Spring has been here for almost a month now, but I cannot wait for summer. My hometown is absolutely beautiful in the summer, and I can't wait to soak up the beauty (and the sun). If you're like me and you love summer, you might already be asking yourself what cool things you’re going to do, and here are some cool things you can do if you live in/near Buffalo, NY!

1. Canalside

Canalside is at the heart of Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization. It’s located in the city’s downtown corridor, at the intersection of Pearl Street and Marine Drive. Canalside has awesome things to do over the summer: concerts, water bikes, sunbathing, taking a picture with SharkGirl and even events like yoga.

2. Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoological Gardens is the third oldest institution of its kind in the United States. The zoo is an awesome way to spend some time with family during the summer, wander around and enjoy looking at some animals.

3. Go to a Bison’s Game

Yes, Buffalo has it’s own baseball team! They’re a professional minor league team and have games all summer long. The stadium is almost in the heart of Buffalo and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with your family or friends. They hold an event on Friday nights called the Friday Night Bash, where the game ends with fireworks! On the Fourth of July, they have an event with the BPO, where the BPO plays patriotic music and there’s a fireworks show.

4. Go to a Show

Though Shea’s does not produce during the summer, there is a huge musical theater community in Buffalo, New York. I have played in multiple shows and seen multiple shows during the summer, and we have some of the best actors/actresses/musicians around! Some theaters in WNY:

The Palace, Lockport, NY

Irish Classical, Buffalo, NY

New Phoenix Theatre, Buffalo, NY

Lancaster Opera House, Lancaster, NY

5. Niagara Falls

Now we’re straying away from being in Buffalo itself, and heading to the places outside. We are known for having one of the seven wonders of the world in our backyard, and it doesn’t even seem to faze us anymore. There are activities you can do here that cost money, but if you don’t want to pay, you can just sit and enjoy the beauty of the American side of the Falls! If you wish, you can even walk across the border and enjoy the falls from the Canadian side.

6. Old Fort Niagara

The history of Old Fort Niagara spans more than 300 years. This alone should make you interested in going! Old Fort Niagara offers an orientation video, shown hourly, guided tours, musket demonstrations presented hourly, 18th century mortar firing demonstrations and even re-enactments.

7. Chestnut Ridge - Eternal Flame Falls

Chestnut Ridge is in Orchard Park, and in this park you can find Eternal Flame Falls. Located in the Shale Creek preserve, a small grotto at the waterfall’s base emits natural gas, which can be lit to produce a small flame. This flame is visible nearly year round. To get to the flame, there are a few trails that are all pretty easy to follow. It’s a pretty fun way to waste a day!

8. Darien Lake Amusement Park

Darien Lake is located in, you guessed it, Darien Center. It’s a little ways outside of Buffalo, but other than Fantasy Island, it’s one of the only amusement parks in the area. There’s thrill rides, a waterpark, concerts and even a camping ground.

9. Griffis Sculpture Park

Located in East Otto, Griffis Sculpture Park can be called a “haven for imagination.” Located on 400 acres of land, the park features over 250 large scale sculptures dispersed through miles of hiking trails. Each sculpture was placed with the natural setting in mind, creating a truly unique experience between art and nature. It might be quite a drive, but it’s worth it!

10. Beaches

There are multiple beaches in Buffalo and the surrounding areas. Buffalo is absolutely beautiful in the summer, and it’s so worth going to one of these beaches. Just remember to wear sunscreen!

Angola on the Lake

Bennett Beach

Evangola State Park

Sunset Bay

Woodlawn Beach

11. Eat!

There are so many fantastic places all around WNY to eat. Some well known restaurants:

Anchor Bar

Buffalo Chophouse

Duff’s

Chef’s

Lloyd’s Taco Trucks (not exactly a restaurant, but you know…)

Lake Effect Diner

Summer, please come soon, because I can’t wait to do all of these cool things!