Gianni Mazia's

Artpark accomplishes the formidable task of combining art with nature. The project is one that succeeds brilliantly. As for the art portion of the equation, there are several outdoor events scheduled at the park throughout the year that include concerts, recitals and various other presentations that celebrate the many types of performing arts. But also, Artpark is a haven for nature lovers as visitors can enjoy hiking and walking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. There are large sculptures along the walking trail as well as an 1,800-year-old burial mound to take in as you walk through the trails. There are also several opportunities for birding, as several feathered species make their home here.

With hectic schedules and various other distractions, it is often difficult for couples to make time to just talk and enjoy each other's company. If that sounds like a familiar scenario for you and your partner, then take a little time for a romantic date of a different sort by visiting the Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center. Stroll hand in hand from gallery to gallery as you take in the best in cutting-edge visual arts, contemporary music or innovative performance art. And maybe after absorbing it all, the two of you can find a bench in the corner and share some intimate conversation among these memorable expressions of art.

The Buffalo Museum of Science has an incredible number of stories to tell. But instead of presenting these accounts in a dry and uninteresting way, the exhibits and special presentations that can be found here bring it all to life in a way that makes learning about the area as fun as it is informative. The museum prides itself in its exhibits that span the various scientific fields, and the depth and breadth of their mission is accomplished quite well. Among the many highlights here are mummies and the biggest Kodiak bears in the world.

Buffalo's economic growth owes much to the Niagara River and Lake Erie. Historically, this body of water has been pivotal in the area's water trafficking economy and is also an attractive natural spectacle. Hear about the commercial growth while enjoying the aquatic visual appeal when you take the Buffalo Harbor Cruises. The cruises feature highly informed guides who tell the stories that have occurred between these shores. They will be happy to answer your questions, as well. Take your camera to snap lots of great views of the harbor and the city. The tour's vessel, "Miss Buffalo II," regularly departs from the dock at 79 Marine Drive.