Kevin Clor is a contributor to local travel publications. Below, Kevin Clor gives readers some ideas for you next vacation, or even staycation, if you’re local to Western New York.
Ever dreamed of taking a class taught by a world-famous poet? How about going on a winery tour with gorgeous mountains and farmland as the backdrop? Want to play hundreds of games from your childhood over and over again?
Kevin Clor says all of that and more are closer than you think. In Western New York you can cruise near the massive Niagara Falls, explore architectural landmarks, and then shop at the world’s largest five and dime.
And that’s just the first day of a fantastic vacation in picturesque Western New York, explains Kevin Clor. Here are some more great spots to explore
The Chautauqua Institution, 1 Ames Ave., Chautauqua
The landmark home of the Chautauqua social movement, which aimed to expose a range of cultural thought and activities to the masses, continues its 19th-century traditions today on this 2,000-acre plus site.
Kevin Clor reports it’s still a year-round culture smorgasbord, offering everything from poetry classes and dance performances, but also outdoor sports, shopping, and world-class dining.
Niagara Falls State Park, 332 Prospect St., Niagara Falls
Sure, it’s not the most original spot to put on a list of Western New York attractions, but Niagara Falls has been consistently uber-popular for a reason. Actually, many reasons.
Apart from checking out the massive, crashing waves of the breathtaking falls from up high, Kevin Clor says you can also take a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist to get a closer view, take in the famous Niagara Falls fireworks, and then relax at several nearby spas. Don’t forget the ponchos.
The Niagara Wine Trail, Niagara, Orleans, and Monroe counties
Just minutes away from Niagara Falls, Kevin Clor explains that this beautiful wine trail celebrates the history of winemaking in the region, which began in the 19th century. There are more than a dozen wineries to explore in small towns including Cambria, Sanborn, and Medina, and most have special events and tastings scheduled throughout the year.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buffalo, various locations
Kevin Clor explains that Buffalo is fortunate enough to be dotted with numerous homes designed by the American master architect. Of note is the landmark, 15,000-square-foot Darwin Martin House, considered one of Wright’s most important works from his early career and part of a six-building complex built for Larkin Company executive Darwin Martin.
Another must-see is Graycliff in Derby, N.Y., the summer home of the Martin family. Both have been painstakingly restored so they can be enjoyed by new generations of visitors.
The Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester
Family-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring: Exhibit A: The huge Strong Museum of Play, dedicated to celebrating games and toys for all ages.
It’s highly interactive of course (it’s pretty much a massive playground) and Kevin Clor says adults can get in on the action with a working arcade that’s home to playable games both retro and new. It’s also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame.
The Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo
Kids and adults can also both enjoy the Buffalo Zoo, the third-oldest zoo in the United States. Hundreds of species call 23.5 acres home, including some of the world’s most endangered and exotic animals.
Kevin Clor reports that you can see everything from an African lion and California sea lion to bald eagles and elephants. Don’t miss the children’s zoo – it’s next to the reindeer.
Vidler’s 5 & 10, 676-694 Main St., East Aurora
Operated for more than 90 years by the Vidler family, Kevin Clor reports that this is not your average five and dime. It’s stocked with more than 75,000 items over four connected buildings and four floors. It’s whimsical and very nostalgic, especially the 10-cent popcorn machine and the throwback candy counter.
The Buffalo Wing Trail, various locations
You probably knew that Buffalo is home to one of America’s favorite messy foods, but did you know there’s a trail devoted to trying out the various wings that are the town’s pride and joy?
Billed as America’s tastiest trail, it features 14 pubs and restaurants offering an eclectic array of wings, from double-dipped to mind-blowingly hot. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Kevin Clor reports that you can even tailor your trip to your taste in wings, including classic, saucy, and unusual.
Peek‘n Peak Resort, 1405 Olde Road, Clymer
Peek’n Peak is well known for its skiing and tubing – it has 27 ski slopes and gets an average of 210 inches of snow a year – but it has a lot to offer during all four seasons.
There’s a championship golf course, a luxurious spa, and its’ home to Peak Mountain Adventures, which includes zip lines, an adventure course, and mountain bike tours. According to Kevin Clor it’s the perfect place to wind down at the end of a perfect Western New York vacation.
