The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Western New York’s vibrant food scene shines on the new Ultimate Buffalo Food Trail, offering a curated tour of the area’s most beloved flavors.

Created by Visit Buffalo Niagara, the guide highlights Buffalo’s culinary icons—hot dogs, classic wings, pastry hearts, and beef on weck—inviting locals and newcomers to savor signature dishes.

Legendary eateries like Anchor Bar and Duff’s serve world-famous wings, while Gene McCarthy’s and Wiechech's excel with mouthwatering fish fries.

Hot dog fans flock to Ted’s, and sweet-toothed visitors find pastry hearts at Chrusciki Bakery and Eileen’s Bakery, with Paula’s famed peanut sticks a must-try.

The dining landscape keeps evolving, with the beachy Perro & Poni on the waterfront and an upcoming upscale sports bar adding fresh excitement.

With over 100 new restaurants in just a year, Buffalo’s food culture stands more dynamic than ever.

The Ultimate Buffalo Food Trail is the perfect entry point to sample the tastes that set this region apart.

A magnitude 3.7 earthquake shook areas near Orillia, Ontario late Tuesday, catching many off guard just before 11 p.m. on January 27, 2026.

The epicenter lay roughly 23 kilometers east-southeast of Orillia, putting the tremor about 99 kilometers north of Toronto.

Earthquakes Canada confirmed the quake was lightly felt across southern Ontario, with tremors reaching as far as Kitchener and Niagara Falls.

Some western New York residents, including in Buffalo, even noticed the ground moving — prompting lighthearted reactions on social media.

Despite widespread reports of shaking, no injuries or damage have been reported.

Quakes of this size are rare in the region, adding to residents' surprise.

Officials encourage those who felt the quake to share their experiences, aiding in ongoing seismic monitoring efforts.

Buffalo is grappling with heavy snowfall, leaving many residents frustrated as side streets remain unplowed and daily travel becomes hazardous.

Locals describe feeling neglected, noting that some areas receive minimal attention during snowstorms.

The Department of Public Works stresses its commitment, deploying more than 170 pieces of equipment across the city.

Mayor Sean M. Ryan has commended these tireless efforts, suggesting Buffalo's response passes the crucial winter test.

To boost transparency, an interactive snowplow map now allows residents to track plowing activity by street and time.

Despite this technology, skepticism persists among some neighbors as they witness inconsistent street clearing.

The Buffalo Common Council invites residents to voice feedback on snow removal, encouraging emails or participation in virtual forums.

City leaders continue to urge caution and vigilance as intense winter conditions persist across Buffalo.

Snow Much Fun: Best Sledding Spots in Buffalo & WNY

1. Chestnut Ridge Park – Orchard Park

📍 Location: Orchard Park, NY

🧊 Why go: One of the most popular and largest sledding hills in the region with long runs, toboggan chutes, and room for family fun. Great for sleds & tubes alike.

2. Delaware Park – Shakespeare Hill (Buffalo)

📍 Location: Buffalo, NY (within Delaware Park)

🧒 Why go: A classic city hill good for all ages — not too steep and easy to climb back up. Especially fun for families with young kids.

3. Ellicott Creek Park – Tonawanda

📍 Location: Tonawanda, NY

❄️ Why go: Offers a nice sledding hill near the creek, plus space for cross-country skiing and winter walks.

4. Como Lake Park – Lancaster

📍 Location: Lancaster, NY

🌨 Why go: A favorite local park with sledding terrain and other winter activities like skating and trails.

5. Elma Meadows – Elma

📍 Location: Elma, NY

🛷 Why go: Former golf course with big hills for sledding and snowboarding — a great spot if you’re willing to drive a bit.

6. Akron Falls Park – Akron

📍 Location: Akron, NY

🌬 Why go: Multiple hills to choose from, plus scenic winter trails and room to spread out.

7. Beaver Island State Park – Grand Island

📍 Location: Grand Island, NY

🏞 Why go: Big open park with gentle slopes and lots of space — good for sledding on snowy days.

8. Billy Wilson Park – Williamsville

📍 Location: Williamsville, NY

👶 Why go: A smaller, more mellow hill — ideal for younger kids learning to sled.

9. Gunther’s Hill – Hamburg

📍 Location: Hamburg, NY

🏔 Why go: Hidden gem with natural slope down to 18-Mile Creek (locals love this one).

10. Sunshine Park Sledding Hill – Buffalo

📍 Location: Buffalo, NY

🪁 Why go: Neighborhood hill perfect for quick sled trips without a big drive.

Stay connected to Western New York with just a few spare minutes! Don’t miss the WNY Insider Podcast. This is your spot for the best local spots, eats, experts & more...all in quick, easy listens!