Buffalo, New York might seem like an unusual place to go for your long Labor Day weekend, but the city landed comfortably on the New York Times’ list of top destinations in 2018.
“Once disparaged for its declining population, harsh winters and failing sports teams, Buffalo is making a big comeback in large part by repurposing its historic buildings and long-dormant grain silos,” wrote the Time’s Dave Seminara.
The city boasts a burgeoning food scene, a growing list of brewpubs and, as of last year, two new luxury hotels. There’s also the new downtown children’s museum — a $27 million, 43,000-square-foot endeavor — to explore.
Fortunately, there are plenty of flights between Pittsburgh and Buffalo on travel site Skyscanner, giving you the opportunity to use your soon-to-be-here long weekend to explore one of America’s up and coming urban gems.
Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions to get you started.
(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)
Flights
The cheapest flights currently available are if you leave Pittsburgh on August 30 and return from Buffalo on September 5. JetBlue has roundtrip flights for $265.
Hotels
The Mansion on Delaware Avenue | Photo: Skyscanner
Adam's Mark Buffalo (120 Church St.)
Set in the heart of Buffalo, Adam’s Mark Buffalo is close to St. Josephs Cathedral and the Guaranty/Prudential Building, as well as Dunn Tire Park. Rooms are currently going for $88/night.
The Mansion on Delaware Avenue (414 Delaware Ave.)
Set On Buffalos Premier Street, the Mansion on Delaware straddles Downtown and the Entertainment District. It was built in 1867 and restored In 2001. Rooms are currently going for $156/night.
Embassy Suites Buffalo (200 Delaware Ave.)
The Embassy Suites Buffalo is located near Fountain Plaza and Buffalo City Hall. Rooms are currently listed for $110/night.
Restaurants
Chef's | Photo: Skyscanner
Pano's Restaurant (1081 Elmwood Ave.)
Pano’s Restaurant on Elmwood Avenue has been a Buffalo icon for over 30 years. This successful business has continued to evolve from its original concept to the dynamic restaurant it is today. The atmosphere is warm and thriving. Guests find their senses aroused and their every expectation met by the friendly staff and extraordinary meals. Pano's does not take reservations - dine in or take out only.
“Food is definitely trendy and delicious,” wrote J.C. T. on Skyscanner. “A staple in historic downtown Buffalo.”
“Great beers and really great atmosphere,” added Laura B. “They have live music most nights. The pizzas and wings are really good. They have their own beers as well as several from around upstate New York.”
“Check happy hours,” advised Eileen C.W. “They're often generous. The restaurant has pizzas, wings and the best buffalo chicken dip around.”
Attractions
City Hall | Photo: Skyscanner
Albright-Knox Art Gallery (1285 Elmwood Ave.)
Opened in 1905, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo offers you an excellent collection of modern and contemporary art to peruse. Founded in 1890 at the behest of wealthy philanthropist John J. Albright, the gallery partners with the Buffalo Academy of Fine Arts, which itself was founded in 1862. The permanent collection of the gallery includes masterpieces by famed artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Pablo Picasso. When the weather cooperates, you can walk the grounds of the gallery and see towering sculptures by artists such as Fletcher Benton, Antoni Milkowski and Lyman Kipp.
Buffalo City Hall (65 Niagara Sq.)
A massive example of Art Deco style completed in 1931, the Buffalo City Hall in Buffalo, New York, rises 32 stories, making it one of the tallest city government buildings in the United States. Throughout the building, both interior and exterior, you find artwork everywhere--murals and friezes depicting citizens of various occupations such as ironworkers, electricians and stevedores. Look up at the ceiling in the Common Council Chambers and see a huge stained glass sunburst. The city offers tours of the building, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
HSBC Arena (1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza)
The HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York — or the Marine Midland Arena — plays host to a wide variety of indoor sporting events, from hockey and lacrosse to indoor soccer and arena football. This 20,000-person capacity arena, built in 1996, operates as the home of the Sabres, the Bandits and the Blizzards. It also accommodates many prime musical acts, like Bruce Springsteen and Van Halen. If you are a sports fan and in the area, why not come to a game where the fans are loud and the energy runs high? Save your appetite and grab a burger beforehand at the Harbor Club 100 or the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, both located in the arena.
