Ten Cool Things You Didn’t Know About Buffalo

Ten Cool Things You Didn't Know About Buffalo

Now a recreational and dining area, Riverworks is the rebirth of the old grain silos by the river.

In 1813, the British in Upper Canada burned the tiny village of Buffalo to the ground. It rose from the ashes – bigger and stronger than ever. In fact, Buffalo was the first city in America to be electrified. In the late 1800s, when the rest of the continent was in the dark, Buffalo was all lit up.

Sadly, by the mid-20th century, progress elsewhere re-routed ships and business away from the Erie Canal and Buffalo found itself with abandoned silos, warehouses, office buildings, and homes. While other American cities tore down their 19th century masterpieces to make way for glass and concrete, Buffalo had little incentive to do this. Continue reading

Nemacolin Woodlands – it’s the Wright Place to Stay

Chateau Lafayette, modelled on The Ritz in Paris, seems an unlikely addition to a Pennsylvania resort. But this is no ordinary spot.

Chateau Lafayette, modelled on The Ritz in Paris, seems an unlikely addition to a Pennsylvania resort. But this is no ordinary spot.

A turn in the winding country road brings us to …The Ritz!

There is the sweeping curve of the famed building, there the long, elegant windows, the wrought iron, the grand entrance. The only thing missing is the ubiquitous midnight blue Bentley parked in front.

No, the famed Paris hotel hasn’t been moved to Pennsylvania, but a facsimile now graces the Laurel Highlands. Built by the eccentric owner of 84 Lumber Company, Joseph A. Hardy, Chateau Lafayette is only one small part of the extraordinary resort that is Nemacolin Woodlands. Continue reading