(2020) My Experience in Buffalo, New York [During COVID-19]
Buffalo is the first stop on the Clothing Confidence 365+ Tour.
While writing this article I found a man who writes songs about cities across the U.S. He wrote one about Buffalo. Check it out here.
Time lapse of leaving Portland, Maine and heading to Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York––The first Stop on the Clothing Confidence 365+ Tour
Hey y’all,
I did it. I actually left Portland to start the Tour (is this even real?). I was sad to leave Portland behind (I definitely sobbed on 295-S), but I found Buffalo to be a perfect distraction for the long weekend. I saw Niagara Falls, tooled around the city a bit, and got comfy in the AirBnB.
Buffalo was my 1st official stop on the tour (though I did pop into Albany on my way). Everything went smoothly from a logistical standpoint; I thrifted, met with Lindsay of Nickel City Pretty (I cannot wait to share our conversation with y’all!), did some walking, and overall got a good feel for the people of Buffalo.
Buffalo did bring me my first wave of realizations, though. A bit early, I thought, but I’ll take the learnings where I can get them.
A BRIEF Trough of Sorrow
As you may know, I’m writing a book, documenting the tour, trying to have fun, all while working full time at my 9-5. When I was in Buffalo, I quickly realized that it’s certainly tough to do it all.
If I did everything I wanted to do for the Tour, from an experience and content perspective (HELLO YouTube videos 📹😉), it’d be a full time job.
But I already HAVE a full time job that requires my attention.
Admitting that I can’t do all of the things I want to do, and take them to the level of greatness they deserve, was a tough realization that tumbled me into a * brief * trough of sorrow.
I loathe excuses and admitting that I don’t have enough time. I’m the one consistently parroting back Tony Robbins’ words on “using your resources better” (be resourceful with your resources); learn how to work smarter, not harder.
But I’ve had to ask myself––what’s going to give? What’s important and what do I value?
“Your life changes the moment you make a new, congruent, and committed decision" - Tony Robbins
I certainly agree with Tony and have been thinking about the connection between honest decision making and growth. Growth requires smart decision making. If I listen to myself and understand my values, I will make decisions that support my growth.
Not all decisions result in a slam dunk “success”, of course some decisions result in perceived failure. But for where I am right now, failure means stagnation… no growth… being stuck from fear. Those are all results of indecision.
Indecisions mean I won’t know what I could achieve. Indecision = stagnation. There’s no “perfect” decision. It doesn’t exist. I have to use the information and data I have available at present to make the best decision I can. The only agreement I have with myself is to not regret the decisions I make.
But even through all these realizations and minor troughs of sorrow, I know this: I’m so thankful for my decision to begin this Tour.
I’ve grown more in the last 1.5 weeks than I have in the last year.
So let’s get into the fun part: BUFFALO WAS AMAZING.
After a long work week, I took Friday off for some R&R and spent the whole day walking around Buffalo (I clocked 11.3 miles on the dogs 🐩🐕).
What did the citizens of Buffalo want me to know?
My Hiboy Max Electric Scooter
I asked Buffalonians what they wanted me to know about them? The answer?
They’re more than…
snow,
the Bills, and
wings
…but they also love all of those things.
From the first moment I scooted around Elmwood Village (yes, I have a Lime-style scooter), I knew Buffalo was special. The parks were enormous and beautifully laid out––a lake there, a historic building here, a walkway going through the trees over yonder.
I was elated when I found out Buffalo was designed by one of my favorite Americans to ever live, Frederick Law Olmsted. The man is praised on every street corner in Buffalo, as he should be, considering some of his best work lives in and around the city. If you don’t know this guy, he was legendary. He designed some of my favorite park systems to have ever existed, including:
“the country's first and oldest coordinated system of public parks and parkways in Buffalo, New York; the country's oldest state park, the Niagara Reservation in Niagara Falls, New York…”
Get a sense of Olmstead’s work in the following photos.
Lamps illuminate the city after sunset and grassy throughways provide open air space to enjoy friends with wine and cheese after work.
Niagara Falls
I was surprised by Niagara Falls State Park’s beauty. I was thinking more amusement park, but instead I was graced with a park laid out by the nature conservation master himself, Olmstead.
The Niagara Falls National Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, famed designer of his time who created lasting cityscapes like Niagara, Central Park, Mont Royal in Montréal, and so many more.
Buffalo Architecture
Check out my favorite homes and structures from Buffalo (especially the one with the VW van!). Buffalo is a beautifully planned city and the homes that decorate the sidewalks and parks are no exception.
The only unfortunate part about my stay in Buffalo is that the weather didn’t cooperate with my schedule. When I had time to go wander off into the city, it was grey and overcast (which you’ll see in the photos).
Nevertheless, I was charmed by Buffalo and would certainly re-visit.
Personal Favorite Shots
By yours truly. I think these show off Buffalo’s fantastic character.
