Have you ever wondered to yourself, “Step Out Buffalo is great, but this is a lot. I wish there was a short list to point me in the right direction.” Or maybe, “I wonder where the SOB staff would send me today if i could talk to them personally…”.
Ask and you shall receive – this is that list. Keep reading for things to do, restaurants and bars, shops and more recommended straight from the Step Out Buffalo staff!
We’ll release a new Insider Hit List every few months – so stay tuned with your appetite for adventure ready and your eyes peeled, WNY!
Things To Do
Book a Kiteboarding Lesson at SUP Erie Adventures
1028 South Shore Drive 8934 , Irving, NY 14081 / More Info
The adventure sports don’t end in Western New York with the ski season and what better way to enjoy all that lake Erie has to offer than through kiting! Start with their three hour introductory lesson where you’ll learn the ins and outs of everything kiting so you can start to get out on the water this Summer.
Photo courtesy of SUP Erie Adventures
Cherry Blossoms at the Buffalo History Museum
1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY 14216 / More Info
Nothing says spring like seeing flowers in bloom. Every year the Japanese Garden in Delaware Park is the site of Buffalo’s Cherry Blossom Festival. This year the event will take place Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & April 30. Enjoy a walk around the park, listen to live jazz tunes and enjoy the good outdoors!
Photo x Andrea Diedrich
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Bike Ride at Outer Harbor & Wilkeson Pointe
225 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203 / More Info
Paved fairly recently, Outer Harbor makes for a smooth bike ride. For access to the trail, you’ll want to get off at Fuhrmann Blvd. While the trail is short in length, nearby you’ll find the Lakeside Bike Park, Buffalo Harbor State Park, and viewing opportunities at Wilkeson Pointe. After your ride, grab a sweet treat at Cookies & Cream next to Charlie’s Boatyard.
Photo courtesy of Buffalo Waterfront
Plan a Staycation with Dell Collective
Perry, NY / More Info
The perfect place to get away from it all, Dell Collective is a tried and true spot. Built on the owner, Amanda’s, family farm, the location consists of three gorgeous properties you can stay at complete with farm animals, fresh eggs, and veggies in the garden that you can pick and cook up for breakfast. It’s also roughly 3 minutes outside of Letchworth State Park and close to a lot of great small towns like Perry, Mt. Morris, and Conesus Lake so there’s something for everyone to explore while you’re there.
Photo x Lauren Spoth
Reimagining Reality Exhibit at the Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14211 / More Info
Truthfully one of the most fun experiences we’ve had in a long time. This exhibit is all about virtual reality and is hands-on so you can be fully immersed in the fun (and science) of this newer technology. We spent hours in the special exhibit alone, but our favorite part was playing the Synth Riders game – which is a mix of DDR and guitar hero combined with VR so you feel like you’re actually in the game. If you can, check it out during one of their adults-only events so you can enjoy some boozy libations while you play… and not have to politely let any kids hog all the fun games.
Photo x Lauren Spoth
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Volunteer at the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter
380 Oak St, Buffalo, NY 14203 / More Info
Volunteering at the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter is something you can do all year long, but there’s just something special about springtime. The temperatures are wonderfully mild, the flowers are in bloom, and it’s puppy and kitten season so you get to interact with all the cute adoptable babies. You can also volunteer however and whenever you’d like, so whether you want to play with puppies or walk dogs, hang out with the off-site cats at local pet stores or take one home to foster, or attend an event or take a dog on a field trip, there’s tons of ways to help Buffalo’s homeless pets’ lives just a little bit better until they find their forever homes.
Photo x Lauren Spoth
Visit the Niagara Power Vista
5777 Lewiston St, Lewiston, NY 14092 / More Info
Looking for something both educational, interesting, and fun for the whole family? The Niagara Power Vista provides a great view of the lower Niagara River as well as contains a fascinating museum about the electricity in our region in relation to the Falls. Plus, there’s tons of interactive stuff for the kiddos! Pro-tip: After a day at the museum, check out the local shops and restaurants along Center St. in Lewiston.
Photo courtesy of the Niagara Power Authority
Kids’ Play Date at Rolly Pollies
Multiple Locations / More Info
Listen up parents. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to enroll your little monsters angels into a high energy activity, this is it. The time is NOW. It may seem like good weather and regular outdoor fun in the sun is on the horizon, but let’s not be delusional, its at least a couple months off. Rolly Pollies can and will have your kid out of the house, jumping, climbing, rolling and interacting with other little humans on a weekly basis – all while NOT getting covered in mud. One of the best things we’ve done this year. They’re enrolling for their spring session as we speak. #dontwait
Photo courtesy of Rolly Pollies
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Eat & Drink
Twin Petrels Seltzer Co.
1250 Niagara Street Suite 400, Buffalo, NY 14213 / More Info
Twin Petrals lives up to the hype. EnOuGh SaId. Just kidding – we’ve never stopped there and we won’t start now. Their website homepage promises “Phenomenal Vibes” and truthfully we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Take what you thought you knew about the space when it was the original Resurgence location and toss it off the 1-90 into the Niagara River because it is g.o.n.e.. It’s been replaced with a feminine masterpiece fit for anyone (of any gender we might add) who wants to feel happy, comfortable, cozy and frankly like they are in a Cal-i-forn-ia Dream. Which we do. All of us. Oh and the food and drinks are really good too, but we’d probably go even if they weren’t, that’s how immaculate the vibes are.
Photo courtesy of Twin Petrels Seltzer Co.
PhatCatz of WNY, Inc
965 Kensington Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215 / More Info
If you’re looking for one of the best, underrated fish frys in town – this is it. Located on Kensington Avenue near Bailey, this cult-favorite soul food spot serves up a fish fry that rivals all the ones you’ve heard of with its perfect consistency and fantastic sides. Pro-tip: While you’re there, make sure someone in your group orders a BBQ rib platter with at least one side of mac and cheese.
Photo courtesy of PhatCatz of WNY, Inc
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Alibaba Kebab
900 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14206 / More Info
For those South of the city, there aren’t many options for Indian and Halal food. Alibaba Kebab is by no means in the Southtowns, but it’s closer than most options in WNY and has outstanding food and quick service. 11/10 recommend their famous rice boxes which makes for the easiest meal / lunch on the go / takeout. The Tandoori Chicken Rice box is a personal favorite – the homemade raita sauce makes it. Plus we highly recommend their potato samosas, Tandoori wings, Gyro wrap and any flavor of naan. Chefs kiss
Photo courtesy Alibaba Kebab
Polish Villa
2954 Union RD, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 / More Info
A true gem for Polish food. Nothing hits the spot like a big ol’ Polish platter filled with pierogi, kielbasa, potato pancakes, and all the other iconic dishes. Plus there’s something nostalgic about the Polish Villa that we just can’t get enough of – and we always leave full!
Photo courtesy of Polish Villa
Shops
Antique World Flea and Marketplace
11111 Main St., Clarence, NY 14031 / More Info
Their great American Garage sale kicks off their season in May with tons of dealers bringing all kinds of hidden treasures. Whether you’re looking for collectables, vintage clothes, or DIY furniture projects add this to your must-visit list for Spring.
Photo courtesy of Antique World
Angle Acres Greenhouse
2855 Angle Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127 / More Info
Tis the season for all things green and growing!! This year one of our missions is to get our outdoor landscaping game on point so we’ll be heading to all of the local garden shops to get inspo and buy exactly what we need. To hold us over until then, Angle Acres is the best hidden gem in town for indoor plants that will make your house look like a garden oasis!
Photo courtesy of Angle Acres
