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BEST OF WNY WINNERS: SPORTS & OUTDOORS
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The panelists for this section were William Altreuter, Catherine Berlin, Terri Parsell Hilmey, Elizabeth Licata, Ellen Mogovero. Nancy J. Parisi, Christopher Schobert, and Jim Walkowiak. Panel results were combined with poll results to arrive at the winners. When the public poll did not have anything approaching a clear majority, panel results only were used. Panelists who had connections to any of the finalists (this was rare) recused themselves from those discussions.
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Diamond Hawk
(255 Sonwil Dr., Cheektowaga, 651-0700)
Never was more done with less room than Michael Hurdzan’s Diamond Hawk. Stacked sod bunkering provides an aesthetic effect rarely seen in Western New York.
Second place:
Arrowhead
(12292 Clarence Center Rd., Akron, 542-GOLF)
Designed by architect Scott Witter, this four-year-old course has hosted USGA Senior Open qualifier to rave reviews, and in the process of lengthening and
strengthening holes to make it even more challenging.
|
None of the above
-Christopher Schobert |
| BEST TRAINING GROUND FOR THE ANDREW PETERSES OF TOMORROW I love controversy. I love horseplay, hi-jinks, and tomfoolery even more. That’s why the Amherst Pepsi Center fight of 2007 is one of my favorite stories—it’s got it all. In a story sure to be long remembered locally, a thirty-eight-year-old Lockport father was accused of dragging a ten-year-old off the Pepsi Center ice after the youngster allegedly fired pucks at the man’s son and taunted them both. Now obviously, it’s no laughing matter, and is being treated very seriously. In fact, there are some important lessons to take from the sordid little scene. First, if at all possible, don’t touch a child that’s not yours. In fact, try not to touch anyone, especially with a dragging motion. Second, coaches—tell the parents of these little goons to keep an eye on their young ones. The third and most important lesson goes out to the kids—start practicing the timeless art of protecting yourself, and hurting your opponents. Young hockey players, take note—it’s a tough game, on and off the ice. Hockey will likely always have hits and fights, so learn how to defend against attack, especially if you’re going to shoot pucks at adults. And parents, don’t ignore the importance of your children being able to throw a punch. You might be thinking they’re the next Sidney Crosby, but don’t overlook Andrew Peters. Hockey teams need the likes of him, as well. Remember, teaching your adorable little Druries how to stickhandle, skate backwards, and tip a puck is all well and good, but the importance of a good suckerpunch cannot be overestimated. Clearly, the best place to develop these skills is the Amherst Pepsi Center, where even the adults get in on the fun. |
Brookfield Country Club
(5120 Shimerville Rd., Clarence,
632-2050)
Not content to stand pat while newer courses arrive on the scene, Brookfield combines a solid course with recent renovations to move to the head of the private-course class in 2007.
Second place:
Moon Brook Country Club
(North Main Street Extension, Jamestown, 484-1935)
A little-known jewel along Route 17 in the southern tier, Moon Brook’s Willie Park, Jr. design impresses all who venture south with its challenge and conditioning.
DOWNHILL SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
Holiday Valley
(6081 Rte 219 S., Ellicottville, 699-2336)
The best vertical drop, amenities, and trails.
Second place:
Kissing Bridge
(10296 State Rd., Glenwood, 592-4963)
A great family vibe here.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM
Niagara Falls High School boys’ basketball
(4455 Porter Rd., Niagara Falls,
278-5800)
The Wolverines routinely go to the state finals and are nationally ranked.
Second place:
Nichols boys varsity
|
Best High School Sports (second place)
-Catherine Berlin |
| Nichols, a non-denominational, co-ed Buffalo private high school with a total enrollment of fewer than 200 boys, competes in sports within the Monsignor Martin Association. At the end of every varsity basketball season, the teams in the MMA vie for the Manhattan Cup. In its quest for the Cup this year, the Nichols Vikings faced the MMA large school division, a group that includes the St. Josephs, Canisius, St. Francis, and Timon-St. Jude powerhouses. These schools have all-male enrollment, with Canisius boasting over 800 students and St. Joe’s over 900. Nichols beat Canisius, then St. Francis, to take the Cup. The victories set Nichols up to compete in the NYS Catholic High School Athletic Association Class A finals. Nichols beat Long Island’s St. Anthony’s (co-ed, 2400 students) in the semi-final before losing to Manhattan’s Cardinal Hayes (1000 boys) at Fordham University this past March. When I asked for an explanation for the David-versus-Goliath Cup results, no one suggested that Vikings Coach Greg Plumb was scary mean, no Bobby Knight theatrics. He was able to capitalize on strong senior experience, the spark from two hot freshmen, and stellar effort and talent stabilizers from every other player source. Freshman Will Regan scored 25 points against St. Anthony’s and was 15 to 19 from the free throw line. He and freshman Ron Canestro were named to the All Tournament team. Senior Malik Glenn-Black won the Manhattan Cup Sportsmanship award and senior Tom Ruffino was named the MVP and also named to All Tournament. During the NCAA Championships, we hear the phrase Cinderella Team almost as much as the words Final Four or any school with Gator in its name. The Cinderella team doesn’t show up often, but when it does, what a thrill. The Manhattan Cup gave us that kind of thrill this year, and that earns Nichols its ranking within the Spree’s “Best Of.” |
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Evangola State Park
(Shaw Rd., Irving, 549-1802)
Gorgeous scenery and trails along Lake Erie.
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Allegany State Park
(Salamanca, 354-9121)
ICE SKATING
Rotary Rink
(40 Fountain Plaza, 854-7465)
A versatile scene; the festive and elegant location can’t be beat.
Second place:
Buffalo State Ice Arena
(1300 Elmwood Ave., 878-6516)
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BUFFALO BISON
Frankie Gutierrez
Catch him now; he’ll be traded up very soon. That’s the problem with great Bisons players; they’re snatched away to the majors before we can get to know them. So we understand why many readers picked Buster, the mascot.
BUFFALO BILL
Lee Evans
Lee Evans is the Bills’ next superstar, and could
be one of the next great
 |
Second place:
Brian Moorman
Moorman is probably the best player on the team, and the fact that he’s the punter doesn’t take away from this—he’s a perennial Pro Bowl-er.
BUFFALO SABRE
Daniel Briere
The most likable player on the team, and maybe the most talented.
Second place:
Ryan Miller
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COLLEGE SPORTS TEAM
Niagara Men’s Basketball
(Niagara University, 286-8622)
The 2006-7 Purple Eagles NCAA tournament run was the best story in local college sports in years.
Second place:
Niagara Hockey
(women and men’s)
The most consistently successful college athletics programs in Western New York.
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Voelker’s
(686 Amherst St., 876-6020)
We love everything here: the lanes, the gorgeous circular bar, the seventies toys, and the classic refreshments. Don’t forget the fries!
Second place:
Recckio’s
(2426 South Park Ave., 823-2695)
VIEW
Niagara Gorge
(between Whirlpool Park and Devil’s Hole Park)
A walk along this path provides spectacular up-close-and-personal views of Niagara at its most turbulent.
Second place:
From the portico of the Historical Society
(overlooking the Japanese Garden)
|
ALT.Picks
-Bill Altreuter |
| Best place to run Delaware Park is the center of the running world in Buffalo, but South Park deserves to be. Let’s face it, although runners romanticize the sport, at the end of the day anything that breaks up the one-foot-in-front-of-the-other tedium is, you should excuse the expression, a step in the right direction. When the only variety in your run comes from the smell of the animals at the zoo, you are ready for something different, and that’s when a trip to South Buffalo is in order. The serendipitous effect of neglect, South Park is the Buffalo park that is closest to Fredrick Law Olmsted’s original design. As a result it works the way a well-designed park is supposed to, creating the illusion of a natural setting. The vistas open, then close again, which means that you are never looking at the same view for very long. There’s also plenty to look at: South Park Lake means that there are ducks and geese; you can glimpse the Star Wars-looking wind farm through the trees. Best of all is the Conservancy, which floats into view like a Moorish fantasy, and the Basilica, just a block away, one of the most beautiful buildings around in a city famous for beautiful buildings. There isn’t a lot of variety in the terrain, but flat is good. Enjoy the scenery. Twice around is about three miles, and if you crave more distance, McKinley Parkway beckons. |
Niawanda Park
(River Rd., Tonawanda, 695-1376)
An easy, flat ride and beautiful views of the river.
Second place:
Amherst Bike Path
DAY HIKE
Zoar Valley
(Gowanda, www.zoarvalley.org)
There are levels of difficulty here, and hikers should always be careful, but the views are worth it.
Second place:
Chestnut Ridge Eternal Flame Path
PLACE TO RUN
Chestnut Ridge Park
(6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Orchard Park, 858-8355)
The toughest hills in Western New York—which, admittedly, isn’t saying much.
Second place:
Delaware Park
(www.buffaloolmstedparks.org)
This is great for socializing as well.
SPOT FOR ROLLERBLADING
South Park
(www.buffaloolmstedparks.org)
Flat, smooth paving is necessary here, and South Park has it as well as beautiful views.
Second place:
Niawanda Park
(River Rd., Tonawanda, 695-1376)
PARK
 |
(www.buffaloolmstedparks.org)
Buffalo’s back yard.
Second place:
Fort Niagara State Park
(Route 18F, Youngstown, 745-7273)
Amazing scenery, a pool, waterslide, picnic facilities, and more.
NATURE PRESERVE
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
(93 Honorine Dr., Depew,683-5959)
An oasis of waterlilies, wildlife, and other natural beauties in the middle of a prosaic suburb.
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Tifft Nature Preserve
(1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., 825-6397)
WALKING TOUR
Garden Walk
(www.gardenwalkbuffalo.com, 879-0123)
Possibly the largest free garden tour in the U.S.
Second place:
Mason Winfield’s Haunted Allentown
(www.masonwinfield.com)
BOAT TOUR
|
ALT.Picks
-Christopher Schobert |
| NEXT YEAR’S BEST BILL (WE HOPE) A few months ago, a photograph of Buffalo Bills starting quarterback J. P. Losman was published that I think perfectly encapsulated all that makes J. P. lovable to his supporters, and so irritating to his detractors. In it, Losman was speaking to a group of local smallfry at Dave and Buster’s, likely talking about staying in school, saying no to drugs—the usual. What stood out, though, was the look on Losman’s face. It was completely full of optimism and caring, without a hint of boredom or irony. (A few of the children looked ready to doze off, but that’s beside the point.) His visage betrayed a naïve charm that I find extremely likable. That, in addition to the massive strides in his game last season, makes me believe his time is now. That being said, at least fifty percent of friends, relatives, and acquaintances I’ve discussed Losman with dislike him immensely, for a variety of reasons. I think it goes back to that face—where I see hope, others see Rob Johnson-lite, an unkempt kid with an unproven record who’s been handed the keys to dad’s car. The only way to dispel those opinions is by getting it done on the field, and many think he will. The “voice” of the Bills, John Murphy, was interviewed for this issue, and had high praise for the young quarterback. “I think Losman will be a solid starter for the Bills for the next seven to ten years,” says Murphy. “Five years from now, I EXPECT LOSMAN AND LEE EVANS TO BE A VERY PRODUCTIVE QUARTERBACK-WIDE RECEIVER COMBINATION IN THE NFL, AND I EXPECT THEM TO BE CLIMBING UP THE CHARTS OF THE BILLS’ ALL-TIME COMBOS. I can see them finishing second only to Jim Kelly and Andre Reed as the most productive combination in franchise history.” Let’s hope Murph’s assessment is on the money. Why, Losman even warranted a mention on the final season of The Sopranos. As Tony and company watched intently at the Bada Bing, Losman led the Bills to a late win over Atlanta, ruining Tony’s bet. That’s J.P.—fighting the good fight. He isn’t the winner of our “best” Bill yet. But he may be on his way there, and considering where he was two seasons ago, I’d call that a comeback. |
(www.maidofthemist.com)
The thrill never palls, no matter how often you’ve taken visitors.
Second place:
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises
(210 Market Street, Lockport, 433-6155)
FISHING/LAKE
Lake Erie
FISHING/FLY
Eighteen Mile Creek
PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH
Spot Coffee
(765 Elmwood Ave., 332-4564)
A never-ending parade in every season.
Second place:
Erie Basin Marina
PLACE TO CATCH A PERFECT SUNSET
Erie Basin Marina
Second place:
from the Skyway
FAMILY SPOT
Gusto at the Gallery
(Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave., 882-8700)
Every Friday, kids are encouraged to roam the gallery, entertained with art classes, demonstrations, and more.
Second place:
Botanical Gardens
(2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, 827-1584)
PICNIC SPOT
Shakespeare in the Park
(www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org)
Appear cultured to your date while relaxing in Delaware Park.
Second place:
Chestnut Ridge Park
(6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Orchard Park, 858-8355)
Great for family reunions and other big get-togethers.
BEACH
Sunset Bay
(South Shore Dr., Irving)
Clean sand and good concessions.
Second place:
Beaver Island
(136 West Oakfield Rd., Grand Island,
773-3271)
Great park for long walks;
safe, shallow water for the kids.
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BEST OF WNY WINNERS: RETAIL/SERVICES
|
The panelists for this section were William Altreuter, Catherine Berlin, Terri Parsell Hilmey, Elizabeth Licata, Ellen Mogovero. Ron Montesano, Nancy J. Parisi, Christopher Schobert, and Jim Walkowiak. Panel results were combined with poll results to arrive at the winners. When the public poll did not have anything approaching a clear majority, panel results only were used. Panelists who had connections to any of the finalists (this was rare) recused themselves from those discussions.
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DSW (several locations)
The selection here is still the largest in the area.
Second place:
Shoe Biz
(662 Main St., East Aurora, 655-9970)
The place to go when you need elegant, girlie, party shoes.
DRESS SHOP
Presence
(795 Elmwood Ave., 881-2483)
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Second place:
Lee-Lee
(5444 Main St., Williamsville, 631-0840)
PLACE TO SHOP FOR STYLISH TOPS
InStyle Boutique
(6429 West Quaker St., Orchard Park,
662-6625)
Second place:
Banana Republic
(Galleria Mall, Cheektowaga)
Classic choices.
PLACE FOR ACCESSORIES
Annie Adams
(810 Elmwood Ave., 887-2929)
From a hobby to a fulltime business, Annie Adams has become a highly desired local brand.
Second place:
LU Modern Classics
(504 Elmwood Ave., 881-7282)
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Wegman’s (many locations)
They recently won a Food Network award in this category nationwide.
Second place:
Premier Gourmet
(3465 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, 877-3574)
GIFT SHOP
Neo
(55 Allen St., 884-1119)
One-stop shopping for unique gifts and the best wrapping in town.
Second place:
West End Gallery
(48 Douglas Lane, East Aurora,
652-5860)
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TIE! Room
(988 Elmwood Ave., 886-3541);
Ethan Allen
(3875 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, 839-4484)
Room is getting a rep for great contemporary design concepts.
Second place:
FWS
(1738 Elmwood Ave., 874-5740; 4199 Transit Rd., Williamsville, 633-0022)
 |
Gary’s Barbershop
(4329 South Buffalo St., Orchard Park, 662-3337)
Marv Levy’s favorite is also preferred by readers and panelists.
Second place:
Kallista
(721 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, 881-2221)
HAIRCUT, WOMEN'S
Capello
(5422 Main St., Williamsville, 634-4111)
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Papillon
(242 Delaware Ave., 849-2912)
Let yourself get pampered in this colorful, chic, cozy, and sophisticated salon. It’s tiny, but better to think “personal.”
MANICURE
Excuria
(5725 Main St., Williamsville, 839-3106)
Professional staff, beautiful decor, airy rooms, and top product lines.
Second place:
Papillon
(242 Delaware Ave., 849-2912)
VINTAGE SHOP
Up Your Attic
(10255 Main St., Clarence, 759-2866)
Second place:
Ragamuffins
(3126 Main St., 833-1987)
Both of these places are worth exploring based on the creativity demonstrated by the names alone.
THRIFT SHOP
Am-Vets
(1833 Elmwood Ave., 873-7900)
Second place:
Salvation Army
(2196 Seneca St., 825-9948)
Great deals that support great charities.
JEANS STORE
Off Fifth
(Fashion Outlets, Niagara Falls)
Admittedly, Off Fifth is getting harder to troll for incredible finds, but the trade-off is knowing you can find some higher priced sure things. including jeans.
Second place:
Tony Walker
(5110 Main St., Williamsville)
ESTHETICIAN
Face Fitness
(6810 Main St., Williamsville, 631-0964)
Second place:
Excuria
(5725 Main St., Williamsville, 839-3106)
 |
BOUTIQUE
Allen Street Dress Shop
(89 Allen St., 883-0871)
City streets and boutiques belong together. Come in out of the heat and enjoy the airy arrangements.
Second place:
Damsel in a Dress
(Sadly, this closed as we went to press.)
FLORIST
Maureen’s Buffalo Wholesale
(441 Ellicott St., 852-4600)
For those times when the flowers from Wegmans won’t save the relationship.
Second place:
Chuck’s
(177 Hodge Ave.)
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Fairy Tales
(17 Lincoln Rd., Amherst)
For toys, furniture, and clothes.
Second place:
Treehouse
(793 Elmwood Ave., 882-1322)
Best toy shop. For both of these: there is something special about a toy store when you go in to buy a gift for another child’s birthday and you don’t mind bringing a toy home for your own.
DETAIL SHOP
Delta Sonic
(many locations)
Skip the scented pine tree and spend the money on the tip for the kid wiping down the car.
Second place:
Kennedy’s
(325 South Elmwood Ave., 855-2833)
RETAIL DISCOUNT
Off Fifth
(Fashion Outlets, Niagara Falls)
Second place:
T.J. Maxx (several locations)
Both of these stores are recommended only for those with the shopping merit badge. These stores are not for the casual buyer.
BIKE SHOP
Bert’s
(1550 Niagara Falls Blvd., Tonawanda, 837-4882;
4050 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park, 646-0028)
Bert’s carries practically everything.
Second place:
Tom’s
(3687 Walden Ave., Lancaster, 651-9995)
Tom’s makes a bike to fit you.
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Rotundo’s
(332 W Ferry St., 883-1478)
Where Buffalo’s political elite go for that razor sharp crease.
Second place:
Urban Valet
(620 Elmwood Ave., 885-4351)
Drive through and high heel repairs keep us coming back.
WAY TO SPEND $5
Movieland
(Thruway Mall, Harlem Rd. & Walden Ave. Cheektowaga, 893-4066)
Movie and popcorn for one.
Second place:
Tim Horton’s
The best high-octane breakfast.
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Dinner for two at Fiamma, Papaya, the Rue, Hutch’s
(you get the idea)
Second place:
Tank of gas
PLANT NURSERY
Lockwood’s
(484 Clark St., Hamburg, 649-4684)
There is something about the beauty of their plants that makes us believe that we might have a green thumb, too.
Second place:
Mischler’s
(118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville, 632-1290)
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JEWELER
Abrahams
(798 Elmwood Ave., 873-0734)
Second place:
Lisa Hunter
(5350 Main St., Williamsville, 634-5353)
LIGHTING STORE
Shanor Lighting Center (several locations)
When you walk into the display room, you start thinking, “Now what kind of house shall I build around this chandelier?”
Second place:
Royalite Lighting
(3355 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, 832-1492)
They carry everything from Wedgwood lamps to light bulbs, along with indoor, outdoor, recessed, and simulated sunlight.
MUSIC LESSONS
Community Music School
(415 Elmwood Ave., 884-4887)
Everybody goes, from kids with violins to dads with guitars. Men never outgrow a rock ‘n’ roll fantasy.
Second place:
Music City
(3236 Main Street, 838-4547)
PLACE TO GET A PSYCHIC READING
Lilydale
(www.lilydaleassembly.com)
Second place:
Hearthstone Manor psychic fair
(1333 Dick Rd., Depew, 684-8850)
And, of course, both already knew we’d pick them.
 |
Niagara Square/Downtown
Second place:
Atlanta Bread
(7770 Transit Rd., Williamsville, 565-0075)
BOOKSTORE
Borders
(Walden branch, 685-2844)
A full-service, destination bookstore.
Second place:
Talking Leaves
(3158 Main St., 837-8554; 951 Elmwood Ave., 884-9524)
Longtime favorite with the most interesting magazine selection west of Manhattan.
 |
New World Records
(765 Elmwood Ave., 883-3472)
Elmwood stalwart still has its fingers on the pulse.
Second place:
Record Theatre
(many locations, www.recordtheatre.com)
PLACE TO GET ART SUPPLIES
Hyatt’s
(910 Main St., 884-8900; 8565 Main St., Williamsville, 632-0001)
 |
Second place:
Niagara Craft & Hobby
(3366 Union Rd., Cheektowaga, 681-1666)
PLACE TO GET A PET
SPCA (many locations)
Second place:
Buffalo Animal Shelter
Be sure to promise to walk it, feed it, and brush it.
DATING SERVICE
It’s Just Lunch
(www.itsjustlunchbuffalo.com)
Second place:
Buffalo-Niagara Introductions
(694-8585)
Try to avoid the guy who thinks “The Best Way to Spend $5” is a good “Best Of” Category.
AUTO REPAIR
Tom Tepas
(South Park Ave., 826-6666)
Second place:
Sammy’s
(369 Niagara St., 852-3706)
LIBRARY (BRANCH)
Central
(1 Lafayette Square, 858-8900)
Worth a trip into the city for an afternoon.
Second place:
Crane
(633 Elmwood Ave., 883-6651)
 |
Excuria
(5725 Main St., Williamsville, 839-3106)
As a day spa, Excuria is as lively and fresh or as subdued and calming as you wish.
Second place:
Falling Waters
(3385 Orchard Park Rd., Orchard Park, 677-9700)
OVERNIGHT GETAWAY
Ellicottville
Fresh air, shopping, golf, skiing, comfort food, beer. Need more?
Second place:
Toronto
GYM
JCC Delaware Avenue
(787 Delaware Ave., 886-3145)
Serious, full service gym with a pool, spinning room, basketball court, personal trainers, and group exercise and team sport programs.
 |
BAC
(www.buffaloathletic.com)
YOGA
Himalayan Institute
(841 Delaware Ave., 883-2223)
The favorite of traditionalists.
Second place:
East Meets West Yoga
(758 Elmwood Ave., 885-9100)
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