As we begin to look back at all of the things that we should be most thankful for in 2012, Atlantic Cities has made the job a bit easier by declaring Hotel Lafayette one of 2012's most important preservation battles. The hotel is in outstanding company, and we're happy to see Buffalo, NY featured on this awesome list. Along with a short write-up (see below), commentor "betty barcode" reminds us that "It is the masterpiece of Louise Bethune (1856-1913), the nation's first professional woman architect." See

For anyone who is anticipating doing some "mistletoe-ing" this holiday season, Caesandra Seawell has got some lip-smacking news for you. Caesandra is the creator and curator of The Kissing Museum; a concept that revolves around taking the kiss to an entirely different level. While still keeping the kiss intimate, she has figured out how to ignite the passionate pluck in a more open and public environment. I have a feeling that we're going to be hearing a lot from Caesandra from this day forward, as we lead up to one of the most significant kissing days of the year - Valentine's Day. If you're

It was a couple of comments left on the Contact Longboards post that got me to thinking about the idea of extended business hours in commercial districts (in general, not just for events). Commentor New2Buffalo who, upon seeing that the longboard shop was open from 5pm-9m on weekdays, and 12pm-5pm on weekends stated:
"Sounds awesome! I'm digging that this place will be open after 5pm. So many shops on Hertel are shut down early. Will be cool to see a shop lit up & alive after sunset."
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In the past we've had a couple of reader submissions asking whether it would ever be possible to restore Buffalo's Liberty Poles. The following was from a BRO article by Dick Stinneford in 2006:
Prior to the War for Independence, Americans of a revolutionary bent often met under a prominent tree in their local town or city to discuss independence or individual liberty. These trees became known as "Liberty Trees" and soon spread throughout the thirteen colonies. In time "Liberty Poles" were erected in many municipalities and served the same function. British

From December 26 to 31, 2012 Buffalo will be hosting a major international martial arts competition that will take place at the Adam's Mark Hotel. The event is known as the Super Grands World Games & Amateur Internationals, which brings 1,000 athletes from North America and around the world to Buffalo so that athletes may compete for year-end world titles. 
While this is a great event for the city, it's also an incredible

Calling all longboard riders out there. A custom longboard shop has opened on Hertel Avenue, and the owners are looking to team up with riders who are into the recreational and extreme sport. I spoke to JB Purcell who told me that he and his brother Craig recently moved to Buffalo from Boston Massachusetts, and it didn't take long for the two to realize a dream of being business owners - something that they never even considered when living in Boston. "It would have been too expensive where we were living," JB told me. "So we're doing something that we always wanted to do... open a custom

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority voted Thursday to award a $429,877 contract to Metro Contracting & Environmental Inc. to demolish and remediate the former Woodson Gardens apartment buildings property on Best Street.
The winning bid came in at almost half what the authority estimated and budgeted for the work, $822,513. The 14-building complex is near Buffalo's City Honors High School and the soon-to-be open property will be re-developed after a BMHA bid process next year.  It is located at the edge of the Buffalo Niagara Medical

It was while waiting for my wife in the parking lot of the Lexington Co-op that I found myself examining a black barrel marked "Buffalo Biodiesel". As I sat there contemplating the significance of the barrel, questions began to swirl around in my brain. How many restaurants were participating in the biodiesel program, where was the used cooking oil going, and who was the end user of the fuel? Essentially, what were all of the benefits?
A week later I found myself on the phone with Bill Toth, Director of Sales

On December 2, 2012 JPHii Design, a local jewelry design company, held a photo shoot putting emphasis on a the importance of local businesses. The shoot was done to promote JPHii's newest jewelry line, the Mycelium Collection, and the store that is carrying the collection - Coming Home Buffalo (see more). JPHii owner John Harris had some ulterior motives when snapping the photographs. "It's important that local businesses take interest

By Mike Farrell:
When I think about Mohawk Place, my first thought is of holiday reunions spent amid their annual Joe Strummer Tribute Night, scheduled for the 11th and final time this Saturday night.
My second thought? The hilariously abhorrent condition of their men's bathroom.
I don't immediately think about how The White Stripes, My Morning Jacket or Dr.

Buffalo State College is celebrating the completion of rehabilitation work on the second floor of Rockwell Hall.  Utilizing space created by the relocation of the Burchfield Penney Art Center, the $6.8 million project includes expanded laboratories and specialty resource/studio spaces for the Art Conservation Department, eight new "smart" general purpose classrooms and a new recital hall and recording studio for the Music Department.

Architectural Resources collaborated with project representatives from the State University Construction Fund

By Rahwa Ghirmatzion:
Celebrate Buffalo's grassroots resurgence and dance the night away with the best hip hop DJs and live performers in Buffalo. This is the spot whether you're home for the holidays or working to build a better Buffalo all year round.
Listen to the soulful sounds of Zoe Viola and Ali Critelli, two young rising stars, backed by the infamous Rodney Appleby Band. Followed by the dance party in which DJ Lopro, DJ Cutler, and a special guest appearance by DJ Dub will make sure that we shake

In response to the need to curb gun violence, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Niagara Falls Mayor Paul A. Dyster joined with over 750 city executives across the nation by signing on to a letter to President Barack Obama from Mayors Against Illegal Guns.  The letter, also delivered to Congressional leaders on December 19, 2012, presents agenda items for consideration and immediate actions that can help make American cities safer.

There are three holiday happenings everyday at Ulrich's Tavern starting tonight. Kicking everything off this week is the 144th annual holiday party from 4pm to 10pm, which includes a free buffet and live Gypsy Jazz by Djambossa. There will also be a sexiest boot contest that starts at 8pm and the crowning of Miss Ulrich's at 9pm.

This might not be the time of year that you're thinking about growing fruits and vegetables in your yard, but then again, if you're an avid gardener there are proactive measures to take to prepare for the next planting and growing season. A new gardener's paradise has opened in the University District called Buffalo Roots Hydroponics and Organics, and owners Chris Maloney and Jonathan Keyser know a thing or two about how to grow the most organic foods on the planet. The 3500 square foot store opened up in July, bringing with it all sorts of gardening goodies such as indoor greenhouses, containers,

Submitted to BRO by CJ Maurer:
I grew up in Newtown, CT and attended Sandy Hook Elementary School. Almost five years ago I moved to Buffalo.
The amount of support my community and has received, especially right here in Buffalo, has been overwhelming and inspirational. I have summarized my thoughts in a note - I think it's important people know how much the little things - even tweets - help prop up a community in despair. As people, we must not forget the power

By Freddy Daniel:
Roger George, a native of Trinidad and Tobago started singing at the age of 12. He began his vocal career singing soca and calypso, the music of the islands. When he was old enough to do so, Roger traveled all over The States and Europe, further advancing his singing career as he performed. He moved to Miami at the age of 23 where he resides now - he has an entertainment company where he provides music for local hotels and resorts in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. His wide range of vocal capabilities makes him so unique and sets him apart from a lot of

Photos by: Cheryl Gorski
Contributing Fashion /Beauty Editor: Kara WeymouthHair by: Andrew Brown for Salon RougeMakeup by: Steven Daniels Styled by: Katie Gariepy Creative assistant & Web Layout by: Alyssa Marzolf 
Metallic Nails by Kara Weymouth:
Whether you're planning to stun at the office holiday party or are escaping to a tropical paradise you'll want your nails to look great.
Gel manicures have become immensely

By Jessica Edwards:
Coming to Tudor Lounge this Saturday night is a special "folk, blues, and roots music" concert. With the popularity of bands like Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and Avett Brothers, this is a chance to enjoy that flavor of music right here in the City. 
Pine Fever is one of the bands that will be featured that night. The band is an energetic 5-piece group that describes their sound as "Americana". My introduction to Pine Fever was a few weekends back at The Old Pink. I noticed the air in the place was

By GirlFriday:
When I was asked to go out and find a couple of amazing last minute gifts at places that shoppers might not normally think of for the holidays, I found myself walking into Artisan Kitchen and Baths on Amherst Street.  Upon doing so, I stumbled upon a truly fortuitous experience my friends, and it has really changed my view of a particular business when it comes to some neat gadget shopping options.  
Since Artisan Kitchen and Baths is normally thought of as a place to outfit a kitchen, some people might discount