Amherst, NY Road Trips

1 Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village (formerly Amherst Museum), 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd., ☏ +1 716 689-1440. Tu-F 9:30AM-4:30PM, also Sa Su 12:30PM-4:30PM during summer. Formerly known as the Amherst Museum, the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is in the suburb of Amherst adjacent to the historic Erie Canal. Its 35 acres (14 ha) of land comprise the main exhibit building and several restored historic structures from around the vicinity, situated on the grounds of the museum and accessible via self-guided and (on a seasonal basis) organized tours. The main exhibit building contains a variety of folksy historic exhibits that paint a vivid picture of rural life in 19th-century Western New York, as well as an extensive research library of historic records that detail the evolution of Amherst from a rural farming community to a modern suburb. Special events, such as the Fall Festival and the Amherst Scottish Festival, occur on a seasonal basis. Summer rates: $5, children $1.50; Winter rates: $4, children $1; members always free.

Old Home Days. Old Home Days is held every year at Island Park in Williamsville, a charming village a short distance northeast of Buffalo that has maintained its quaint character and sense of community even in the face of encroaching suburbia. Held in the middle of July, the festival traditionally consists of a parade that kicks off five days of music and dancing in the bandshell, a 5-km foot race, a beer tent, carnival rides and games, kids' activities, and a healthy dose of village pride. 1 Buffalo Bulls, 102 Alumni Arena, toll-free: +1-877-UB-THERE (82-84373). The college sports teams of the University of Buffalo have a large following among Western New York residents. The UB football team has struggled, but in the 2008 season, the UB Bulls played in the Bowl Championship Series for the first time. Football games are played at UB Stadium, on the university's North Campus in Amherst. Basketball games are played at Alumni Arena, also on the North Campus. Though the Bulls have never participated in March Madness, they have a reputation of playing competitive games against much higher-ranked teams on their home court. 2 Transit Lanes, 7850 Transit Rd, ☏ +1 716 632-3838. Su Tu W 9AM-midnight, M Th 9AM-1AM, F Sa 9AM-3AM.

1 Grover's Bar & Grill, 9160 Transit Rd, ☏ +1 716 636-1803. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM. The building that houses Grover's Bar and Grill was built by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, a longtime Buffalo resident, as a private hunting lodge. As befits its name, the burgers served up here are truly presidential: not only are they 12 ounces (340 g) in size, easily shareable between two people, but many locals hold Grover's burgers to be the best in the area. The burger focus extends to other areas of the menu as well: Grover's cheeseburger soup has come to the attention of Food Network host Guy Fieri and his series, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Chicken wings and other bar foods round out the menu at Grover's. Come hungry, and expect a considerable wait for a table on busy nights—this place is popular. Cash only. $10-20. 2 Stockman's Tavern & Grove, 9870 Transit Rd., ☏ +1 716 688-9896. Daily 11AM-2AM. Stockman's Tavern has been an institution in the hamlet of Swormville for generations; its first incarnation opened its doors in 1933. Though perhaps best known as a friendly, unpretentious neighborhood bar, the food served up at Stockman's is worthy of note as well: a full menu featuring the standard slate of bar foods tempered with local specialties such as beef on weck. Special events are frequently held during the warm months at the large and pleasant picnic grove to the rear of the restaurant, featuring a tiki bar that is a favorite of Stockman's loyal patrons. $10-25. 3 Almaza Grill, 9370 Transit Rd, ☏ +1 716 276-8080. Su-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-10PM.

1 Stockman's Tavern & Grove, 9870 Transit Rd, ☏ +1 716 688-9896.

1 La Quinta Inn Buffalo Airport, 6619 Transit Rd. (I-90 exit 49), ☏ +1 716 633-1011. Business center, fitness center, limited number of whirlpool suites available. 2 Eva Hotel, BW Signature Collection, 50 Freeman Rd. (I-90 exit 49), ☏ +1 716-217-1101. Flat-screen TVs in all rooms, free breakfast. 3 Motel 6 Buffalo Airport, 52 Freeman Rd (I-90 exit 49), ☏ +1 716 626-1500. Cable TV, outdoor pool. WiFi available for an extra charge of $2.99 per night. 4 Motel 6 Buffalo-Amherst, 4400 Maple Rd (I-290 exit 5B), ☏ +1 716 834-2231. Extended-service cable TV, kids stay free. Convenient to restaurants and to UB North Campus. Wireless Internet available for additional charge of $2.99/nt. 5 Red Roof Inn University at Buffalo Amherst, 42 Flint Rd. (I-290 exit 5B), ☏ +1 716 689-7474. All rooms renovated with new furniture and bathrooms. Data ports and premium cable TV available in all rooms. Rooms with mini-fridges and microwaves also available. Wireless Internet not available. 6 University Manor Inn, 3612 Main St., ☏ +1 716 837-3344. Continental breakfast, fax service. All rooms contain coffee maker; suites with kitchens and microwave available on request. Convenient to University at Buffalo South Campus and NFTA Metro Rail via University station; shuttle to UB North Campus and airport available on request. 7 Sleep Inn, 75 Inn Keepers Ln. (I-290 exit 3B), ☏ +1 716 691-3454. Renovated. Business center, indoor pool with whirlpool, deluxe continental breakfast buffet. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with HBO. 8 Buffalo Marriott Niagara, 1340 Millersport Hwy.