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While many people see the Erie Canal from a distance, getting a closer look will reveal how this body of water works to further the area's economy. The canal is actually quite interesting, and you can learn more about it when you take the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruise. Your tour guide will be quite informative from start to finish, describing how Lockport is known for the area's water "locks" that run approximately 50 feet. When you cruise through the canal on this tour, you'll actually go through the "locks" and see for yourself how these locks are used to move traffic along the river and its uniquely elevated terrain. It's a great tour for the whole family.

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.

Cool music and even cooler brews await you and your friends at Nietzsche's. This is one of Buffalo's favorite nightlife destinations to check out new and upcoming musical talent, as live music is featured regularly. Also, the bar is equally famous for its plentiful pints of Guinness, Bass, Killian's Irish Red, or Rolling Rock. If your taste buds prefer, there is also an inviting selection of bottled brews from which to choose. So, it's safe to say that your beer mug will never be empty for long. And, appropriately, the dance floor is large enough to accommodate anyone and everyone who cares to move to the music.

For some of the finest musical performances you'll ever see and hear, you only have to go as far as Buffalo's Kleinhans Music Hall. Built in 1940, this iconic entertainment venue features incredible acoustics and a classic yet inviting atmosphere. The hall is also the home of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the site of various seasonal plays, operas and ballets. So if you are in the mood to broaden your cultural outlook and be pleasantly surprised at the variety of performances you can take in, the Kleinhans Music Hall is most definitely the place to discover it all.