Updated: December 2018
About the Buffalo Bucket List Challenge: Getting healthy, nailing that promotion, sorting our your finances – they’re all respectable resolutions. But frankly, they’re boring af, which is why we here at Step Out Buffalo are challenging you to really step out of your comfort zone with the Buffalo Bucket List Challenge. We know it can be difficult to constantly come up with new and exciting ways to enjoy your time here on planet earth, and more specifically Western New York, so we’re doing the work for you. Every Wednesday this year we’ll publish a new Buffalo Bucket List Challenge post with a fun / interesting / exciting / unique “task” to try.
Week 4: Tobogganing at Chestnut Ridge Park
Chestnut Ridge is pretty famous around these parts for the eternal flame and sledding, but did you know that there are also functioning toboggan chutes the park? On top of the easy-to-locate toboggan hill (not everything is at Chestnut Ridge, just sayin’) near the park entrance, there’s a concession stand where you can purchase toboggan rentals. Once you rent the 6 foot or 8 foot toboggan, just carry it up the stairs to the hut above the chute, where you’ll then get seated and adjusted on the toboggan. When you’re ready, you push yourself down the chute which really makes you pick up Jamaican bobsled team level speed (presumably) down the rest of the hill. Don’t worry, they have tracks lined up to the chutes to keep you from colliding with other riders on the way down. Phew!
Chestnut Ridge Park
6121 Chestnut Ridge Road in Orchard Park
(716) 858-8355
Tobogganing questions: Call (716) 553-3762
WEBSITE
Hours: Friday night from 4-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm
Rentals: Rent a 6 foot toboggan for $15 for 1 hour or $25 for 2 hours (Can fit 3 adults). Rent an 8 foot toboggan for $20 for 1 hour or $35 for 2 hours (Can fit 4 adults).
Keep in mind that there needs to be at least 6 inches of packed snow to run the chutes!
Where to eat: The concession stand at the top of the hill is great for french fries, hot dogs, pizza and drinks including some much needed hot cocoa. However, if you’re craving a spot to get sit down and have a hot meal (we bet you will be), Mangia in Orchard Park has excellent Italian food. I highly recommend their vegetable lasagna smothered in creamy tomato sauce. It’s perfect on a cold day! If you’re looking for something a bit more casual or grab and go style, stop by the new Kaylena Marie’s Bakery in the Village of OP. We hear their cinnamon buns are to die for.
Vegetable Lasagna at Mangia / Photo x Jessica Kelly
