Erin Townsend Photography

Nearly everyone is charmed and captivated when they see an old fashioned carousel. Buffalo's Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum offers visitors a chance to dig a little deeper into the history and construction of this time-honored attraction. The venue has the distinction of being the only one of its kind in America, and the whole family will love learning about how carrousels are made from start to finish. Various artifacts include a merry-go-round that dates back to 1916, vintage park rides, organs, and woodcarvings. And, instead of enjoying all of these tremendous works of art from a distance, you're highly encouraged to hop on and take a ride, which will add an even greater level of fun to your visit!

Buffalo City Hall is not only the hub of the town's government but it also represents an example of classic architecture both inside and out. The charming Art Deco design of the building has been a fixture on Buffalo's skyline for decades, and the building's interior charm balances the classic and the modern. A popular attraction for visitors is the 28th floor observation deck that offers stunning views of the city and Lake Erie, as well.

The Beaver Meadow Audubon Center was designed to offer Buffalo's many city-dwellers a great opportunity to get close to nature. This 324-acre wildlife sanctuary includes a forest, a field and wetland areas that are all just a short drive from downtown. In addition to the natural settings, the trail on site stretches for eight miles and the adjacent beach offers still yet another scene in which to absorb some natural beauty. Even during the winter, the center is still open as it offers more outdoor fun in the form of snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

At the Irish Classical Theatre Company, its original tradition of excellence is still very much alive. The theater was started by two brothers from Dublin who loved acting and received great crowd reaction to their early performances. The company performs at the Andrews Theatre, the area's only true theatre-in-the-round, a layout that assures that every seat offers a great view of the entertainment on stage. The performance schedule is always busy, so check the website and make plans to enjoy a stellar production from this much-lauded and multiple award-winning company.