Ivy Lea Construction

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.

Every summer, thousands of hungry guests wait for the doors to open to the Taste of Buffalo. This annual event held in mid-July allows various vendors, restaurants, caterers and other food-related businesses to show off their wares in the forms of free samples, cooking demonstrations, and other types of exhibits. Over 50 restaurants, 7 wineries and many others gather for what is the largest two-day food festival in the United States. Last year's attendance topped a staggering 450,000 guests, so get your fork and napkin and get set for a delicious Taste of Buffalo.

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.

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!