BUFFALO, NEW YORK--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 16, 2008 -- Summer 2008-Upstate New York is home to some of the nation's most captivating art and architecture, set in a scenic landscape marked by great lakes and natural wonders. Visitors can discover one of the world's finest collections of modern art; tour landmarks by the nation's greatest architects, including five stunning Frank Lloyd Wright designs; and join working artisans in the birthplace of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Together with the area's miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning lakes and waterfalls, the Buffalo Niagara region offers an unexpected travel experience for everyone from families to art enthusiasts.

With five distinguished Frank Lloyd Wright residences and the recent addition of Wright's Rowing Boathouse, the city of Buffalo is one of the nation's most important destinations for Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. The city's architectural treasures include the Darwin D. Martin House-Wright's largest Prairie Style house in existence, the architect's stunning Graycliff Estate, and landmarks from such greats as H.H. Richardson, Louis Sullivan, and Eliel and Eero Saarinen, all amidst a system of parks and parkways designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame. Open-air bus tours offer visitors a tailored, comprehensive tour of the city's architectural landmarks; extensive tours of Wright's must-see Martin House and Graycliff Estate provide an intimate look at the restoration process.

In addition to its architectural offerings, Buffalo is home to the region's preeminent cultural institutions, including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and its exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art. This summer, highlights from the museum's holdings of Optical Art and recent acquisitions will be on view in the popular REMIX series. Be sure to visit the stunning Lord & Burnham conservatory at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens in Frederick Law Olmsted's South Park. It's one of only two such "crystal palaces" left standing in an Olmsted Park.

An exciting lineup of summer 2008 events welcomes visitors for the best of Buffalo's art, music, food, and landscapes. Highlights include the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's outdoor concert series at Artpark, the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts ,and the largest event of its kind in the United States, the Buffalo Garden Walk. Travelers can sample Buffalo's regional cuisine at the National Buffalo Wing Festival. This summer also marks the opening of the new $53 million public waterfront at the Erie Canal Harbor, where visitors can bike, boat, and stroll while learning about the city's pivotal role in American history as the "Gateway to the West."

Less than 20 minutes away are two regional destinations, including the century-old Roycroft Inn and Campus in nearby East Aurora. At the birthplace of the American Arts and Crafts Movement visitors get a rare look at the Roycrofter's life and work, and can take metalsmith, pottery, and block print classes alongside such craftsmen. Just north is one of the world's most stunning natural architectural wonders, Niagara Falls, the nearby river region offering stunning views, local wineries, 125 miles of hiking and biking trails, and 300 years of history at Old Fort Niagara.

The century-old Roycroft Inn was recently renovated and opened to rave reviews. Featuring original Roycroft furniture and fixtures of exceptional quality, its unique guest rooms still bear the names of notable guests carved in their doors, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Charlotte Bronte, Henry David Thoreau, and Susan B. Anthony. Visitors to Buffalo can also enjoy gracious hospitality in the heart of the city's Elmwood Village at the Beau Fleuve Bed & Breakfast. This elegant 1862 property features five beautifully appointed guest rooms and attentive and friendly innkeepers.

     Contacts:
     Press contacts:
     Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau
     Ed Healy
     (716) 852-0511 x236
     Email: healy@buffalocvb.org
      
     Doug Sitler
     (716) 984-7595
     Email: sitler@buffalocvb.org