So when my friend Jonathan (an Assistant Director- and huge SU enthusiast- in the Office of Admissions at Syracuse University) suggested Darien Lake on our day off .. i jumped at the chance. We packed the car Monday morning with tons of food, drink and people. Darien Lake is just on the east side of Buffalo, NY and has a long history of consistantly new ownership, and a few really good rides. Though the landscape never changes, and the rides become more worn every year, it's a Western New York staple and reminds me of my childhood. We rode every roller coaster in the park that day, except for the "Ride of Steel"--- which is by far the best one there, built when the park was owned by 6 flags...but it was closed for repair on Monday, so we were probably better off spending our day on the other coasters.
Our group was by far the oldest in the park that day, as the whole place was crawling with high school groups. Though because it's still considered "pre-season" the lines were short and we were able to conquer all of the rides in a few short hours.
Delighted with our accomplishments, we hopped back into the car and headed further west down the NY thruway to meet my Aunt downtown at her museum. She and her husband own the "Buffalo Transportation Museum" and some of the coolest cars and "stuff" you'll ever see. She also has this deep knowledge of the culture and history of Buffalo that she's great about sharing. It's always fun to see her and bring new people to the museum. (If you're in Buffalo and you get a chance, you should definitely go. They're also expanding and ever changing, so if you've been, you should go back). She gave us a tour and museum update for an hour or so and a history of Buffalo guided tour on our way to dinner.
We met more friends for dinner at Pano's on Elmwood (really amazing food and very modern restaurant newly renovated downtown... I highly recommend it) and then called it a night realizing we had a long drive ahead of us back to Syracuse for work on Tuesday.
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