Schaffer bonds

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.

The kids will love running around and enjoying the classic playground experience that awaits them at Beecher Playground. Among the many amenities that this Buffalo park offers are walking paths, picnic tables, a twisty slide, swings, and a set of monkey bars and a jungle gym. Getting the kids away from the video games and computer screens is easy when the alternative is this fun, "quality-family-time" attraction.

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.

Sometimes, planning a romantic evening together can be a bit of a challenge. But instead of opting for the usual movie or club, make plans to see some truly unforgettable drama as it unfolds on the stage of Kavinoky Theatre. This fully restored 1908 Victorian playhouse is the perfect place to revisit various classic plays, or maybe see the flowering of the talents of some up-and-coming actors. Either way, you and your sweetheart will not only enjoy what's happening on stage, but also the venue's regal ambiance and vintage feel are fitting backdrops for your special romantic date together.