Summer Style

I just had one of the most perfect summer weekends, part of which included shooting some photos on the beach, and it made me think about writing about some of my favorite things to do in the summer, some of which are Buffalo specific, and some could be done just about anywhere. It is almost August, which is when I start realizing that summer will be winding down soon, although we typically have nice weather through September and sometimes early October. So, I thought I would take this opportunity to share my beach photos and also some of my favorite photos from this summer, past summers, and some great things to do to make the most of the remainder of summer.

Summer in Buffalo is so special. We usually have pretty nice autumns here, and there are things I love about winter as well, but let's be honest, we end up spending quite a bit of time inside here from December through March. By the time February rolls around, I cannot wait to spend some time outside, and Buffalo summer always delivers. So many people are outside doing various activities, or going to festivals, or even just sitting outside. Everyone is in a good mood and enjoying our few months of amazing weather. This summer in particular has been incredible and we have really been able to make the most of it.

One of my favorite things to do is eat outside in the summer, or have drinks on a patio on a date night, or with family and friends. I have some old favorites, and I like to try a few new patios every summer as well. This past weekend I went with Tony, and my brother and his girlfriend to one of our favorite bbq spots, Fat Bob's outside of Allentown, but it was my first time on their new patio, and it was perfect! The food of course is also incredible, my favorite bbq in Buffalo. I love sitting on a patio, enjoying drinks, good food and conversation as the sun sets and the patio lights come on, and just sitting back and taking it all in. Other standout favorites are

For pizza:
Hydraulic Hearth: The beer garden cannot be beat. My best friend had her rehearsal dinner here and it was so much fun.
Tappo pizza: Newly open this year, I wasted no time in checking it out. The pizza is fantastic, there is Thin Man brews, and a really cool indoor and outdoor space.

Water views
Liberty Hound. Lobster rolls. Water views. Great drinks. If you haven't been here yet, you're missing out.
Riverworks: I just went here for the first time a few weeks ago, which probably makes me a horrible Buffalonian, but it is a really cool place, as well as having great food. I had the fish reuben and it was fantastic.

rooftops:
Pearl Street: A Buffalo legend, one of the best outdoor eating spaces in Buffalo, get the open face post roast sandwich.
Tappo: My favorite rooftop dining in the city with some amazing Italian food.
original Thin Man: The yellow umbrellas are fantastic, as is the beer and food

breweries:
Resurgence: Their original location is great, but I just checked out their new location  and it is stunning both inside, and a really cool outdoor space as well.
Hamburg Brewery: One of the best outdoor places to sip a beer in Buffalo
New York Beer project: fire pits and a fantastic patio. My favorite brewery in Buffalo, with an amazing full menu

Get outside!
I haven't been hiking in the Buffalo area yet this summer, only California, but there are some fantastic places to go for a hike not far from Buffalo. One of my favorites south of Buffalo is Zoar Valley.

Go to a Farmers Market
There are some fantastic farmers markets in the Buffalo area. A few weeks ago, Tony and I visited the one in East Aurora, and had the most fun morning making a fresh cut flower bouquet, having a great breakfast and coffee and getting some produce.

Outfit details: My 3/4 length sleeve striped shirt is a summer staple from Target, and my favorite basketbag was a steal from Target too. My sneakers are Sperrys and perfect for summer.

Ice cream
When I think of summer, I think of getting soft serve ice cream cones. My favorite local place to go with Tony and Oscar is Anderson's. A new to me place this year is Uncle G's in Niagara County. They have orange chocolate soft serve, and it is to die for. Here is Oscar enjoying a baby cone at Anderson's last Memorial Day.

Get out on the water, I recommend Buffalo Tiki Tours. I just went on my first one yesterday and it is a blast. They depart from Riverworks, you can bring your own drinks, and I recommend going all out with your outfit like my family did. Our captain Patsy was so much fun, and I definitely want to do it again. Also, everyone waves to the Tiki Boat, which only adds to the amusement. One of my favorite things about Buffalo is its waterfront and opportunities to get out on the water with family and friends.

outfit details: My fun flamingo dress is the Elle brand from Kohl's from a few years ago, but when trying to find something similar, I found links to the cutest Lily Pulitzer dress with flamingo print, and the cutest round basket bag with a flamingo on it that I love the look of online. Both from Nordstrom. 

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-flamingo-round-satchel/5174618?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=natural

Speaking of getting out on the water, I love kayaking. My brother and his girlfriend just bought us a pair as a wedding gift, and I cannot wait to get out on the water, I have a whole list of places I want to launch from, from downtown, to Niagara County. We are also planning on taking them on a trip, and I can't wait. Any great places to launch from that Buffalo readers recommend?

Beach Day. Tony and I took these photos at Woodlawn Beach, and it was a beautiful morning. It isn't quite the same as the ocean, but we have some nice lake beaches here in Buffalo. Which one is your favorite? 

I just realized I might have overdid the "one hand on top of my hat" pose, but it was also windy, so it was practical! It was a beautiful day. I absolutely love this hat, I got it at Target while bathing suit shopping for an upcoming trip, and I have literally worn it every day since. It has the cutest navy ribbon on it it. My sleeveless blouse is from Kohl's, and it is easy to dress it up for work, or a more casual outfit like this one. My striped midi skirt with the bow on it is from Francesca's from a few years ago, and I love the way it looks with this outfit. It did get a little wet when a wave hit the bottom.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the rest of your summer wherever you are!