The Buffalo/Niagara area, anchored by the glorious Niagara Falls, a sight every group that meets in the area must see, has a pretty amazing lineup of off-site venues that accommodate group gatherings.
Planners can choose from a respected museum or an Irish pub, an old theater or a recently opened winery, a burgeoning entertainment district or a storied architectural gem, among other choices, for the group’s off-site general session, meal function or reception.
Canalside, Buffalo, N.Y.
Canalside, an increasingly popular entertainment district named for the Erie Canal Harbor, built in 1825 as the western terminus of the Erie Canal, is situated on 21 acres along downtown Buffalo’s waterfront on the Buffalo River.
Among the numerous options for group gatherings here, according to spokesman Ryan Coate, are the historic ruins, a space preserved from the structure of a canal-era distillery, the 50-foot-wide Swartz Bridge and a 40-foot-by-80-foot tented area that offers cover from the elements and views of the water.
Groups convening at Canalside have the option of working with in-house or sanctioned caterers for events with more than 100 guests.
“In-house chef Kate Elliott and her food-and-beverage team cook up innovative farm-to-table culinary options for guests,” Coate says. “Menus are created on a case-by-case basis, which means we can service many culinary tastes.”
Elements on the Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Located at Table Rock Welcome Centre is Elements on the Falls, a restaurant that’s certain to provide groups a memorable dining experience.
“It’s the only venue that brings you as close as possible to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls,” says Lisa Serada, senior sales manager, meetings, conventions and incentive travel for Niagara Parks Meetings. “This stylish venue is the perfect location for a show-stopping opening reception or dinner, complete with the complimentary illumination of the falls in your organization’s colors.”
Each seat here features clear views of the Horseshoe Falls and the upper Niagara River; and the menu features clam chowder, onion soup and other appetizers, a nice variety of salads, sandwiches and burgers, as well as both surf and turf entrees, and desserts including the Niagara Spy Apple Barge and Pastel Chocolate Tulip Cup.
Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
The Aquarium of Niagara is a small, intimate aquarium, and the only aquarium in Upstate New York, according to Christian Dobosiewicz, the attraction’s special event coordinator, who adds it’s a unique venue for any type of private event.
During the group gathering, Dobosiewicz says, aquarium team members can facilitate “sea lion shows, penguin encounters, touch tank experiences and much more.”
On-site spaces here include the community room, which has tables and seating for about 150 people, and the entire facility can be rented out to accommodate up to 350 people.
“All decorations and catering is done by separate parties,” Dobosiewicz adds.
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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex, Buffalo, N.Y.
Located in the heart of Buffalo and a short 20-minute drive to Niagara Falls, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex is an “extraordinary venue,” according to Margaret P. Stehlik, director of operations for Martin House Restoration Corp.
“Our facilities are ideal for supporting your business meeting, group gathering or social event at an architecturally significant campus that celebrates creativity and promotes intimacy,” she says.
The Eleanor and Wilson Greatbatch Pavilion, which has won numerous design awards, accommodates up to 175 guests in a 5,900-square-foot space with access to state-of-the-art technology and views of the Darwin D. Martin House, a National Historic Landmark.
“In addition, our venue offers flexible seminar/classroom space and catering options within the lower level of the main Martin House in the Junior League/Buffalo News Education Center,” Stehlik says. “Warm and comfortable meeting and dining options are also available on-site at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Barton House and Gardener’s Cottage.”
Ravine Vineyard, St. David’s, Ontario, Canada
Ravine Vineyard, situated just north of Niagara Falls in St. David’s, uses biodynamics and organics as a philosophy to farming, according to Kelly Shannon, manager of hospitality sales for the winery, who adds “the enhanced quality and flavors in both our small-batch premium wines and fresh-food products is something we are very proud to share.”
Small or large groups will enjoy a memorable experience at Ravine Vineyard, which is surrounded by 17 acres of vineyards and boasts beautiful views of the Niagara Region.
“We have many different experiences to offer, beginning with our intimate candlelit barrel cellar where regional cuisine is paired with Ravine’s premium wines,” Shannon says. “In our backyard you can mingle amongst the vines and rolling vineyards under our draped canopies, dining at our handmade harvest tables.”
She adds the Ravine Vineyard Winery Restaurant bakes artisanal breads and shares a delicious farm-to-table menu with guests.
Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, N.Y.
The Albright-Knox Art Gallery, one of the top 10 contemporary art museums in the world, according to JoAnne Will-Kaminski, the museum’s events coordinator, has the second-largest public collection of works by Clifford Still as well as many other prized pieces in its permanent collection.
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“Special designed tours for guests may include the masterworks on view, including Jackson Pollock, Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Mondrian, O’Keeffe, Monet and Manet,” Will-Kaminski says.
On-site spaces for group events include a 350-seat auditorium, which has a drop-down 20-foot-by-15-foot screen and accommodates live feeds for corporate meetings, and the AK Cafe, which seats 76 and has a view of the Sculpture Garden, which accommodates outdoor events during summer.
“In-house or approved caterers are accustomed to working in our event spaces,” Will-Kaminski adds.
Rapids Theatre, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
The completely restored circa-1929 Rapids Theatre is now a multipurpose facility that can accommodate 650 people seated theater-style, 275 people for a banquet and 1,600 people in an open floor setup.
When not in use for an event, groups should check out the theater’s calendar of performances, which range from music and plays to stand-up comedy.
Doc Magilligan’s Irish Pub, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
For a taste of Ireland in Canada, groups should head over to the handsome Doc Magilligan’s Irish Pub, a venue with a friendly and relaxed vibe that promotes group camaraderie.
Here, groups can either share some appetizers over drinks or enjoy a full meal in one of Doc’s private spaces.
Popular menu items include fish and chips, bangers and mash, and corned beef sandwiches.
Longtime Meetings Focus contributor CAROLYN BLACKBURN counts the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area among her favorite parts of the country.
