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Recommended Tours

When Buffalo isn't being hit with tons of snow, it can be a nice place to visit. There are many historical and cultural attractions to explore, all within walking distance of one another.

Downtown
The Erie Community College City Campus is a large Flemish Gothic structure, and nearby Dunn Tire Park is the home of the Buffalo Bisons. The popular Chef's Italian Restaurant is right next to the Park. Across from the Stadium is the French Renaissance style Ellicott Square Building.

Theater District
The Main Street Pedestrian Mall, created upon the opening of Buffalo's rapid rail line, stretches from the waterfront north to Tupper Street in the heart of the Theater District. The eclectic Alleyway Theatre, the renowned Irish Classical Theatre Company, the Studio Arena Theatre and the Pandora's Box Theatre Company are all located in this district. Once you've finished exploring, stop by the Towne Restaurant.

Main Street
M&T Plaza is a white 20-story marble tower. Central Park Plaza, which contains the Gothic Revival St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral is right across the street. If you're looking for a place to grab some lunch, the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery is a brasserie serving microbrews alongside hearty fare. Behind the Cathedral is the Guaranty Building, also known by the name it held for much of its life, the Prudential Building. Notably, it was the first building to use an all-steel frame, making it one of the original "skyscrapers." The Old Erie County Hall is a clock-towered, High-Victorian granite structure that opened in 1872.

Fountain Plaza
The Lafayette Court Building on Main Street is an excellent example of neo-classical architecture, with immaculate granite floors and an impressive tower. The Main Place Mall, the only mall in downtown, is just a few blocks away. You'll find many place to dine in this area as well, such as the HB Carvers diner. The CEPA Gallery sometimes holds exhibitions here. The Fountain Plaza is often filled with people on summer days, enjoying a picnic lunch. Shea's Performing Arts Center is one of Buffalo's landmarks, and hosts some of the most renowned plays ever produced.

Buffalo Convention Center
The Buffalo Convention Center is near the Statler Office Tower. Stop into Katrina's for some delicious Sicilian fare. To the west, dominating Niagara Square, is Buffalo City Hall. St Joseph's Cathedral, a Gothic Revival building made of local gray limestone, can also be found nearby.

If the walking tour of Buffalo's downtown leaves you wanting to see more of the city and its surrounding areas, here are a few suggestions that you may want to try. Outside of Buffalo you'll find many things to see and do, from winery tours to walks through historical homes.

Boat Tours
Miss Buffalo Cruises ( +1 716 856 6696 / http://www.missbuffalo.com/ )
Lockport Cave Underground Boat Ride ( +1 716 438 0174 / http://www.lockportcave.com/ )
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises ( +1 716 433 6155 / +1 800 378 0352 / http://www.lockportlocks.com/ )

Balloon Tours
Balloons Over Letchworth ( +1 585 493 3340 / http://www.balloonsoverletchworth.com/ )

Historical Tours
Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff ( +1 716 947 9217 / http://graycliff.bfn.org/ )
Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D Martin House ( +1 716 856 3858 / http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/ )
Architectural Treasures Tours ( +1 877 969 6011 / http://www.burchfield-penney.org/ )
Preservation Coalition of Erie County ( +1 716 803 8556 / http://www.preservationcoalition.org/ )

Winery Tours
Marjim Manor ( +1 716 778 7001 / http://www.marjimmanor.com/ )

Maritime Tours
Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society ( +1 716 849 0914 / http://www.llmhs.org/ )

Nature Tours
Tifft Nature Preserve ( +1 716 896 5200 / http://www.sciencebuff.org/tifft_nature_preserve_visitor_info.php )
Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy ( +1 716 838 1249 / http://www.buffaloolmstedparks.com )
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