The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

The Buffalo Zoo welcomes five black and white ruffed lemurs, a crucial step in ongoing conservation initiatives.

This lemur family—led by 20-year-old Huey and including his four offspring—arrived from North Dakota’s Roosevelt Park Zoo as part of a Species Survival Plan.

Now featured in the “Vanishing Animals South” exhibit with the radiated tortoises, these lemurs quickly adjusted to their new Buffalo home.

Each has a unique temperament, with Olivia, the only female, showing strong leadership and playful energy among her brothers.

Black and white ruffed lemurs, native to Madagascar, face critical endangerment—largely due to habitat destruction and hunting.

The Buffalo Zoo aims to inspire local action for wildlife protection through educational encounters with these rare animals.

Open daily, the zoo offers immersive experiences for families and continues to champion global conservation efforts.

King Condrell’s has been a treasured Kenmore landmark since 1966, serving up homemade ice cream and candies on Delaware Avenue.

What began as Nick Condrell’s dream has grown under Rich King and his family, who keep local traditions alive with every scoop.

Rich and Melissa King, with their children Zachary and Adriana, proudly craft all their flavors from scratch, accompanied by signature sauces like hot fudge and French silk.

The shop’s menu delights with local favorites, including the iconic Roamin’ Buffalo sundae and the legendary Kitchen Sink — a 16-scoop extravaganza served in a real sink.

Beyond ice cream, guests can indulge in over 200 handmade candies, such as truffles, sponge candy, and chocolate-covered Buffalo Chips.

With a recent renovation, King Condrell’s blends nostalgic charm with modern comfort, continuing to be a beloved destination for all ages.

Though it’s summer in Western New York, scenes of Christmas will soon unfold in Lewiston and beyond as a new holiday movie begins filming across the Buffalo Niagara region.

The film, tentatively titled Christmas at The Starlight, stars Mario Lopez and Tony Danza and is produced for the Great American Family network.

According to Tim Clark, executive director of the Buffalo Niagara Film Commission, the area is buzzing with movie and television production, driving a major economic boost.

Buffalo’s FilmWorks and Great Point Studios are fully booked, supporting diverse projects and generating over $60 million in regional economic impact last year.

Producers praise Buffalo’s unique architecture and versatile scenery, often standing in for cities like Los Angeles or even locations in Europe.

Lucrative New York State tax credits and strong local support continue to fuel this cinematic momentum.

10 Mini Golf Courses Worth the Drive

• ⛳ Adventure Landing — Tonawanda
  The gold standard for mini golf in Buffalo. Two well-maintained courses with waterfalls, caves, and plenty of family-friendly challenges.

• 🎡 Martin's Fantasy Island Mini Golf — Grand Island
  A nostalgic WNY favorite that many locals grew up playing during summer visits.

• 🌳 Golf Dome Mini Golf — Amherst
  Simple, affordable, and convenient. A solid choice for families looking for a quick round without a long drive.

• ☀️ Palm Island Indoor Mini Golf — Cheektowaga
  Tropical-themed indoor course that brings vacation vibes even during Buffalo winters.

• 🐻 Bear's Den Mini Golf — Ellicottville
  A charming course in one of WNY's favorite getaway towns. Great addition to a summer day in Ellicottville.

• 🌲 Midway State Park Mini Golf — Bemus Point / Chautauqua Lake
  A classic old-school mini golf experience near one of Western New York's best summer destinations.

• 🚗 Niagara Go-Karts & Mini Golf — Niagara Falls, NY
  Combine mini golf with go-karts and arcade games for a full afternoon of family fun.

• 🌊 Fallsview Indoor Waterpark Mini Golf — Niagara Falls, Ontario
  A fun option just across the border with themed holes and an indoor setting that's great regardless of weather.

• 🏴‍☠️ Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf — Niagara Falls, Ontario
  Pirate-themed course featuring bridges, water features, and enough obstacles to keep both kids and adults entertained.

• 🦕 Jurassic Adventure Golf — Niagara Falls, Ontario (Clifton Hill)
  Dinosaurs, volcanoes, and plenty of over-the-top fun in the heart of the Falls tourism district.

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