In Buffalo, New York, most of the February days fall below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Weather like that may cut down on outdoor activity that doesn't involve sport, but in the Queen City, there's always something to do.
The tour spans from M&T's Gold Dome bank to the Gothic St. Paul's Cathedral. "Maybe it's crazy to be outside when the weather is cold," says Fred Schrock, the man who came up with the idea for a winter tour of downtown Buffalo, "But that hasn't deterred our visitors yet. Why not reward the heartiest tour-takers with even crazier prices?"
There are rules, of course. Shirts are required at all times in order to discourage frost bite. Tour-goers are not allowed to pray for bad weather, and people from within Western New York are encouraged to brag that "this is nothing" in the company of out-of-towners.
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In the chilly days of the month, Buffalo Tours offers their Queen City Downtown Walking Tours, with a sliding fee based on the temperature. For each degree above 25 the cost goes up $1 to a maximum of $10 per adult ($5 for students). The price is determined through the Weather Channel Website using the 14203 zip code, fifteen minutes prior to the tour. Groups meet in the Buffalo Visitor Center at 617 Main Street, with tours beginning at 2PM.
The tour spans from M&T's Gold Dome bank to the Gothic St. Paul's Cathedral. "Maybe it's crazy to be outside when the weather is cold," says Fred Schrock, the man who came up with the idea for a winter tour of downtown Buffalo, "But that hasn't deterred our visitors yet. Why not reward the heartiest tour-takers with even crazier prices?"
The first tour he led (for free) was in three-degree weather, not counting the wind chill factor. People showed up without hesitation and still do today in order to experience all that Buffalo can offer.
There are rules, of course. Shirts are required at all times in order to discourage frost bite. Tour-goers are not allowed to pray for bad weather, and people from within Western New York are encouraged to brag that "this is nothing" in the company of out-of-towners.
Buffalo Tours is a public education program of Preservation Buffalo Niagara, a nonprofit organization created to identify, preserve, protect, promote and revitalize historically and architecturally significant sites, structures, neighborhoods, commercial districts and landscapes in Erie and Niagara Counties. Visit the PBN website for schedules and more information.
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Buffalo needs more of this great attitude and action!!!!