Was in the area looking for things to do and stumbled across the Herschel Carrousel factory Museum…read moreand decided to stop by. The museum is very intuitive with a lot of displays and information. Ian who works there has a wealth of knowledge of carrousels and gave out a lot of great information and history about one of the world's oldest amusement rides. Certainly worth a visit in the area and going for a ride on the classic Carrousel that's on location.

We threw a birthday party for my 4 year old here. They decorated based on our theme, included…read moregoodie bags and there was our own carousel in the party room kids could ride as many times as they want. It was affordable, easy and fun. Highly recommend.

I always thought this was a bank...but turns out it's a museum that's open just once a month…read more What?! I've passed this big Egyptian looking statue on Forest Ave many times while walking home and I had no idea there was an actual exposition inside. While experiencing "Museums by Moonlight" (a once a year event where for $25 you can go museum hopping into the night), I learned this was an actual exhibit space that's part of the Buffalo History Museum. Apparently, it's only open once a month on the third Friday of every month (free admission) and is home to the Pan-American "Spirit of the City" exhibition that's been up there since 2001. It's a smaller one-room exhibit (but there's more space in the back and they organize a $10 event about once a month where they give you the inner scoop on the entire space), but it's got everything you could possibly want to experience when Buffalo was the city chosen for the Pan-American exposition in 1901. It's incredible to witness how a whole city of sorts was built up to be used between May and demolished in November for the event. My fiancé and I had some fun and even placed a bet on whether the Electric Tower displayed here is the same one that's downtown now (it wasn't and I lost the bet). Lots of fun to be had at the exhibit whether with kids, by yourself or even if you stop in after a juice at Ashker's right a few blocks away on that one Friday that they're open. Check it out!

If you have not been here COME. If you are interested in Buffalo history anyway. This Is a very…read moreeducational exhibit. Its part of the Buffalo History Museum (previously called the Buffalo Historical Society). Currently about the Pan Americam Exposition of 1901. This was supposed to be a HUGE draw for the area, and at a time when Buffalo was one of the 10 biggest cities in the US. But there were problems. Construction delays (sounds like Buffalo, right?), cost overruns, too much rain that summer, and of course the assassination of a president. The Pan Am ended up loosing money. But it was a terrific exhibit regardless. Come here and re-live a piece of it. They have pictures from that time, they take you through the various areas of the exhibt and of course cover the Presidents death. The large funny sculpture in the front is gone. We learned on a tour that it had been made of Styrofoam and when it rained it would absorb all sorts of water etc. That it would occasionally be scented. Etc. They decided to remove it the summer of 2014 and seem to be relieved that its gone. Open the 3rd Friday of each month and by special request (in advance) the Pan-am exhibit is well documented here. Check the Buffalo History Museum website for special tours and lectures here. I went on a behind the scenes tour and saw all sorts of things they store there, including a lot of art. They only have some much room to exhibit things at the History Museum, and this is where they store the rest. Its fantastic to get to see some of it. They have some parking and there is street parking around as well. Since I don't imagine its gets very crowded, the small parking area probably will be just fine. 49

This building is absolutely gorgeous. I attended the Queen City Market event here and it was…read moreamazing. Lots of one of a kind gifts and merchandise. The building was the perfect venue for this event. The ceiling and windows are beautiful.

Oh, you know, just one of about a billion cool Buffalo gems…read more I've been here for two events now: the Queen City Market, and the Buffalo Small Press Book Fair. And for an indie craft fair venue, you could do much worse than the Karpeles. (Especially since it's free to use for certain nonprofits!) Both times, I've enjoyed being able to find a street parking space fairly close to the library -- then grabbing some food truck fare outside (as there are no open kitchens nearby to preclude them from joining the party). Once you're inside, the space opens up, with a big organ on one side and large, ornate windows on the other. On the main floor, it's possible to pack in dozens of vendors with tables. It's nice to feel downright cozy with everyone there (as the space is a bit drafty). There's also an upstairs space where it's possible to hold breakout sessions, readings, lectures and the like. I myself have tabled in this space for Yelp, and I have no complaints, save the draft -- and the lighting, as it's a bit dim in there. But again, for a (potentially free) space -- it's gorgeous, and lends itself well to events that, like the library, highlight the pursuit of knowledge and the building of community. If you're ever on the fence about going to an event here (or being a vendor), go for it -- it's awesome!

This building is open during special events and Historical Society anniversaries…read more Although small, it's easy to reach: It abuts the parking lot for the Collins Memorial Library. It's well maintained, and is an obvious representation of when Collins was small enough to educate all the town's children in a single-roomed "blab" school. (For easy contrast, look down the road at the current building housing the Collins Eagles.)

What an amazing place and experience! You can enjoy views of…read morethe ships and planes from wandering around Canalside, but there is nothing like touring the ships to get a real sense of what life was like for the soldiers. There is so much to see between the various ships, so make sure that you give yourself ample time to walk through each. You can do self guided and read signage or you can take a docent led tour for an additional fee. I've done both and while the docent led tours are amazing, you can still get a really full experience without them. I will say, if you are tall or plus size, there are definitely spaces that will be tight or make you feel claustrophobic (especially on the submarine) but you don't need to linger in any of those areas. If you love miliary history or boats, this is a must see.

Wow. A comprehensive, well maintained preservation of the spectacle of our nation's naval history…read more Engaging and interactive with many displays of heroism from throughout the years. Recommended for all to visit.

This site (although small) is packed with historic artifacts from the Fillmores and the Prices (of…read moreFisher Price toy fame). You'll find actual china, era posters (Currier and Ives), and even books hand signed by Millard Fillmore. But that's not the best part. The best part is far and away the guides. They truly care and are passionate about "their President" and in spreading true information about this often forgotten U.S. President. I gained new knowledge and even a broader perspective of who he was, how he was raised, how he climbed the political ladder as well as the good, the bad, and the ugly. The guides are fun and engaging and went above and beyond to answer all questions as well as give us extra suggestions for nearby sites (both in East Aurora and Buffalo) to visit to enhance our understanding of Millard Fillmore. If you want to understand presidential history and the events leading up to the Civil War, this stop is a must. Give Kathy a call and let her guide you through the life of our 13th President.

Let's focus on what's important here. Millard Fillmore was the hottest President in our history…read more Tall, handsome, and single between 1853-1858, he even made European royalty swoon. But, okay, he has some pretty decent accomplishments in American history that cements him as an influential figure in the shaping of Buffalo and our nation. The Millard Fillmore house is an absolute must-visit when it comes to local history, and certainly to state-wide history too! This is certainly a hidden gem of whatever reason, overshadowed I feel by the Roycroft campus just around the corner...but I am so glad to have had the chance to tour this historic home. I don't want to spoil any of the history of the house or its inhabitants here, so I won't. Seriously, take some time to visit this house! The museum is tour-guided, running on Wednesdays and weekends every half hour from 1-3pm. $10 for visitors, with discounts for seniors/children/etc. They take cash or card. No pictures allowed inside of the house, but photos of the exterior & gardens are cool! It was really cool to see all of the artifacts here, many pieces being genuinely owned by Fillmore throughout his lifetime. (They even have a lock of his hair on display!) If you're a bit of a history nut like me, a lot of what you'll find in this museum will be pretty common knowledge. I did find it really cool to learn the history of the house through its ownership, a bit more about Fillmore's personal life in Buffalo that I hadn't known before, and his accomplishments throughout and after his presidency. The docents were very knowledgeable, friendly, and had answers for every question I asked! I would honestly love to return here with friends, or would enjoy bringing someone from out of town to this amazing gem. It does my heart good to know how much love and appreciation this place has gotten from East Aurora - so thank you, for giving me such a wonderful experience in the process!

Today was my first time stopping in and I spent about 30 minutes here…read more The museum features a variety of exhibits showcasing Alden's history. In the large room near the side entrance there are fossils, arrowheads, railway history, information on the black water baths, and more! Beyond the gift shop, there's a room featuring information on the hamlets within Alden, followed by the Victorian Parlor which has some antique furniture, old instruments, and more! Upstairs they have a variety of antique household items. Overall it was a great way to learn about Alden's history. Chris who showed us around was very nice and informative too. Accessibility: the side entrance has a ramp. There's on-street parking in front of the museum. Check their Facebook page for their most current hours.

Wow, what a hidden gem in the heart of Lancaster! The Lancaster History Museum is a great way to…read morespend an hour on a Sunday afternoon, plus it's free admission (but they do also take donations). The house is very big and has so much history, including: - A music room with antique instruments, music players, etc - Furniture from the home of the first Lancaster Mayor - Antique cameras, and photographs from around the town and village - Glass, aviation, rail, printmaking, and more industrial artifacts with ties to Lancaster - Clothing - Religious antiques - Children's toys - Vintage household items including kitchen, laundry, and more! - And so much more! They even have a small gift shop with post cards, books, cookies, kettle corn, and more! I highly recommend checking them out! Mary Jo Monnin, the author of a few historical books about Lancaster, was also there during our visit and gave us a tour of the house! Looking forward to coming back here again soon!

Nice variety of artifacts from different time periods. Well organized into sections. Good place to…read morequickly learn about the history of the area.