Based on my experiences in dealing with Harvest Hosts members staying with us at Rusty Nickel Brewing Company, many like to get out and experience other things to do in the area before retiring back to the brewery for some food and drink.  

First off, many guests do make a point to visit Niagara Falls while in the Buffalo/Niagara Region.  Many Harvest Hosts guests will ask my opinion on visiting the Falls, the drive time, route, and what else there is to do when deciding to make a trip to see this natural wonder.  

Niagara Falls, NY is a 35 minute ride north along the Niagara River from Rusty Nickel Brewing Company.  Sure, it’s a bucket list sort of thing you must see at least once.  We can sit here and debate if Niagara Falls is, or isn’t, a “Wonder of the World.”  But the Falls’ scenery and statistics are impressive.  According to https://sevenwonders.org/north-america/united-states-nature/ “Niagara Falls reaches a height of 167 feet (51 m) and has an average flow rate of 85,000 cubic feet per second (2,400 cubic m/s). It is the strongest and greatest flow rate of any falls in the United States and all of North America.”

You can make your stay a quick one while visiting Niagara Falls.  Take in the scenery and snap a handful of pictures and call it a day.  Or you can find some of the “touristy” things to do, such as; 

Cave of the Winds – Take the 175 foot stairway down into the Niagara Gorge and nestle up to the Falls to witness the power and mist of the Falls.  Don’t worry, you’ll be supplied a rain coat.  You’ll probably want to bring a change of shoes and clothes to slip into after.  

Maid of the Mist – For over 150 years, the Maid of the Mist has been a beloved attraction at Niagara Falls State Park. Guests start their journey at the Observation Tower, where they receive a souvenir rain poncho before boarding the double-deck tour boat. The Maid of the Mist then takes guests past the base of the American Falls and into the basin of Horseshoe Falls. This exhilarating passage offers close-up views of the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations, leaving guests with a newfound appreciation for the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls.

Falls Hiking Trails – Niagara Falls State Park hosts nine dedicated hiking trails along the Falls and Gorge.  Click here for a trail map.  https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/NiagaraFallsNiagaraGorgeTrailMap.pdf

For more information on activities to do around Niagara Falls, check out the Niagara Falls State Park website here. https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/

Take note Harvest Host and craft beer fans, there is no local brewery located in the City of Niagara Falls, NY.  (:

Let’s circle back south of Buffalo and look at other destinations to visit while Harvest Hosting at Rusty Nickel Brewing Company in West Seneca, NY. 

Here is some more local knowledge while passing through what we call “The Southtowns.”  To be clear, this region of Western New York, that lies within the snowbelt or ski country. It includes the southern suburbs of Buffalo, New York. This is the common name for the southern part of Erie County, New York.

To find out more on Rusty Nickel Brewing Company’s amenities and latest releases, click here on Rusty Nickel’s destination page on UpstateBeerTourist.com  Also, check out the “What’s Nearby” function to see where else you can find craft beer in Buffalo’s Southtowns.

Wayland Brewing Company 

5.7 miles from Rusty Nickel 

3740 N Buffalo St, Orchard Park, NY 14127 

https://www.waylandbrewing.com/

Scouting Report: 

Wayland Brewing Company definitely takes the craft beer and dining experience to the next level in Western New York.  Wayland is a brewery, restaurant, event hall, beer garden, bocce court and beer shop.   Beer is very traditional.  As someone who prefers crisp, lagered and German style beers, you’ve found the right place.   Wayland Brewing has been brewing its Helm Munich Dunkel since opening its doors in early 2023.  The Helm is probably my favorite beer brewed across all breweries in Buffalo/WNY.  The 5.1% ABV lager offers up an easy, light-bodied finish with the perfect noted carmel/toffee for someone who prefers a little dark malt but not the full body of a stout.   The Foray Czech Pilsner is a must try as well. 

Find out more about Wayland Brewing Company and what’s nearby this location  on their Upstate Beer Tourist destination page here: https://www.upstatebeertourist.com/public/destinations/wayland-brewing-company

First Line Brewing 

9.1 miles from Rusty Nickel 

4906 S Buffalo St. 

Orchard Park, NY 14127

https://firstlinebrewing.com/

Scouting Report: 

First Line Brewing Company in Orchard Park, NY was formed as a tribute to America’s First Responders.  “A craft brewery fueled by patriotism and quality” is the First Line mantra.  Still a relative “newbie” in the Buffalo/WNY brewing scene, First Line has grown quickly in terms its space and food menu and opening a second location Black Smoke Bourbon bar in the village of Hamburg, NY.   The must try on the food menu is the 5 Alarm Burger, washed down with their signature Yabba Fruity Pebbles IPA 7% ABV. 

Find out more about First Line Brewing and what’s nearby this location on their Upstate Beer Tourist destination page here: https://www.upstatebeertourist.com/public/destinations/first-line-brewing

New York Beer Project Lodge

5.1 Miles From Rusty Nickel

245 Windward Drive

Orchard Park, NY 14127

http://www.nybeerproject.com/locations/orchard-park

Scouting Report:

New York Beer Project’s newest and fourth location reminds many of dining in Disney World as this space is simply impressive. On-site brewing coupled with dual horseshoe bars with dining rooms on either side of the brewery, dedicated event spaces and large outside patio with fire pits and a walk up ordering window for customers.  Each side of the brewery offers distinct themes in the NYPB experience.  As one side offers a more spacious and elegant and subdued environment.  While the other side of the brewery offers up a more sports bar/sports book feel providing and exciting space to watch a sporting event.   Extensive beer, wine, cocktail and food menu will cater to just about anyone.

42 North Brewing Company 

12 miles from Rusty Nickel 

25 Pine St. 

East Aurora, NY 14052

https://42northbrewing.com/

Scouting Report:

Located in bustling East Aurora, NY, there’s always something going on at 42 North Brewing Company and in the village of East Aurora.  A short 12 minute trip down Route 16 from Rusty Nickel will get you into East Aurora.  The large lodge-like feel of 42 North’s tasting room sets up a great atmosphere filled with beer, bbq and music.  The beer offering at 42 North always offers some solid variety, including usually one barrel aged beer, complemented with cider, wine and spirits.    

Find out more about 42 North Brewing Company and what’s nearby this location on Upstate Beer Tourist destination page here:

https://www.upstatebeertourist.com/public/destinations/42-north-brewing-company

The Ridge West Seneca

3 Miles from Rusty Nickel 

555 Orchard Park Rd. 

West Seneca, NY 14224

https://www.theridgewestseneca.com/

Scouting Report: 

Located just down the road in West Seneca, The Ridge offers a family friendly atmosphere with a diverse food menu, spacious dining room, and separate, casual self-pour draft wall featuring in-house brewed craft beer as well from local and regional breweries.   Great outdoor space during the warmer months as well. 

Find out more about The Ridge West Seneca and what’s nearby this location on Upstate Beer Tourist destination page here:

https://www.upstatebeertourist.com/public/destinations/the-ridge

Bottle Rocket Beer Reserve

5.8 miles from Rusty Nickel 

2182 Seneca St. 

Buffalo, NY 14210

https://www.facebook.com/BottleRocket716/

Scouting Report: 

Bottle Rocket Beer Reserve is a Tap Room/Bottle Shop located in South Buffalo that delivers craft beer enthusiasts a laid back vibe complemented with friendly bartenders.  No food available in house, but gladly bring in some neighborhood take out and wash down with something on tap. 

Find out more about Bottle Rocket Beer Reserve and what’s nearby this location on Upstate Beer Tourist destination page here:

https://www.upstatebeertourist.com/public/destinations/bottle-rocket-beer-reserve

I’m Joe and I like beer. 

For me it’s about beer, but it’s as much about the hunt. Finding new craft beer and craft beverage destinations across this great country, each one unique in its own right.

My life is pretty consumed by craft beer.  As I also happen to work at a brewery just outside of Buffalo, NY named Rusty Nickel Brewing Company.  To learn more about Rusty Nickel Brewing, check out their website here https://rustynickelbrewing.com/

A cool local brewery “brewed just a little different,” which has helped build and shape my appreciation for craft beer and the many styles that make up this dynamic artform and lifestyle.  

When not slinging craft beer, craft beer still consumes me.  I’m usually exploring the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of New York State with my wife and three dogs. Searching for new breweries.  We love the Finger Lakes Region so much, and all that it offers in craft beverages and scenery, that we have our own little retreat near Keuka Lake. 

Lastly, my remaining time is devoted to building my travel and craft beer digital platform www.upstatebeerourist.com.  My goal is to assist craft beer tourists in finding breweries when planning or during their travels through my brewery map, while also promoting brewery events and craft beer festivals.  I also help catalog breweries and craft beverage stops on the site by creating individual destination pages for breweries and other craft beverage destinations.