Visiting Buffalo- Frank Lloyd Wright and more

My friend Sheri and I have been wanting to go to Buffalo, New York ever since we found out there are a few Frank Lloyd Wright houses in the city. The problem is getting there in the winter, as our annual trip is over Presidents’ Day weekend. But last year we were able to find (what was supposed to be) a snow free weekend to go. It was a bit treacherous (it was snow free in Buffalo, but not along the lake as we dove), but we made it. What is usually a 5 hour drive became 8 hours, but we and had a great time over the long weekend. Keep reading to find out about visiting Buffalo for Frank Lloyd Wright and more.

Frank Lloyd Wright in Buffalo

Sheri and I have a shared love of the architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, and we have made several trips together to see his homes, including Smith House in Michigan, Falling Water in Pennsylvania and the Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio. So we had been wanting to visit Buffalo to see the many designs by Wright that exist in the city.

It starts with a man- Darwin Martin- who worked for the Larkin Soap Company in Buffalo New York. When the company was planning to build a new administration building they started looking into architects. Darwin Martin‘s brother William recommended a young fledgling architect named Frank Lloyd Wright. They chose FLW to design and build the five-story red brick building from 1904 to 1906. It marked Wright’s first major commercial project. Unfortunately, developers demolished the building in 1950, leaving only part of a wall to commemorate it.

Darwin D. Martin House

After the Larking Building, Martin asked Wright to design a home for him, which became known as the Darwin D Martin House. Martin gave Wright complete freedom to execute it. Wright designed the George Barton house in the prairie school style from 1903 to 1904.

That home was just the first part of what would become a complex. Because Darwin Martin liked the house, he agreed to have Wright continue with the rest of it. The complex consists of a primary building, a pergola which connects the house to the conservatory, a carriage house (which served as a garage and stable) and a gardeners cottage. 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s friendship with Darwin Martin lasted decades. Darwin Martin was one of his most important patrons and helped to fund some of his work including Taliesin. Wright’s construction of Martin’s home may have played a key role in shaping his career into what it is known for today.

Inside the Darwin D. Martin House

Out of all the Frank Lloyd Wright houses I have visited, this is definitely one of my favorites inside. There is, in normal FLW fashion, lots of built-in furniture. There are also 394 art glass windows which have 15 distinctive patterns. Inside the living room is a stunning half-moon fireplace. Another double-sided fireplace sits in the entry hall, featuring beautiful tile designs. Sadly, developers demolished the original conservatory and pergola in 1962 and replaced them with an apartment complex. However, builders reconstructed them between 2004 and 2007, following Wright’s exact specifications. Today, the six building complex takes up 30,000 ft.² in a one and a half acre lot.  

Unfortunately, there are no pictures allowed inside the house. But it is most definitely worth a visit. There are three different tours offered. We opted for the ‘The Martin House Plus Tour’, which cost $45 (or $41/$25 or seniors or students) and lasts 2 hours. The tour gained us access to all spaces on Martin House Tour, the first floor of the Barton House as well as the Gardener’s Cottage. Check out the website for more information, including hours and reservations, which are recommended. When visiting Buffalo this is a must-see stop to experience Frank Lloyd Wright- but there’s more!

Graycliff

About a half hour away from the Martin House, Graycliff, another Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, sits 65 feet up a cliff overlooking Lake Erie. Wright designed it for Darwin Martin, with particular consideration for his wife Isabelle. As she got older, her eyesight was failing so she request a home outside of the city that had lots of light. Graycliff comprises three buildings and extensive gardens. The main house is 6500 ft.² and it was the Martin’s summer home from 1927 thru the 1940s.

The main house, which is referred to as the Isabelle R. Martin house, features cantilevered balconies that open to the lake. The large windows that look out to the lake are also stunning. Perhaps because of the close friendship of the Martins and Wright, there are lots of things about Graycliff that aren’t in line with typical FLW designs. For example, it is more sprawling and has higher ceilings than a typical FLW designed home. Despite this detail and a few more, it is still a beautiful home and definitely worth seeing when visiting Buffalo for the Frank Lloyd Wright designs. Standard tours of the home are $27, or $17 for students starting at age 9. Check out their website before you visit, Graycliff offers a lot of special events that may interest you.

Other Wright designs in Buffalo 

While visiting Buffalo- there are more Frank Lloyd Wright designs to explore besides the two homes designed for the Martin family. The city also boasts three additional (posthumous) designs of Frank Lloyd Wright.

• The Blue Sky Mausoleum stands at Forest Lawn Cemetery, originally intended to be the resting place for Darwin Martin and his family.
• Builders completed the Fontana Boathouse in 2007, based on a design Wright created for the University of Wisconsin boat club. It now hosts special events.
• Inside the Buffalo transportation Pierce Arrow museum, which is only open for four hours on Saturday, visitors can see an exhibit featuring the Frank Lloyd Wright Filling Station. Wright designed the two story structure in the 1920s and it was planned to be at a nearby intersection.

Niagara Falls 

While Frank Lloyd Wright buildings are a major highlight, there is even more to see while visiting Buffalo. And of course you can’t go to Buffalo without making a visit to Niagara Falls. I’ve never been to the American side and there’s a very nice state park where visitors can view American Falls and Horseshoe Falls.

If you’re visiting on a nicer day than when we visited, you may want to go one of the hikes that offer beautiful views. Niagara Falls State Park is situated on 400 acres and has over 15 miles of hiking trails. There is also an aquarium, the Maid of the Mist boat and the Cave of Winds to check out while you are there. For us, it was thrilling just to see the waterfall for a few moments.

Buffalo city hall and observation deck 

Since this blog is about visiting Buffalo and Frank Lloyd Wright, lets talk about more architecture! Make sure when in the city to check out the Buffalo City Hall. This building is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Built between 1929 and 1931, it stands as one of the tallest buildings in Buffalo, reaching 32 stories. The building’s exterior features intricate stonework, including stylized eagles and geometric patterns, while its lobby boasts grand marble interiors. Free guided tours take place at noon every weekday. Get your tickets in advance from this website.

One of the most popular features of Buffalo City Hall is its observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Located on the 28th floor (though you must walk up three flights from the 25th floor, so it’s not wheelchair accessible) the deck provides a fantastic vantage point to take in sights like Lake Erie, downtown Buffalo, and the surrounding areas. It’s a great spot for photographers or anyone wanting to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. The best part? The observation deck is free and open to the public, but you’ll need to go through security to access it. The observation deck is open throughout the week, but unfortunately not on Presidents’ Day so we weren’t able to visit during our trip, but I sure hope I get to in the future! Check out their website for more information.

Wander downtown Buffalo

And while you are downtown, check out more of the area. Downtown Buffalo is also known for its thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events taking place throughout the year. The waterfront area, located just a short walk away, features scenic parks, the Canalside district (which offers outdoor activities, festivals, and concerts), and the Erie Basin Marina. In the city’s central business district, it serves as the heart of Buffalo, offering a blend of historic architecture, contemporary spaces, and lively streets. The area is home to many iconic landmarks!

Market Arcade

Market Arcade in Buffalo is a historic shopping center and another of the city’s architectural gems. Located on Main Street, it opened in 1901, built in the early 20th century. The arcade blends retail spaces, galleries, and small shops, all framed by beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture, including decorative terra cotta detailing and a glass canopy. Today, Market Arcade hosts a few art galleries and smaller independent businesses.

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

I love historical sites! Buffalo is full of surprises—between exploring Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural gems and visiting the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, the city offers a fascinating mix of history, design, and more. So, why did this presidential inauguration happen in Buffalo instead of Washington? In 1901, President McKinley visited Buffalo, NY, for the Pan-American Exposition, a type of World’s Fair. His assassination during this visit led to Vice President Roosevelt traveling to Buffalo to be sworn in as president. The swearing-in took place at the Buffalo mansion of lawyer Ansley Wilcox. Today, visitors can explore this historic site and stand where Roosevelt took the oath of office.

Touring the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

The tour of the site, which is guided, begins in the front exhibit. Here, visitors learn about the Pan America exhibition with a lot of fascinating memorabilia. After checking that out it’s through a door into the house tour. The library is where Roosevelt took his oath in a borrowed suit. There were no photographs documenting the events, but there is a small table which marks the spot where it happened. It’s hard to imagine 50 people squeezing in this space to witness the event.

You can also see the beautiful dining room where Roosevelt sat and ate dinner, as well as a parlor where he sat and drafted his first message to the citizens of America. The tour includes a sound and video presentation which narrates about the people and important events/movements during that era. On the second floor of the house is the informational portion of the museum. There are touchscreens to learn all about Roosevelt. In addition there is a recreation of Roosevelt’s White House office and desk. There you can see if you would vote on certain issues the same as Roosevelt did.

Tours are scheduled hourly beginning at 9:30 on weekdays and 12:30 on weekends. The last tour starts at 3:30 except on Tuesdays when they are open until 8 PM. Admission price is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, veterans and college students and $7 for youth age 6 through 18. The site is a part of the National Park service, meaning you can get in for free if you have an America the Beautiful National Park pass. Find out more at their website.

Enjoy A Day At Elmwood Village

When talking about the best things to do and see in Buffalo, a fantastic option is to explore Elmwood Village. This lively neighborhood, which is where we stayed while in Buffalo, is located right the heart of Buffalo. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, laid-back lifestyle, and beautiful historical architecture.

Elmwood Village boasts over 300 small local shops and boutiques, coffeehouses and restaurants. It is widely regarded as the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Buffalo. I loved exploring and seeing the shops and homes. It feels like there is something interesting around every corner, and I am looking forward to exploring this area when I visit next. Plus, in the warmer months (when I hope to be there next) there is a farmers market.

Explore Allentown

Allentown stands as one of Buffalo’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its rich history, charming Victorian architecture, and artsy vibe. Located just north of downtown, it serves as a cultural hub with a mix of beautifully restored homes. Many homeowners paint their houses in bright, colorful hues, enhancing the neighborhood’s unique charm. The area also boasts art galleries, independent shops, bars, and restaurants, making it a great spot for dining, shopping, and nightlife. Allentown hosts popular events like the Allentown Art Festival. With its colorful homes and a blend of old-world charm and modern creativity, Allentown is a must-visit!

Canalside

Speaking of great areas in Buffalo, Canalside is located along Buffalo’s waterfront. This area offers a variety of outdoor activities, from boat rentals to ice skating in the winter. There are also concerts, food vendors, and events throughout the year. It was buzzing with people even when we visited (and did I mention that it was cold?)

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Since we visited in winter, I’m really bummed that we missed the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens during our trip. Located in South Buffalo’s South Park, the gardens span 23 acres and feature a variety of themed areas, including tropical plants, cacti, orchids, and colorful annuals. The building itself is a real stunner! Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the Beaux-Arts conservatory opened in 1900.

Glen Falls 

Eat and drinking:

A blog about visiting Buffalo would not be complete without mentioning food and drinks. Here are some suggestions for some places to check out when you’re in the city.

Eat Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar

Wings are pretty synonymous with Buffalo, right? The first place to serve Buffalo wings was the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, back in 1964. The story goes that Teressa Bellissimo, who ran the bar with her husband, Frank, was looking for a late-night snack. She decided to deep-fry some leftover chicken wings, which were usually thrown out. She tossed them in a spicy cayenne pepper sauce and served them with celery and blue cheese, and that’s how Buffalo wings were born! The Anchor Bar quickly became the go-to spot for the iconic dish. Over time, Buffalo wings became a staple in bars and restaurants everywhere. Today, the Anchor Bar is still serving up the same wings that started it all, and it’s a must-visit if you’re in Buffalo. There are three locations around Buffalo, including one at the airport and they are open daily. Check out their website for more information and hours.

Froth Brewing Company

Buffalo wings are available all over the city, and Sheri found some gluten-free wings at one of the places I enjoyed most in Buffalo—Froth Brewing Company. They had some seriously creative and delicious craft beers. They offer a range of brews like some incredible sours (I tried one that was bright blue in honor of their beloved football team) as well as IPAs, stouts, lagers, and wheat beers. There is something for everyone! Located in the artsy Allentown neighborhood, the brewery also serves food, hosts events and often has live music. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 4 PM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM (closed Monday and Tuesday). If you’re in the area and a fan of craft beer, it’s definitely worth checking out! Check out their website for more information.

Resurgence Brewing Company

I love checking out breweries when I’m traveling. Another brewery we checked out- Resurgence Brewing Company- is located in the Old First Ward neighborhood of Buffalo. The taproom is the former home of EB Holmes Machinery Company. It was founded in the mid-1800s and revolutionized the process of making wooden barrels. This area, which has a rich industrial history, has been seeing a revival in recent years, and Resurgence is a big part of that. The brewery itself has a cool, rustic vibe, blending the building’s industrial charm with the laid-back, community-focused atmosphere that locals love.

Founded in 2012, Resurgence is known for its variety of craft beers, from IPAs and stouts to ciders and sours. They also have lots of seasonal brews. When we visited there were over 18 beers to choose from, and the ones I tasted were great! They also offer food and have lots of events, check out their website to see what’s going on when you visit. They’re open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 PM to 9 PM, Friday from 3 PM to 10 PM, Saturday from 12 PM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 7 PM.

Brunch at Betty’s

Betty’s Restaurant, located in the vibrant Allentown neighborhood, is a beloved local gem. It is known for its friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and creative cocktails. It offers hearty comfort food with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The menu features classic American dishes with a special emphasis on brunch items, sandwiches, and seasonal offerings. The cozy, eclectic vibe makes it a perfect spot for casual meals or special occasions, and it’s especially popular for brunch, with favorites like eggs benedict, pancakes, and mimosas. We came during brunch and the place was packed- which told us that we had found the right place. It was a yummy meal and we loved the gluten free and vegetarian offerings. They are open from Tuesday – Friday 8:00-3:00, on ​Saturday 9-3, and ​Sunday 9-2, check out their website for more info.

Try some sponge candy

Wegmans Grocery 

Speaking of food- you can find loads of it at Wegmans Grocery. Though it is a chain, when I was researching what to see and do in Buffalo so many people suggested stopping here. Wegmans is a beloved grocery store chain that started in Rochester, New York, in 1916 and has grown into one of the most popular and well-loved supermarkets in the region, with locations throughout New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and beyond. Known for its high-quality products and exceptional customer service, Wegmans has a reputation for being more than just a grocery store—it’s a destination. Wegman’s has many specialty departments including a hot-food bar, lots of organic options and I was especially excited to find the gluten-free and vegan sections.

Wrapping Up

As we wrapped up our long weekend in Buffalo, we were reminded just how much the city has to offer. Iconic Frank Lloyd Wright designs, the breathtaking views of Niagara Falls to the charming streets of Elmwood Village and Allentown, we were constantly discovering something new to explore. Whether you’re a fan of history, architecture, or just delicious food and brews, Buffalo has something for everyone.

Our time in Buffalo was a perfect blend of the city’s architectural gems and the local culture, making for a truly unforgettable experience. Despite the longer-than-expected drive, every stop—from Wright’s masterpieces to hidden gems around town—was well worth the journey. If you’re planning your own getaway, don’t hesitate to embrace the adventure. Whether you’re here for the design, the history, or the local flavor, there’s no doubt that Buffalo has a little bit of everything to offer. And before you know it, you might already be thinking about your next visit! Have you been and have some suggestions? Or some suggestions for a future road trip for me? I’d love to hear it! Catch you soon!

-Catching Katie