Christine A. Smyczynski - Explorer’s Guide Buffalo & Niagara Falls

Copyright 2018 by The Countryman Press
Maps by The Countryman Press

All rights reserved

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The Countryman Press
www.countrymanpress.com

A division of W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
www.wwnorton.com

978-1-58157-446-3 (pbk.)

978-1-58157-447-0 (e-book)

To my familythank you for supporting my writing and helping me complete this book.

EXPLORE WITH US!

Welcome to the first edition of Explorers Guide Buffalo & Niagara Falls . There is so much to see and do in the Buffalo Niagara region that the publisher decided to release a book focusing just on this region, rather than the entire western part of the state, as in the previous book ( Explorers Guide Western New York , The Countryman Press 2008). Note that all entries are based on merit, not on paid advertising, so the author has included information on places that are the best of the best.

WHATS WHERE At the beginning of the book is a listing of special highlights and important information regarding items unique to the Buffalo Niagara area, including the best places to enjoy the outdoors, the must-see attractions to visit, and where to find the tastiest local cuisine.

LODGING Accommodations included in this book are based on merit; we do not charge innkeepers to be listed. Many of the accommodations were personally checked out by the author.

PRICES Please dont hold innkeepers or other establishments responsible for rates and prices listed as of press time in 2018. Unfortunately, change is inevitable; always call ahead to verify rates and make lodging reservations well in advance. Also keep in mind that higher rates may be charged during peak seasons.

RESTAURANTS There is a distinction between Dining Out and Eating Out . Those restaurants listed under Dining Out are generally more formal and can be pricey, while those listed under Eating Out are usually more casual and less expensive.

Keep in mind that as of press time, all information was current and accurate. However, as with anything in life, change is inevitable. Some new businesses will open, others may close, or change hours or ownership. Please be sure to call ahead if you are traveling any distance to a particular establishment to avoid disappointment. If you discover a business or attraction not reviewed in this book that you feel should be included, please inform the publisher or author so that it can be considered for inclusion in future editions. The Countryman Press, a division of W. W. Norton & Company, is located at 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10110, and can be found online at www.countrymanpress.com. The author may be contacted at explorewny@att.net.

CONTENTS

MAPS

I couldnt have written a book of this magnitude without help. Friends, family, and strangers alike supplied me with moral support as well as information. I could fill a book just with the names of people who were so generous and accommodating in sharing information.

First and foremost, Id like to thank God, for giving me the writing ability, as well as the strength and patience, to see this project through. On more than one occasion, I think divine intervention must have been at work as I did my research. Often I would strike up a conversation with a shopkeeper or restaurant owner, and they would be exactly the right person I needed to talk to in order to find the information I was seeking.

Next, Id like to thank my husband, Jim, and my children, Andy, Peter, Jennifer, and Joey, who had to put up with me while I wrote this book. My special thanks to Jim, who offered encouragement and suggestions as well as a second set of eyes to proofread the book. I would have never completed it without his love and support.

A very special thanks goes to my daughter, Jennifer, who was always willing to accompany me on day trips, try new restaurants, and of course, visit stores! She made working on this book a fun experience, and I couldnt have done it without her as my sidekick as well as an extra set of eyes to observe things I missed. Plus, we had a lot of mother-daughter bonding time! My lifelong friends, Mary and Linda, also joined me on some of my adventurers.

Of course, I must thank my late parents, Joseph and Adele Kloch, who sparked my interest in local travel when I was a young child and encouraged me in my writing career.

The folks at local chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus, as well as business owners, were invaluable. I would like to thank every single one of them by name, but space will not permit. If you helped me in any way at all, I extend my sincere thanks.