The Elmwood Arts Festival

Looking northward on Elmwood Avenue 

We looked up how long the Elmwood Festival of the Arts has been running and found several sites that say this is the 16th year. But we both remember coming up on the bus from Fredonia this very weekend, 32 years ago, introducing our New York City classmates to a scant, but interesting art scene during a festival much like this one, albeit much smaller. We would love someone to let us know the true history. I so remeber my friend I brought up on the Trailways bus wondering at the day and asking if Buffalo is always like this? so busy and alive? 32 years ago I had to say that this day was a rare occurrance. 32 years later? Buffalo is on our way to becoming what my NYC friend would have wanted. We are vibrant, we are creative, and we are growing into the city we should have always been.

Hit the Spot- Spot Coffee

Spot Coffee - Elmwood 

Feels like fall is near this evening? But remember, summer isn't over until September 21st. We all tend to start freaking out when the sun goes down a bit earlier and the temp drops at night. But plenty of people were enjoying the month of summer we have left on Elmwood tonight. Don't give it up too soon. The Farmer's Almanac is calling for some serious snow for us.

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.

Third Fridays

Party on the Portico - The Buffalo Historical Society 

The gang at Travel and Leisure are at it again, picking on Buffalo. This time they have listed Buffalo number 6 on their list of Friendliest Cities in America. Travel and Leisure have a very rigorous and sophisticated rubric to come up with these things, so we'll take their word for it. I think they know what they're doing. After all they found Buffalo to be America's # 1 Favorite City.  In an age where rudeness rules, it's a tremendous accolade to be considered friendly. Speaking of friendly, we stopped by the Historical Society's Party on The Portico to watch a few hundred Buffalonians and plenty of tourists enjoy another wonderful summer evening above the museum's Japanese gardens .   

Let's face it. You can have all the physical trappings of a great city, but if you're miserable, there will always be something lacking. With all of these positive rankings, I'm asking that y'all sweeten your dispositions just a bit to get us to number one. Hey, we will never be the biggest city in New York, but we will hopefully, always be the nicest.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/americas-favorite-places/friendliest-cities#buffalo

http://buffalohistory.org/Visit/Event-Details.aspx?id=946&type=events