The Patriots are making the trek out to Buffalo this weekend. If you are following suit to catch the game, Lifestyle has some tips for you to make sure you get the most out of your time in Upstate New York.
go to game
Tickets are sold out for the AFC East matchup, season ticket holders can check out the NFL Ticket Exchange. For game day information, visit the Buffalo Bills website.
watch
Patriots fans will be flocking to Buffalo to catch the AFC East action. As usual, many are planning meetups throughout the weekend, including Friday lunch at Anchor Bar and dinner on Saturday. They will also be tailgating before the game 5330 Big Tree Rd. Lot. The tailgate costs $30 and includes a full menu of food and drinks. For more information or to get in contact with the meetup organizers, join the Patriots Tailgate Group on Facebook, and then go to the game's event page.
eat
When it comes to food, Buffalo has a few staples no visitor should miss. Of course, the wings that share a name with the city are a must. There is no shortage of places to get a good plate of Buffalo wings, but Anchor Bar (1047 Main St., 716-886-8920) is home to the original recipe. Duff's Famous Wings (3090 Orchard Park Dr., 716-674-7212) is another well-traveled wing spot, and they even ship out orders. For a meal with a dedicated group of loyal and local customers, check out Bar-Bill Tavern (185 Main St. East Aurora, N.Y.; 716-652-7959). Though it can be an intimidating spot for first timers, the website includes a guide for your first visit.
If you can't take the heat of Buffalo wings, maybe a roast beef sandwich is more your style. Buffalo is known for their "beef on weck," a sandwich served up on a kummelweck roll. The sandwich is popular throughout the region, and Charlie the Butcher (295 Main St., 716-855-8646) is one hot spot. The website even offers rookies a step-by-step guide of how to eat their staple. Jim's SteakOut (multiple locations) is another well-known spot for subs and is open until 5 a.m., so you can stop in no matter when a craving hits.
For a quick lunch, check out Ted's Hot Dogs (124 W. Chippewa St., 716-247-5314), which has been cemented in the Buffalo community since the early 1900s. If you're craving all things Italian, stop by Chef's Restaurant (291 Seneca St. 716-856-9187), a family-owned place serving up pasta, pizza and daily specials since 1923. No matter where you go, make sure to save room for something sweet and a Buffalo tradition: sponge candy. The melt-in-your-mouth sugary toffee covered in chocolate is a must try. Grab some (and other sweet treats) at places like Fowler's Chocolates (100 River Rock Dr., 800-824-2263) or Watson's (738 Elmwood Ave., 716-884-3216).
sleep
If you would prefer to stay close to New Era Field, check out the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites in Hamburg (3565 Commerce Pl., Hamburg, N.Y.; 716-648-9200).For those who don't mind a short drive, there are a number of stays in the heart of Buffalo, including Adam's Mark (120 Church St., 716-845-5100) and Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Buffalo (10 Lafayette Sq., 716-848-1000).
PLAY
With Niagara Falls just a 45-minute drive from New Era Field, it is a must see while in Buffalo. You can see the natural wonder from both the U.S. and Canadian sides, so be sure to bring your passport. Once you're there, check out Clifton Hill, a popular spot for restaurants and attractions.
If one game isn't enough for you this weekend, you can catch some NHL action as the Buffalo Sabres take on the Florida Panthers at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. You can check for tickets here.
Buffalo has a good brewery scene for those looking to drink local beers. For some of the best, swing through this trio of Buffalo-area breweries: Hamburg Brewery (6553 Boston State Rd., 716-649-3249), Resurgence Brewing Co. (1250 Niagara St., 716-381-9868) and Big Ditch Brewing Company (55 East Huron St., 716-854-5050).
With Halloween creeping in on Monday, there are lively and spooky scenes throughout the city. The Wheatfield Pumpkin Farm (6920 Nash Rd., Wheatfield, N.Y.; 716-693-6407) is a half hour drive north from New Era Field and offers an array of fall fun for families, including haunted hayrides. From haunted houses to walking tours, much of the scary shenanigans can be found on BuffaloHauntedHouses.com. Canalside offers a few haunted options, as well. In addition to Canalside being a great place for a walk, the area along the waterfront is also home to both a family-friendly Haunted Halloween Family Fun Lights on Tour and Fright Night, both presented by District of the Dead Haunted House.
If you want to do some shopping while you're away for the weekend, check out the Walden Galleria (1 Walden Galleria, 716-681-7600), a mall with a wide selection of stores, restaurants and a theater. From some outdoor shopping, Hertel Avenue is populated with shops and boutiques.
More Informationhttp://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/
https://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us
