Laura's Critter Care

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.

Discover Buffalo's natural beauty when you visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. You will be transported to a world where nature is the focal point in an 1890s tri-domed Victorian glass conservatory on the grounds of South Park. See some of the world's most exotic flowers and plants that are housed in over 13 greenhouses that are located on South Park's 150 beautiful acres. The staff members are knowledgeable and helpful, and the kids will enjoy seeing all the different types of plant life and flowers, too. In all, the garden offers an excellent day of family fun through its floral attractions.

Whether you want to take to the water in your own vessel or just jump right in, Buffalo offers two prime locations for your aquatic recreation endeavors. Buffalo has the geographic advantage of being located near two of the Great Lakes—Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Such close proximity offers excellent opportunities for watersports when the weather is warm. The kids will love swimming, and dad will equally enjoy taking the boat out for a fishing excursion a little further out from the shore.

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.