Steve Simme

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.

Buffalo's National Buffalo Wing Festival is held every September at Coca-Cola Field. Once you're in, you can not only tour the stadium but also treat your taste buds to some of the most delectable buffalo wings you've ever tasted! Wing lovers come from all over the country (and even the world) to celebrate the art of the buffalo wing. The event is held every Labor Day weekend and not only features the best wings in the world, but an equally staggering selection of beer and other delicious treats. Plus, there's great live music, events for the kids in the kids zone and even a nearby RV park for people who make the pilgrimage by way of the road. Lots of great fun, lots of incredible wings, and, to be sure, lots of napkins for everyone!

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!