For the first time, the Inner Harbor was just too crazy, with all of the events taking place at Canalside… and that’s a good thing. That’s because instead of joining the fray, my wife and I decided to escape to Isle View County Park. I guess it took a jam-packed weekend at the waterfront to make the trek to this wonderful destination that is literally just a few minutes outside of Buffalo. We grabbed the dog, hopped in the Jeep and hit the road. Just before crossing the Grand Island Bridge, we exited the I-190, which positioned us right onto River Road. Within moments, we were parking at the entranceway of a park trail.
It didn’t take long to figure out that the trail is perfect for joggers, cyclists and dog-lovers. There are demarcations that make it easy for strollers to stroll and cyclists to book it. Within moments we found water access… or should I say that the pooch found water access. He swam around (no current in the water), as we looked out over the water onto Grand Island. It was such a pleasant experience – I especially like that so much of the natural brush coverage was left intact and not clearcut. So often we mow everything down, not thinking that we share the earth with all sorts of critters that are essential to a healthy ecosystem.
When the dog had his fill of the Niagara River, we hopped back onto the trail and kept moving. When we wanted shade, there were trees. When we wanted to sit on a park bench, we could find one. We also came upon a bunch of unexpected attractions, including a tiny amphitheater (Tribute Garden) that was dedicated to those affected by domestic violence.
There was an archway that looked as if a preacher could conduct a wedding, although my wife thought that I was crazy.
Every few minutes we would come across water access for the dog, which is something that we just don’t have in the city. The Outer Harbor is great, but there is not a naturalized shoreline – instead there are massive boulders that are impossible to navigate. We were amazed at the number of cyclists that were on the trails because planners had really though about the various people who would be utilizing the waterfront resource.
Our walk was not only refreshing, it was also a real eye opener. The park had everything – accessible water, a children’s playground, trails, pit stops, shady trees along the water, bathrooms, reflecting areas, and even a large pavilion where families and friends could gather.
The other great thing about Isle View County Park is that it goes on and on. There are waymarking signs that helped us to navigate… although the only thing we had to do was follow the trail along the water. If we had walked further than we did, we would have run into Niawanda Park, which leads into town. That’s where you would find a number of restaurants, including Old Man River and Mississippi Mudds.
After walking back to the parking lot, and numerous swims for the dogs later, we ventured into town. But instead of eating at one of the usual suspects, we decided to grab a seat on the patio of the Isle View Bar & Grill. We ordered up a could of beers and clinked a cheers to the day, with our dog sitting right there with us.
It took a hectic day in Buffalo to get us out on an adventure to a spot that we will now frequent, to me, that is the best of all worlds. Even as we walked the river trail, I could just picture all of the people that were scrambling to see the giant duck. The urban waterfront was swamped with visitors. To me, that’s called “mission sort of accomplished”. Now it’s time start exploring what’s out there beyond the city. It was only a matter of time I suppose. In the future BRO will be checking out some destinations outside the city limits that help to accentuate the attributes of living in Buffalo. We are all interconnected after all.
This post was written while using Buffalo Connect wi-fi at The Hatch at the Erie Basin Marina