Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Spectator Sports
Buffalo is a sports town, home to the NFL's
Buffalo Bills
(
www.buffalobills.com
) and the
NHL's
Buffalo Sabres
(
www.sabres.nhl.com
)
.
The Buffalo Bills play football at
Ralph Wilson Stadium
(1 Bills Dr., Orchard Park,
716/648-1800),about15milessouthofthecityinOrchardPark.Nomatterwhattheweath-
er, the tailgating begins as soon as the parking lots open. On game day, it may take an hour
to get to the stadium from Buffalo.
The Buffalo Sabres are equally beloved, selling out many of their home ice-hockey
games in the
First Niagara Financial Group Arena
(1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza, 716/
855-4444,
www.firstniagaracenter.com
). Fans jam downtown bars and restaurants before
games. The arena is also home to the
Buffalo Bandits
(
www.bandits.com
)
of the National
Lacrosse League.
The
Buffalo Bisons
(
www.milb.com
)
are a minor league baseball franchise that play at
Coca-Cola Field
(275WashingtonSt.,716/846-2000)intheheartofdowntownBuffalo.In
stark contrast to the excitement and action of Bills and Sabres games, watching the Bisons
play is a relaxing experience, best enjoyed with a hotdog and a brew. Friday night games
that end with a spectacular fireworks display are popular with families.
The Lofts on Pearl
(92 Pearl St., 716/856-0098,
www.loftsonpearl.com
,
$209) give you
extra room to relax in a convenient location. Previously loft apartments, these one- and
two-bedroom suites (32intotal) feature hardwoodfloors,fireplaces, fullkitchens, andhigh
ceilings. Youcan'tbeat the location inthe heart ofthe Brewery District, close toCanalside,
First Niagara Arena, and Coca-Cola Field.
Hotel @ The Lafayette
(391 Washington St., 716/853-1505,
www.thehotellafayette.com
,
$200) offers style, comfort, and convenience in a renovated
1904 French Renaissance building. Its 57 rooms blend historic and contemporary design,
including grand murals of the Buffalo World's Fair in 1901 and modern, European-style
bathrooms. Explore the lobby and ballrooms for a sense of life at the turn of the 20th cen-
tury. Former presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt stayed here.
Escape the bustle of downtown at
The Parkside House
(462 Woodward Ave., 716/
480-9507,
www.theparksidehouse.com
,
$150) bed-and-breakfast. Snuggled in a residential
neighborhood close to Delaware Park, this place has three comfy rooms, excellent food,
