Category: PostEvents

It was a year ago when Fitz Books opened in downtown Buffalo. At the time, owner Aaron Bartley said that Phase I was the books, and Phase II was the waffles. Now that Fitz Books is celebrating its one year anniversary, Bartley is launching the waffle component of the business, while hosting a storewide book sale, starting on Friday, October 15.

Now, if you think that Bartley is simply serving up your average waffles, then you don’t know the man. Per usual, he’s cooked up a plan to offer a super unique recipe, which, he told me, has Belgian roots. It’s called a Liege waffle – a waffle that has a lighter batter, larger squares, and deeper pockets than its American counterpart. 

The Liege waffle is a variant of the Belgian waffle.

Not only did Bartley purchase a special waffle iron from Belgium, he’s also making scratch dough at the kitchen at Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP). Then he prepares the waffles to-order at the bookstore.

Photo courtesy Fitz Books & Waffles

“It’s a yeasted waffle with a dough texture, not a batter texture,” Bartley explained. “I first came across this type of waffle 12 years ago in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the public market. I never tasted one of that kind before… I was struck by it. When I got into books, I knew that I needed something that was simple enough to prepare without a full kitchen, or waste product. It’s considered street food in Belgium.”

Three defining characteristics of Liege waffles: Belgian sugar pearls, which caramelize deliciously when cooked at the right temperature; yeast; and a brioche-like texture.

The Fall Book Sale is being held in the space next to Fitz Books at 433 Ellicott Street. Bartley told me that 3000 books will be for sale for $1 each, which means that this will be the perfect time for bookworms to build up their libraries… and fill up their stomachs at the same time.

Fitz Books & Waffles | 433 Ellicott Street | Buffalo NY | (716) 249-0523 | Facebook | Instagram

One of the great things about the Downtown Buffalo are the events taking place nearly every day. From concerts to theatre, and now, with the Sabres back on the ice and fans back in the stands, it’s a plus that KeyBank Center is located in the heart of the city. That means some of Buffalo’s best bars and restaurants are just a short walk away – within a 10-minute walk to be precise! When Downtown Buffalo is rocking with action in the arena, there’s plenty of food and drink options for fans of every taste.

Now, to make the most of your night, you’re going to need a plan of attack. So before the puck drops, make sure you consult this handy guide for the best places to eat just a short jaunt away from KeyBank Center:

Photo by Southern Tier Brewing Co.

Southern Tier Brewing Co., 7 Scott St.

The brand-new taproom of Southern Tier brewing will provide a full tasting room experience to the people of Buffalo featuring the beers you’ve come to love. The 38-foot feature screen and 70+ TVs ensure there’s not a bad seat in the house. Watch all the sports you can handle while you eat and then head into KeyBank Center right next door!

Hofbrauhaus Buffalo, 190 Scott St.

It’s Oktoberfest everyday at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo. Before the game, stop by for authentic German cuisine and a stein of cold beer. After the game, pop back in for live music and lots of entertainment… and lederhosen.

Swannie House, 170 Ohio St.

This is one of the oldest and most revered bars in all of Buffalo. Opened in 1868, the Swannie House has obviously been doing something right. This is the spot to grab a blue-collar beer and pub-style grub including legendary wings and fish fry.

The Rose Bar and Grill, 199 Scott St.

At The Rose, located inside the Fairmont Creamery Building, their motto is “a friendly place in downtown Buffalo.” The staff will provide you with good food and drinks in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Check out their menu of quick handheld eats to belly-filling meals.

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

Pearl Street, 76 Pearl St.

Enjoy a view with your meal from this 4-story restaurant and make fast friends with a 180 oz. Annihilator beer tube and enough glasses to share.

Buffalo Iron Works, 49 Illinois St.

While the food from Iron Works is currently on pause, you can still enjoy grab a post-game victory beverage at the bar. More than likely, you’ll catch a great live show in the process!

Lockhouse Distillery, 41 Columbia St.

The walls are covered in Instagram-worthy art at the first distillery to open in Buffalo since Prohibition. Take an impromptu tour or sample the goods with a craft cocktail made by the city’s friendliest bartenders.

Pizza Plant, 125 Main St.

Home of the massive stuffed pizza pod, this longtime Williamsville pizzeria opened a waterfront location at Canalside a few years ago. Plus, they’ve got a killer craft beer menu, too.

Photo by Ballyhoo

Ballyhoo, 211 South Park Ave.

Corner bar meets fancy cocktails at this well-known spot behind the KeyBank Center. Ballyhoo puts a unique spin on sausage with home made creations that include Korean short rib and Chorizo pork and vegetarian friendly options. Heads up: order the ice cream sandwich!

Cobblestone, 130 South Park Ave.

Don’t sleep on Cobblestone’s wings. This is one of those wing joints that you’ll hear the locals talking about. Their menu also stocks another Buffalo favorite, beef on weck, along with wood-fired pizza and several soup and salad options.

Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, 1 Fulton St.

You’ve got your pick of the litter when you step inside the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino where you can get a juicy steak at The WD Bar & Grille, fresh salads at The Creek and tasty beverages at Stixx Sports Bar.

Union Pub, 38 Swan St.

Union Pub serves pub-style grub and drinks right across the street from Sahlen Field. The building was constructed in 1864 as a livery stable, and has been home to a number of uses since then including serving as a union hall for steelworkers who helped build the Ellicott Square Building, located just across Washington Street from the bar.

Photo by SATO Brewpub

SATO Brewpub, 110 Pearl St.

One of the newest breweries on the Buffalo block, this Japanese-style izakaya is located in the lower level of the historic Dun building and serves up small shareable Asian fare along with fun and deliciously crafted brews.

Panorama on Seven, 95 Main St.

On the seventh floor of LECOM HarborCenter, lies an upscale restaurant with spectacular views of Downtown Buffalo, Canalside and the Buffalo River. Pony up to the bar for a freshly shaken cocktail and shareable plates.

Tim Horton’s, 1 Scott St.

Although this coffee shop is Canadian-born, Buffalo has adopted Tim Horton’s as one of its own. And this location, located in LECOM HarborCenter, is an ode to the legendary hockey player from which this institution gets its name.

The post Spots to Chow Down Within Ten Minutes of KeyBank Center appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara.

Terry Fisher, president Full Circle Studios, who is typically known for his videographic creative work, is now participating in a one-man exhibit that involves the creation of miniature artworks pertaining to the themes of horror, mystery, and imagination.

Attention to detail

“Like many children of the 50’s & 60’s, I was captivated by electric trains (still have them), movies (Ray Harryhausen & Famous Monsters of Filmland), and modeling making,” said Fisher. “My cousins would bring their birthday and Christmas gifts of airplanes, ships, tanks, knights, etc. to me to build and paint. Those interests led to a theatre degree, then to a media design masters, to teaching film & video at Fredonia, Brockport and Canisius, and then into the business world for the last twenty years at Full Circle Studios. 

Fisher’s studio

“The miniatures are made from cardboard, plaster, clay, found objects, plastic model parts, paints of all kinds, organic and mineral materials, cloth, fur, and whatever works. This exhibit focuses on Mystery, Horror, and Imagination (as it’s October and Halloween approaches). The Central Library was very enthusiastic about making this happen.”

“Terry Fisher’s very detailed models of scenes from classic horror books and movies are a fun, creative offering at this time of year, in the spirit of Halloween,” stated Library Interim Director Jeannine Doyle. “This new display is another reason to stop in at the downtown Central Library right now, where we also are featuring B is for Book showcasing everyone’s favorite children’s books as well as Audubon’s Quadrupeds illustrations and our Erie County Bicentennial display.”

One of Terry’s miniature creations is of “High Hat,” a legendary creature that author, researcher, and supernatural historian Mason Winfield has previously written upon, saying:

High Hat is a swamp dweller, a cannibalistic giant never ranging far from his plashy haunts. He’s a tall creature with a stove pipe chapeau and white gloves. From his descriptions, he looks like Uncle Sam, or the archetypal image of a White undertaker (tall, craggy, lank, and funky-hatted). Most troubling is High Hat’s appetite for human flesh. The [Six Nations] people who lived near his stomping grounds hung hunks of meat in the trees so he wouldn’t dine on livestock or children. [High Hat was known as one of the] supernatural beings of the Seneca lands.

– Selection from Winfield’s book Shadows of the Western Door (1997)

High Hat, along with a number of other creepy and spooky miniature creations are all currently on display at the downtown Library. The display is on the Library’s main floor, next to the Launch Pad and café, through November 15. The exhibit is open to the public and always free during Library operating hours.

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library | 1 Lafayette Square | Buffalo, NY  14203

Earlier this week Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced that the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center would be getting a facade makeover. This announcement comes at a time when there are mixed sentiments regarding the future of the Convention Center – in particular, whether there is a clear need for a new facility to be built elsewhere, or a need for a complete overhaul at its current location.

Façade and entryway work on the building is projected to begin in February 2022 and be complete by December 2022.

Developer Mark Croce was always in favor of connecting the Convention Center to Statler City. More recently, developer Rocco Termini has been weighing in, calling for a new Bills stadium to be built in downtown Buffalo, along with a new Convention Center. In Termini’s eyes, the relocation of the Convention Center would also free up valuable space in the heart of downtown that is blocking the city’s ‘chi.’ Back in 2018, Termini envisioned a Central Park in place of the current Convention Center. A slightly altered version of that concept would see the partial freeing up of Ellicott’s radial street grid.

A number of other ideas and possible plans have been bandied about over the years: M&T Bank lot, Delaware Avenue, Cobblestone District, … and even Rachacha weighed in on the issue back in 2018.

But for now, it looks like the plan is to put a hold on any potential development or relocation ideas, to spiff up the exterior of the Convention Center.

In a flurry of Tweets, Poloncarz said,” Today, I am proud to reveal the new façade design for the @BFLOconvention. This design incorporates steel cladding and a polycarbonate face that can be backlit using LED lighting to any color. The steel blue panels are a nod to our beautiful waterfront. 

“In addition to the new façade design, the entrances will be enhanced by providing more spaces for entry, new wayfinding signage, and additional lighting to eliminate the dark feeling of today.

“Unlike the current 1970s era façade, that hurts our ability to attract conferences, the new façade will be a attractive sight for visitors and prove that Buffalo is truly back. Thank you to @BuffaloNiagara for offering your convention expertise towards the design concept.”

The facade makeover follows a recent investment of $1.2 million in Convention Center lobby improvements, including new flooring, lighting, technology. The project got underway this past June, and is now complete.

“These improvements make the Convention Center much warmer and more welcoming for visitors, creating brightly-lit and accessible spaces that will aid in the flow of large events and assist visitors in finding their way around the building.  The next step will involve a much-needed renovation of the Convention Center’s Franklin Street façade and entryway, vastly improving the exterior and lighting the way to a new future for tourism in downtown Buffalo,” said Poloncarz. “As we build our economy back we will be welcoming more and more tourist groups, conventions and trade shows so it is important that we maintain and enhance this facility to provide the best possible experience here in Erie County. These renovations do that and I thank our Department of Public Works and our contractors for getting the project done on such a short timeline.”

“The improvements being made in the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center by Erie County will ensure that the meetings, conventions and events industry be positioned for a strong recovery,” added VBN President & CEO Patrick Kaler. “The County’s leadership has taken the constructive feedback from the center’s customers and put the recourses into capital projects to retain current and generate new business.”

Poloncarz also said he has been in touch with the Albright-Knox about the possibility of adding murals to the rear of the Convention Center, which faces Pearl Street.

Both the completed lobby project and the upcoming façade/entryway work are funded through the county’s capital projects fund and the RENEW Plan.

Second Generation Theatre (SGT) prepares for a new beginning with the debut of their first live and in person performances since 2019! In accordance with the theatre’s new logo and branding, courtesy of Crowley Webb, the team at SGT couldn’t be more thrilled to be back doing what they all do best.

Second Generation Theatre was founded in 2013 by University at Buffalo graduates Kristin Bentley, Arin Lee Dandes, and Kelly Copps with a mission to encourage a new generation of theatregoers to become involved in the arts. While the theatre’s beginning was nomadic in nature, the team finally settled at Shea’s Smith Theatre in 2018. With the company’s fresh and bold thinking approach to theatre, the intimate atmosphere found at Shea’s Smith acts as the perfect home for these immersive productions.

“You’re not just an audience member super far away from the action. You’re really immersed in what’s going on,” stated co-founder Kristin Bentley.

Amidst the momentum that the theatre was building, the pandemic threw a wrench in their plans that nobody could have planned for. While health and safety came as the biggest concern, this team used their extended pause in time as a way to give back to a community that they loved so much.

“We really wanted to use this time as an opportunity to give back to the community. We offered our summer camp online for free for kids. We did a lot of free education and engagement opportunities for kids and Kelly, our artistic director, also started sewing masks and gave them for free to anybody who needed them.”

With one arm in production, the other is in educating and cultivating the next generation through a wide variety of educational opportunities. The theatre offers classes and after school programs for kids ages 6 through 17 specializing in anything from comedy and playwriting to design and production.

“Really the skills that you get through arts education and engagement are skills that can transfer anywhere as you grow. They build confidence, help you with your speaking skills and help build creativity.”

With months to re-configure and establish their branding, the theatre returns better than ever with a full season lineup beginning with the first show, Songs for a New World, written by Jason Robert Brown. This show explores themes of love, loss, hope, rebuilding, and that “one moment” of decision. Featuring performances from three of the four cast members from the theater’s highly acclaimed digital production in June of 2020, Michele Marie Roberts, Brian Brown, Steve Copps and introducing a new face to Buffalo theatre, Fredonia graduate Genevieve Ellis. Directed by Amy Jakiel with music direction by Stephen Piotrowski and videography by Chris Cavanagh, this show is sure to bring a “new world” to the beloved Smith stage.

Songs for a New World

Friday, October 22, 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 23, 2:00 pm
Saturday, October 23, 8:00 pm
Sunday, October 24, 2:00 pm
Thursday, October 28, 7:30 pm
Friday, October 29, 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 30, 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday, October 31, 2:00 pm
*Note, there are no performances Nov. 4-7*
Thursday, November 11, 7:30 pm
Friday, November 12, 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 13, 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday, November 14, 2:00 pm

Where: Shea’s Smith Theatre, 658 Main Street, Buffalo NY 14202
Tickets: General Admission $30, Seniors $25, Students $15.
Box Office: Shea’s Box Office: (716) 847-0850, www.secondgenerationtheatre.com/tickets

The second show on the season’s line up is Constellations by Nick Payne Starring SGT Executive Director Kristin Bentley and Chris Avery. Directed by Michael Wachowiak, this spellbinding romantic journey begins with a simple encounter between a man and a woman. What happens next defies the boundaries of the world we know, delving into the infinite possibilities of their relationship and raising questions about the difference between choice and destiny.

Constellations

Thursday, March 17 & 24, 7:30 pm
Friday, March 11, 18 & 25, 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 12, 19 & 26, 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 13 & 20, 2:00 pm

Where: Shea’s Smith Theatre, 658 Main Street, Buffalo NY 14202
Box Office: Shea’s Box Office: (716) 847-0850, www.secondgenerationtheatre.com/tickets

The season closes with the must see theatre event of the summer, Cabaret, starring Ben Michael Moran, Cassie Cameron, Ricky Needham, Steve Jakiel & Pamela Rose Mangus. In 1930’s Berlin, everything is beautiful… but for how long? Directed by Kristin Bentley, choreographed by Kelly Copps and with music direction by Allan Paglia this beloved musical theatre classic with a message remains relevant even today.

Cabaret

Full Schedule
Thursday, June 16 & 23, 7:30 pm
Friday, June 10, 17 & 24, 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 11, 18 & 25, 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 12, 19 & 26, 2:00 pm

Where: Shea’s Smith Theatre, 658 Main Street, Buffalo NY 14202

Box Office: Shea’s Box Office: (716) 847-0850, www.secondgenerationtheatre.com/tickets

Theatre plays an important role in the rich history of Buffalo, and contributes to many different areas of growth and development that make our city unique.

“I think that the theatre and arts community here is what makes Buffalo a really special place. It shows the culture of the city, and that we have such rich cultural organizations between the arts organizations here, the Albright Knox and physical art, and performing arts from music to theatre. It roots itself in the long history of Buffalo and the appreciation that people have here for everything that makes the city special,” states theatre’s co-founder Kristin Bentley.

This team is sure to bring an energy this year that is unmatched to any other season. Show appreciation for our city’s unique arts and theatre organizations by seeing one of these performances that is sure to knock your socks off. For more information or to learn how to get involved visit the theatre’s website and follow along on social media to stay up to date on all newest announcements.

Article by Liberty Dar
Photography by Vincent Berbano
Produced by Jessica Marinelli

Buffalo Art Movement (BAM) is up to something creatively creepy for this year’s Witches Ball on October 30th. BAM’s creative and marketing directors, Joe Babcock and Jeffrey Heras, were charged with the task of creating an artistic experience that will not only send a chill down your spine but also showcase some incredible artists found right here in the Queen City. Aligning closely with the gallery’s mission of elevating Western New York talent to a level not seen before, what the team has in store is nothing less than spectacular.

Joe Babcock, Creative Director, BAM!

“When we were presented with the idea, we sat down and thought about what could be a feasible way to showcase work in a way that’s impressive and also provide the opportunity for folks to interact with the work. Most of these artists are painters and illustrators, so they’re used to working in two dimensions. They’re still working in two dimensions, but we’re infusing an interactive element,” states Babcock.

As guests travel through the Art Mural Maze sponsored by Hyatt’s All Things Creative, they will dive into the brain of each featured artist as they depict their portrayal of this years theme, “A Bloody Good Time,” homage to the 1970s and 80s British invasion known as the New Wave movement which featured humorous, dark, romantic, and quirky pop sounds with electronic synth and a distinctive punky style.

“We gave each artist the theme of the event, and told them to let it inspire them as much as they allow it, but also not to let it dictate what they produce. It goes back to the collaborative nature of the event itself. We definitely want all the artists to be able to use their voice in whatever manner seems authentic to their work,” says Babcock.

Featured artists are some new to the scene and also some that have already made their way around Buffalo’s creative scene:

Chris Piontkowski

@chrisp_af | Website

Chris Piontkowski is a Buffalo-based artist known for brightly colored murals depicting floral and geometric pop art elements. You can catch his work displayed in Hertel Alley, along Elmwood Avenue, Black Rock and Eggertsville. As a graduate from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he studied media art and animation, Chris’ street art is often influenced by his favorite childhood cartoons and video games. Through his art, Chris aims to bring positivity, smiles and joy to his audiences.

Alyssa Capri

@alyssa_capri_

As a self-taught artist, Alyssa Capri creates figurative and portrait work that aims to incorporate stories, emotions and non-traditional materials. Originally from Tucson, AZ., Alyssa Capri has been a professional artist for nearly ten years creating several murals throughout Buffalo and exhibiting work at local galleries like Project 308 and group exhibitions in NYC. She has always treated art as a form of emotional expression that goes beyond subject matter and reveals feelings of repression, liberation and self-realization.

Kelly Kresconko

@kellykresconkoart | Website

Visual Artist Kelly Kresconko combines subtle elements of the macabre with traditional beauty to create artwork focused on the distortion of the human figure. Born in Buffalo, Kelly studied graphic design at Villa Maria College and then earned a degree in visual arts and new media from SUNY Fredonia. She has exhibited work in Baltimore, New York City and throughout WNY.

Cody Hughes

@slinks_

Cody Hughes is a watercolorist living and working in Buffalo. You can often find him live painting and performing local music shows.

Rork Maiellano

@rorkmaiellano

Rork Maiellano is an artist, illustrator and tarot card reader living and working throughout Buffalo and the Rochester area. His works are characterized by his intricate use of colored pencils and is often inspired by mythology and folklore.

Emma Roberts

@artbyec | Website

Emma Roberts is a graphic designer and illustrator living and working in Buffalo. She graduated from Buffalo State College with a degree in communication design and art. She currently works within the local advertising industry and has won many awards for her work. When she is not producing work, Emma is conjuring up immersive illustrations based on dark fantasy themes.

Renée Helda

@renee.helda | Website

As a designer and art director, Renée Helda has always found ways to explore her creativity and art techniques within her work. In her process, she combines her hand of graphic design with fine art and illustration.

Chris Main

@plygrnded

Over the past 10 years, Chris Main has been a staple to the mural scene in Buffalo. He takes influences from 80’s skateboarding and punk culture, mythology, vintage advertising and pop culture, to create his visual style. Primarily using acrylic, aerosol and digital media as materials for his work, you can catch Chris producing large scale live art at events like Music is Art and around Buffalo.

Jeffrey Heras, Marketing Director, BAM!

“We hand selected these artists and all of them are so thrilled to be working on this project because it’s different and it’s really something they haven’t experienced before,” states Heras

The team hopes that this project will spark a movement that could remain a staple for years to come, and even implement these ideas into other venues and events exposing artists to different audiences that they otherwise may not have reached.

“We are incredibly thankful for the generosity from Hyatt’s All Things Creative as they were able to provide our featured artists with the materials needed to make the Art Maze a reality. One of Buffalo Art Movement’s goals is to find opportunities for local artists to be able to create and showcase their work to larger audiences and Hyatt’s played an important role in supporting our artists,” states

Don’t be afraid to lose yourself in this interactive art experience and be a-mazed with just what you might find.

The Witches Ball | A Bloody Good Time

Saturday, October 30, 2021 @ Statler City | Buffalo, NY
$45 per ticket | $50 at the door
VIP | $165 – Will sell out!

Sign up for a jolly, gory night at witchesballbuffalo.com
Click here to read more.

Hyatt’s All Things Creative
1941 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14207
800-234-9288
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: Closed.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Buffalo Art Movement (BAM!)
Pierce-Arrow Commerce Park
255 Great Arrow Avenue, Suite 200
Buffalo, NY 14207
art@bam716.com | 716-939-2445

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Most cities claim to have haunted landmarks and attractions, but very few of them have anything as unearthly as Iron Island. This circa 1885 former church/funeral home is considered one of the most haunted sites in the northeast. The “museum of hauntings” is considered a pilgrimage for many ghost hunters who always have plenty of sightings and audible interactions with spirits that call the museum “home.”

The museum is not only popular with the locals, it’s also frequented by professional ghost hunters, mystics, and psychics who concur that the place is rife with spirits.

“I’ve spent a couple of nights there,” said Damien Raphael, CEO of Museum of Mystery – a pop-up museum in Buffalo. “It’s the only place like this that I know of, where a group of friends can spend the night alone, without anyone else in the building. I’m a skeptic and a believer, but always a skeptic first.”

According to the operators of Iron Island, the two most vocal apparitions are “Edgar” and “Tommy.” These voices have been heard in the daytime and at night although the truly haunted disposition of the building goes hand-in-hand with a night-time stay. That said, there are some people who simply choose not to venture into the basement, where they’re “always in the dark!”

“One night that I was there,” continues Raphael. “I saw a small child duck around the corner. The girl standing next to me saw the figure as well. We stayed until 7 in the morning. It was very unsettling, but a lot fun too. Not your typical adventure. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the real deal.”

History buffs are also welcome to browse the museum’s exhibits, many of which pertain to local WWII soldiers and veterans – the displays help to tell the story of Buffalo during wartime. 

It is interesting to note that the name “Iron Island” comes from the host neighborhood that is encircled by train tracks. Even the industrial name evokes uneasiness and chills. 

An yes… on Saturdays people can make reservations to spend the night inside the building, for those who dare to!

Points of Interest:

998 East Lovejoy Street | Buffalo NY 14206 | 716-892-3084

Handicap accessible: Yes

Public and private tours

Access: By NFTA Metro bus – 1,19

Restaurant: One of the closest eateries to Iron Island Museum is La Verdad Café & Deli, which is worth its weight in gold – friendly and quaint, with delicious menu options

Park: There is an urban park nearby named Hennepin Park which is dedicated to veterans of all wars – corner of Hennepin Street and Bailey Avenue

Website: ironislandmuseum.com

Happy Haunted Hour

Iron Island Happy Haunted Hour to include food, beverages, water, an Iron Island glass, and tours. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Friday, October 22nd, 2021. Psychic readings for a small fee.

$40 per person

Tickets

In Buffalo, we like to say that you can get anywhere in 20 minutes. And it’s true. There’s not too much around here that’s more than a quick trip away. And while the convenience of locales like the airport and Highmark Stadium make the top of the “20 minute” list there’s another spot within driving distance of downtown that you can’t miss if you’re a fan of the outdoors.

Hunter’s Creek Park (also dedicated as Sgt. Mark A. Rademacher Memorial Park) outside of East Aurora may not be as popular as Devil’s Hole State Park or Chestnut Ridge’s Eternal Flame, but it’s a hidden gem favored by locals in the know. It may be comparatively small, but the winding gorge, waterfalls, and abundant trails to explore give it a much bigger feel.  It’s a conservation park so it’s underdeveloped by design, and since it’s not as well advertised as other parks it’s been largely unscathed by the graffiti and litter that can often plague popular outdoor areas.

My dog Bo and I head to Hunter’s Creek just about every weekend in the summer.  The 20-mile network of crisscrossing trails give you endless options. You can stay on the high ground and look for the remains of Kellogg Cabin or head down into the gorge and hike along the creek bed. If you’re looking for a longer hike, there’s a long linear trail that starts from the northern end of the park and stretches all the way to the southern edge.

What I love about Hunter’s Creek is that the park’s personality changes with the seasons. In the dry summer months, the creek is low enough to hike in or cross over. The fall foliage paints the park with a palette of yellows, reds, oranges, and purples while the winter months transform it into a frozen playground. Come spring the snow melt roars over the waterfalls and through the gorge.

At the risk of exaggerating a bit, Hunter’s Creek sometimes reminds me of some our National Parks. There’s a turn in the gorge that looks like a section of The Narrows in Zion. A heavy spring rain will make the creek gush like Yosemite’s Merced, and if you go on an off-day it’s secluded enough to make you think you’re in Glacier. The scenery isn’t quite the same and the trails are comparatively easy, but you’d be hard pressed to find another spot around here that so fully immerses you in nature. And then there’s the location. Like many of our National Parks, Hunter’s Creek takes a little work to get to, but there’s a charming small town close by if you’re in need of rations. On my way home from a hike, I like to head into East Aurora to stop at Homegrown Kitchen and re-fuel with their Chunky Monkey Smoothie or the Ranchera grain bowl.

If you do decide to head out to Hunter’s Creek make sure you check the weather. It can drastically affect conditions. Dry days are best to visit. Bring waterproof footwear if you have it. You’ll almost certainly end up near or in the creek. I like to bring a pair of flip flops to change into afterwards. Make sure you have plenty of water, food, sunscreen, a first aid kit and all the other standard hiking necessities. Here’s a good checklist to work off of. Cell service can be spotty so make sure you take a screen shot of the park map on your phone. You can find a map here. There is also one at the main trail head at the south lot.

One last thing: those of us that enjoy the outdoors can be a bit over protective of our natural resources. Promoting conservation areas like Hunter’s Creek can increase visitation and could have a negative impact on sensitive environments in the park. But it doesn’t seem right to keep such an awesome place a secret. I share it with you in hopes that you’ll enjoy it responsibly. We all play a role in caring for our shared public land.  Before you visit any park, familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace Principles and Park Rules. Help preserve places like Hunter’s Creek so that we can continue to enjoy them for years to come.

So, meet me and Bo on the trails this weekend?

The post Discovering Sanctuary at Hunter’s Creek Park appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara.

Elmwood Avenue is finally starting to live up to its reputation as a bustling commercial corridor, after experiencing a few turbulent years of ups and downs. With new buildings being erected, the neon tango dancers being returned to their rightful home, public art, and new businesses opening up, there is a palpable feeling of energy in the air.

One of the most exciting blocks being reinvigorated is located near Bidwell Parkway. It started with the opening of Breezy Burrito, continued on with Jack Rabbit, and now, for a trifecta, we have the opening of The Beer Keep (learn more).

My wife and I stopped into The Beer Keep last Friday, and were pleasantly surprised by what we found. First off, the street was alive like I had not seen in years. There were people everywhere, walking, sitting on patios, not only enjoying the nice weather, but seriously digging the healthy concentration of restaurant and bar offerings on the block.

While I am no beer geek, I really enjoyed my initial visit to The Beer Keep. It’s a lively, colorful emporium dedicated to beer lovers. While sitting at the bar, staring at the mesmerizing array of chilled beer cans in the refrigerated cases in front of me, I couldn’t help but overhear the couple next to me chatting with the bartender. Although my beer preference is typically “the lightest available,” it was obvious that the rest of the bar was filled with beer geeks that were loving the seemingly limitless offerings of ales, bocks, lagers, porters, stouts, etc.

It is apparent that The Beer Keep has struck a chord with beer fans on Elmwood, who have now found a new haunt to indulge their exporative and insatiable taste buds.

“We’re incredibly proud to boast not only a beer selection that gives the consumer more options than they can imagine but also a wine list that features exclusively natural or ‘natty’ wines,” said co-owner Cory Muscato. “In this new craft consumer culture we’re living in, people not only want more choices, but the space with which to choose them. The Beer Keep aims to provide both in excess without sacrificing quality.”

It’s obvious that more and more people are appreciating this sentiment, which is why they are gravitating towards the restaurants and bars that are accommodating their wants and desires. The Beer Keep is doing its part to bolster the Elmwood dynamics, resulting in throngs of people bar hopping up and down the block.

“All of our partners live in the Elmwood Village, or have in the past.  We want the EV to have all the cool and fun things we seek out when we’re in other major cities,” said co-owner Dan Hunter. “Between us, and our friends and neighbors at Breezy Burrito Bar and Jack Rabbit, we’re all locally owned and operated.  We want this block to be a destination for our community and anyone visiting Buffalo. Elmwood Village is the iconic neighborhood in Buffalo, and we want to do our part to keep it that way.”

As for the food offerings at The Beer Keep, the decision was made to bring Will Petersen aboard, due to his range of creative abilities.

“Chef Will Petersen outdid himself with our food menu,” said Hunter. “Our concept is obviously food that pairs well with beer, so Chef Will created an elevated backyard picnic menu, emphasizing sharable sides, handhelds, and garbage plates, which can be made vegan.  Essentially we’re a vegan restaurant with meat options.  Our mac salad, crunchy slaw, baked beans, chili sauce; they’re all vegan and they’re all delicious.”

There are a lot of reasons to love The Beer Keep. With the motto – “More Beer. More Better.” – it’s easy to see that they want to ensure that the beer is always flowing on Elmwood. Plus, more vegan offerings on Elmwood goes a long way for people who are looking for a culinary change of pace with their beer pairings.

The Beer Keep | 1002 Elmwood Avenue | Buffalo NY 14222 |  Menu | 716-768-5912 | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Hours of operation (including lunch Fri-Sun) – Closed on Mondays

Author: Dianne Bennett

If you’ve never looked closely at cell towers or the backs of highway signs, you have a great opportunity to re-imagine them at the current show of Nicholas H. Ruth prints, “New and Improved,” at Mirabo Press in Buffalo.

Ruth, who considers himself in a painterly tradition, has a forceful philosophy behind his art. “The underlying premise that I think I’m trying to get at,” he said while talking at the recent opening of his exhibition, “that I apologetically get at through picture-making, is that our human capacity for technological advancement far outpaces our capacity for ethical advancement and meaningful communication. I look around and say we have these f*** ing things [e.g. cell towers] – do you think you are any better at talking to your family than before those existed?”

The current show is Mirabo’s first in-person exhibit since Covid hit with full force. Located near Elmwood and Hertel (see specific information on gallery hours and location below), Mirabo Press is “one of the most exciting things to see in Buffalo, now that there is a nice little renaissance underway,” Queenseye wrote in BRO in 2018. “It’s unlike anything I’d ever come across.” Founded by three artists, Mizin Shin, Rachel Shelton and Bob Fleming (take the first 2 letters of their first names and you’ll get “Mirabo”), the studios at Mirabo host two of the largest presses in the area as well as a variety of other print-making equipment. The depth of technology and artistry allows guest artists to experiment with new techniques.  

Ruth explained how Mirabo allowed him to attempt more complex works. Pointing to the “cell tower” prints (if I can call them that), he said, “some of these things are incredibly technically challenging; if you look at the four of these and the way the horizon lines meet the sky and then at the bottom, there’s a gradient there – that’s insane.”

The current show also features some of the underlying tools, including a large copper plate of one of the “cell tower” works.

Mirabo tower at night

Ruth intriguingly marries the “habitual, almost second-nature intake of our surroundings” (to quote the curator card in the exhibit) “and the ingrained symbolism smattering these objects in our purview.” The artist, who teaches at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva (and lives in Rochester, so he knows those road signs and cell towers), commented at the opening, “In terms of specifically anything that’s photographic, the goal there is to screw up the photographic quality of it enough that it doesn’t seem simply documentary. Photography has such ‘truth value’ in our culture that I feel it is important to somehow make photography a little strange in order to use it to communicate visually about ideas.” Examples are those photos of highway signs, from the back. They are some of the first works one sees on entering the show, and they are haunting. As Ruth explained, they are much more complex than simply photographs.

The artist also credits printmaking with allowing him to do more with color. “With printmaking you can just make a shape, and one move, one color, and there’s a shape—no brush marks. It’s not a linear operation of filling something in… as a kid, you fill something in. How else as a painter are you going to make the whole thing? It’s one mark at a time, and I was struggling with that because I didn’t like the way my own mark looked – I had to find ways to put fields of color down.” He evolved into printmaking, and, as he said, “then all of a sudden [waving his arm around the room], it was this possibility and this possibility and this possibility.”

You can see all this for yourself—and more—between now and November 6, when the show closes. Gallery hours are Thursday – Saturday, 1-5 p.m. by appointment. Click “book a visit” on the web site: www.mirabopress.com. Don’t fail to take a tour of the print-making shop at the same time and get on the mailing list for future shows and workshops.

Ruth’s website is here.

On view through Saturday, November 6, 2021

Mirabo Press: 11 Botsford Place, Buffalo, NY 14216

Gallery Hours: Thursdays – Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. by appointment

Book a viewing appointment at www.mirabopress.com

*Mask and proof of vaccination are required.