Monday, December 28, 2009

Historic tours of Elmira







Yesterday my husband and I had the opportunity to go on a walking tour of Elmira's Historic Near West Side district. Our private tour was led by Samuel Draper, who has been conducting tours of the district for over 20 years. This area has a high concentration of Victorian and High Victorian homes and churches.

Elmira is also known for its connection to the author Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain). His wife, Olivia Langdon was from Elmira and the Clemens spent their summers here. We even visited the Clemens and Langdon gravesites at Woodlawn cemetery.

Next year (2010) marks the 100th anniversary of Mark Twain's death. Lots of tours are planned. For more information on the tours visit http://www.historicnearwestside.com/

I am currently working on an article about the tours and Elmira for the Buffalo News travel section which will be published in the next few months.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Perfect snowshoe weather







This past Sunday my daughter, Jennifer, and I ventured down to Beaver Meadow Nature Center in North Java to do some snowshoeing. I got snowshoes last Christmas and wanted to put them to good use. Rentals are available, so we rented a pair for Jennifer. We only were out about an hour or so, but one could probably spend all day there as they have eight miles of trails. We had a lot of fun. The visitor's center has three floors of exhibits, along with a small gift shop.


Beaver Meadow Nature Center 1610 Welch Road, North Java, 585-457-3228 http://www.buffaloaudubon.org/ Visitor's center open Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Trails are open daily dawn to dusk.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Great beef on weck

This past Sunday my husband and I had dinner at Schwabl's in West Sececa. I had never eaten there before, but definitely will be returning. The beef on weck sandwich is one of the best I've ever had. I also enjoyed the German potato salad and the coleslaw. Of course, I had to have their signature drink, Tom and Jerry, an egg-nog like beverage made with rum and brandy.

Schwabl's, 789 Center Road, West Seneca, 716-674-9821, www.schwabls.com

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Things to do in the Tonawandas this weekend and beyond

CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF THE TONAWANDAS MEMBER EVENTS
WHAT TO DO IN THE TONAWANDAS………

Okay, this is a long post. Here are some events of things happening in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda from a press release that was sent to me.


North Tonawanda History Museum
54 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-213-0554

Museum Hours: Mondays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DECEMBER

The North Tonawanda History Museum is pleased to announce the following December events. Our WINTER WALK IN THE GATEWAY CITIES 2009 participation this year begins on Friday, December 4 with our Winter Walk Weekend Kick Off Event at 7 p.m.:

A Polish Christmas presented by the Polish Heritage Dancers, including a performance by the Polish Heritage Dancers, a koledy sing along with English and Polish Carols, and a talk on Polish Christmas traditions. Swiaty Mikokaj, the Polish version of St. Nicholas, is expected to make a visit as well.

On Saturday, December 5, during the all-day shopping extravaganza in the downtown shopping centers on either side of the Erie Canal in the Cities of North Tonawanda and Tonawanda, the History Museum will be open its normal hours of 9 to 5 p.m. with free admission, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Christmas character, Holly Berry, will be present to do Christmas balloons, face painting, and tattoos for kids At 2 p.m. Step in Time will return with A Celtic Christmas and at 3 p.m. there will be An Irish Christmas performance by the Clann Na Cara School of Irish Dance.

Other December programs include Saturday, December 12 from 11 to 2 p.m. with A Christmas Concert by Tim Maloney, the Piano Man, followed at 2 p.m. by The Feast of St. Lucia presented by the Swedish Heritage Festival Committee of Augustana Lutheran Church.

On Friday, December 18 at 7 p.m., A German Christmas will be presented by the Historical Society of North German Settlements in Western New York.


The North Tonawanda History Museum is pleased to announce an addition to its holiday programming. The Niagara Experience Players will present their holiday performance, "Santa's Christmas Count Down" on Monday, December 21, with two performances, at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the History Museum at 54 Webster Street.
Thirteen youngsters will participate in the song and dance performance.

Parking is in the municipal parking lot on Manhattan Street behind the museum building, with Webster Street accessed through the Project Pride Walkway.


The Historic Riviera Theatre & Performing Arts Center
67 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Phone: 692-2413


EXCITING CONCERTS COMING TO THE RIVIERA THEATRE
THE MACHINE – America’s Top Pink Floyd Show – Friday, December 18 at 8:30 pm
THE MACHINE, America’s top Pink Floyd show, as forged a 20-year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating another legacy all their own. The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many, selling out large clubs and theatres across North Central America, Europe and Asia. They have also appeared at renowned music festivals such as The Bonnaroo, Riverbend, and Germany’s Rock of Ages.

THE MUSICAL BOX “Trick of the Tail” – Thursday, February 11th at 8:00 pm
After international acclaim for their re-enactment of Genesis’ FOXTROT, SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND, and THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY, The Musical Box present worldwide, with the help of Genesis and artists involved in the original show, A TRICK OF THE TAIL in painstaking detail including original slides, films, laser effects, special effects and original song list as presented by Genesis in 1976 to capture this important moment in Genesis history.

THE BBC – Premiere Beatles and 60’s Music Experience – Saturday, February 27 at 8:00 pm
Be here for the TIME OF THE SEASON CONCERT II! All ages will enjoy the classic music of the 60’s with The BBC. The premier tribute band performs an unforgettable Beatles and 60’s music experience that will surely touch your heart and evoke memories of a simpler time. Don’t muss your chance to hear what everyone is talking about. Opening will be Tom Lorentz.

GAELIC STORM – Sunday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
Gaelic Storm continue to broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genry by creating compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Irish traditional melody and acoustic instrumentation. Gaelic Storm has sold out numerous clubs and performing arts centers around the country.
GLENGARRY BHOYS – Saturday, March 20 at 8:00 pm
Described as unorthodox, vibrant, and evocative, the Glengarry Bhoys’ hybrid of Canadian Highland Scots and French Canadian musical idioms has evolved into a sound that is weighty, authoritative, and extremely entertaining. Their energy and good humor, as much a part of the show as their musicianship, crosses all cultures and ages.
For further information and tickets, call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413, Monday- Friday, 10 am-4 pm. or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.

CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES
February 4 & 5, 2010
The Historic Riviera Theatre presents “Church Basement Ladies” on Thursday, February 4 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm and Friday, February 5 at 7:30 pm.
Church Basement Ladies is a celebration of the church basement kitchens everywhere and the wonderful, unsung women who work there. Set in 1964-65, the show is a funny, heartfelt reflection on the four women who tirelessly prepare the food and solve problems for the congregation at a rural Minnesota church. The “Church Basement Ladies” include the elderly matriarch of the kitchen, a young bride-to-be, a jack-of-all trades farm wife and the best cook in the church. Together, the ladies stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor on due course as they cope with the changing world. In the span of a year, they plan a record-breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser, and a steaming hot July wedding feast.

Ticket prices: $28; $25; $20 (price does not include $2 facility fee) Group discounts of 15% is available for groups of 20 or more
For further information and tickets, call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413, Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.
For further information and tickets. call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413, Monday through Friday, 10 am-4 pm or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.


North Tonawanda Public Library
505 Meadow Drive
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-693-4132

Children’s programs presented by the Children’s Department:
Call the library for current programs.North Tonawanda Public Library Programs for adults:
Call the library for current programs.

Benjamin Long Homestead
(Operated by the Historical Society of the Tonawandas)
23 East Niagara St.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-694-7406

Decorated for the Holiday Season by the Garden Club of the Tonawandas.
Open for Winter Walk, December 5, 11 AM to 3 PM - No admission fee during Winter Walk
Open for regular tours Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21 - through Dec. 20, 1 to 4 PM. Admission $4
Christmas Boutique also open at those times.


Historical Society of the Tonawandas
Historical Society Museum of the Tonawandas
113 Main Street
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-694-7406

Museum Hours: Wednesday 12 to 4; Thursday 10 to 4; Saturday 10 to 2
During Winter Walk – Saturday, December 5 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Historical Society of the Tonawandas has a new display on exhibit at the North Tonawanda Public Library (505 Meadow Drive). The exhibit "150 Years of Scrapbooking" is based on the extensive collection of more than 100 scrapbooks of the HST. Check it out!


WINTER WALK IN THE GATEWAY CITIES
Sponsored by the
Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda
and the
Swiftwater Business Association of Tonawanda


Friday, December 4 – 7 p.m. – Christmas in Clinton Park, Clinton & Broad Streets, City of Tonawanda. Lighting the Park, arrival of Santa Claus, Clinton Express rides, Glo
sticks for the first 300 kids, hot chocolate and cookies by the City of
Tonawanda Senior Citizens.

7 p.m. – A Polish Christmas, North Tonawanda History Museum, 54 Webster St.,North Tonawanda. Presented by the Polish Heritage Dancers, including a performance, a koledy sing along (English and Polish carols), a talk on Polish Christmas traditions, a visit from Swiaty Mikokaj, the Polish version of St. Nicholas.
.
Saturday, December 5 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prizes and refreshments, shuttle bus available all day
Breakfast with Santa at Nestor’s Restaurant (102 Webster, North Tonawanda) – pre-sale tickets only
Free student performance – Buffalo Suzuki Strings Musical Art Center (4 Webster, North Tonawanda)
Free hands on train display – Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier (111 Oliver, North Tonawanda)
Free Petting Zoo (Tremont St. & Webster St., North Tonawanda)
Free Pony Rides (Adam St. at Main St., Tonawanda)
Free Hay Ride through the Tonawandas
Santa on the Carrousel – Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum (180 Thompson, North Tonawanda)
Free art exhibit - Carnegie Art Center (240 Goundry, North Tonawanda)
Free Open House – Historical Society of the Tonawandas (113 Main, Tonawanda)
Free tours – Benjamin Long Homestead, decorated for holiday season (24 E. Niagara, Tonawanda)
Free wine tasting, cookie decorating, and much, much more………
Grand Prize - $300 shopping spree at participating T-NT merchants
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Holly Berry at the North Tonawanda History Museum – free face painting, balloons,
and tattooing for kids
2 p.m. A Celtic Christmas – presented by Step in Time at the North Tonawanda History Museum
3 p.m. An Irish Christmas performance by Clann Na Cara School of Irish Dance


Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
180 Thompson Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-693-1885

Museum Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – Noon to 4 p.m.

December 5 Lunch with Santa – 11:00 – Noon – Reservations Required. Stay for the entertainment.

Santa on the Carousel – Noon – 4 p.m. - Jim Menke Marionettes at 1 p.m.

December 12 Lunch with Santa – 11:00 – Noon – Reservations Required. Stay for the entertainment.

Santa on the Carousel – Noon – 4 p.m. Matt James Music for Kids at 1 p.m.

December 19 Santa on the Carousel – Noon to 4 p.m. – Visit with Mary Poppins & Bert

December 26 Post-Christmas Activities


Vietnam Veterans Chapter 77 Museum
57 Main Street
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-693-4479

Peter Tycz II Scholarship Fund Raiser Dinner - Thursday January 28th, 2010
4:00pm to 7:00 pm - $6.00 all you can eat spaghetti and meatballs, salad and bread at the
American Legion Post 264 - 60 Main St. Tonawanda - includes a 50/50 drawing and basket raffle


The Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier
111 Oliver Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Saturday, December 5 – Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Station will be decorated in holiday themes, with Lionel trains running.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Check out this new book about the Erie Canal


I have enjoyed articles published by fellow travel writer Deborah Williams for a number of years, but had never met her until I went to one of her book signings a few weeks ago. Her newly released book about the Erie Canal is very comprehensive and a must-have for history buffs and boaters alike. Published by the Countryman Press, who also published my book Western New York Explorer's Guide, the book takes you from Buffalo to Albany, offering history as well as attractions, lodging, restaurants and more along the way. It's available in bookstores and online. For more information, check out her website http://www.deborahwilliams.com/

Christmas at the Hull House


Here's an upcoming event that sounds really interesting. Unfortunately, I have other events going on this weekend and won't be able to go, but thought I'd pass the information on to you.


Christmas at the Hull House

December 5 & 6, 12-4pm. You must make reservations in advance, as admission is by timed ticket.


Experience Christmas in the 1800's like the Hull family would have celebrated. There will be music, folklore, a gift shop, holiday recipes, Father Christmas and more. There will be holiday vignettes set up in each room of the house. The house, which is the oldest stone house in Erie county, was built by warren and Polly hull in 1810. It's currently being restored to it's original appearance.


The Hull House, 5976 Genesee Street, Lancaster, NY 716-681-6451 www.hullfamilyhome.org