When people ask you where you’re from in Western New York, you typically fall into one of three camps: a true Buffalonian (meaning your mailing address is really in Buffalo), a Southtowner, or a Northtowner. While it’s sometimes easiest to just say “Buffalo” and move on, it’s also important to embrace your hometown pride! For part one of the “Where are you from?” battle, here are 11 things every Southtowner knows to be true.
- Our hiking trails are the best.
chrisforsyth - Flickr Two words: Eternal Flame. Whether you want a challenge or just a leisurely walk, hiking in the Southtowns is always an incredible experience!
- We can handle the most intense winter weather.
Ryan Hallock - Flickr Does the phrase “Snowvember” ring a bell? The Southtowns once got hit with over six feet of snow in ONE DAY. Not to mention this epic ice car, which was found parked (for a long while) along Route 5!
- The 219 is the prettiest local highway.
Doug Kerr - Flickr Whether you’re traveling to Orchard Park or taking it south to Springville or Ellicottville, the 219 is one of the most scenic drives around - especially once the fall leaves start to turn!
- Our towns and villages have the best character.
Staub Square - Facebook See Exhibit A, above.
- The McKinley Mall is totally underrated.
BFLO Gallery & Gift Shop - Facebook The McKinley Mall is smaller than its counterpart (Galleria), but it gets the job done in the Southtowns! The mall has everything you need for last-minute shopping finds, without the huge crowds.
- We have the best wings.
Bar Bill Tavern - Facebook Downtown might be the home of the chicken wing, but they perfected it in the Southtowns.
- It’s best to avoid the areas around 1 Bills Drive on game days.
Buffalo Bills Fan Base - Facebook Wise words from Southtowners? Just stay home! Unless you plan on tailgating or being in the stands at New Era Field, the traffic around the stadium on game days isn’t worth the trouble!
- Wegmans > Everything
Claire K. - Yelp Enough said. Keep reading for a close second!
- We have the best local produce shops.
Braymiller Market - Facebook If you love supporting local businesses (and who doesn’t?), the Southtowns is one of the best spots for local produce stores!
- The Skyway is a necessary evil.
Zen Skillicorn - Flickr Some people hate the idea of the Skyway, and while it can be a mess during peak commute hours, it’s a necessary evil for Southtowners. This elevated route provides a quick path into the city, not to mention great views from the top!
- We have great local restaurants.
The Grange Community Kitchen - Facebook Don’t discount the Southtowns by thinking it’s full of chain restaurants! The local restaurant scene in the Southtowns is taking off just as fast as it is downtown. There’s always something new - and delicious - to try!
Are you a proud Southtowner? Share your best kept secrets with us in the comments below!
chrisforsyth - Flickr
Two words: Eternal Flame. Whether you want a challenge or just a leisurely walk, hiking in the Southtowns is always an incredible experience!
Ryan Hallock - Flickr
Does the phrase “Snowvember” ring a bell? The Southtowns once got hit with over six feet of snow in ONE DAY. Not to mention this epic ice car, which was found parked (for a long while) along Route 5!
Doug Kerr - Flickr
Whether you’re traveling to Orchard Park or taking it south to Springville or Ellicottville, the 219 is one of the most scenic drives around - especially once the fall leaves start to turn!
Staub Square - Facebook
See Exhibit A, above.
BFLO Gallery & Gift Shop - Facebook
The McKinley Mall is smaller than its counterpart (Galleria), but it gets the job done in the Southtowns! The mall has everything you need for last-minute shopping finds, without the huge crowds.
Bar Bill Tavern - Facebook
Downtown might be the home of the chicken wing, but they perfected it in the Southtowns.
Buffalo Bills Fan Base - Facebook
Wise words from Southtowners? Just stay home! Unless you plan on tailgating or being in the stands at New Era Field, the traffic around the stadium on game days isn’t worth the trouble!
Claire K. - Yelp
Enough said. Keep reading for a close second!
Braymiller Market - Facebook
If you love supporting local businesses (and who doesn’t?), the Southtowns is one of the best spots for local produce stores!
Zen Skillicorn - Flickr
Some people hate the idea of the Skyway, and while it can be a mess during peak commute hours, it’s a necessary evil for Southtowners. This elevated route provides a quick path into the city, not to mention great views from the top!
The Grange Community Kitchen - Facebook
Don’t discount the Southtowns by thinking it’s full of chain restaurants! The local restaurant scene in the Southtowns is taking off just as fast as it is downtown. There’s always something new - and delicious - to try!
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