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}

The Reason for the Season

{On the pediatric floor at Roswell Park, I snapped this photo last week when we dropped off gift cards and toys from the Buffalo Bisons yoga toy drive event} 

To say I am not really in the Holiday spirit this year is not a lie. I am usually one who loves this time of year and really gets into it, but this year, not so much. To lift my spirits  I decided to do some more good, so I adopted a family. My cousin Nathan who has recently passed from brain cancer was very involved in the Punt Foundation. I decided to reach out to the organization and get more details.

After discussing my budget with them, they found me a family that I thought was a perfect fit. After I received the family's wish list I made the trek out to the stores to get what I needed. Last week I dropped the presents off at the Punt Foundation and after I did I sat in my car and cried. The tears were both happy and sad. Happy tears because it felt really good to be a part of a small task that was helping someone else - complete strangers that I never met and sad tears because it reminded me a lot of my cousin, who is no longer here, but was with me during this experience.

{The Stitch Buffalove Heart Project - 80% of the proceeds go back to a refugee woman living in Buffalo,I got my heart at Elm Street Bakery in East Aurora} 

At the end of the day I would rather help those in need, the gift I receive from helping others is far more greater than any materialistic gift. During a time when people lose sight of the really meaning of this season, its best to take a step back and really think about what is important.

-B  

Coffee Talk at Underground Coffee House and Roastery

{can't get enough of this tile floor}

{good coffee and good conversation}

My new thing is coffee houses and coffee shops. I love going to local cafes and checking out their product. I'm no coffee expert, far from it actually, but its "my thing" right now. Catching up with friends, meeting with colleagues, that's what I do. So Tuesday morning my co-worker and friend Ben and I checked out Undergrounds Coffee House and Roastery in the Old First Ward. Located at 580 South Park Ave. this coffee house is so close to my work and offers more than just coffee, but good eats for breakfast and lunch and tea too! Its very spacious inside and so family friendly, which is great for those who have little ones that like to run around. There was Yahtzee and other games to play with and even a craft bin where you could make your own ornaments. If you're a coffee connoisseur or just want to try a new "cup of joe", make a trip to Undergrounds Coffee House!

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{ornament making}

{merch for sale}

Holiday Pop Up Shops

{Gridlock Lacquer photo}

There are a few holiday pop up shops that are making there way back to the Queen City over the next few weeks. A majority of the ones listed below, this will be my first time attending so I'm looking forward to comparing them and sharing what I like best from each one after the fact.

One thing I like about pop up shops is the fact that you get a variety of local business owners under one roof, so you don't have to drive store to store for different items you may be looking for. The other reason I like these shops is you can meet local owners who may not have a store front and only sell there stuff online. That instant gratification you get from having your purchase in your hands right away is always nice.

What are some pop up shops you enjoy going to this time of year? I'm sure there a ton more that aren't listed!

-B 

Queen City Pop Up Shop - Open now thru December 31st - Mondays -Fridays 10 am-6 pm, Saturdays Noon to 4 pm {Note- closed on Sundays}

CIty Sidewalks - Opens December 3rd and runs thru December 23rd - 464 Amherst Street {Note - closed on Mondays and Tuesdays}

Holiday Pop Up Shop at Resurgence Brewing Co. - December 4th 1-5 pm at Resurgence

A City of Buffalo Artists Market - December 7th, 4:30-9 pm at the Ellicott Square Building

Elm Street Holiday Market - December 17th - 5-9 pm at 17 Elm Street in East Aurora {MuseJar location}

Shop Local

{Picture -MuseJar November 2015 Just a Blonde in Buffalo blog post}

As we enter the Holiday time, its one of my favorite times to shop local. While I am a big fan of shopping local during the year, I especially like this time of year - seeing the storefronts decorated differently and all the people out on the streets walking from shop to shop. I also love all the pop up shop collaborations that take place this time of year. Having a variety of businesses all under one place makes it convenient, especially as we get closer to Christmas. There are a variety that take place in the upcoming weeks and I'll be sure to feature them on my blog in the next week.

Today however is Small Business Saturday, a perfect day to hit up local businesses and see what they have to offer. Not only are there local stores on Elmwood, Hertel, Main St. in East Aurora and Williamsville, but there are also local businesses with online shops. I find Etsy.com is a great place to look if you are one who prefers to stay indoors. Whatever it is, happy shopping and supporting local businesses in your community!

-B  

Five Stars for Five Points Bakery

{Outside Five Points Bakery}

A couple weeks ago I met with one of my favorite business owners {Amy from Linwood Candles} it was a nice morning catching up, meeting her newest addition to the family, baby Violet and checking out a new spot I have not been to yet; Five Points Bakery.

Located in Buffalo's lower west side, it is a hidden gem. The toast is to die for, the set-up and vibe is friendly, positive and represents Buffalo very well. When I first arrived the line was out the door and sitting was very limited, but after a few minutes we were able to find a table and enjoy catching up.

{Cinnamon Raisin toast with peanut butter and sliced apples and a cup of Chai Tea}

If you are looking for a place to check out for breakfast, coffee, tea or toast Five Points is a place to go.

Until next time..

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

North Tonawanda Farmers Market

About 3 weeks ago in my search to check out more farmers markets in the area, I stopped by the North Tonawanda market on a rainy Saturday morning. I heard through some of my contacts that this was a good market to visit and they were right! Probably one of the biggest I've been too in the area offering a lot of options from different farmers and vendors, I was quite pleased with my drive out there.

Purchasing all of these veggies plus a mum for exactly $20 makes me need to go to farmers markets way more than the grocery store. Not only does it save a single gal living on her own with a tight budget some money, but it also is supporting the local farmers which is something I love doing.

If you haven't been to this market check them out on Tuesdays, Thursday or Saturdays from 7-1pm.

-B 

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}

The Roaming Table

Last week a few friends and myself took a culinary tour of Lewiston with The Roaming Table. Led by Chris and Alicia, the tour was full of food and beer tastings and history of Lewiston. What I liked even more were some of the fun facts that Alicia threw in because she grew up in the area.

{The tour group!}

We made six stops on the tour, starting at the Silo and trying the ever so popular "Haystack." From there we went to Water St. Landing and enjoyed some smoked gouda mac n' cheese and the Bavarian burger. We "washed" that down with a sample of the 42 North pilsner. After Water St. Landing we walked up Main St. all while learning about the history of Lewiston.

{First stop The Silo}

{D'Avolio's}

While on Main St. we also stopped at D'Avolio Olive Oils, Vinegars & More, Orange Cat Coffee Company {one of my favorite spots on the tour}, The Brickyard Pub & BBQ and The Village Bake Shoppe. In between a couple stops we veered off Main St and walked through neighborhoods to see Lewiston outside of the main strip.

{History was a part of the tour}

Throughout the tour Chris and Alicia asked us what festivals we like to go to, told us about themselves and answered any questions we had. When I asked them what their favorite part of the business was they each had a different response. Alicia mentioned its a unique experience and its something new, it challenges yourself. Chris responded saying he loves meeting new people, he always wanted to open his own restaurant and this is the next best thing. Both work full time jobs outside of hosting tours thru the Roaming Table and I give them lots of props for doing both, they are great hosts!

I had never been on a culinary tour before so I didn't know what to expect, but after the tour I will say I would definitely go back and do it again. The amount of food and drink your receive along with the history and learning of all the things taking place in town is highly worth it. For a list of tour times and availability go here. A big thank you goes out to Alicia and Chris for inviting me out to spend a fun afternoon with them!

Cheers!

-B

{Photos - Just a Blonde in Buffalo}

{One of my favorite spots on the tour!  Orange Cat Coffee Co.}

{Alicia and Chris took us through the neighborhood}

Friday Finds!

{Last week at Providence Social I found these shopping carts used as a garden, I love the creativity on their patio!}

{Shooting some boats races for an upcoming boat and car show at the Outer Harbor, this picture gives a beautiful shot of Downtown Buffalo in the background.}

{Last week was my first time shopping inside Half & Half Boutique and I must say I love the store! The mix of clothing and home décor is perfect!}

{Co-worker love at a wedding last week at Flying Bison Brewery. Happy Canada Day, Kayla!}

{The Roaming Table offers an AWESOME food tour of Lewiston, one of the stops was at Orange Cat Coffee and I found this guy inside. Orange Cat is probably my new favorite coffee shop in town, I only wish it was a little closer. See my write up on The Roaming Table in the next couple of days!}

"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}

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:

Enjoying the New, Old First Ward Tavern

It was 1934 when Adolf's Old First Ward Tavern opened. Since then a lot of changes have taken place specifically over the last 2 years. Mike Burns and his team have renovated the bar and the new patio is open with live music on Saturday nights. Now they are working on a food menu option so customers can enjoy some high quality basic food {like a Guinness Sandwich} when they are at the bar. Born in South Buffalo, Mike is working with local groups in the neighborhood so everyone can work together.

The Old First Ward Tavern offers 45 different bottles of beer and they have expanded their liquor selection based on customer demand. Mike loves the small business and running a business the best that he can - at the end of the day he just likes when people have a good time and wants his customers to have fun.

Having never been to the Old First Ward Tavern, in my opinion Mike has done something great. The live music that was going on when I was there was great. The bar is beautiful and spotless and the beer is ice cold! Make sure to put them on your list of places to go for a drink for Memorial Day weekend or this summer.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

A little taste of the South

Last week my friend Nicole and I were finally able to get together for what we try to be a monthly wine/let's catch up night. After a long hiatus, we met up at Toutant, a southern restaurant with grass roots cuisine right on Ellicott St. What I thought was a small place, surprised me with their upstairs seating with a balcony that overlooks the downstairs entrance and bar.

Our waitress was great, offering her favorite dishes, filling our wine glass when she passed by and explaining some items we didn't know about. If you haven't been or if you're looking for some really good southern food definitely check Toutant out.

What we ate and I recommend: Fried Chicken and the Shrimp & Grits. Appetizer: the Hush Puppies.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{A surprise dessert - delicious!}

Comics, Coffee & Bubble Tea at Pulp 716

{Jay & Anthony from Pulp 716}

If you're looking for a place to go to have fun and just enjoy positivity then Pulp 716 in Lockport is the place to go. A comic book store with amenities such as Bubble Tea, Historically Accurate Coffee, Treats and Games for customers to play, the staff is super friendly and personable - you won't have a bad experience when you pay a visit.

I was lucky to sit down with Jay who is one of the owners. Immediately after we met he introduced me to the world of Bubble Tea {I was familiar with Bubble Tea from a trip to Rhode Island years ago, but never had it, so this was fun!}. He broke down the variety of flavors they offer {no more than 7 at a time and they rotate them in and out to keep it fresh}. After going over everything with me I had decided on the Peachy Leachy, its was delicious! And a little fact Pulp 716 is the only place in Niagara County to serve Bubble Tea!

After grabbing a drink we sat down and discussed why him and Amy {co-owner} opened the store. After discussions were made between them to move forward with a business, everything fell into place in a short period of time.  In June of this year they will be celebrating their 1 year anniversary. When talking with him I asked what he loves best about being a business owner and he said "I love seeing my own ideas in motion."

Shortly after are discussion began I asked him what his favorite comic book was and he showed me Wolverine.. the female series. He then brought in Anthony the store manager. I don't think I ever laughed so much during an interview before. Having a conversation with Jay and Anthony was very relaxed. They both are really easy going and seriously make everyone who walks into the store feel welcome.

Every Wednesday they have new comics that come in and the have subscription customers {so if you are a comic book fan and want to sign up, click here to find out more info}. Pulp 716 offers a huge variety and they touch base on every single thing.

Pulp 716 is not your ordinary comic book store,  focusing on comics first they offer extra amenities to make it feel special. Outside of Bubble Tea they offer Historically Accurate Coffee from the following years 1830, 1927, 1964, 1977, making Pulp 716 the only place in America to have coffee that tastes like the actual year it was made. Its really quite impressive if you ask me, and if you're a coffee lover you should make the trip out to Lockport for this.

When talking with Jay he mentioned there 3 year plan: year one; have fun, year two; grow internet sales, year three: expansion. So if you're not in the area and want to purchase comic books, make sure to keep an eye out for purchasing online.

Just some other fun things to know about Pulp 716: its a reader store more than a collectors store. they have 70 titles a week, each staff member is asked to read at least one comic a day and try one new drink too. Pulp 716 is a destination more than a store and they want you to leave with a smile. And on May 7th its FREE Comic Book Day, pay a visit to Pulp 716 as they are giving away comic books.

So if you're looking for a new place to check out, a place for good company and great service, check out Pulp 716.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

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}

65 Niagara Square - Buffalo, NY

A few weeks back I took a {Free, donation based} tour of City Hall on my lunch break. It was hosted by Preservation Buffalo Niagara  and it was one of the best tours I have taken. Not only did I learn about the inside and outside of the historic building, but I also learned about the history of Buffalo, the surrounding buildings and the group got to stop in the Mayor's Office, Council Chambers and Observation Deck. Below are some pictures I took while on the tour. If you ever have the opportunity to take this tour I highly suggest you do. For a list of dates in the month of April click here.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Council Chambers ceiling}

An East Side Treasure

{R&L Lounge}

Imagine going into a place where the owners of the business stopped what they were doing and got to know their guests. Ron and Lottie from  R & L Lounge did just that. Growing up on Fillmore and attending St. Stanislaus, the east side is a neighborhood close to my heart and to see and remember how the neighborhood was when I was little and to see it now gets me a little sad. But then to meet Ron and Lottie who have an old fashioned conversation with you when you walk into their bar, they tell you stories, listen to yours and make you feel so welcome, it makes me feel better.

{Ron sharing stories with my Dad}

This past Saturday my Dad, Mom and friends of the family joined me as we visited this East Side Treasure, we drank Tyskie, tasted homemade Krupnik and had a lot of laughs while listening to polka music. For that afternoon it felt good to not be connected to the world on my phone, through social media, but rather hear of the stories from years ago and reminisce on when I was a kid. If you're looking for a good ol' fashion conversation, delicious and homemade pierogi, golumpki, or fish fry's R& L Lounge is a place to visit.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Hitched 716

Yesterday I was invited to the Reeds Jenss press conference to announce an exciting contest for newly engaged couples and couples thinking of getting engaged here in Western New York. Win the wedding of you dreams by entering Hitched 716 ! Reeds Jenss along with their local partners, Oliver's Catering, Maureen's Flowers, Muscoreil's Fine Desserts, Buffalo Limousine, Blue Spa, The Mansion on Delaware, Christopher Scinta Photography and travel from the Travel Team are all teaming up to give one lucky couple the wedding of a lifetime!  Click here for a complete list of contest rules and eligibility.  The contest entry period began April 4 and runs through June 30, 2016. Winners will be picked on or around October 3, 2016. 10 finalists are voted on between August 15-31st. If you are newly engaged and just starting to plan your wedding this is a huge opportunity, we all know weddings can be very expensive and stressful and with the help of Reeds and their partners, it will surely be a fun, memorable experience!

Good luck!