The Martin House was a really cool visit during my day trip to Buffalo and the Niagara Region with…read morefamily. The building (interiors and architecture) was gorgeous and impressive, especially its history and restoration. There is a small quiet cafe between info center and the gift shop (the stables). We did the shorter guided tour. The tour is about the main home. It starts in the info center and ends in the stables (where the gift shop is). There is a longer tour that includes the other buildings on the property. During the tour, you aren't able to take photos of the interior spaces. You are able to explore the grounds and take photos without being in a tour. The tour was really informative. The volunteer guides knew what they were talking about. It was more information than what I have learnt in college.

What an absolute treat to visit the Martin House!…read more The Martin House, formally known as the Darwin D. Martin House, is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest architectural works and a defining example of his Prairie School style. Located in Buffalo, it was designed for businessman Darwin D. Martin and his family, and built between 1903 and 1905. This is a massive residential estate, which Wright considered it one of his finest creations. Some of its most distinctive features include the following. The house emphasizes long horizontal lines, broad overhanging eaves and low-pitched roofs mirroring the Midwestern landscape. And rather than dividing the home into many enclosed rooms, Wright created interior spaces connected by wide openings and carefully arranged sightlines. This was a radical departure from the Victorian homes of the time and that are notable popular in the neighborhood surrounding the property. Quick note: You are required to have a tour to visit the home interiors, but you don't need a tour to enjoy the welcome center and the grounds, including the long walkway connecting buildings. The pergola is one of my favorite features. And it is such a joy that it has a replica of the Winged Nike (The Nike of Samothrace, located in Paris at the Louvre, which is a beautiful sight!). It is placed on a 3-foot-high concrete plinth, prominently visible from a 180-foot view starting at the front door of the main house. A dreamscape, really. I was enthralled. But it is not the original, unfortunately. A fiberglass resin replica was installed in 2007. The estate includes the main house, the Barton House (for Martin's sister and brother-in-law), a conservatory, a pergola, the carriage house and the gardener's cottage. These structures were connected both physically and visually, so the entire estate looks and feels very cohesive. A favorite -- the art glass windows. Apparently, there are something like 400 or so art glass windows. Wright referred to them as "light screens" because they filtered light while preserving views and privacy. Wright embraced the idea of "total design." He designed not only the buildings but also much of its furniture, lighting, decorative glass, fireplaces and other interior details. This means that pretty much every element worked together as a unified whole -- striking! In addition to the daily public tours, the events calendar is usually full. There are summer evening events, lectures, nights dedicated to kids, plant decorating events, musical performances and more. Although the property fell into severe disrepair during the mid-20th century, a decades-long restoration completed in 2019 reconstructed missing buildings and restored many original architectural details. Today, the Martin House is a National Historic Landmark and is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved and most important examples of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie architecture. I highly, highly recommend a visit -- plan for at least an hour, two if you can swing it.

A few years ago, when I started to hunt landmarks to shoot and mount on a historic landmark…read morewebsite, I came upon a farmhouse in southern Wisconsin that was built of cobblestones. I had never seen anything like that before and just shrugged it off as something unique. And then I found a few more, A cobblestone stage stop in East Troy, an office in Port Washington, a subdivision in Waukesha with several cobblestone houses including the sales office, a three story home in the middle of Green Lake County and a spectacular home in Eau Claire. With each find, I became even more intrigued by the construction method. The Wisconsin Historical Society says the methodology came out of New England, but the owner of a Wisconsin cobblestone structure told me the masons who crafted these structures were from New York. In 2020, I found myself in Western New York for an extended stay. When I went out to hunt landmarks, I kept finding cobblestone houses that were on the National Register of Historic Places plus plenty more cobblestone sheds, barns, schools, churches and houses. Some were on the NRHP and many weren't. Coincidentally, many of these structures are in the proximity of the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario. An owner told me that the majority of cobblestone structures in America are within a 75 mile radius of Rochester. Another owner of a large cobblestone farmhouse told me I should go to the cobblestone museum in Albion - and here we are. The museum is on Ridge Road, itself a historic thoroughfare that runs the length of four counties in Western New York. There are several structures located on the museum campus, not all are cobblestone but of interest to the history of the community. The cobblestone structures (a church, a house, and a school) are great examples of how the craftsmen that built these structures refined their methods over the years when this method of construction remainded popular. (The popularity of cobblestone construction essentially ended with the Civil War.) When you visit the museum, the docents explain all this in great detail, along with what life was like in Western New York in the first half of the 19th Century. You start your tour in basement of the church, where you'll see examples of other cobblestone structures in New York. You'll learn how the stones were selected, sorted for size and color, and how the selection process was refined over the years. In visiting the church, you'll see a unique heating system and learn more about 19th Century life. In the schoolhouse, you'll experience what life was like for kids in a one room school, and other buildings preserve rural New York life in the past. There are probably 1,000 or more cobblestone structures around Rochester, New York while there may be two dozen in Wisconsin. Relatively few are on the National Register of Historic Places although there are many listed for one reason or another. Beside those, there are many cobblestone schoolhouses, outbuildings, barn foundations, and many small cobblestone houses in Western New York. Many have been expanded and modernized, which excludes those structures from the NRHP. The Cobblestone Museum is an educational stop for anyone interested in the history of Western New York, life in the 19th Century and, of course, cobblestone construction. I highly recommend it!

We recently stumbled on the Cobblestone Society & Museum while randomly driving by; the "Book Shop…read moreOpen in Rear" sign on the side of the road caught our eye. On a whim we pulled a U'ey, and pulled into the museum's lot. On that day the museum was closed, but we still walked the grounds to explore what we could. There is some information outside that indicates cobblestone architecture originated in the Rochester NY area, with the oldest structures remaining in the Albion area. There are two cobblestone structures here on the museum site, one being the oldest cobblestone church still standing in North America. We definitely want to return to go into the museum itself on a day it is open--but OH BOY were we happy we stopped for the book shop! This family of bibliophiles was elated to find such a sweet little shop in the country. The bookshop building has a historic marker that it was originally used as a polling station in the early 1800s. But now it is a quaint used bookstore. Used books are fifty cents for paperback and a dollar for hardcover, with on-your-honor cash payments only. There are about a half dozen well-organized short aisles with a surprisingly good assortment for such a small space. There were sections for popular authors, classics, nonfiction, cookbooks, fantasy and sci-fi, how-to, biographies, large-print, childrens, new arrivals, and more. There are bins outside to leave book donations. We each left with a few finds, me with a couple short story collections to leave at our nearby camp, and a couple older novels. I look forward to coming back to peruse the bookshop again, as well as catch the museum at an open time--a great local history gem here!

For a solid year, I wanted to go to a first Friday at the AKG. I didn't want to be there one to…read moreattempt Buffalo driving (we circled around to parallel park at 430) and needed someone to echo my musings. Well, I finally made it! We went through check in, where you had to fork over a suggested donation (instead of the usual 22 dollars). They take card, though we gave cash, which seemed like an easier way to exercise the discount. They offered an extra paid section to opt into for an extra 8 dollar charge that we turned down, taking our tiny tags. They're dinky and reusable and gotta attach somewhere to your person. She had also given me a wristband for the strap of Duckles, which had to be checked by a second girl who warned me that I could not wear my knapsack on my back. Could make it a tummy sack or an elbow purse to avoid bumping things, which is how I ended up cradling a stuffed duck around the museum. We hadn't nabbed a map and thought we could wing it. There are qr codes scattered about for info beyond the placards and finding where you have landed. We lucked out and scored a paper map abandoned on one of the numerous benches (there's also chairs and pull out chairs hanging for your resting pleasure) that we attempted to read. My directionally challenged self asked one of the security to send us off to the bridge, given two choices of route. We dodged the scenic way for a temporary outdoor escape, passing more art. Popping back inside we absorbed even more subsets of time and genre, respecting drawn boundaries and only touching things that said we could. There were things that touched us, our souls, that we could take photos of. There were also bizarre things and a bit of nudity. It's all art, including the special presentations and live music and everyday artists sketching in the hall. There was an interactive exhibit in the main that we skipped in the name of rumbling tummies, though we didn't try the cafe. Also avoided the gift shop, cutting out as the crowd began to swell around 6. The place was impeccably clean despite the abundance of windows and smudge worthy doors. It was worth coming out, though I'm unsure how often the exhibits rotate. Come see an authentic famous few and many more that'll have you saying the Albright is pretty *alright*.

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is our local pride, and requires no advertising or persuasion to visit…read more Believe me, it's a fantastic destination. It's a beautiful space with a nice collection of fine arts. There is a new, three-story extension, a whole new building actually. So, be sure to have plenty of time to explore everything. Their website is very informative and easy to navigate. Check out the current special events and exhibitions. Currently, among others, on display is the "One with Eternity" by Yayoi Kusama, which includes her two Infinity Mirror Rooms and "Pumpkin", a giant orange pumpkin in an orange room covered with black dots. Tickets for this exhibition must be purchased separately and are valid for specific time slots. If there is a big crowd that day, wait a little and don't come from the beginning of your time slot (or figure this out by yourself). We had to leave and come back after a ridiculous experience. Waiting twenty minutes in line to see the actual installation for forty five seconds!? It was very confusing, and I believe there must be a different way to actually enjoy Kusama's work. We came back to see the second room with no wait, but still, with the forty five seconds rule. Ugh... Yes, let's loop if this is the only way which works. Don't forget, the general museum admission is free on the first Friday of the month, and I like that price.

LIKED: This historic…read morebuilding boasts ample parking, a wealth of historic artifacts, and convenient access due to its proximity to a major highway. WOULD HAVE LIKED: - The exhibits could be more appealing to adults instead of students. Many of the exhibits seem to be designed for elementary and middle school students rather than adults. - A more reasonable price. The current $23 fee appears excessive considering the value provided during a visit.

I loved all the interactive games where you can learn while having fun. Building race cars,…read morefeeling a tornado force wind, engineering building paper rockets that soared through the room...so many fun projects. The exhibit rooms are spacious with interesting facts explaining what you're seeing from woven baskets to a giant polar bear. We explored space and the time of the dinosaurs. I was there with a 6 month old and I have to say they have it set up nice for parents to care for young ones from places for diaper changes to breast feeding. Impressive. There's a large room for quiet time and a snack bar for all your children's needs. Easy free parking is a plus, no hassle getting in or out. We did go up to the rooftop deck but it was closed, so was the planetarium but it didn't matter there was plenty to see and do. The Buffalo Museum of Science is FUN!

This is such a fun place to visit. You will enjoy it whether you are 8 or 80! And it is all free!…read more The parking lot is huge, but if you have someone with mobility difficulty, make sure you drop them off, because once you get in you will need to do a bit of walking as well. When you enter the building, you get lanyards and can visit a station to register. When you register, it takes your picture and tracks the various activities you do throughout the exhibits. You don't have to do this, but it is a fun step to see the results of your various activities and pictures at the end. You proceed down a long walkway with amazing views of the Niagara River and Lewiston Queenston Bridge. During December, they have a festival of trees which line the hallway with trees decorated by local organizations. It was a fun touch! There are a variety of information panels along the way. When you enter the main area, you proceed down the escalator (or elevator) to the main exhibit area. There is a movie about the power authority (and power in general) that I recommend starting off with. There is also a fun 4d simulator ride! If there isn't a staff person at the ride, you can go to the information desk and ask someone and they will get you in. There are interactive sections where you work through a variety of situations (like working to keep and restore power to a fictional town). There is also a cool cave like walk through that talks about the geology of the gorge area. We spent about two hours here because my kids were insistent on doing every activity. But you could spend less time if there wasn't as much interest. A highlight was the literal hair raising Van De Graff generator. Staff walk you through the safety protocol and then you get to experience your hair standing straight up! It was really a fun touch. You can go out on the balcony area for some stunning views or a quick break from the action. I also learned that they host birthday parties or other gatherings here. What a unique idea! If you want to learn more about electricity or are just looking for something unique to do, this is a great place to visit.

We have a family tradition to stop at the Power Vista and see the Christmas trees at Christmas…read moretime. The long hallway going over the Niagara Scenic Parkway, that you have to walk to get to the power vista fun exhibits, is lined with Christmas trees decorated by local organizations like the girl scouts, people Inc., etc.. It's fun to see how they choose to decorate incorporating their organizations purpose. It's different every year. Many handmade ornaments showcasing the talents of individuals, many who benefit from the organization. I always get a few new ideas to use by seeing their creativity. Plus you can still so the rest of the power vista fun things like the simulator ride. Free admission, free parking....what more could you want?

If you are in Batavia (or exploring sights along the NYS Thruway), this is a must! A wealth of…read morehistorical information and objects, with the oldest being a Revolutionary War drum. The gibbet used for hanging the condemned is in a room of its own, viewable through a piece of plate glass. The giftshop lady gave a wonderful tour!

A hidden gem located five minutes south of I-90 in Batavia, this museum offers a wealth of…read moreinformation about various topics related to Batavia specifically and Western New York generally, including the namesake land company, the rise of the anti-masonic movement (the first third party in U.S. history), local veterans from past wars, local commerce, and unsolved murder mysteries. At times the organization of the exhibits and placement of the text cards can make things a bit difficult to follow, but the wealth of information offered more than compensates for these minor concerns. The gentleman running the gift shop was very friendly and helpful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3BLAFoKTqw&t=5s…read more I've always been fascinated with trains, trucks, old cars that go back in history. And many times I've wanted to go and see this museum. So on 9/19/2021 they were holding a special event for old fire trucks, I headed out there. They had an assortment of vehicles going back in time. The old trolley car which you can ride on, fire trucks, roadway machinery, an original Greyhound bus, and more. I was impressed. Good for the history buffs, and families. And I give special credit to the men and women who donate their time to make this happen.

Really surprisingly nice. Don't confuse this one with the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad…read moreMuseum. It wasn't cheap, $27 for me and 1 kid. But there is a lot to see here and admission comes with a really nice ride on the tram. They have a couple cars from the old Midtown monorail which brought back a lot of memories. Lots of cars and engines you can climb on, and a lot of the bells still work. Some other neat old antique vehicles as well. All the people that were working/volunteering were super nice as well. Overall great way to spend an afternoon.

Perfect spot to learn about the history of Akron! The museum features the stories of prominent…read moreAkron residents throughout history, and Akron businesses. There's also information on Akron throughout the ages, including some Native American history. We came to see their Christmas display, which included many vintage toys, antique ornaments, and fun facts about Christmas. The volunteers were friendly and offered to answer questions. Small museum but well organized and informative.