17 Reasons Buffalo Isn't Just Snow And Chicken Wings

Jamie Feldman
Updated

Buffalo gets a bad rap for its seemingly paralyzing winters and its dauntinglake-effect snow. The mere mention of the western New York region is met with responses like "Ugh, the snow!" or "it'swaytoo cold up there for me."

But there's a reason millennials areshuffling off to Buffalo in droves, and it's not just for the access to incomparable buffalo wings (although it does help).

Buffalo, orBuffaloveas some proud habitants affectionately call it, boasts plenty of reasons to visit (and stay) -- from a rousing art scene to great shopping to yes, the food.

Here are 17 reasons Buffalo is New York state's hidden gem:

1. Buffalo wings just skim the surface of its bustling food scene.

Sure, classics likeBeef on Weckand Buffalo Wings (whether fromDuff'sorAnchor Bar) are great, but there are also tons of trendy eateries likeLeft Bank, killer subs from places likeMarcos(the hot chili mayo issogood) and culinary delights from all over the world at theWest Side Bazaar.

2. But if wings are your weakness, you can try for as much heat as you can handle at Wingfest.

A photo posted by Anchor Bar Buffalo (@anchorbarbuffalo)on Oct 4, 2015 at 5:27am PDT

The yearlyNational Buffalo Chicken Wing Festivalbrings in wings from all the best wing joints in the area and beyond. To date it has served over 4.2 million wings in its 14-year run.

3. Sporting events are really events.

Buffalo fans are some of the most devoted in the country. A visit to either First Niagara or Ralph Wilson Stadium or pretty much any bar in the surrounding area on game day is enough to fill you withBuffalovespirit.

4. Winter might be brutal, butoh, summer is perfect.

As a reward for putting up with lake-effect snow all winter, Buffalo truly lights up in the summertime with freeCanalside concerts every Thursday. In 2015, performers included Iron and Wine, Matt and Kim and more.

5. Niagara Falls is just a stone's throw away.

And really, this wonder of the world reallynever gets old.

6. Buffalo boasts some of the most iconic architecture in New York State.

Buffalo residents work hard to maintain and preserve its many architectural landmarks, including seven by Frank Lloyd Wright. There are evenarchitecture tours you can go on throughout the city.

7. TheAlbright-Knox Art Galleryis home to some wonderful, iconic artwork.

Filled with loads of work from Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollack, the impressive gallery also boasts artwork from the likes of Matisse and Picasso.

8. But there are plenty of up-and-coming artists to see there, too.

First Fridays,or Allentown's gallery walk, gives visitors the chance to view artwork in the galleries, listen to music, eat, drink and shop.

9. You can shop for things youwon'tfind at the mall.

Buffalo'sElmwood Villageis lined with quaint boutiques as well as theoutdoor peddler's market, which offers a ton of vintage and retro options each Saturday that you won't find at the nearbyWalden Galleria(but let's be real, the Galleria is pretty great, too).

10. And boozy weekend brunch comes without the hefty price tag.

A photo posted by Providence Social (@providence_social_bflo)on Oct 11, 2015 at 9:07am PDT

Try the $1 mimosas atProvidence Socialor the $6 bottomless (yes, really) ones atCecelias. Because the best way to cure a hangover is with a little hair of the dog, right?

11. In fact, you can enjoy most things without the hefty price tag.

Forbes named Buffalo 2014's most affordable cityto live in, adding that "home ownership is attainable for 88.5 percent of the local population."

12. History buffs can get a taste of the past atTheodore Roosevelt's Inaugural site.

13. While beer snobs can get their fill of home-brewed ales all over the city.

The city boastsover a dozen breweries, and you can get a taste of over 150 beers from all over the country at the annualBuffalo On Tap Harvest Beer Festival.

14. Music snobs can see a Grammy Award-winning orchestra at their leisure.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, which won two Grammys in 2009, plays a full schedule throughout the season at Kleinhans Music Hall, which is, you guessed it, a national historic landmark.

15. The people are just plainnice.

USA Today once named Buffalo "America's Friendliest City," a place where your neighbors are quick to ask how you're doing or help you dig your car out of the snow. Not to mention Buffalo is considered one of the most LGBT-friendly citiesin the country.

16. Paula's Donuts might literally change your life.

A photo posted by Paulas Donuts (@paulasdonutsmgm)on Apr 23, 2015 at 8:51am PDT

They're ranked 23 on Buzzfeed's"Donuts To Try Before You Die." Their glazed varieties (orange juice, cinnamon and honey dip to name a few) is worth the trip.

17. One word: Wegmans.

A photo posted by Jamie Feldman (@realgirlproject)on Sep 1, 2013 at 12:51pm PDT

Ah, Wegmans. With your reasonably priced goods, pristine aisles andthat salad bar, it's no wonder you havedeveloped such a cult following. Did we mention it was also named one of Fortune'sbest companies to work for in 2015?11 locationsin the Buffalo area can't be wrong.

Also on HuffPost:

Paradise Ranger Station, Mt. Rainier, Washington

Oh, the irony. Paradise sees 56 feet of snow per year. <em>iStockPhoto</em>
Oh, the irony. Paradise sees 56 feet of snow per year. iStockPhoto

Alyeska, Alaska

Alyeska typically gets 53 feet of snow per year but saw an insane 73 feet just two winters ago. <em>Mark Newman/Getty</em>
Alyeska typically gets 53 feet of snow per year but saw an insane 73 feet just two winters ago. Mark Newman/Getty

Kirkwood Mountain, California

The folks at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, just 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe, report an average snowfall of 50 feet. Not too shabby considering how many competitors are forced to resort to faux snow. <em>Courtesy Kirkwood</em>
The folks at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, just 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe, report an average snowfall of 50 feet. Not too shabby considering how many competitors are forced to resort to faux snow. Courtesy Kirkwood

Niseko, Japan

Niseko means "a cliff jutting over a riverbank deep in the mountains." Sounds scary, right? The recipient of weather patterns from Siberia, Niseko gets about 50 feet of snow each year (Mount Yōtei is pictured). <em>iStockPhoto</em>
Niseko means "a cliff jutting over a riverbank deep in the mountains." Sounds scary, right? The recipient of weather patterns from Siberia, Niseko gets about 50 feet of snow each year (Mount Yōtei is pictured). iStockPhoto

Valdez, Alaska

Located on the northeast tip of the Prince William Sound, Valdez boasts the most snowfall of any community at sea level in North America. Just how much do you need to qualify for that superlative? Exactly 326 inches -- just more than 27 feet­ -- per year. <em>Courtesy Valdez</em>
Located on the northeast tip of the Prince William Sound, Valdez boasts the most snowfall of any community at sea level in North America. Just how much do you need to qualify for that superlative? Exactly 326 inches -- just more than 27 feet­ -- per year. Courtesy Valdez

Mt. Washington, New Hampshire

Mount Washington, in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, is the tallest peak in the Northeastern U.S. Known for high wind gusts, the mountain gets hit with roughly 21 feet of snow per year and houses the Mount Washington Observatory, a scientific institution that calls itself the "Home of the World's Worst Weather." Surprisingly, in warmer seasons, a weekend here makes for a great <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/features/honeymoons-romantic-trips/2012/02/dates-outdoors?mbid=synd_huffpo" target="_hplink">romantic getaway</a>. <em>Jose Azel/Getty</em>

Blue Canyon, California

Blue Canyon sits at the edge of Tahoe National Forest, about an hour away from Lake Tahoe itself. Despite being a bit off the beaten track, Mother Nature seems to have no problem finding it: Blue Canyon gets pounded with 20 feet of snow per year, though as much as 65 feet of snow in a year is not unheard of. <em>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce</em>

Yakutat, Alaska

Although it's the largest city in the U.S. by area, gorgeous Yakutat is home to only about 4,000 people. Situated in the lowlands along the Gulf of Alaska, it sees more than 16 feet of snow a year (the Hubbard Glacier is pictured here). <em>iStockPhoto</em>
Although it's the largest city in the U.S. by area, gorgeous Yakutat is home to only about 4,000 people. Situated in the lowlands along the Gulf of Alaska, it sees more than 16 feet of snow a year (the Hubbard Glacier is pictured here). iStockPhoto

Marquette, Michigan

Sitting along Lake Superior (and encompassing several small islands), Marquette gets almost 12 feet of snow per year, making it the fifth snowiest large city in the U.S. <em>Aaron Peterson; <a href="http://archive.aaronpeterson.net/" target="_hplink">aaronpeterson.net</a></em>

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Sault Ste. Marie, is about a 3.5-hour drive from Marquette. It gets a little less of the white stuff, with almost 10 feet of snow per year. <em>James L. Amos/Corbis</em>
Sault Ste. Marie, is about a 3.5-hour drive from Marquette. It gets a little less of the white stuff, with almost 10 feet of snow per year. James L. Amos/Corbis

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.