Buffalo is experiencing a renaissance that's transforming America's perception of this western New York destination. In this IPW 2025 episode, recorded live on the conference floor in Chicago, Visit Buffalo Niagara president and CEO Patrick Kaler joins Afar editorial director Billie Cohen to discuss how grassroots community investment is reshaping the city's tourism landscape.
Kaler highlights Buffalo's architectural treasures, including one of the world's most complete Frank Lloyd Wright restoration projects at the Martin House the former Buffalo State Hospital for the Insane, which has been transformed into a boutique hotel and architecture center called the Richardson Hotel. He also explores the emerging African American Heritage Corridor, featuring revitalized historic sites like the Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum and Michigan Street Baptist Church, a former Underground Railroad stop.
The conversation addresses Buffalo's current challenge—a 20 percent drop in Canadian visitation due to political tensions rather than economic factors. Kaler shares how the destination is pivoting to domestic markets like Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago while maintaining outreach to Canadian travel writers through creative care packages, positioning for recovery when diplomatic relations improve.
What You’ll Learn
Where to find Kaler’s favorite Buffalo wings
That the city is home to one of the largest and most completely restored Frank Lloyd Wright houses in the country.
Buffalo has a rich Black history; sites include the Colored Musicians Club and Michigan Street Baptist Church, once an Underground Railroad stop.
Key Moments
[5:54] Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, which had been sitting vacant, was brought back to life thanks to grassroots investments and community organizing.
[09:13] Buffalo has been restoring sites central to the city’s rich Black heritage, such as the Colored Musicians Club and Michigan Street Baptist Church, a stop on the Underground Railroad.
[11:50]: Visitation from Canada is down 20 percent, due to political messaging.
Resources
Read the transcript of this episode.
Learn more about Visit Buffalo Niagara
Find Visit Buffalo Niagara on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
Read Afar’s Buffalo coverage
Previous Episode: Walt Leger of New Orleans & Company on New Orleans’ unbeatable vibe.
Up Next: Elliot Ferguson, Destination DC.
Complete Series: View From Afar
Also in this IPW series: Hear from Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Explore Lauderdale, about how Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes every single traveler with open arms.
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This IPW 2025 special series was recorded live in Chicago. View From Afar is a production of Afar Media and a part of Airwave Media’s podcast network (email advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast). The podcast is produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland, with assistance from Michelle Baran and Billie Cohen. Music composition from Epidemic Sound.
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