Where The Buffalo Roam

Grazing in Lovejoy

We caught this family of Buffalo at the triangle of William and Ogden Streets. The herd greets visitors entering the Lovejoy neighborhood of the city.

Pierce-Arrow Showroom

1932 Pierce-Arrow Sedan 

The legacy of beautiful horseless carriages is what most people associate with George N. Pierce, founder of the Pierce- Arrow Motor Car Co. These spectacular vehicles were proceeded by his manufacture of tricycles and bicycles, as well as birdcages and iceboxes. A Victorian era citizen was often judged by their possession of a decent birdcage. Pierce's arrival to Buffalo at a young age and meteoric manufacturing climb is quite a tale, due in large part to his work ethic and marrying well. Several buildings throughout the city are testament to his and Buffalo's place in automotive history. One such structure is the former Pierce-Arrow Showroom at Main and Jewet.

The building has traded owners throughout the years with bankers being the latest occupants. The restoration and bank transformation we see today was started and completed by Greater Buffalo Savings Bank at the beginning of this century. The building's original details; plaster coffered ceilings, Art Deco lighting/ fan fixtures, original tile marble and brass throughout, have been restored to their former glory. The added authentic, antique banking elements like deposit tables and cashier cages, keep the building true to form. There is no plexi- glass in here. The experience of banking in this building makes skipping the drive-thru a must. The pièce de résistance is the 1932 Pierce-Arrow Sedan appropriately gleaming through the giant display windows of the bank.

David

The David, Delaware Park

A silouhuette of Michangelo's David looks across the Scajaquada toward the Buffalo Historical Society.
Our David is, of course a replica, but beloved all the same.

Another REAL cafe- yes please.

Hearth and Press Café

Minimalism at it's most delicious resides in the heart of the Theater District on Main Street. Heart and Press was making friends and breaking hearts with their fresh take on some classic cuisine. A fine tuned menu delivers exactly what you didn't know you wanted. Simple to the point with fresh ingredients from the French 77 to the most delectable prosciutto arugula pizza you've ever had here in our city. A doting, self-affacing staff just adds to the charm of this well designed, unpretentiously hip spot that can't decide if it's a cafe or a restaurant and we are fine with that. It works.

The Buffalo Zoo

Buffalo Bison 

My summer school class just studied and visited the Buffalo Zoo. Before and after we did, the essential question was "Should there be zoos?" I have to say, for the kids and me, the jury is out. There are such good things zoos do for endangered animal, but then you see them just milling around in a small enclosure- a habitat not like their natural habitat. Then there is the question of whether humans could ever see most animals in any other way, and whether humans would form any sort of empathy and compassion for our fellow mammals and other animal relatives. I have to say, after investigating with 7 and 8 year olds, I am still on the fence. But the Buffalo Zoo and their staff gave us a great tour with great information, with dedicated zoo keepers who are passionate about animals and their care.

http://www.buffalozoo.org/

Hot Buffalo

Our Fair City

Another rainless day in the Queen City. The temperature was as high as 91 degrees with the promise of rain. Parched gardens and a sultry city are looking for water in an endless summer. We've had an extraordinary stretch of weather. Unfortunately, it is the driest we've been in some 75 years. Thunder may sound like music to many ears tonight.

We are # 1

Sunset Erie Basin Marina

The sun sets on another perfect summer day in Buffalo. According to Weather Underground it's not just our summers that are spectacular. The internet weather service recently determined that Buffalo has the best weather of any U.S. city, beating out the likes of towns like San Diego CA. We believe the stats are based on a ten year look at overall weather but we'll let you pour over the details. All we know is we're number one and we're running with that. 

A Venture in Burgers and Brew

ABV

If 82 degrees wasn't warm enough for you today you could have headed indoors to sample one to twenty-four of local and international selections of draft at Allen Burger Venture. Taps are adorned with wrought iron sculpture and found objects. To compliment the draft, or visa versa, are some of the most über burgers in the city. Owner Mike Shatzel (Coles, Liberty Hound,Thin Man) has always been passionate about well crafted beer even before it became popular again. Enjoy the "classic rock", as in 80's punk rock in a coolly, rustic vibe nurtured by manager Johnny Chow. Before Prohibition brewing was one of Buffalo's biggest industries.

After Prohibition, big breweries stifled the return of local entities and by the 70's, there were only a couple left. Local draft artisans have brought about a rebirth of production in Buffalo, mirroring the nation's appreciation of quality gourmet drafts and Buffalo's brewing history. 

http://allenburgerventure.com/

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-buffalo-breweries-craft-beer

The View from 716

View from the Greenway Nature Trail - Outer Harbor- #716

Take a look at the 716 area code and this is how it looks on 7/16. This particular view is from the Greenway Nature Trail on the stretch of waterfront land known generally as the Outer Harbor. The wide expanse of land between Furhman Blvd. and the water,  has been home to a few things over the years and often nothing at all. We like the idea of a big green space down here within the city limits, with possibly some year round indoor active space (i.e. Soccer field, tennis courts, rock climbing, basketball, etc.) People do feel the need to fill up space but I hope they proceed carefully down here, taking care not to encroach thoughtlessly on this windswept, blank canvas. By the way, all photos on the entire blog are shot with an iPhone 6, actually two iPhone 6s, and are original works. Leave us a comment or 29, as we approach our one month anniversary of Buffalo Daily Photo. 

http://outerharborbuffalo.com/

Ship Canal

Union Ship Canal - Outer Harbor

http://www.historicalmarkerproject.com/markers/HM1M6K_the-union-ship-canal_Buffalo-NY.html

At the far end of the Outer Harbor Parkway,  there lies a 22 acre park framing a canal built 117 years ago. The Union Ship Canal was central to Buffalo's glorious past as America's steel maker. The waterway allowed ore freighters to feed the furnaces and steel mills that ringed that area of Lake Erie. Remediation of the canal began in 1999 and today, the only vessels allowed on the canal are kayaks and canoes. Now, fathers and sons fish, hoping to catch some memories, not necessarily fish. From the pathways of the park, one can see the white windmills that stand at the lakes edge, where once furnaces fired around the clock. A bike path cuts through the grounds and will take you as far as the Tonawandas. Historical placards adorn artistically placed iron beams, as an homage to the workers and history of that tremendous, industrial achievement.