If you don't mind the potential for blustery winter weather, freezing temperatures and feet of accumulated snow, Buffalo, New York, is a great place to visit.
The city made the New York Times' list of top places to visit in 2018. Buffalo has bounced back from a declining population and decades of struggling sports teams, not to mention its harsh winters, and part of Buffalo's comeback is tied to how it has repurposed historic buildings and long-forgotten grain silos.
Last year, three new brewpubs and two luxury hotels opened up in previously vacant landmark buildings and industrial spaces, the Times reports. Even if the winter temperatures keep you indoors, there's plenty to eat, drink and do to keep you content in Buffalo.
It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from Boston to Buffalo in the next few months, and the prices aren't too shabby.
So if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some deals to put on your to-do list.
(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.)
Flight deals to Buffalo
The cheapest flights between Boston and Buffalo are if you leave on February 7 and return from New York on February 11. JetBlue currently has roundtrip tickets for $97.
There are also deals to be had later in February. If you fly out of Boston on February 28 and return from Buffalo on March 3, jetBlue can get you there and back for $109 roundtrip.
Featured Buffalo food and drink
Buffalo has plenty of top-notch dining options. Here are a couple of the most popular, according to Skyscanner.
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (76 Pearl St.)
One of Buffalo's most popular restaurants is Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, which has an average of 4.8 stars out of eight reviews on Skyscanner.
"Great beers and really great atmosphere," wrote visitor Laura. "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."
Duff's Famous Wings in Orchard Park (3090 Orchard Park Drive)
Another popular dining destination is Duff's Famous Wings in Orchard Park, with 4.6 stars from five reviews.
"Great wings local to Buffalo," wrote reviewer Theresa. "Nowhere outside of Buffalo has the same great food and chicken wings."
Top Buffalo attractions
Not sure what to do in Buffalo, besides eat and drink? Here are a few recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.
The Albright-Knox Art Gallery (1285 Elmwood Ave.)
First up is The Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
Opened in 1905, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo offers you an excellent collection of modern and contemporary art to peruse. The permanent collection of the gallery includes masterpieces by famed artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Pablo Picasso.
Shea's Performing Arts Center (646 Main St.)
Shea's Performing Arts Center is another popular destination.
"This grand Rococo theater opened in 1926 and was originally called Shea's Buffalo," wrote visitor Dan. "It was designed by the renowned Chicago architectural firm of Rapp and Rapp, with an interior by Tiffany."
The Buffalo City Hall (65 Niagara Square)
Finally, stop by Buffalo City Hall.
A massive example of Art Deco style completed in 1931, Buffalo City Hall 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.
