Explore Buffalo’s popular tours and events are still going strong through September and beyond! Most tours are between 90 minutes and two hours in length unless specified. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Reservations may be made online at explorebuffalo.org or by calling (716) 245-3032.
Disasters of Buffalo Harbor Cruise
Date: Sept. 15 at 1 p.m.
Cost: General Admission $20, Student $15, Explorer Pass $15
Meet: Miss Buffalo Dock, Erie Basin Marina
Any busy harbor is a dangerous place and Buffalo’s harbor has been no exception. Ships collided, boilers exploded, and fires and explosions were almost commonplace. Join us for a cruise aboard the Miss Buffalo and listen to the stories of many of Buffalo’s maritime disasters and enjoy the scenic views of Buffalo’s waterfront. This tour is being given in cooperation with the Buffalo Harbor Museum.
Space is limited and reservations are required! The Miss Buffalo will leave the dock promptly at the tour starting time; please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and board. This tour is two hours in length.
Explore Buffalo will contact you if this tour is cancelled due to weather. All food and beverages must be obtained through Buffalo Harbor Cruises. Cameras are encouraged!
Downtown Food Tour: Chippewa Street
Date: Saturday, Sept. 15, 22, 29 at 1:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 18, 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Cost: General Admission $52, Explorer Pass $47
Meet: Frankie Primo’s +39
Chippewa Street has been at the heart of downtown Buffalo’s resurgence, led by an eclectic collection of restaurants that have reinvigorated this section of downtown. On this guided food tour, we’ll stop at five of those restaurants to sample some of their signature dishes.
From Buffalo classics — yes, there will be chicken wings — to trendy desserts and some more surprising menu choices, the array of food provided on this tour will showcase some of what makes Buffalo a well-known food destination. Buffalo was named one of America’s Favorite Cities for Food by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2017, and a Top 10 Food City by National Geographic in 2015.
As we walk along Chippewa Street, passing by historic buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, learn about the history of the neighborhood as it has evolved. On this unique tour offered by Explore Buffalo, you’ll discover treasures of both Buffalo history and cuisine!
Restaurants visited on this tour are Frankie Primo’s +39, Prima Pizza Pasta, Local Kitchen + Beer Bar, The Chocolate Bar and Soho Buffalo. This tour meets at Frankie Primo’s +39 Restaurant at 51 West Chippewa St., Buffalo, at the corner of Franklin Street. There are numerous parking lots in the vicinity and street parking is available on surrounding streets. Note that street parking is free on weekends, but the two-hour standard street parking on weekdays is less time than needed for this tour. The closest parking ramp is the Augspurger Ramp at 362 Pearl St., one block away. The Fountain Plaza Metro Rail station on Main Street is two blocks away, and the nearest Reddy Bikeshare hub is one block away at the corner of Delaware and Chippewa.
Advance reservations are required for this tour. Reservations must be made by 4:30 p.m. the day prior to the tour. This tour is between 2.5 and three hours in length and includes tastings at five restaurants. Water is also provided at each stop. The total amount of food provided during the tour is equivalent to a substantial meal. To help keep the tour on time, we ask that you not place any additional orders during the tour.
No substitutions are available for the tastings at each restaurant. Please be aware that various tastings include meat as well as dairy, wheat, and other potential allergens.
The walking distance on this tour is minimal, less than a half-mile total. Due to small food establishments with steps at the entry or inside, as well as stairs at one location, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Explore Buffalo reserves the right to substitute restaurants if necessary.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather; the tour will proceed rain or shine. Cameras are encouraged!
Village of Hamburg Food Tour
Date: Sept. 8, 12, 19 at 1 p.m.
Cost: General Admission $52, Explorer Pass $47
Meet: Butera’s at 32 Main St., Hamburg
The Village of Hamburg is one of Western New York’s charming village centers that today features a thriving restaurant scene with a wide variety of culinary choices. On this guided food tour we’ll stop at six of those restaurants to sample some of their signature dishes showcasing the diversity of Hamburg restaurants.
A food tour of Hamburg wouldn’t be complete without a hamburger being included, but there is a lot more to sample at the local Hamburg restaurants. Over the course of this tour, you will enjoy unique offerings ranging from appetizers to desserts. This tour is a complete meal!
As we stroll through the village, passing by historic buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, you will learn about the history of the village as it has evolved over the past two centuries. On this unique tour offered by Explore Buffalo, you’ll discover treasures of both Hamburg history and cuisine!
Restaurants visited on this tour are Butera’s Craft Beer & Craft Pizza, Coyote Café, Juicy Burger Bar, Prima Oliva Café, Comfort Zone Café andMain Street Ice Cream. This tour meets at Butera’s at 32 Main St., Hamburg. There is a free municipal parking lot with an entrance across Main Street, and another entrance on Buffalo Street. Abundant on-street parking is also available on Main Street and other village streets.
Advance reservations are required for this tour. Reservations must be made by 4:30 p.m. the day prior to the tour. This tour is between 2.5 and three hours in length and includes tastings at six restaurants. Water is also provided at each stop. The total amount of food provided during the tour is equivalent to a substantial meal. To help keep the tour on time, we ask that you not place any additional orders during the tour. The walking distance on this tour is minimal, about three-quarters of a mile in total.
No substitutions are available for the tastings at each restaurant. Please be aware that various tastings include meat as well as dairy, wheat, and other potential allergens. Due to small food establishments with steps at the entry or inside, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Explore Buffalo reserves the right to substitute restaurants if necessary.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather; the tour will proceed rain or shine. Cameras are encouraged!
Annual Meat Raffle
Date: Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.
Cost: $5 (admission includes beer, wine and pop. No outside alcoholic beverages allowed. Bring your own snacks.)
Meet: Pvt. Leonard Post Jr. VFW, 2450 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga
Join us for a fun evening in support of Explore Buffalo’s many educational programs. Proceeds from this event support the ongoing mission of Explore Buffalo to promote Buffalo and Western New York history and architecture through quality education to learners of all ages. Bring your friends and enjoy this unique Western New York tradition while supporting the cause of promoting a better Buffalo through tours.
Purchase tickets directly from an Explore Buffalo volunteer. Tickets can also be reserved over the phone by calling (716) 245-3032 and then picked up and paid for during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Explore Buffalo’s office in First Presbyterian Church at 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo. Tickets will also be available at the door on Friday, Oct. 12 at Leonard Post VFW beginning at 6 p.m. Reservations recommended for guaranteed seating. Note: Cash or check only at door.
Many other tours, including Silo City and kayak tours, are running through the end of September. Check the calendar at explorebuffalo.org.
