“Day-Tripping” listings
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LEWISTON, NY
In the summer months, this city on the Niagara gorge offers beautiful scenery, arts and food festivals and even a regatta (July 24-25). It’s got historical cred, too, as the Underground Railroad’s fi nal US stop. (07/2010)
31 miles northwest of Buffalo
niagarariverregion.com -
SONNENBERG GARDENS
Take a tour through this historic estate in the Finger Lakes region and you’ll find nine inspiring formal gardens, a greenhouse and conservatory complex, an aviary and a Queen Anne-style mansion from 1887. (05/2010)
151 Charlotte St, Canandaigua
585-394-4922
sonnenberg.org -
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA
World-class shopping, dining and entertainment await in this breathtakingly clean and cosmopolitan city. Make sure to visit the Distillery Historic District, the Art Gallery of Ontario and Queen Street. Bring your passport. (03/2010)
109 miles northwest of Buffalo
seetorontonow.com -
EAST AURORA, NY
This quaint town is home to the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Campus, where philosopher Elbert Hubbard founded his Arts & Crafts movement in the late 1800s. (12/2009)
22 miles southeast of Buffalo
eanycc.com -
FENTON HISTORY CENTER
This museum is housed in the mansion of Reuben E. Fenton, a close friend of Abraham Lincoln and the governor of New York from 1865 to 1869. History buffs will learn about the area's rich past, particularly during the Civil War. (03/2009)
74 miles south of Buffalo • 67 Washington St, Jamestown, NY
716-664-6256
www.fentonh...ycenter.org -
EXPLORE & MORE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
This museum, perfect for when the temperature dips, is filled with hands-on exhibits expressly for children ages 1 to 10. Highlights include a Frank Lloyd Wright-style architectural studio for kids to explore. (02/2009)
22 miles southeast of Buffalo 300 Gleed Ave, East Aurora, NY
716-655-5131
www.exploreandmore.org -
SKATELAND FAMILY FUN CENTER
With laser tag, roller skating, an inflatable bounce house and an obstacle course, this family activity center will keep wee ones entertained all day long. (01/2009)
23 miles northeast of Buffalo • 1109 Lincoln Ave, Lockport, NY
716-433-5605
www.niagara...milyfun.com -
PEEK'N PEAK RESORT AND SPA
The perfect playground for family gatherings, Peek'n Peak offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing on 27 slopes and trails. With ski schools and day care, it's one of the most kid-friendly options in the state. (12/2008)
85 miles southeast of Buffalo • 1405 Old Rd, Clymer, NY
716-355-4141
www.pknpk.com -
CHESTNUT RIDGE PARK
An all-season attraction for more than 80 years, this 1,200-acre park offers winter fun like snow-tubing, cross-country skiing, iceskating and snowmobiling-plus big thrills on the sledding hill and toboggan chutes. (11/2008)
17 miles southeast of Buffalo • 6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Orchard Park, NY
716-858-8355
www.erie.go...hestnut.asp -
ELLICOTTVILLE, NY
Billed as "western New York's year-round playground," this quaint town features eclectic shops, good eats and even a few alpaca farms. Don't miss the fall foliage at beautiful Allegany State Park. (10/2008)
51 miles south of Buffalo
800-349-9099
www.ellicottvilleny.com -
DUNKIRK LIGHTHOUSE AND VETERANS' PARK MUSEUM
This 19th-century lighthouse shined through many historic moments, including the first shot of the War of 1812. A small fee gains you access to the lighthouse, keeper's house and museum. (08/2008)
50 miles southwest of Buffalo 1 Lighthouse Point Dr, Dunkirk, NY
716-366-5050
www.dunkirklighthouse.com -
MARTIN'S FANTASY ISLAND
Set between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, this theme park offers more than 100 attractions, including thrill rides, kiddie games and a classic wooden roller coaster. One ticket grants access to all rides, a water park and petting zoo. (07/2008)
12 miles from Buffalo • 2400 Grand Island Blvd, Grand Island, NY
716-773-7591
www.martins...yisland.com
