Allentown and the Delaware District Travel Guide

A detailed travel guide to Allentown and Delaware District. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, safety, and transportation.


Introduction to Allentown and the Delaware District

Allentown and the Delaware District are two historic neighborhoods located in Buffalo, New York. Both areas offer a mix of cultural attractions, scenic views, outdoor adventures, and local cuisine. Allentown is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and museums, while the Delaware District boasts some of the city’s most impressive historic homes. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll explore the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture of these two unique neighborhoods.

List of Places to Visit in Allentown and the Delaware District

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Albright-Knox Art Gallery
  • Burchfield Penney Art Center
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
  • Wilcox Mansion

Natural Attractions of Allentown and the Delaware District: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Delaware Park
  • Allentown Historic District
  • Elmwood Village Farmers Market
  • Kleinhans Music Hall

Hiking/Biking Routes of Allentown and the Delaware District

  • The Niagara River Greenway
  • The Buffalo Riverwalk
  • Outer Harbor Loop Trail

Best Things to Do in Allentown and the Delaware District: Activities and Tours

  • Buffalo Historical Tours: Explore the city’s history and architecture through walking tours of Allentown and the Delaware District.
  • Buffalo RiverWorks: Enjoy waterfront activities such as kayaking and paddle boating, as well as indoor entertainment like rock climbing and zip-lining.
  • Flying Bison Brewing Company: Take a brewery tour and sample some of the best local craft beers.
  • Shea’s Buffalo Theatre: Watch a show at one of the city’s most stunning historic theaters.

Week-Long Itinerary for Allentown and the Delaware District

Day Activity
Monday Explore the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Burchfield Penney Art Center
Tuesday Visit the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site and Wilcox Mansion
Wednesday Hike or bike the Niagara River Greenway
Thursday Tour the Allentown Historic District and check out the Elmwood Village Farmers Market
Friday Enjoy waterfront activities at Buffalo RiverWorks
Saturday Take a brewery tour at Flying Bison Brewing Company
Sunday Watch a show at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

Food and Drink Scene of Allentown and the Delaware District

Must-Try Dishes

  • Buffalo wings: A plate of crispy chicken wings smothered in spicy sauce is a must-try in Buffalo.
  • Beef on Weck: A traditional sandwich made with roast beef on a kummelweck roll.
  • Sponge candy: A sweet treat made from caramelized sugar and chocolate.
  • Snow cones: A summertime favorite, flavored ice that is perfect for hot days.

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer: Buffalo is home to many craft breweries, such as Flying Bison Brewing Company and Resurgence Brewing Company.
  • Loganberry: A sweet and tangy fruit drink that originated in the Buffalo area.
  • Genesee Cream Ale: A local favorite beer made by the Genesee Brewing Company.

Where to Stay in Allentown and the Delaware District: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Mansion on Delaware Avenue: A luxurious hotel housed in a restored 19th-century mansion.
  • InnBuffalo: A boutique bed and breakfast in a historic home in Allentown.
  • Foundry Suites: A trendy hotel with spacious suites and an on-site bar and restaurant.

What to Buy in Allentown and the Delaware District: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Buffalo-themed souvenirs: Shop for t-shirts, hats, and other Buffalo-themed souvenirs at local shops like Campus WheelWorks or Half & Half Boutique.
  • Handcrafted art: Browse through art galleries in the Allentown neighborhood to find unique and handmade pieces.
  • Local food products: Take home some local specialties like Buffalo wing sauce, sponge candy, or Loganberry syrup.

Local Culture and Customs of Allentown and the Delaware District

The city of Buffalo has a rich history, and locals take pride in their cultural heritage. Visitors should be prepared to embrace the city’s friendly and laid-back atmosphere, and try out the local food and drink specialties.

Best Time to Visit Allentown and the Delaware District

The best time to visit Allentown and the Delaware District is during the summer months, from June to August. The mild weather and numerous outdoor activities make it an ideal time to explore these neighborhoods.

Do’s and Don’ts of Allentown and the Delaware District

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and craft beer.
  • Visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Burchfield Penney Art Center.
  • Take a walking tour of the Allentown Historic District.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the historic homes and architecture of the Delaware District.
  • Miss out on the city’s waterfront activities.
  • Skip out on the opportunity to bike or hike in the Niagara River Greenway.

Safety and Health

Safety in Allentown and the Delaware District

Buffalo is a relatively safe city, but visitors should still take necessary precautions like locking car doors and being aware of their surroundings. The Allentown and Delaware neighborhoods are considered safe areas, but it’s always best to use common sense and avoid sketchy areas.

Health in Allentown and the Delaware District

Visitors to Buffalo should be aware of ticks and Lyme disease during the summer months. Mosquitoes can also be a problem during the warmer months, so use insect repellent and cover arms and legs when possible.

Getting to Allentown and the Delaware District: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Allentown and the Delaware District

  • Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): Located just 20 minutes from Allentown and the Delaware District.

Bus Stations Near Allentown and the Delaware District

  • Buffalo Greyhound Station: A 10-minute drive from Allentown and the Delaware District.

Other Options

  • Uber or Lyft: Both ride-sharing services are available in Buffalo.
  • Car rental: Renting a car is a convenient option for travelers who are planning on exploring the surrounding areas or visiting other destinations in Western New York.

How to Get Around in Allentown and the Delaware District

The Allentown and Delaware neighborhoods are both walkable areas, and visitors can easily explore these neighborhoods on foot or by bike. Driving and parking in these neighborhoods can be difficult, especially during peak times.

Where to Go Next from Allentown and the Delaware District: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Niagara Falls: Just a short drive from Buffalo, Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone in Western New York.
  • Letchworth State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is located an hour and a half drive from Buffalo and offers stunning views of the Genesee River.
  • Finger Lakes Wine Country: Located two hours from Buffalo, Finger Lakes Wine Country is home to over 100 wineries and is a great weekend getaway for wine lovers.

Conclusion

Allentown and the Delaware District are two unique neighborhoods in Buffalo that offer a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the city’s museums and galleries, hike or bike along scenic routes, and indulge in the local food and drink scene. With its friendly atmosphere and welcoming locals, Allentown and the Delaware District are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Western New York.

The '''Forman-Cabana House''', built in 1893 from a design by prominent local architect E. B. Green for oil company magnate George V. Forman, is representative of the breathtaking mansions of The '''Forman-Cabana House''', built in 1893 from a design by prominent local architect E. B. Green for oil company magnate George V. Forman, is representative of the breathtaking mansions of "Millionaire's Row" in the Delaware District. '''Allen Street''' was once the path by which Lewis Allen drove his cattle from the pasture owned by his neighbor Thomas Day (where '''Days Park''' is today) to his farmhouse on Main Street. '''Allen Street''' was once the path by which Lewis Allen drove his cattle from the pasture owned by his neighbor Thomas Day (where '''Days Park''' is today) to his farmhouse on Main Street. The construction of the cycle track onLinwood Avenue was facilitated by the The construction of the cycle track onLinwood Avenue was facilitated by the "Complete Streets" program ratified by the Buffalo Common Council in 2008, which mandated that equal consideration be given to bicyclists, pedestrians, and users of public transportation when resurfacing city streets. Aside from its main significance as the site where Theodore Roosevelt was administered the Presidential oath, the Wilcox Mansion is historically significant as the last remaining building to have been part of the '''Poinsett Barracks''', a military installation built in 1838 to guard against a British invasion from Canada, and as the former home of Buffalo mayor Joseph Masten. Aside from its main significance as the site where Theodore Roosevelt was administered the Presidential oath, the Wilcox Mansion is historically significant as the last remaining building to have been part of the '''Poinsett Barracks''', a military installation built in 1838 to guard against a British invasion from Canada, and as the former home of Buffalo mayor Joseph Masten. In the Delaware Avenue Historic District can be found a large and well-preserved collection of palatial residences, built by Buffalo's aristocratic élite at a time when the city was at the peak of its economic importance. Seen here are, from right to left, the '''Charles W. Goodyear House''', the '''Harlow C. Curtiss House''', and the '''Richmond-Lockwood House'''. In the Delaware Avenue Historic District can be found a large and well-preserved collection of palatial residences, built by Buffalo's aristocratic élite at a time when the city was at the peak of its economic importance. Seen here are, from right to left, the '''Charles W. Goodyear House''', the '''Harlow C. Curtiss House''', and the '''Richmond-Lockwood House'''. The scene at '''Sisti Park''' on a sunny summer day. The scene at '''Sisti Park''' on a sunny summer day. Nearly 150 years after it was constructed, '''Delaware Park''' continues to fulfill the intent of its designer, allowing citizens of Buffalo to escape into nature without leaving the city limits. Nearly 150 years after it was constructed, '''Delaware Park''' continues to fulfill the intent of its designer, allowing citizens of Buffalo to escape into nature without leaving the city limits. Cast in 1900, this '''replica of Michaelangelo's ''David''''' is one of several works of public art displayed in Buffalo's '''Delaware Park'''. Cast in 1900, this '''replica of Michaelangelo's ''David''''' is one of several works of public art displayed in Buffalo's '''Delaware Park'''. Located just south and east of Symphony Circle in Allentown, '''Arlington Park''' is one of the loveliest of Buffalo's three Located just south and east of Symphony Circle in Allentown, '''Arlington Park''' is one of the loveliest of Buffalo's three "residential parks". The Theatre of Youth is housed in the historic 1913 '''Allendale Theatre''', a former silent movie palace in the heart of Allentown that was rescued from demolition in 1986 after having been condemned by the city — another of Buffalo's success stories in the field of revitalization of historic buildings. The Theatre of Youth is housed in the historic 1913 '''Allendale Theatre''', a former silent movie palace in the heart of Allentown that was rescued from demolition in 1986 after having been condemned by the city — another of Buffalo's success stories in the field of revitalization of historic buildings. The graffiti on the ceiling at '''Nietzsche's''' is an encyclopedia of the last 30 years or so of Buffalo's local music scene. The graffiti on the ceiling at '''Nietzsche's''' is an encyclopedia of the last 30 years or so of Buffalo's local music scene. Gabriel's Gate, a popular Allentown bar and restaurant, is part of the '''Tiffts Row''', a group of seven nearly-identical two-story brick Italianate residences built in 1870 by real estate speculator W. Tiffts. The buildings on the left, in particular, are a good representation of what Allen Street looked like in the late 19th century. Gabriel's Gate, a popular Allentown bar and restaurant, is part of the '''Tiffts Row''', a group of seven nearly-identical two-story brick Italianate residences built in 1870 by real estate speculator W. Tiffts. The buildings on the left, in particular, are a good representation of what Allen Street looked like in the late 19th century. Allen Street boasts one of the densest and liveliest concentrations of bars in Buffalo. Allen Street boasts one of the densest and liveliest concentrations of bars in Buffalo. The '''Lenox Hotel''' has been in business since 1896. The '''Lenox Hotel''' has been in business since 1896. The Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, at the corner of Delaware Avenue and West Utica Street, took ownership of the former '''North Presbyterian Church''' very quickly after that congregation's move to the suburb of Williamsville — in fact, the first Greek Orthodox Mass in the building took place on Sunday, December 28th, 1952, just after the conclusion of the final Presbyterian service there! The Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, at the corner of Delaware Avenue and West Utica Street, took ownership of the former '''North Presbyterian Church''' very quickly after that congregation's move to the suburb of Williamsville — in fact, the first Greek Orthodox Mass in the building took place on Sunday, December 28th, 1952, just after the conclusion of the final Presbyterian service there!