Advertise

Back to Table of Contents
Back to Archives Main Page

Section: Feature


31 Days of Favorites

Maybe you’re new to WNY, or maybe you just need a fresh look at the city you’ve lived in for years. Either way, here is a guide to visiting local landmarks this May. There is something for each day of the month, and if you’re feeling ambitious, why not try and see how many you can make out of 31?

1
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Spring Book Sale
Now is a good opportunity to stock up on books for summer reading at one of Buffalo’s favorite spots. Sale is held during library hours. (Info: www.buffalolib.org.)

2
DELAWARE PARK: Tree Planting
Keep Buffalo green by planting trees in Buffalo’s “Central Park,” one of the first and prettiest parks designed by F. L. Olmsted. 9 a.m-12 p.m. Registration required. (Info and registration: 838-1249.)

3
FOREST LAWN: Sunday in the Cemetery
Stroll through the historic cemetery during this weekly tour. (Info: 885-1600.)

4
THE BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS:
Orchids 101
Bask in the sights and smells of the Botanical Gardens while listening to a lecture on exotic flowers. (Info and reservations: 625-0261.)

5
SHEA’S PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: A Chorus Line
America’s longest running Broadway musical will be performed in one of the most beautiful and ornate theatres in North America. (7:30 p.m. through May 10. Tickets and info: 852-5000 or www.sheas.org.)

6
APRIL SHOWERS AND MAY FLOWERS
A poetry open-mic event from Buffalo State’s Rooftop Poetry Club, held on the roof of the college’s E.H. Butler Library. (Info: 878-6300.)

7
ROYCROFT CAMPUS
East Aurora’s Roycroft Campus always features interesting classes and events, in addition to a fascinating store. (Info: www.roycroftcampuscorporation.com.)

8
THE ALBRIGHT-KNOX ART GALLERY: Gusto at the Gallery
Sure, you’ve heard a lot about this free, Friday night series at the Albright, but have you ever gone? If not, start tonight, as the theme is “Family Night — Mexican Fiesta,” an exploration of Mexican culture and art. (Info: 882-8700 or www.albrightknox.org.)

9
THE BUFFALO ZOO: Wings of Spring
The Zoo’s new two-story Rainforest Exhibit is a must-see, and May weather provides the perfect time to see this and other new additions. Also, today features a special program celebrating birds. (Info: www.buffalozoo.org.)

10
CITY HALL: Tour
This Art Deco masterpiece is one of the Queen City’s defining structures. A one-hour, free tour meets at noon in the Lobby of City Hall. (65 Niagara Square.)

11
ALLENTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT
With its antique and specialty shops, this is one of the first and largest residential historic districts in the United States. (Info: www.allentown.org.)

12
CASTELLANI ART MUSEUM
Take the short drive north and experience this gorgeous gallery, located on the campus of Niagara University. (Info: www.niagara.edu/cam.)

Darwin D. Martin House Visitor’s Center; photo by Biff Henrich, courtesy of Darwin Martin House Restoration Corporation.
13
DARWIN D. MARTIN
HOUSE COMPLEX
Frank Lloyd Wright’s noted designs now feature a wonderful addition, the Eleanor and Wilson Greatbatch Pavilion. (Info: 856-3858 or www.darwinmartinhouse.org.)

14
NIAGARA FALLS
The water level is at its peak, the weather is finally warm, it’s not tourist season, yet—do you need any more reasons to return to this Wonder of the World?

15
OLD FORT NIAGARA: Rivals for Empire
The Fort is a landmark from the colonial era, and a visit there will allow you to be a part of the history today. May 15 to 19 features a program about the French and Indian War. (Info: www.oldfortniagara.org.)

16
AMHERST MUSEUM: German Festival
Open year-round, the historic Amherst Museum features events throughout the year; on May 16, the German Festival runs from 1 to 8 p.m. (Info: 689-1440.)

17
WATERFRONT: Hospice Memorial Walk
This 5k walk (3.1 miles) takes you through Buffalo’s scenic waterfront and historic downtown. The walk starts at the Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf (near the HSBC and the Naval Park.) (Info: 686-8077 or www.hospicebuffalo.com.)

18
THE COLORED MUSICIANS CLUB
This vibrant historical landmark has been around since 1935, and it’s still a great place to hear live jazz. (For info and schedule: 855-9383.)

19
CONNECTICUT STREET ARMORY
The Armory is on the National List of Historic Places; it looks like a castle, and it’s one of Buffalo’s many interesting landmarks.

20
HISTORIC RIVIERA THEATRE: The Four Aces
These musical showmen visit the North Tonawanda treasure. (Info: www.rivieratheatre.org.)

21
DELAWARE AVENUE HISTORIC DISTRICT
Two blocks of large turn-of-the-century houses set back on expansive lawns show the wealth of Buffalo during a different time in history.

22
TOY TOWN MUSEUM
Be a kid again, and see the toys you remember fondly. (Info: 687-5151 or www.toytownusa.com.)

23
NIAGARA FALLS STATE PARK: Trailhead Building
This is the gateway to some of the most spectacular walking in the area. (Info: www.niagarafallsstatepark.com.)

24
ST. ANTHONY’S CHURCH: Il Tritico del Ventesimo Secolo
The Camerata di Sant’Antonio performs at the beloved church. (Info: www.cameratabuffalo.com.)

25
THE BUFFALO LIGHTHOUSE
One of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes can be seen by walking along the waterfront.

26
MEDINA RAILROAD
The largest freight depot on the country. (Info: www.railroadmuseum.net.)

27
ELLICOTT SQUARE BUILDING
This was the largest office building in the world when finished in 1895. The lobby remains a favorite gathering place. (Info: 854-0660.)

28
GRAYCLIFF
The lush summer estate of the Darwin D. Martin family is best enjoyed during spring and summer. (Info: www.graycliff.bfn.org.)

29
LANCASTER OPERA HOUSE: The Dining Room
The Opera House is a magnificent setting for A.R. Gurney’s humorous family story. (Info: www.lancopera.org.)

30
KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL: Beethoven and Strauss
This National Historic Site is home to the renowned BPO. On this day, JoAnn Falletta directs a performance of two titans of classical music. (Info: 885-5000 or www.bpo.org.)

31
CENTRAL TERMINAL
Tour one of Buffalo’s forgotten landmarks, a 17-story Art Deco-style railroad station. Tour begins at 11 a.m. (Info: 852-3300.)


back to top

back to table of contents