Locals Talk                                          Next Locals Talk story (1 of 19)

Meela MooreMeela Moore was born and raised in Buffalo. She earned both her B.A. and M.B.A. from Canisius College. She now works with for AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) as a leader. In this capacity she assists non-profits in increasing financial independence, improving sustainability, and becoming more efficient in program delivery.

My favorite activities

There are many activities that I just love to engage in around the city. They include hanging out on the Chippewa strip for happy hour with co-workers or dining out with friends. I also like more obscure activities like Adult Skate Night at Eastern Hills Plaza in Clarence, bowling at Voelker's, karaoke nights, and arcades like Dave & Buster’s. Then there are forever favorites like checking out some of the local breweries and pubs like Flying Bison Brewery or Pearl Street Brewery.

5 Things I love about Buffalo
  1. I absolutely LOVE the food. There is nothing like it anywhere else.
  2. I like the access to the water. There are a number of marinas, boat docks, and beaches such as Angola-on-the-Lake around to enjoy.
  3. Our proximity to Canada makes Buffalo a truly international experience. Canada is very multicultural and I especially love to visit the annual Caribbean festival in Toronto - Caribana.
  4. The rich history of Western New York is phenomenal. For centuries Buffalo has been a pioneer in technology and industry, and as a young resident I try to make it a point to learn what that history is to ensure it is never forgotten.
  5. Last but not least are the residents of Buffalo. Anywhere you go you in the city you will find friendly people you can talk to and relate to. Buffalonians are very interesting and cultured on a variety of topics, and you just never know whom you'll meet at the farmer’s market or Wegman’s.

My favorite local hidden treasures you shouldn’t miss

My hidden treasure was discovered when I worked in Niagara County. To unwind on my lunch break I'd visit the Niagara Falls State Park and go to Three Sisters Island. It is marvelous to see nature at work when you pass over small streams on bridges that link the three islands to one another. Once you reach the third island you get a bird's eye view of the once placid Niagara River turning into rapids that will a moment or two later plummet over the precipice of the great Niagara Falls. You can get so close you can actually touch the water (although I wouldnÕt advise this since the water is very powerful)!

My perfect day spent in the Buffalo-area

My perfect day in Buffalo would be to wake up on a sunny weekend and head to the Super Flea, where you can get deals like nowhere else (and also some fresh cuts of meat from Will Poultry). I would then take my treasures home and relax before checking out the Erie Basin Marina Gardens on the waterfront or the Naval Park. IÕd have lunch and a enjoy Perry's ice cream at the Hatch while I walked around and gazed at the beautiful skyline from the tower. I'd end my day with dinner at Mother's Restaurant, complete with good conversation and libation, before I went home to feed my fish. What a day!