77 WAYS TO SAVOR SUMMER
This year we threw our nets far and wide to find the best, the coolest, the cheapest, the most delicious, the most enriching, and quite simply the MOST ways to enjoy summer. (Why 77? Because we counted from the first day of summer to Labor Day.)
Some of our best writers helped excavate this summer treasury, including Ron Ehmke, Donna Evans, Sean Harrigan, Kathryn Radeff, Joe Sweeney, Jennifer Wettlaufer, and James Williams.
NATURE
1
ZOAR VALLEY
Zoar Valley, a 2,927-acre state-owned, multi-use area located in the towns of Otto, Parsia, and Collins, is popular for many reasons. It’s one of our most interesting birding areas and offers the outdoor enthusiast a perfect place to hike, explore, and photograph, with many scenic waterfalls cascading down from cliffs reaching heights of 500 feet. Zoar Valley also offers white river rafting, kayaking along Cattaraugus Creek, and hundreds of adrenaline-producing trails. From Buffalo, take U.S. Route 62 south to Gowanda. For more information on the Zoar Valley experience, call 800-724-0696, or visit www.gowandachamber.org.
—K.R.
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Zoar Valley Canyon.
Photo provided by Kathryn Radeff. |
This area is known as the “wildest spot in Western New York.” It glows golden and provides breathtaking scenery along with spectacular views. Like the rest of the area, the canyon should be explored with caution. Some areas require that you pass under dangerous loose shale cliffs. “There are different combinations of trails in the Zoar Valley area, which can be dangerous,” says hiker/photographer John Stoneman. “First-time visitors should be careful and use common sense. There are tens of thousands of us who responsibly hike and enjoy the area each year, but some of the more challenging trails aren’t for everyone.”
—K.R.
3
ZOAR: GALLERY OF GIANTS
Besides the panoramic views, Zoar Valley offers some other scenery seldom encountered in the region. Sure to enchant you, the Gallery of Giants is home to over forty-five species of trees and rare native plants. The oldest trees are up to 500 years old. A Western New York spectacular site, the Gallery of Giants is now scientifically recognized as one of the largest remaining Eastern old growth forests in the United States. You’ll find a variety of rugged and primeval treasures while walking or paddling through the area. To learn more about the Gallery of Giants, check out Bruce Kershner’s Guide to Ancient Forests of Zoar Valley, available through Citizens’ Campaign for the Environment. Call 831-3206.
—K.R.
4
ZOAR: VALENTINE FLATS
Get your visit off to a scenic start on Point Peter Road. Park in the lot at the end of Valentine Flats Road.Near the end of the road, you’ll see the trail, which will go to the left, where it heads to Point Peter, a nice overlook, and then to the right. Follow it down the hill and head to your right, but be careful. It turns into a pretty steep incline. At the bottom of the hill, you’ll head toward the water’s edge. Known as “Little Paradise,” Valentine Flats boasts a beautiful view. It’s flat land completely surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and river beach. (Although you’ll see people in the water, up and down the creek and spring-fed pools, swimming is officially banned all summer long.) You’ll also find an abundance of raspberries and blackberries to pick.
—K.R.
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Waterman's Cascade.
Photo provided by Kathryn Radeff. |
Zoar Valley’s steep, stone-walled gorge creates truly breath-taking waterfalls. Some are called “cascades,” which rain down from the cliffs reaching heights of 500 feet. The magnificent Waterman’s Cascade is located near Gowanda. Extremely graceful, it drops in a series of falls and rapids, widening as it drops through a wooded and picturesque glen.
—K.R.
6
LEAVING NO PARK UNEXPLORED
We all know that Delaware Park is beautiful in the summertime, but those of us seeking further-flung pastoral experiences would do well to remember that there are over twenty state parks in Western New York, and that each offers a different set of attractions. Joseph Davis State Park in Lewiston, for instance, boasts nature trails, fishing, and a 27-hole frisbee golf course, while Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island, in addition to offering an 18-hole golf course, picnic areas, and a beach for swimming, is the location of the former summer home of President Grover Cleveland. For an easy camping experience close to home, check out Four Mile Creek State Park in Youngstown with its 266 campsites, while Southtowns residents can enjoy the swimming and the nearly mile-long sandy beach offered by Woodlawn Beach State Park in Blasdell. For more information and a list of all of New York’s State Parks, visit http://nysparks.state.ny.us.
—J.W.
7
ZIPPITY ZOO-DA
The Buffalo Zoo (300 Parkside Avenue) is one of our most underappreciated landmarks for many reasons. Sure, it’s the third-oldest zoo in the country, and it continues to present wildlife in innovative and educational ways. But on top of all that history and inestimable value to the community, there’s something else that needs to be applauded—all of the awesome puns. When you see a huge sign out front that reads “Elephantastic,” how could you not drop everything and go? The zoo’s latest attraction is the highly lauded Otter Creek, something that really doesn’t need the help of a solid pun. Thankfully, they couldn’t help themselves. Otter Creek isn’t just fun; it’s “otter-ageous!” Seriously, the Buffalo Zoo is nothing short of a national treasure – but that’s just not fun to write. It’s a hullaba-zoo; it’s beary exciting; it’s the ultimate hyena; it’s the whole nine yaks; it’s llama-rific; it’s absolutely a must in the summer.
—J.S.
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Photo courtesy of Penn Dixie.
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The Penn Dixie site in Hamburg looks like what it is: a flat scrape in the planet, left to blanch in the sun after it was mined for tons of shale.
The site looks like what it isn’t, too: the surface of the moon, inhabited by animated humans waving plastic specimen bags.
The moon craters are really just holes made by the humans with the plastic bags. The shale mining, it turns out, exposed a mother lode of fossils: hard copy of sea life from three hundred and eighty million years ago. And the humans have figured out that fossils of trilobites with eye lenses, corals, crinoids, and brachiopods can be found on the bland cracky surface of the site.
On-site volunteer Rich Spencer makes the point that Western New York isn’t like other places on the planet. “We are spoiled here with an abundance of fossils,” he says. Geologist and director Jerry Bastedo says fossil collectors have visited from “New Zealand, Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Scotland. And Australia.”
Occasional chunks of weathered glass among the fossils speak of the site’s history and give the feel of a younger beach. What’s now Penn Dixie, short for The Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Educational Center, was, according to Bastedo, started in 1993 by “sixty people and ten bucks,” namely the Hamburg Natural History Society. Fundraising and a 49-acre land purchase followed. Another 17 acres were just acquired this spring.
Real fossil enthusiasts become members of the site so they can visit and collect whenever they want, especially after rainstorms to see what surfaces. Public hours, astronomy and bird-watching events, and summer camps are posted at www.penndixie.org.
—Jennifer Wettlaufer (all rights reserved).
ALLEGANY
9
ALLEGANY STATE PARK: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
You could almost spend every one of the seventy-seven days of summer in Allegany State Park and do something different each day. This Western New York jewel offers such a varied habitat that multiple specimens of birds, mammals, and reptiles abound—and that’s just the beginning.
Let’s start with camping. Put aside the joke that your idea of camping is a week at the Holiday Inn. Anyone and everyone can be comfortable camping year-round in Allegany in a wide range of accommodations. They go from really roughing it in a tent to recreational vehicles of all calibers to one-room cabins with no heat, one-room cabins with wood stoves, three-room cabins with electric stoves and heat, and full-service cabins which include linens, kitchen utensils, and refrigerators.
There are also cabins for the disabled, if stairs are a problem, and three group camps.
All cabins come with reasonably comfortable bunks ready to throw a sleeping bag over. If you aren’t going the full-service route, you need to pack towels and whatever tools you need for cooking (unless of course you plan to eat all meals at the Lodge). Most cabin campers like to create a little ambiance either inside or outside their temporary abode by bringing along a string of Christmas or chili lights.
For tents and RVs, there are wooded sites and open meadow sites. All areas have washhouses with flush toilets and showers. The only thing you might have to cart to your campsite is water.
So what’s the point of “roughing it” when the going is actually pretty smooth? Well, it’s what there is to do after you’ve set up camp.
—D.E.
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Photo by Donna Evans.
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Anyone who has been to Allegany knows there are eighteen hiking trails, some of which are also used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Trails vary from the rather steep track up to the Bear Caves to the fairly flat Christian Hollow and Sweetwater.
Red Jacket and Patterson are self-guided nature trails, and if you check the websites of organizations such as the Adirondack Club you can hook up with very informative guided hikes. Allegany, for example, has the oldest hardwood forest in the United States, but you’ll want an expert to get you there and explain the significance of the various tree species. One thing many Western New Yorkers don’t realize is that one of this country’s National Scenic Trails (NSTs), the North Country Trail, runs right through Allegany. There are eight such trails in the country, the best known being the Appalachian Trail.
So, after hiking in Allegany, you can say you’ve completed a section of one of our National Scenic Trails. A few cautions: no matter where you are hiking, take a map, wear sensible shoes, carry water, and let someone know where you are going.
—D.E.
11
SADDLE UP
The Park no longer has a horseback riding concession, but there are about a dozen trails for those willing to trailer their horses in. There are two-hour rides along designated roadways, or go along Ridge Run or Stoney Ridge for scenic vistas. Trails are marked with the standard yellow and black round horseman sign.
You can ride all day and then tie your horse to the trailer (not to a live tree, please), camp out, and ride again the next day.
Riders are required to stick to the horse trails and are asked to take maps (available at the Lodge), water, and wear approved helmets. Your steed should have an up-to-date Coggins (state law), and rabies vaccinations are recommended.
—D.E
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WATCHING THE WILDLIFE
Since the park offers such a wide range of environments, there is an equally diverse range of wildlife, some wilder than others. Small mammals include chipmunks, woodchucks, skunks, rabbits, and about four species of squirrel. Moving up in size we have raccoons, deer, and—not to be forgotten—bears. While it’s best not to feed any wild animal, it is particularly bad (and illegal) to feed the bears, as they do become dangerous.
On the wing you’ll find anything from butterflies to bats to owls, and everything in between. A variety of salamanders, toads, frogs, turtles, the coal skink (a lizard), and about nine different snakes live underfoot or at the water’s edge.
Allegany has two lakes where you can drop your line, either from shore, one of several docks, a canoe, or a rowboat. You can fly fish or troll (slowly) for most of Western New York’s native species such as trout, bass, or perch.You won’t catch anything huge, but the beauty of the setting and the quiet solitude make up for the shortcomings of the fish.
—D.E.
13
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, ALLEGANY NIGHTLIFE
Yes, for those of you who can’t go for long without human-derived entertainment, a stream of folk singers and music makers appear from July to the end of August. Each performer is booked for five performances during a one-week period.
And then there’s the Hootenanny at the Quaker Amphitheater each Thursday night. Or maybe not.
—D.E.
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Photo by Image Stock Imagery.
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When Beethoven was composing his pastoral symphony, he probably envisioned something along these lines: rolling, grassy plains, swans drinking from silver dishes, a soothing soundtrack of birds and insects; in all, a sublime mixture of wildness and serenity. At Hawk Creek Wildlife Center in East Aurora, all of these inspirational, bucolic visions are everyday occurrences. It’s one of a dwindling number of locations in Western New York that does justice to Beethoven’s Sixth.
As I talk to Matt Zymanek, Operations Manager at Hawk Creek, two majestic, white swans are making their way through the field to sip from a shimmering silver dish.
“People are so disconnected from nature; sometimes it takes seeing these animals in person to remind them that they really do exist, and that they’re truly amazing,” Zymanek explains.
Hawk Creek offers much more than instant stress relief for city folk; it’s a nationally renowned animal sanctuary that rehabilitates over 500 animals, presents over 2,500 educational programs, and breeds and releases over 150 barn owls into the wild each year. It receives no state or federal funding.
“Loretta Jones, our founder, started this place because she wanted to teach her children to have respect for nature; the school system wasn’t doing a good enough job,” Zymanek explains. Hawk Creek’s most popular event, the annual Wildlife & Renaissance Festival (July 30-31), is the ideal chance to show your support and experience the sanctuary in all its glory. Featuring a hawk show, a barn owl release, live music, Shakespearean performers, renaissance artisans, and a wildlife art auction, the festival is not only loads of fun—it’s great way to connect with Mother Nature, without having to act like some lice-ridden Dave Matthews fan.
Upon entering Hawk Creek’s main courtyard, you’ll be greeted by an otter, whose eager-to-please personality is so adorable, it’s not apparent that he’s missing a leg. A great horned owl and snow owl give silent, chilling stares. Other animals include a severely endangered ocelot, eagles, hawks, vultures, a porcupine named Quillbert, and a pair of bobcats who were rescued from an unbelievable predicament.
“People in New Mexico heard about these bobcats that were being held captive in a Manhattan storefront,” Zymanek explains. “They called us—our national reputation is excellent—and we went and got them.”
Experiencing these creatures up close, in such idyllic surroundings, was comforting in a way I wasn’t expecting. Maybe we’re not meant to spend forty hours a week staring at a flickering computer screen, only to go home and stare vacantly at a flickering TV screen. I guess it’s just psychologically fortifying to watch an Andean vulture take a bath, get hissed at by baby barn owls, and soak up the spirit of a place that puts the warmth of living things before cold, hard cash.
—J.S.
CULTURE
15
A (REALLY) OLD FORT
Anyone looking for a bit of historical family fun this summer would be wise to make the short drive to Youngstown to discover or re-discover Old Fort Niagara. The fort, once a major player in the French and Indian War, is now a registered National Historic Landmark, and is host to a multitude of activities, especially in the summer months. Living history programs, which occur at the fort year-round, are expanded in the summer so that the hours of 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day are filled with ongoing programs and activities, including but not limited to musket and artillery firing demonstrations, eighteenth-century cooking programs, and hands-on programs for children. The fort also offers summer-time guided tours, which, along with all the other programs, are included with the price of admission. The big events in July and August are the “Soldiers of the Revolution” reenactment from July 30-31, and a War of 1812 Encampment from August 20-21. For more information on these special events, or to inquire about the activities that will be occurring at the fort on any specific day, call the Fort offices at 745-7611.
—J.W.
16
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
If you loved that William Shakespeare’s Romeo Plus Juliet movie, you’ll probably be disappointed with Shakespeare in Delaware Park, which can usually be relied on for its loyalty to the classics. This will be the company’s thirtieth year of pleasing crowds, and they’re pulling out the Bard’s big guns: Romeo & Juliet (June 23-July 17) and Hamlet (July 28-August 21). It’s easily the best excuse for a picnic in Western New York, and Leonardo DiCaprio will be nowhere in sight. (856-4533 or
www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org.)
—J.S.
17
SEEING BAD MOVIES BECAUSE THE THEATER
IS AIR-CONDITIONED
Why was Spiderman 2 such a blockbuster smash? Was it the incessant warbling of Aunt May? No. After her fourth hour-long soliloquy, we realized that Uncle Ben must have welcomed the cold embrace of death. Was it the part where Tobey Maguire was clumsy? Nope. What about the part where Kirsten Dunst looked sad? Not a chance. Here’s a better theory as to why Spiderman and any other bad movie can easily become a “summer blockbuster.” Movie theaters aren’t just air-conditioned. They’re frigid, Siberian meat lockers, and in the summertime, people will do anything to cool off—even endure 2 1/2 hours of Aunt May whining about the bank foreclosing on her house. So when you’re suffering through Monster-In-Law and The Fantastic Four this summer, don’t blame the movies. Blame the weather.
—J.S.
18
GUIDED ARCHITECTURAL TOURS
There’s no getting around it: our town has more than its fair share of architecturally significant buildings. That’s where the Campaign for Greater Buffalo comes in handy: take your pick of twenty-four separate tours covering Allentown, City Hall, Black Rock, Parkside, the former location (sniff/grrrrr) of Frank Lloyd Wright’s legendary Larkin Building, and “Millionaires’ Row” along Delaware Avenue, to name but a few. On July 4 and August 13, cruise the Buffalo River with Campaign director Tim Tielman for a close-up view of the grain elevators and the Old First Ward. (For info and reservations, call or fax 884-3138 or see www.greaterbuffalo.blogs.com.)
—R.E.
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Photo courtesy of Chautauqua County
Visitors Bureau. |
There might not be a better vacation spot in Western New York than the Chautauqua Institution, especially for lovers of the arts and religion. Founded in 1874 as a training camp for Sunday School teachers, the Institution is breathtakingly idyllic, with an equally impressive roster of events—nobody will ever be without something to do. Perhaps best known for its lectures (Susan B. Anthony and Franklin D. Roosevelt have spoken there, among countless other revolutionary personalities), there’s also a symphony orchestra, both opera and ballet companies, and schools of art, music, and dance. Daily masses are held, along with classes about religious unity. And even if you’re a strict fan of doing nothing, the atmosphere of the place begs for quiet introspection. It’s as therapeutic as it gets. (Concert acts this season include Jerry Lee Lewis, July 15; Arlo Guthrie, July 22; America and Air Supply, Aug. 19; Bob Newhart, Aug. 26; and Debby Boone and Pat Boone, Aug. 27. The resident theater company performs works by Arthur Miller, Steve Martin, and William Shakespeare, while the opera company presents Madam Butterfly, Lucia of Lammermoor, The Music Man, and a new adaptation of The Crucible. For a complete schedule, call 800-836-ARTS or visit www.ciweb.org.)
—J.S.
20
ARTPARK
For over 30 years, Artpark has been one of our most versatile cultural institutions, offering excellent music and theater productions for the whole family, as well as top-notch artistic camps for the kids. On top of these underrated activities, the surrounding area is gorgeous—it’s worth the trip just to experience Lewiston, a smalltown time warp where you wouldn’t flinch if Eddie Haskell stopped by asking for Wally. Plus, Artpark boasts the most eclectic concert calendar of the summer: you can spend an evening with Tchaikovsky (July 9), pack a picnic basket full of lembas bread and see the Lord of the Rings Symphony (July 15-16), spend a night at the opera with Rossini’s Barber of Seville (July 29-30), or check out a tribute to Cole Porter (August 5-11). Artpark is a place where artistic expression is nurtured and beloved, so get down there before the government realizes it exists.
—J.S.
ROAD TRIPS
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Photo courtesy of Chautauqua County
Visitors Bureau. |
Visiting the Lily Dale Assembly an hour south of Buffalo off Route 60 in Cassadaga, N.Y. is like stepping back in time—in more ways than one. Whether or not you believe that the affable spiritualists who populate this super-small community are actually in contact with the dead is up to you, but there’s no denying the sheer loveliness and eerie tranquility of the place, whose daily rituals haven’t changed much since the 1880s. After paying an entry fee at the front gate, you can attend a free public reading in the woods, or schedule a paid half-hour session with one of more than two dozen registered mediums. There’s a full slate of visiting lecturers, including a day-long encounter with Tom and Lisa Butler, whose explorations of Electronic Voice Phenomena gained mainstream attention through the thriller White Noise (September 3). On the other hand, you can simply walk the trails, sunbathe on the postage-stamp-sized beach, or do a little shopping for provocative books and new-age knickknacks.
—R.E.
22
BUFFALO BY BIKE: TAKE A RIDE
Whether you use your bicycle for practical transportation or to enjoy the summer sunshine, Buffalo offers many options for scenic and in-city bicycling.
“Western New York is becoming more bicycle-friendly,” says Adam Perry, president of Queen City Cyclists, noting that new paths and lanes are popping up in the area.
Some of the best aspects of Buffalo coincide with its best roads for biking. To enjoy the Niagara River (and daydream about a waterfront along the way), take the River Walk pathway, which follows the river from LaSalle Park near downtown all the way north to Ellicott Creek Park. The boats and lighthouse make Erie Basin Marina a scenic place to ride as well.
The city’s signature Victorian architecture adorns Richmond Avenue, which offers a lane just for bicyclists. Connect to the tree-lined Bidwell and Chapin Parkways for more pleasant riding. The path surrounding the Delaware Park golf course is popular with runners and cyclists alike, and a quick detour down Jewett Parkway will take you to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Darwin Martin House.
But wherever you ride, Perry stresses that both motorists and cyclists must realize that a bicycle is, by traffic law, considered a motor vehicle, and is subject to the same rights and obligations as an automobile.
“Share the road,” he says.
—J.P.
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NIAGARA FALLS
Before you sneer that visiting the Falls is too obvious to include in this list, answer one simple question: When was the last time you went without out-of-town guests in tow?
Listen, people. We have Niagara Falls in our backyard, and what do we do? We ignore it, except perhaps during the opening week of the latest new casino. There is no excuse for this. We could and should be out there standing in line to put on a blue poncho and ride the Maid of the Mist, or an orange poncho for Table Rock, or a yellow one for the Cave of the Winds. We could be checking out the wax museums of Clifton Hill, or buying souvenir Mountie dolls, just like the rest of the world.
Or not. There are ways to experience and enjoy our friendly neighborhood waterfall unbenownst to the vast majority of visitors, and two of the best (see #24 and #25) are on the American side.
—R.E.
24
GOAT ISLAND
This small island, (100% goat-free, last time anyone checked) offers some of the most spectacular views of the action around—and when you peer into the water and trace its dramatic transformation from near-stillness to ferocious current, you realize just how much force is actually involved here. Trails, paved and otherwise, offer plenty of terrain for a walk, though it’s also tempting to bring a bike.
—R.E.
25
THREE SISTERS ISLAND
This tiny, rocky plot of land, tucked away from the roar of the crowd (but not the roar of the river), is accessible only by footbridge. It’s easily the most serene and secluded spot near the Falls, assuming you steer clear of the occasional wedding party photo shoot. Those brides and grooms are onto something the rest of us would be wise to remember, too.
—R.E.
26
A SHRINE TO GLASS
Just a day trip away in the heart of the Finger Lakes region lies the city of Corning. Among all of the artisans, restaurants, and specialty shops is the Corning Museum of Glass. This summer’s exhibition is Czech Glass, with historical, contemporary, and avant-garde examples of Czechoslovakian glassmaking. If this verbal description doesn’t sound especially exciting, just log onto the museum’s webpage, www.cmog.org, and look at how amazing the works truly are. The museum is also renowned for glass-working shows and hands-on workshops.
—S.H.
TORONTO
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401 RICHMOND
Find an abandoned factory, fill it with floor after floor of commercial and nonprofit art galleries, dance studios, and graphic design agencies, and you’ve got… the TriMain Building, here in Buffalo? Yes, but also the formula for 401 Richmond, a multi-use center for all manner of exciting endeavors, capped off with a rooftop community garden that affords a beautiful view of downtown Toronto. The tenants are far too numerous to mention here, but one that’s always sounded fascinating is Cinecycle: this combination bike repair shop, movie theater, and venue for underground punk bands has been around (in various locations around town) since the seventies. Small, funky, and proudly downscale, Cinecycle is the brainchild of Martin Heath, who celebrated his sixtieth birthday not long ago. Elsewhere on the grounds you’ll find both A Space Gallery and YYZ Artists’ Outlet (literally the A-Z of Toronto’s first-wave alternative spaces), plus the headquarters of at least half a dozen magazines and two film festivals. Then there’s Gwendolyne Hats, where you’ll find artist-designed hats, scarves, and bags made from natural materials. A far more comprehensive list of the building’s contents, as well as a calendar of special events, can be found at www.401richmond.net. The building itself is, of course, at 401 Richmond West at Spadina.
—R.E.
28
TORONTO POLICE MUSEUM AND DISCOVERY CENTRE
This newish, state-of-the-art museum is probably the smartest way for civilians to peek behind the scenes of law enforcement, particularly since the alternatives typically involve either a bar exam or an arrest. Organized chronologically, the displays (which incorporate mannequins, vehicles, equipment, and detailed reconstructions of period-appropriate facilities) provide vivid illustrations of how the Canadian penal system has adapted elements of both the British and American models. Remarkable though it may seem in this era of $20 museum admissions, it’s absolutely free. (40 College Street, 416-808-7020, or www.torontopolice.on.ca/museum)
—R.E.
29
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Photo by Index Stock Imagery.
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Located between McCaul and Beverly Streets, Toronto’s Baldwin Village Neighbo(u)rhood is a cozy corner of the city known for its shopping and restaurants. Around fifteen secretive eateries remain unscathed by downtown trendiness and represent a world’s worth of cuisine. Speculations of unimaginative commercialism have been swarming around Baldwin Village for years, but their character remains strong, further proving how unique and exceptional this area is.
—S.H.
30
MOLSON INDY
Warmer, faster, and less confusing than the Greycup, the Molson Indy Grand Prix (www.molsonindy.com), now in its twentieth year, has become the premiere Canadian sporting event. Topping out at 190 mph, the playboy indy car racers move just slightly faster than Ontario drivers on the QEW. Three days worth of racing events begin on Friday, July 8, and wrap up on Sunday with the annual CASCAR race, Canada’s undoubtedly more sophisticated and polite version of NASCAR.
— S.H./R.E.
31
ISLAND PARK
After an afternoon enjoying metropolitan Toronto, a breathtaking urban oasis is just a ferry ride away. With an outdoor concert venue that rivals Red Rocks for beauty, a full-scale amusement park, and acres of amazing landscaping, Island Park is also the best place to get a skyline view of Toronto. A return to Buffalo and a drive down the 190 will make anyone long for another day on this exemplary version of a downtown waterfront.
—S.H.
32
CARRIAGE HOUSE B&BS
If you’re looking to spend an equally luxurious and relaxing vacation in Toronto, your most unique option is to stay in a carriage house. Steps off the beaten path, these weekend retreats offer the privacy of your own house, and far more character than a hotel. Experience the best of Toronto living, if only for a few days at a time. Surprisingly reasonable rates, all the amenities of home, and prime locations make this a great alternative to living out of a suitcase.
—S.H.
33
CARIBANA
Further proving that Toronto really is the world’s most culturally diverse city, the annual Caribana Festival is not only North America’ s largest Caribbean festival, but also the continent’s largest street festival. Over one million people between July 16 and August 2 will participate in this year’s events, and that’s including hundreds of thousands of Americans. A full list of events and other information can be found at www.caribana.com.
—S.H.
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