8 Ways Living In Buffalo Ruins You For Life

Head anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon and you’ll realize how tough Buffalonians really are. A few feet of snow and a polar plunge in temperatures are something we are used to handling, but others are not. You’ll cringe at the constant updates of weather, the literal fear that revolves around a single flake of snow, and the fact that bread and milk shelves will run empty in stores with only a dusting in the forecast. We grew up driving to school in blizzards and ice, so anything less than that is a mere annoyance.

If you’re from Buffalo, you know you’re taking a huge risk of disappointment when you eat a wing outside of our borders. Same goes for pizza, beef on weck, and hot dogs (thanks, Sahlen’s).

Despite our less-than-impressive records, our sports teams have some of the most loyal fans. Sure, others can bash us and make fun, but we’d love to see them tailgate in freezing temps and not complain! We are a special breed here in Buffalo!

Buffalo is full of artistic expression. From the murals in Allentown to the beautiful, colorful houses in Elmwood Village, public art is displayed around almost every corner. Our cemeteries have beautiful mausoleums designed by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright. Canalside features Silent Poets and Shark Girl. Our very own City Hall is a marker of the Art Deco period. Even the lights on Niagara Falls and sunsets over Lake Erie are unique works of art!

There’s something magical about autumn in Buffalo and around Western New York. The deep reds and oranges on the trees make the city even prettier than it already is. Next fall, make Sunday "leaf-peeping" rides through the countryside and outlying towns a yearly tradition. For the best views, hit the 219 and head south!

Whether you’re talking about coffee beans or actual breweries, there’s something for everyone in Buffalo. Belly up to the coffee bar at Public Espresso for a laid-back vibe and the best kold brew you’ll ever have, or venture to Spot for a sandwich and latte. Looking for the "hard stuff"? Resurgence Brew, Big Ditch, and Hamburg Brewery are just a few of several hot spots with great local drink menus.

Our grocery stores set a very high standard for our food purchasing expectations. Wegman’s parking lots are always full, but you’ll be hard pressed not to fill your shopping cart to the brim with dozens of totally unnecessary (but worth it) items. If you’re not up for fighting crowds, find your local Tops or head to Lexington Co-Op for fresh, local, organic goods.

Last but not least, there's a reason the term "Buffalove" was created. When you step into our city, you can feel the love and sense of community. The excitement of our comeback is on the faces of the locals and visible on every corner. Whether we are supporting a local family fighting an illness or digging our football stadium out from a massive snow storm in time for kickoff, we will always exemplify why we earned the name of "The City of Good Neighbors."