Sunday Funday on the SS Columbia

My Dad and I won a private tour with cocktails on the SS Columbia back in January thru Explore Buffalo so earlier today we, along with my Mom, cousin Lisa and best gal pal and adventure buddy Lacey, met Liz McEaney {Executive Director} at Silo City {currently the SS Columbia's home} and she gave us an awesome tour!

{a little champagne to get this tour started}

The SS Columbia will eventually head back to the Hudson River, but for the next few years will be worked on here in Buffalo to make sure it can make the trip back. It has already gone through a $1.6 million hull restoration. With limited state funding a lot of money comes from private donors and people in the community for the rest of the repairs needed for the boat.

{the dining hall}

There have been multiple events, tours and community groups who have used the SS Columbia, if you're looking for a fun place to host a small, unique event you can as well. Visit their website to learn more.

{Liz showing us the ballroom the floor above this one was the beer garden, because of the repairs needed we couldn't go up to that floor, pretty cool to see}

The SS Columbia, is the oldest remaining excursion steamship in the United States and was designated as an historic landmark in 1992. It was in service for 89 years as an excursion steamship on a single run. "She" ferried from Detriot to Canada's Bois Blanc Island. To learn more of her history click here .

{selfies with my Dad}

Below are some more pictures from our tour and my short FB live video is here. 

{the engine room}

{my boo thang Lacey haha}

{the stairs to the engine and boiler room}

{classic group shot after the tour}

After the tour we popped into the silos by Marine A to snap some photos of the art. Below are a couple of those photos.

{gotta love my family}

I highly recommend the Silo City tours, there is so much going on down there, go out and experience it and have some fun!

xo

-B

My Newest Adventure With Brookdog Fishing Co.

{our ride for the evening}

I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but sometimes you meet people and instantly become inspired by them and their story. That's what happened to me a couple of weeks ago when I went on a fishing trip with Ryan Shea from Brookdog Fishing Co.

{water views}

A trip that was planned for February, but mother nature had other plans took place in June. I met Ryan at the Sheridan Boat Launch and was really excited for this. I have only fished one other time and I really don't consider it fishing. It was when I was in junior high and it was on a family vacation to Chautauqua Lake, I hooked my Mom's knee and that was it, so yea I don't consider that real fishing.

{the bait}

{Ryan hooking the bait for me}

Anyways, as soon as I met Ryan I loved his down to earth personality and the passion he has for what he does. Going on a fishing charter I had no idea what to expect, all I knew is that I was looking forward to this new adventure. When we left the boat launch we were off to see a different side of Buffalo I wasn't familiar with and it was a great experience.

{we caught some fish!}

Ryan started Brookdog Fishing Co. in June of 2016. He was introduced to fishing by his Grandfather and continued his passion with close friend Nate. While we were on the water we fished, a lot {it was the most fishing I've done my whole life} and I learned a lot. Not only about the type of fish that are in the water, but also learned about anglers, how to cast, what the difference is between fly fishing and regular fishing and much more. I even caught my first fish ever which was pretty cool!

{just fishing}

Not only is Ryan knowledgeable on the waterways, the fish habitat and Western New York, but he also is very hospitable. He preps for every charter he has, and offers guests breakfast on morning charters, light snacks and refreshments on day and evening charters. He also teaches those {like me} who have no fishing experience and provides all of the equipment for a day on the water.

Brookdog Fishing is a year round company that offers one of a kind charters. So whether you are a Western New York Native or visiting from out of town, if you're looking for something fun and different to do this is an activity I highly recommend.

{definitely on the top of my list for awesome things I've done in my life}

I can't say enough great things about my experience and there is not enough thank you's to send to Ryan for taking the time out to share his story with me and to teach me something new. I can't wait to get back out there! Thank you!

-B 

A takeaway from Poland

{classic side of the road shot}

It's been about a month since I left for my trip to Poland with Agnes and Sean and I can't help but think a lot about that trip since I've been back. There is no doubt in my mind that we as adults appreciate opportunities and things we can do in our life much more as we get older.

{the streets of Poznan}

{Cathedral Island in Poznan}

{Wroclaw at night}

Being in Poland has not only taught me a lot more about part of my Polish culture that I wasn't familiar with before, but it has also showed me how much I take for granted. I don't think I am a snob and I am not one to not be appreciative of the blessings I have in my life, but after reflecting from time to time over the last 2 weeks, I've begun to think of the opportunities I've had, that I've taken for granted, simple things such as my job, my education, my family and friends. I stress so much {especially lately} because I just want to do a good job and make everyone happy, but what I've  learned is you just have to leave some things alone sometimes.

{Wroclaw Poland}

{Wroclaw City Center}

{Wroclaw on our last night in Poland}

Stressing over stuff that is out of your control is pointless {I know that, but its easier said than done for some people} and if there is one "life lesson" I'm trying to take away from my trip, it is that. While I wish I could travel every single month, I know that's not realistic, so when I can't wander the world or even my hometown, I have pictures and memories that I can go back to, especially to help me during times like these when I ask myself if I'm doing the best I can. As I approach this "new" work week and our first big event at the Outer Harbor for the 2017 season, I'm hoping to keep this lesson in the back of my head so I can enjoy more and stress less.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Bu

Poland

{ Agnes, Sean and I in Wroclaw, Poland - City Center on our last full day in the Country}

It's currently 11 pm in Poland and I'm sitting in my hotel room writing this post. Tomorrow I'm headed back to the states after what has been an amazing experience to a Country I have never visited before. It has been a few years since I've traveled internationally {outside of Canada} and I must say it comes at a time in my life when I needed it.

I needed to get away and focus on me, take a break from the same old norm that sucks me in and focus on my love for learning about different cultures and my family heritage. This trip has so, so many memories, from Polish sayings, to family and Detectives in Action tv, to Hector the Lion and "good nuts" {an inside joke between Agnes, Sean and I}. I'm looking forward to sharing some of my stories on my site over the next week or two, but until I do that I want to just encourage anyone and everyone to take a step back and realize that there is more to this life than the four walls you are consistently surrounded around.

"Of all of the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport..."

See you back in USA,

-B

Packing for Poland

If you know me, you know I love to travel, but the one thing I absolutely dislike is packing. I am not good at it, nor have I ever been, I always over pack and put it off until the last minute. Normally I wouldn't mind packing a couple more pairs of shoes or an extra purse, but because I am headed over to Europe tomorrow I want to only bring what is essential and won't take up space. I started on Sunday and still have some last minute things to throw in my suitcase, but I think after a few days of going back and forth, I finally feel comfortable.

{the beginning - clothes all over the place}

{almost done}

I will say if they have professional packers I may consider hiring one the next time I go on vacation.

do widzenia

-B

"That one little step can change your Life"

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" - Augustine of Hippo

One of my favorite things to do is travel and I honestly think if I could afford it, I would travel way more than what I have been recently. As a teenager I was presented a great opportunity with a student ambassador program to travel throughout Europe for three weeks. In that three weeks my life had changed and it opened my eyes to a whole new world. Since that trip I have been lucky enough to travel throughout the U.S and over to Japan {another lifetime experience}.

A few years ago I was lucky to meet Stephanie Brochey Zarbo. Her and her husband Brandon started a travel blog called We Must Dash, which just recently turned into an adventure travel company. When I read the news I was super stoked! Not only is it a local company providing great, unique experiences, but We Must Dash provides group travel  to a number of different countries, including Thailand, Iceland, Costa Rica and more! Each Country provides you with different experiences - from visiting an elephant sanctuary in Thailand to whale watching in Iceland, there is so much they offer you.

{Khoa Sok - Thailand}

{Luang Prabang-Laos}

When I sat down with Stephanie I honestly was in awe of how awesome she is. To be able to pursue what she loves to do and to travel the world is amazing! So below I've compiled a short, but strong list of facts about We Must Dash and why you should contact them if you're looking to travel and have a fun, memorable experience.

• They can help find ways to accommodate your interests. If you are one a strict budget or can only take limited time off from work, they can create a vacation that works within your means.
• They make their packages fun and safe and also keep it flexible.
• Their trips are affordable and accessible, they are fun and not daunting.
• They have trips for everyone.

At the end of my conversation with Stephanie, I asked what is one thing she would like her travelers to get out of their experience and she said its to push beyond your comfort zone, that one little step can change your life. All you have to do is get through that one moment and you literally can do anything. Its empowering and you have great stories to tell.

{We Must Dash in Vietnam}

{We Must Dash in Bangkok}

If you are looking to take a unique trip, take that trip with We Must Dash. Stephanie and Brandon are full of so, so much knowledge in this field they won't steer you in the wrong direction. You can find out more information on all of their trips and itineraries at WeMustDash.com

-B

{Photos in this blog post are all courtesy of We Must Dash}

TO Light Fest

{evergreen brick works}

Lacey and I took an adventure up to Toronto this past weekend to check out the Toronto Light Festival and Evergreen Brick Works. Leaving in the middle of the day we didn't hit any traffic at the Peace Bridge nor on the QEW {surprisingly}. Are first stop was at Evergreen Brick Works just because of timing purposes. A neat urban area where they took old abandoned industrial buildings and use the space as a community gathering space. Hosting a farmers market, public art pieces and small kiosks for food and recreational activities, its definitely a place that helped inspire me for work ideas. If you ever have a chance to visit I highly recommend it.

{toddler garden}

The next stop on the trip was to the Distillery District in downtown, Toronto. Having been there for the Toronto Christmas Market, I stumbled upon the Toronto Light Festival on Facebook. A fun way to lift your spirits if you have a case of the winter blues. The public art installations are showcased throughout the district for people to take pictures in front of, to gaze at and to just be amazed.

{neon door a + in my books}

{rings of light}

It is a pretty cool festival that runs through March 12th. What is even better is outside of the gas and parking fees, the light festival is free. If you combine dinner and drinks or other activities to your trip it can add up, but it was a nice way to spend a Saturday with our neighbors up North and with one of my favorite people.

{my thinking pose}

{my Angel pose}

After the fact, I found out one of the installations at the Toronto Light Festival was also featured in Biz Bash {one of my favorite event resource websites} as a best idea of the week.

Until next time..

-B 

Photos in this post are Just a Blonde in Buffalo's

Safari Niagara

A couple weeks ago {Labor Day weekend to be exact} my Mom, niece, nephew and I went up to Stevensville Ontario and spent the day at Safari Niagara {a nature park with animals, a splash pad and playground}. We went over the Peace Bridge which to my surprise wasn't a long wait whatsoever despite being a Holiday weekend, it was a 30 minute trip from Buffalo to Ontario!

{art sculptures thru the park}

{a cool bird exhibit that takes you up close}

We spent the day looking at the cool art sculptures, watching the animals {lions, giraffes, hippos and more!}, paddle boating and playing in the splash pad and playground. Its a little pricey for admission, but you can bring in your own food and non-alcoholic beverages in, which makes up for buying at their food stands. Overall its a cool place to spend the day, especially if you have children.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{play area}

{flamingos}

A day trip in the "585"

{Cobbs Hill Park - the view of Rochester was pretty cool}

While in Rochester the other day for Bills Training Camp, Kelsey and I decided to make a day of it and since she went to school there she showed me some of the hot spots in the "585." It was a fun day and it makes me like Rochester a lot more now! Below are pictures from the stops we made. A big thank you goes out to K.Sweet for being my tour guide!!

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{First Stop before training camp - Village Bakery & Café - OMG so good and the décor so cute!!}

{views of the beautiful Canal}

{yummy Mexican from La Casa and Margarita's!!}

{the original Wegman's store is the best store ever! Seriously!!}

{A visit to Nazareth College - this is inside the Library - The Rare Book Room - pretty cool! the campus as a whole is a beauty}

{Third last stop of the day was at this delicious Dairy - the cookies and coffee ice cream in a waffle cone - the bomb!}

{Second last stop was at LL Bean - I have never been in one before and I fell in love - I found 10 things off the bat that I wanted to buy. I either need to find a rich man or win the lottery}

Friday Finds!

Celebrating the first full day of Summer with Make Music Day at Wilkeson Pointe!

A good crowd came out for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's Annual Report meeting at Larkinville on Wednesday morning. Larkinville is one of the prettiest places to be in the summer

A behind the scenes tour of the Curtis Hotel was quite fun! The beautiful walls from the original building are stunning. This place is going to be a pretty cool place to go in the Fall

Rooftop views in downtown Buffalo got me smiling from ear to ear

I love this!

Fun at Buffalo's Outer Harbor - Architects of Air

Its Memorial Day weekend and with everyone thinking of their plans - BBQ's, yard work, etc. one fun thing to do is spend a few hours or the whole day at the Outer Harbor. It' opening weekend and there is much to do! Grab a bite to eat and drink at the Consumer Beverages "The Pointe" beer garden, rent kayaks from the Longboard Paddle Co. Water rentals aren't your thing? grab a bike from are bike rental stand and hit up the beautiful trails along the water.

Or stop by the Architects of Air - a luminarium that uses sunlight to create beautiful colors inside an inflatable exhibit. This traveling art piece has come from Nottingham, England and travels the world. It will be at Wilkeson Pointe thru Monday so if you have a morning, afternoon or evening free come check out all the new and exciting things taking place at the Outer Harbor!

-B

See a couple of my photos inside the luminarium below:

From the 716 to the 585

Continuing with my trip to Rochester a couple weekends ago, after paying a  visit to Black Button Distilling, we drove past the Public Market that had ended and then grabbed some food at La Casa a delicious Mexican restaurant {I highly recommend going there!} and then we met up with some of Arica's co-workers at Swiftwater Brewing. If I had to compare it to a brewery in Buffalo I would say it reminded me of Big Ditch with their big garage style doors and open feeling. That was a pretty cool place and I would definitely go back again.

{La Casa}

Its funny how Rochester is so close, but when I was there I felt like I was on a mini road trip.

Until next time..

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Swiftwater Brewing}

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}

Cuba, NY

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Country living... I am finding myself enjoying my time more and more with nature {that sounds weird}, but its true. Over Labor Day weekend I went out to my family's cabin in Cuba, NY - a cute little town with awesome cheese at Cuba Cheese Shoppe and home of the Garlic Festival {that's taking place next weekend 9/19 and 9/20}. Are cabin is right past town, you can't really get reception so the use of cell phones is very, very limited, making you actually enjoy peace and quiet. Maybe its because I don't get to go out there as much as I'd like, but every time I'm out in the country I wish I had more time to spend out there. Its the simple things, like fresh air, roosters waking you up in the morning and some good company that make me enjoy it the most. Below are some of my pictures from the weekend.

{Corn fields}

{In town - Cuba NY}

{Coffee Shop}

{Classic photo - drinks and good conversation around the fire}

A Quick Trip to NYC

{Lacey never disappoints}

New York City is one of my favorite cities to visit and probably one of the only places I would consider moving to if the right opportunity came along, so a couple weeks ago when I left the good ol' City of Good Neighbors to visit one of my best friends for a few days I was looking forward to becoming a pro on the subway and the hustle and bustle of the NYC streets.

Since starting this blog I have become a big small business, local supporter so when I travel to different places I find myself gravitating to see where the locals go - where they eat and drink, where they shop, what fun activities they do. I spent my time wandering around Queens and Brooklyn on Friday people watching and wondering what their story was before getting ready for our adventure through Central Park on Saturday.

It still amazes me how you are in the middle of this extremely lively city and you walk into Central Park and there is a sense of calm that takes over. Paddle boats were on the agenda for that day along with checking out High Line Park and Chelsea Market both places I haven't been before.

{Central Park & Brooklyn Bridge adventures with a Cucumber Mojito and a Manhattan}

While this post has absolutely nothing to do with Buffalo, it does pertain to why I started this blog. In my opinion you can't appreciate what you have in your life until you take a step back. Traveling for me is a time when I can not only forget about all the stressful things going on in my life, but it also gives me a chance to meet new people, see new places and appreciate where I come from. Even though it was a short trip I came back to home with a clear head and a grateful heart..

Until the next time..

-B

{One of the best friendships I could ever ask for is with this gal here}

{A beautiful sunset from Far Rockaway}

{A classic beer and hot dog next to the Brooklyn Bridge - NYC has nothing on Sahlen's hot dogs though}

{Highline Park}

A Trip to Chi-Town

Sometimes you just need a change of scenery and need to get out of town for a couple days. This past weekend I hit up Chicago to visit my best friend. And while "Chi-Town" isn't Buffalo, it was a fun trip and it was nice to hit up the local spots and stop by some of the tourist spots too. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend. -B

 {One of my top 3 favorite buildings in Chicago - The Chicago Tribune Building}

{The beginning of Route 66}

{A local shot - "Jepsen Malort" - if you're ever in town order it and let me know what you think...}

{The Bean}

{Buffalo from above}

Let's Take Off

One of my favorite things to do is travel. There is so much more in this world than the walls we grow up around. While I love Buffalo, I love seeing new sights, history and culture. So its know wonder one of my favorite places in town is the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. As much as I love getting away, I love coming home and hearing the Goo Goo Dolls playing on the speakers as you walk through the airport. It may not be the biggest airport or one of the best, but I think its fits in just right the way it is. -B

A Natural Wonder of the World

Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, its only about a 30 minute drive for me and I take it for granted. I think growing up so close to it, I just think of it as another place to go to walk around, but forget how important it is to many people around the world. It is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year.

-B

A LOT of BuffaLOVE in NYC

This past weekend I set sail and headed up the 90 to Albany to visit my friend Shanna. On Saturday we took the train from Poughkeepsie and headed to the big Apple to visit our friend Lacey. Let's just say the 3 of us combined = A LOT of BUFFALOVE!! Are trip consisted of not shopping, but instead, enjoying each others company, our friendship and having some beers and seeing the Holiday sights and sounds.

We landed in Grand Central Station and our first stop was the Buffalo Bills Bar, McFaddens. After that we went on the subway and headed to Brooklyn to have some beers at Brooklyn Brewery {what an awesome place!}. We played Uno, had some laughs and then headed to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas Tree! Something I've never done before. It was crazy how many {more!} people were there, but it was so pretty! Afterwards we walked around Times Square, stopped at Mercury Bar to have dinner and then headed back to Grand Central to end our day.

It was a nice day trip in the city, with some of the bestest friends I have. I can't wait until the next time!

-B  

{Lacey and I at Brooklyn Brewery}

{Shanna and I hanging out at the brewery!}

{Subway}

{Model and Pep}

{Just a blonde in Buffalo in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree}

"The Happiest Place on Earth"

{ My Alex and Ani collection of bracelets and Disney Magic Band in front of Epcot }

Walt Disney created Disney World on a dream and imagination and what an imagination he had! It has been a few years since I was on vacation for longer than a "long weekend." About a week ago me and a few friends decided back in April that we wanted to go to the happiest place on earth, Disney World. While this post really doesn't have a lot to do with Buffalo, it does have a lot to do with how my blog was started. I love to travel, love it! But I always loved coming home because even though I've seen amazing sights and had great experiences there is no place like Buffalo, my hometown.

It has been over 10 years since I was at Disney World and while some things have stayed the same, it was different. Going to Disney as an adult you have a different perception than children. It amazes me to see people from all over the world come together and feel like a kid, even if it was just for a few minutes. Walking through the parks I often thought where were people from and was there a special occasion as to why they were there, what was their story!

My vacation was a magical one. It brought out the "kid" in me, made me appreciate the life I have even more and the opportunities that I've been given. Seeing other Western New York Natives and Buffalo Bills fans at the parks made it feel like a little piece of home was in Florida too.

For those who only think Buffalo is known for the cold weather and for those who think there hometown doesn't offer anything, think again. Take time to travel to other places, see different cultures and see where Buffalo falls into your life. While Disney World is one of the happiest places on earth and while part of me wanted to stay there, coming home to Buffalo is the happiest of all places for me.

-B

Below are just a handful of pictures I took while on vacation.