Aside from the long days and great weather, one of the nicest things about summer is discovering new destinations. One that may not be on your radar but is certainly worth a look is Buffalo, New York. Just back from a recent visit, I was surprised to find that it’s one of the most fabulous cities I’ve been to in a long time.

Largely ignored by travelers while the city was experiencing an economic downturn a few years ago, Buffalo has bounced back with a vengeance. It offers visitors world-class architecture and art, an exciting craft brew industry, a lovely bustling waterfront and a restaurant scene that would make any foodie salivate. And did I mention that folks are fabulously friendly in this affordable metropolis? Here’s some of the best of what Buffalo has to offer.

What To See and Do

Frank Lloyd Wright: Few people may realize that Buffalo is home to some of the iconic architect’s greatest works. The Martin House Complex is an astonishing, recently restored masterpiece of six interconnected buildings that dazzles with its unique design and sweeping Graycliff Estate sits atop a cliff overlooking Lake Erie.

Museums and Architectural Tours: Art lovers won’t want to miss the Albright–Knox, one of the world’s premiere museums where you can see the work of masters, such as Paul Gaughin and Vincent van Gogh. One of the best ways to get to know the city like a local and gain an appreciation for its stellar architecture is with a walking tour. Explore Buffalo offers several guided tours that take you through sites like the Guaranty Building by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler and the splendid Art Deco City Hall. For something really unique try the grain elevator kayak tour.

Colored Musicians Club: One of the city’s most unique and captivating offerings is the Colored Musicians Club, which is the only jazz club/former musicians of color union remaining in the country. Kick off the evening with a tour of the melodious and educational jazz museum downstairs then head upstairs to enjoy free jazz from locals and visiting artists.

Eat And Drink

The Dapper Goose: If your idea of Sunday Funday involves brunch (and how could it not?) then the Dapper Goose is not to be missed. The warm atmosphere invites lingering and regular patrons are greeted with a resounding cheer by staff. It’s the food though, that really deserves a round of applause. The Challah French toast is delicious and the veal sausage melts in your mouth. Don’t leave without trying the Broken Garden Tools cocktail, which somehow manages to make gin and celery a beautiful combo.

Five Points Bakery: What could possibly be exciting about toast? That’s what I thought until I bit into apple cider bread with triple cream brie. Mmmmmm! This wildly successful bakery, which focuses on local ingredients and creating minimal waste, has helped revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. But really, it’s about the toast. Seriously. Trust me: try the toast.

Buffalo Proper: Even if you’re not hungry, you have to pop in at the very least to wet your whistle at the astonishingly eye-catching bar that plays host to a bevy of carefully curated cocktails. Better yet, go when you are hungry to enjoy deliciously juicy steaks and burgers.

Seabar: This cute spot offers a modern take on seafood but the real star of the show is the sushi. The Beef on Weck Sushi Roll is a play on Buffalo’s most well-known sandwich. Featuring beef carpaccio, rice, caraway seeds and horseradish mayo, it delivers a superlative punch of flavor with a touch of whimsy.

Ru’s Pierogi: What Five Points Bakery has done for toast, Ru’s has does for pierogis. Handmade pockets of deliciousness are stuffed with an amazing array of inviting flavors. Try the Beef on Weck pierogis for a creative twist on a classic or take some frozen to go—after all, what home isn’t made better with some delectable pierogis just a quick defrost away?

Craft Beer: Craft beer aficionados won’t be disappointed with the ever-growing selection of microbrews that are making an appearance in the city. Resurgence is one of the highlights with a wonderful sunken beer garden in an atmospheric restored industrial building. The sponge candy stout with a side of real sponge candy is a thing of beauty.

Where to Stay

Rarely have I felt so welcomed as at The Mansion on Delaware. This luxurious restored mansion is not only centrally located but features solicitous service and lovely touches like a billiards room. Additional perks include chauffer service and a complimentary cocktail hour. It’s the kind of place that entices you to sit with a coffee and enjoy the ambiance in-between exploring the city.

Hotel Henry is generating a lot of buzz. Located in a restored National Historic Landmark, the bespoke accommodation is one of Buffalo’s most exiting developments and one that truly captures the city’s regenerative energy. Nestled on the 42-acre grounds of a former sanitarium, the 88-room hotel reflects an astonishing attention to detail and a dedication to fusing the old with the new in myriad clever ways.

If you have a Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express you might want to consider using your Starpoints to spend a few nights at one of Buffalo’s newest and most talked about accommodations, the Westin Buffalo. This modern hotel is situated in the heart of the city and features a large fitness center and a tasty restaurant that has a wood-fired grill.

Related: Step-by-Step Guide: How to Redeem Starpoints for Free Nights

Will you be visiting Buffalo soon? Tell us where you plan to go in the comments’ section.

Sandra MacGregor

All Articles Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. She is also a former magazine editor and an internationally-published writer, whose work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times,...

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