If you live in the Western New York area or considering visiting in the summer, you might want to hit these cool and exciting places up. Every one of these places is a lot of fun and will make your feet hurt by the end of the day.
If you are up for the challenge, I say make it a point to visit one if not all of these interesting spots:
1. Letchworth State Park (Wyoming County)
This amazing park is filled with just about anything you can think of. I've been there as an explorer and also as a white water rafter. You won't regret seeing the gorgeous view it has to offer. The park is massive and there is so much to see. This would definitely be on my list of fun places to explore.
2. Devil's Hole (Niagara County)
Although extremely dangerous and can tire you out within seconds, it is somewhere to go and explore for the day. With over 400 steps to walk down and up from, you get to see up-close the Niagara River. You won't get bored of the beautiful sights you see which makes it an excellent place to go travel to. It's also free!!
3. Eternal Flame (Erie County)
The eternal flame is located in Chestnut Ridge Park about 25 minutes from Buffalo and it's one of the coolest things I have ever seen. You can't be afraid to get a little wet because the eternal flame is literally right under a waterfall. I've been multiple times and each time is just simply amazing. You will never get bored of it and it's free!
4. Panama Rocks (Chautauqua County)
Panama Rocks is one of the coolest places I've ever been to! It's a park full of massive rocks that you can climb on. Yes... it is kinda dangerous but that's the thrill of it I guess. It is so fun and takes up a good chunk of the day so you will never be bored. I absolutely love it there and you will too!
5. Ellicottville (Cattaraugus County)
There is so much to do in Ellicottville whether it be in the summer or the fall! You can explore the cute village with dozens of little shops and restaurants and you can also explore Holiday Valley! Holiday Valley has ziplining throughout the entire summer season and skiing during the winter. There are condos you can stay at right across from Holiday Valley so you can be right where the activities are. You will want to come back every year and possibly make it a family adventure!
6. Niagara Falls (Niagara County)
Okay well, this one is obvious because it's one of the seven wonder of the world but so many Western New Yorkers always forget that Niagara Falls is right in our own backyard. Take a little road trip and explore everything there is to see and trust me, there is a lot to see.
7. Hamlin Beach (Monroe County)
I found this place a couple months ago and it is so pretty and such a cute beach. It's about a half hour from Brockport and is a perfect place to walk and get into the water! There wasn't a lot of people there so it was nice to explore without any distractions. If you like to go to a beach but don't like the people, this is the place for you.
8. Canalside (Erie County)
Downtown Buffalo was run down for a really long time and these past few years, it has been making a comeback. There is so much to do at Canalside that I can't even tell you all of the things there are. There are activities for both summer and winter and activities for everyone. You can ice skate, explore the city, hang out at their different events, and even catch a concert or few. It's the place to be and where every Western New Yorker wants to be.
9. Knox Farm (Erie County)
It's this cute little farm in East Aurora that you can explore. There is always something new to see and mini trails that you didn't know existed. It is free and a perfect place for a last minute adventure.
10. Chautauqua Lake (Chautauqua County)
I was introduced to this place two years ago and let me tell you, I'm glad that I got to see the beauty it has to offer. Call me biased but this place holds special memories to not only me but to the amazing family I go with. It's the perfect family getaway and there is so much to see and do. You can go fishing on the lake, tubing, kayaking, swim, play games, have fires, and just having a great time. It will always be my favorite place to go in the summer and I get to make amazing memories with the wonderful family I go with. Believe me when I say GO... You won't regret this one...trust me!