Independent Associates-Acct

Transport yourself back in time to an area where classic homes and perfectly planted gardens were the order of the day. The Parkside Garden Tour is a self-guided tour of the impressive Parkside neighborhood that features over 50 gorgeous gardens. Parkside is an area of Buffalo that was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and has the distinction of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the stunning gardens, you'll also get to view various 19th century homes along the tour route.

There's nothing like an excellent cigar after a good meal, or anytime really. In Buffalo, the place to find exotic cigars and cigar accessories is a great little store called the Tinder Box. This is no ordinary cigar shop, as the staff knows that choosing the perfect cigar should be just as relaxing as enjoying one. That's why there are several large, leather chairs in the store, as well as a large television and coffee and soft drinks available, too. The Tinder Box offers the largest selection of cigars outside of Manhattan, and you'll also find a great selection of humidors, cutters, and lighters here as well.

With hectic schedules and various other distractions, it is often difficult for couples to make time to just talk and enjoy each other's company. If that sounds like a familiar scenario for you and your partner, then take a little time for a romantic date of a different sort by visiting the Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center. Stroll hand in hand from gallery to gallery as you take in the best in cutting-edge visual arts, contemporary music or innovative performance art. And maybe after absorbing it all, the two of you can find a bench in the corner and share some intimate conversation among these memorable expressions of art.

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.