If you travel just 35 miles southeast of Buffalo, you’ll come across a few small towns that are full of exciting adventures. Throughout these small towns you can enjoy unique restaurants, activities, attractions, nature experiences that you can’t find any place else – trust us!
Want to share info or news with us? Send us a note!
1. Varysburg, NY
40 Minutes from Downtown Buffalo
The first tiny town we recommend checking out is Varysburg, NY, not far from East Aurora. Varysburg is home to a few unique must-stop spots that you won’t want to miss and has fun for the whole family.
Must Visit Attraction: Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park
Reopens May 2021
2887 Royce Road Varysburg, NY 14167 / WEBSITE
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park is an experience like no other. Think of a mixture between a safari and a zoo but in Buffalo weather! You can enjoy being up close and personal to all types of exotic animals right in the comfort of your own vehicle.
ADVERTISEMENT
Must Visit Attraction: Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets
2357 Humphrey Road, Varysburg, NY / WEBSITE
No matter the time of year, Byrncliff offers activities for every single season! In the summer, enjoy a game of golf at their premier public golf course. In the winter, Byrncliff is a favorite for cross-country skiers, snow-showers, and sledders. There are 12 miles of freshly groomed and lit trails. But, if you are feeling a little more adventurous, Byrncliff offers 13 different wooded and open trails. Don’t have any skis? Don’t worry! Byrncliff offers ski rentals.
2. Castile, NY
1 hour and 5 minutes from Downtown Buffalo
East of Varysburg you’ll stumble upon Castile, NY, home to Letchworth and nearby Silver Lake. Here you’ll also find many great restaurants and wineries.
Must Visit Attraction: Letchworth State Park
1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427 / Website
This 14,427-acre state park is roughly 17 miles long and features several large waterfalls. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs–as high as 600 feet in some places–surrounded by lush forests. Within the park visitors can enjoy 66 miles of hiking trails i addition to trails for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Did you know they also offer whitewater rafting, kayaking, and hot air ballooning?
ADVERTISEMENT
Must Visit Attraction: Get an Airbnb Lake House on Silver Lake
Accommodations: 12 guests / 4 bedrooms / 8 beds / 2 baths / airbnb.com
If you’re planning a weekend away, a beautiful place to stay is a necessity. In between Perry and Castile is Silver Lake, which is home to many beautiful lake-front airbnbs.
3. Perry, NY
1 hour and 5 minutes from Downtown Buffalo
As a neighborhing town to Castile NY, the location shares many of the same benefits and offers additional restaurant and winery options, plus a drive through movie theater and family friendly activities.
Must Visit Attraction: Charcoal Corral and Silver Lake Drive-In Theatre
7037 Chapman Ave, Perry, NY 14530 / WEBSITE
The Charcoal Corral is a hidden gem that offers mini golf, a pizzeria, the corral grill, an ice cream parlor, mining, a drive-in theatre and a game room. You could spend an entire day just at the Charcoal Corral and never get bored! The restaurant has a welcoming and fun environment. Whether your looking to get a quick bite to eat or want to stop your road trip and spend some time playing mini golf, the Charcoal Corral is a must stop spot! /c3
ADVERTISEMENT
Must Visit Attraction: Ration Wine Bar
9 Main Street North, Perry, NY 14530 / WEBSITE
Have you been wanting to try out igloo dining? Buffalo isn’t the only town that offers this fun activity. Ration Wine Bar in Perry, NY has dozens of fine wines, beers, and spirits which can be complimented by various meats, cheeses, breads, and spreads! Better yet, all of this delicious food and drinks can be enjoyed in the comfort of a cozy, private, heated igloo!
