Nazareth Lutheran Church

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.

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!

The Buffalo Zoo offers a collection of various species of some of the world's most amazing animals, all presented in their natural habitats. As it is one of the country's oldest zoos, it's also one of the most extensive. Species from all over the globe are represented in the exhibits and attractions here, including pandas, polar bears, Indian rhinos and lots more. Also, don't miss the incredible collection of birds and reptiles as well as the excellent Children's Petting Zoo and the delicious snacks that await at the popular "Beastro."

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.