By Barbara Woodworth
Whether you’re new to the EX scene – or a long time EX’er – Buffalo is a great city for the single woman to visit – or live. Well deserving of its moniker “The City of Good Neighbors,” Buffalo welcomes visitors offering them the utmost in courtesy and congeniality. It is also known for affordability, ease of transportation, city life, art, theater, architectural history and much more – all within the city limits.
For the enjoyment of the single woman, five EXceptional venues are highlighted. The Buffalo Metropolitan Area and Greater Niagara Region offer even more.
#1 – A Buffalo must-see -- the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (128 South Elmwood Avenue, 716-882-8700, www.albrightknox.org) is recognized worldwide for its EXemplary collection of modern art. Home to outstanding permanent and traveling EXhibits, including traditional works by many of the world’s masters, EX-er’s can count on hours of solo tranquility and contemplation. Open from 10-5 W-Th, 10-10 Fri, and 10-5 Sat-Sun, be sure to stop at MUSE, the museum’s EXcellent restaurant, well-suited to the single diner.
And – should you find yourself in Buffalo on a Friday night, be sure to take advantage of a multitude of fascinating programs, offered free of charge, from 6-9 P.M. During summer Sundays, free jazz concerts are held on the steps of Albright-Knox – a magnificent building designed by distinguished architect E.B. Green and initially intended to serve as the Fine Arts Pavilion at the Buffalo-based 1901 Pan-American EXhibition.
#2 -- From one EXtraordinary architectural treasure to another -- when in Buffalo you won’t want to miss touring renown architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s early 1900 seven-building Martin House Complex, now undergoing final restoration. The city with the most Wright homes, Buffalo’s Prairie style Martin House (125 Jewett Parkway, 716-856-3858, www.darwinmartinhouse.org) is an inspired jewel that lends itself to solo, introspective visits. Be sure to call for tour information regarding times, days and cost.
#3 – Once known as the U.S. city with most millionaires – and the first American city to be electrified – The Wilcox Mansion (641 Delaware Avenue, 716-884-0095, www.nps.gov), is another of Buffalo’s architectural gems. Located on “Millionaire’s Row,” the 19th century Greek revival Wilcox Mansion is the site of Teddy Roosevelt’s presidential inauguration after the death of President William McKinley. Open from 9-5, M-F and noon-5 S-S, the hour-long guided tour, followed by individual viewing of the EXquisitely decorated rooms and EXhibited artifacts, is sure to please the single female. And should you plan an overnight stay...
