Cincinnati/ Fun & Entertainment
Published on February 12, 2019
Travel watch: Cincinnati to Buffalo, and back againPhoto: iStock

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. It appeared on 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.

Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Cincinnati and Buffalo, at least according to travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, restaurants and local attractions in Buffalo to get you excited about your next excursion.

(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 Cincinnati and Buffalo are if you leave on March 9 and return from New York on March 13. United currently has roundtrip, nonstop tickets for $228.

There are also deals to be had in April. If you fly out of Cincinnati on April 21 and return from Buffalo on April 25, Delta can get you there and back for $246 roundtrip.

Local restaurant picks

Buffalo has plenty of top-notch dining options. Here are two of the most popular, according to Skyscanner.

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (76 Pearl St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite, head to 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. While we were in Buffalo, we found ourselves here most nights, even if only for one drink. The pizzas and wings are really good. They have their own beers as well as several from around upstate New York."

Duffs (3651 Sheridan Drive)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Also worth considering is Duffs.

"This place has one of the best Buffalo wings in the Buffalo area," wrote James. "They have more of the wet style which means a bit more of the sauce. They have multiple locations in Buffalo, but this is the main one which is close to the University of Buffalo-Amherst campus."

What to see and do in Buffalo

Buffalo is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are a couple of popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery (1285 Elmwood Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

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. Founded in 1890 at the behest of wealthy philanthropist John J. Albright, the permanent collection of the gallery includes masterpieces by famed artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Pablo Picasso. 

"A really great modern art gallery," wrote visitor Laura. "Most of the collection features American and European artists and there are constantly changing exhibitions with tons of community involvement."

Darwin D. Martin House Complex (125 Jewett Parkway)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Then, there's Darwin D. Martin House Complex.

"One of the premier Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the country," wrote visitor Cheryl. 

Shea's Performing Arts Center (646 Main St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Lastly, spend some time at Shea's Performing Arts Center.

"This grand 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 enormous crystal chandeliers and most of the other decorations have survived."