering the Church you will be amazed by the architecture, the stained glass windows and the incredible statues and altar. Tours are available (for more information on them click here).

It doesn't matter what religion you are or how religious you may be, this building is a beautiful place and if you ever have time to stop by and take a look inside you will know why.

-B

What is Dyngus Day?

With it being a week since the Polish festivity I thought I would write about what Dyngus Day really is. Dyngus Day is a celebration held on Easter Monday in Poland. In tradition, boys dump water over girls they like and then spank them with pussy willows. In modern times, it is known as guys squirting girls they like with squirt guns and the girls chasing them away with the pussy willows. This tradition has been traced back to the 15th century. Dyngus Day in America is most notably known in Buffalo, NY according to Wikipedia. Other big Dyngus Day celebrations take place in Chicago, IL. "The Buffalo Dyngus Day celebrations only started in the 1960s as an effort by the Polish-American community in the city to find a new focus for its identity. It proved hugely successful, to the point that a local newspaper claimed that "everybody is Polish on Dyngus Day. It has become a fusion of Polish and American traditions, with polka bands and Polish food accompanying American patriotic songs sung in English.Party-goers dress up in the red-and-white colors of the Polish flag and carry balloons saying "Happy Dyngus Day" in English." (Wikipedia.com)

While there are a variety of places to go for Dyngus Day in Buffalo the east side of Buffalo is one of the biggest hot spots to go for the celebrations. The parade kicks off at the Broadway Market and makes its way down Fillmore Ave. to the Central Terminal grounds where this year they were host to the festivities outside the building due to renovations taking place. Below are some pictures of the new set-up. Food trucks lined the outskirts of the entrance before you made your way into one of the tents that served a wide array of alcohol and food.

Like people say "everyone is Polish on Dyngus Day." Mark it in your calendars, next years Dyngus Day is Monday, April 21, 2014.

-B

125 Years at the Broadway Market

Located in the heart of the East Side of Buffalo stands a 125 year business. The Broadway Market. The market has served as a place where immigrants flocked to as they looked for the continuation of old world customs in a new and unfamiliar environment. While they wanted the mainstream city life, they also sought to preserve their Eastern European traditions and heritage. The Broadway Market would prove to serve these needs quite well.

For myself it's always been a pleasure to visit the Broadway Market. I grew up on Fillmore and since I was a little child I always visited the market, especially during Easter time. While I don't get down to the market as often as I'd like to, I still enjoy walking around the building. You can feel the history that lies in the walls and those old world customs that fill the building. The only disappointment for me is seeing the dwindling neighborhood around the market. It isn't nothing like it used to be when I was a little kid. Abandoned homes, graffiti, litter and police cars surround the market. While the market faces these challenges, it still is amazing that it has been around for 125 years.

Throughout the year their will be a variety of events taking place to highlight the history of the historic building. For more information you can find it here. The market serves as a place for local delis, candy shops, bakeries, specialty shops and services for the Broadway and Fillmore area.

I encourage anyone and everyone to visit the market at least once, whether you grew up in the area or not. You may find some unique "treasures" while your there.

-B

The Buffalo Chophouse

I've only had the opportunity to eat here once and it was a few years ago. I'll never forget the bill came to over $900! The biggest bill I had at a restaurant to date (granted there was a group of us) but still it was expensive. I remember the food being amazing and the staff, friendly. A few weeks ago I had to stop in to purchase a couple gift certificates for work, while I was there I took a couple pictures. Take a look below.

If you ever have the opportunity to eat there, don't pass it up! The food is out of this world, the restaurant is one of a kind and the owner, Mark Croce, is all for making Buffalo a better place. You can't pass that up.

-B

My trip to the Tri-Main Center

The other day I had to drop off giveaway items to Bubbles & Berries Boudoir for the upcoming Boutique. Bridal. Party being held at the end of the month. Bubbles & Berries Boudoir is located in the Tri-Main Center on Main St. in Buffalo. I have never been inside this building so I didn't know what to expect.

When you walk in you will immediately see the space is filled with diverse occupants. The building is home to studio and industrial spaces along with office spaces which continues to make it one of Buffalo's landmark buildings. As you walk down the wide hallways you can see the history that lays in the walls and floors making it feel very industrial, but at the same time you can also see the renovations and modern touches that have been added as well. Each tenant has there space set-up differently creating an overall one of a kind building space that you don't find just anywhere.

Some of the Center's occupants besides Bubbles & Berries Boudoir are the Buffalo Arts Studio, Buffalo City Ballet and Landies Sweets & Treats. I am so lucky I had the chance to stop inside and see this building. It opened my eyes to some of Buffalo's history and also introduced me to some new businesses that I will be back to visit.

-B