Andrew Drilling

Old Fort Niagara offers you the unique opportunity to connect nature to history. The fort and historic attraction is situated at the head of the Niagara River, and you can enjoy the river's inviting natural beauty as you learn about the fort's tri-cultural history. Originally held by the French in 1678, the fort ended up being a major strategic point for both the British and Americans. As you walk through the grounds, see several vintage structures, the oldest of which dates back to 1726. If you visit during the summer, there are various special events that are on the schedule, with a musket firing demonstration being one of the most popular.

Niagara Gorge Discovery Center captures the essence and impressively tells the story of the Niagara Gorge. The fact that the area's history dates back 453 million years is staggering, but the museum does a highly impressive job of communicating this sweeping span of history in a fun and entertaining way. There are several interesting exhibits as well as larger-than-life presentations that can be viewed in an impressive multi-screen theater.

Browsing through a book store is always an adventure. But that adventurous experience is brought to a higher level when you visit Talking Leaves Books. You'll find everything from paperbacks to vintage versions of your favorite titles, not to mention a generous selection of first editions and lots more. Plus, don't miss the expansive area that features magazines and other reading items. There is also an open, comfortable lounge area for thumbing through your latest find, or you can just sit back for a while and do some people watching.

Of the several classic structures found in Buffalo, one of the most essential is the Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House Complex. Wright, the legendary architect, designed this truly unconventional home that features long banded windows, pitched roofs, and a glass roof conservatory. Fans of classic architecture or just casual observers will want to see this attraction from the inside as well, and to do so you must make a reservation, but it is definitely worth the time.