What sets Buffalo and Western New York apart from other regions as a fun and unique travel destination? According to a recent online survey of “America’s Favorite Cities,” which ranked Buffalo at the very top of its travel list, categories such as architecture, craft breweries and public parks are hugely important to today’s trendy travelers. Restaurants and food also rank high atop the wish list of these road warriors.
The folks behind Buffalo Bites Food Tours, celebrating five years of offering highly rated culinary tours across Western New York, couldn’t agree more. Known for their signature Elmwood Village tour, the newer East Aurora tour and private group tours, Buffalo Bites Food Tours are more than just three hours of food fun, often incorporating Western New York’s rich architecture and amazing public areas into the mix. And in 2016, the company will introduce two additional culinary experiences as well as night tour options.
“Our food tours are currently offered five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday,” said Buffalo Bites Food Tours owner and food tourism expert Laura Reed. “Our private group tours are becoming increasingly popular and are great for corporate events, birthday parties, a girls’ night out, wedding parties and definitely for our out of town guests. Dates, times and tours can all be customized to meet the needs of the group.”
Reed recently attended the Global Food Tourism convention held in Chicago, where she was able to meet and trade secrets with other food tour operators from around the globe.
“According to the 2016 Food Travel Monitor, 95 percent of American travelers are interested in some kind of unique food experience when they travel,” Reed said. “That’s up from 47 percent as recently as 2013. So not only are we experiencing a trend, but a hugely significant one that shows no signs of slowing.” Another travel publication summed it up beautifully when it said, “Food has an unmatched ability to communicate a unique sense of place. Local cuisine provides a direct connection to the history of a region, the soul of its people and the rhythm of daily life.”
“Visitors to our region are hungry for a local, authentic experience, and that’s what we strive to provide to our tour participants, whether they’re familiar with the culinary offerings of Western New York or traveling here for the very first time from across the state, country or world,” added Reed. “Yes, they will certainly have many chances to get a taste of the Buffalo region while on any of our tours, but we also provide an exploration element to create a more fulfilling experience. Our tour guides are experts at pointing out historical, architectural and cultural points of interest that help participants get acquainted with the neighborhood they are touring and our unique way of life.”
Buffalo Bites’ Elmwood Village Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour stops at seven local eateries for a taste of some delicious Buffalo cuisine, and also goes into great detail about the village’s exceptional architecture, expertly designed parks and entertaining history. The Epicurean East Aurora Food Tasting & Historical Walking Tour takes guests on a stroll down small-town Main Street for food and drink samples from seven local restaurants and specialty shops.
“When traveling, everyone wants to take a bite into something authentic to give them that ‘been there, done that’ nugget of knowledge that they can share with friends and family,” Reed added. “Whether it’s a New York bagel, authentic New England clam chowder, Wisconsin grilled cheese, a Philadelphia cheesesteak, Maryland crabcakes, deep dish pizza in Chicago or tasty chicken wings in good old Buffalo, the food definitely adds to the overall travel experience.”
To learn more about Buffalo Bites Food Tours, please visit www.buffalobitesfoodtours.com or call 1-800-656-0713. You can also follow Buffalo Bites Food Tours on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for frequent updates.
