The city of Buffalo is New York’s second most populous city, second only to New York City. It is due to this distinction that Buffalo’s nightlife officially ends at four in the morning. As they say, when in New York, do as New York City does!
There is no shortage of nightlife in Buffalo City, the center of which is Chippewa Street, at the intersection of Main Street and South Elmwood Avenue.
Buffalo is a relatively mature city, first settled in 1789 and becoming a formal city in 1832. The street light was invented here, just as soon as the technology for harnessing hydroelectric power from nearby Niagara Falls became available. This is why one of Buffalo’s enduring titles is The City of Light!
Buffalo likewise played host to the automobile revolution as the city had so much access to steel. The city is strategically located at the mouths of Lake Erie, and the Buffalo and Niagara rivers. As such, it is at forefront of the busiest trading corridor between Canada and the United States.
With five bridges connecting to Canada, Canadians visiting the American Niagara Falls find it convenient to stop over, especially for some handsome bargains at Buffalo’s discount malls.
However, life in Buffalo City has not been easy for its inhabitants such that year after year, it suffers from the Yo-yo syndrome of either population decline or increase. This is why local government has been swift to diversify the city’s economy, lessening its dependence on the automotive industry, or the steel industry for that matter.
Still, a great number of Buffalo City’s young population (above 18 years of age) tends to move to New York City or other big cities in search of so-called greener pastures. This phenomenon accounts for a massive “brain drain” as these young individuals were educated from good schools, of which the city of Buffalo has many (just some of which are
The State University of New York or SUNY, University at Buffalo, Rosswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus).
The origin of the city’s name, however, remains shrouded in mystery. In the first place, no buffaloes were found in Buffalo City historically. Some historians put forth the theory that the French term for beautiful river, beau fleuve might have been the origin for the city’s name, although this is highly doubtful.
Regardless, the city of Buffalo has often been called The City of Good Neighbors, a name that sticks to this day, due to the city’s hometown feel. Ask anyone for street directions and you will find out for yourself!
Ironically, President William McKinley was shot and died here in 1901. President Abraham Lincoln, however, had a great time visiting Buffalo City in 1861, staying at the majestic American Hotel on Main Street.
Aside from the American Niagara Falls, another great place to frequent in the city of Buffalo is Coca-Cola Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons. For the art lovers, it is worth mentioning that the city has over 50 art galleries, chief of which is the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
For food lovers, the good news is there are all kinds of cuisines in the city of Buffalo, although bison beef might still be a rarity!
All I ever want to do is write. Of course, I have to worry about the dishes and the laundry like everyone else. That includes taking a bath daily and keeping the house spic and span. A person has to sleep, too and enjoy a good meal. To detach myself from the writing and relax my eyes, I would go to the library to read a few good titles. Or watch an episode of CSI or Law & Order online. And then I'm back! Life is so simple for me.