#locallyinspired: there are other cities in new york

Welcome to Buffalo! My name is Melissa Meyer, or @msmelissameyer as I am known on the Internet, and I am a writer and editor. I write for magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs…you name it! I have spent over a decade in this beautiful city. Arriving as a fresh-faced eighteen-year-old for college, I fell in love with Buffalo—its rich history, historic architecture, and friendly community. Buffalo is a city where nearly everyone I know is an artist, probably because with the cost of living on the lower end, people can follow their passions. Actually, photographer Nick Torsellquickly took this portrait on his lunch break! Even with its bad weather reputation, I love Buffalo. I feel inspired by something new every day here. @nftorsell

I could spend days in bookstores. I love the way books smell, fresh pages and leaves yellowed with age. Talking Leaveshas been a Buffalo staple for new books for decades. With two locations, this Elmwood Avenue shop definitely gets a lot of foot traffic. I prefer this location largely because Caffe Aroma adjoins the shop and I can enjoy a new book and an espresso! @talkingleavesbooks @caffearoma

I like a zen moment as much as the next girl. Yoga is a great exercise, and this studio in particular makes me so happy for a number of reasons. Shakti Yoga has classes of all skill levels, classes lasting different lengths of time, and donation-based community yoga. Not only that, but it is in this AMAZING building. The stone pillars are just the beginning. The yoga room has high ceilings and murals of Hindu gods and goddesses. I just love when buildings are repurposed, and that is seen a lot in Buffalo. #shaktiyogabuffalo

After a good yoga session, it’s always important to refuel. I like to choose something that will make me feel great, and (obviously) tastes great. Nature’s Apothecary opened this year, and it’s a great raw, vegan restaurant. Everything is seasonal, nutritious, and absolutely delicious. Each ingredient is made from scratch, including the “mylks” (almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, and so on). I’m enjoying sushi made from seaweed and sunflower seeds, field greens, sprouts, cucumber, and nectarine. The fresh wrap you see is “tuna” with fresh veggies in a collard green roll, and the raw brownie had cacao, almonds, cashews, coconut, dates, and sea salt (no sugar!). Buffalo has much more to offer than just wings! @naturesapothecary

Whenever anyone from out of town visits, I have to take them to Albright Knox and Delaware Park. Albright Knox has an incredible collection of modern and contemporary art. With rotating exhibitions, there is always something inspiring to see. The collection includes pieces by Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh, and Andy Warhol. I especially enjoy searching for the matchstick in Jackson Pollock’s 1952 masterpiece “Convergence.” The giant sculpture pictured is by Spanish sculptor, Jaume Plensa. His work currently also appears in Centennial Park in Chicago. Speaking of parks, Delaware Park is right behind the art museum and is a popular spot for runners, families, festivals, and just about anyone looking to lose themselves in nature for a little bit. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, famous for a little spot called Central Park in New York City, Delaware Park is my favorite park in the city. I have spent many sunny afternoons reading and writing here. @albrightknox #delawarepark

My favorite method of pampering is getting my hair done. I love it! Not only is Tonic Hair Salon beautifully decorated with unique pieces, lofted ceilings, exposed brick, and a fun wallpapered accent wall, but they provide great service and amazing results. Seeing the stylists work is one of my favorite parts of going to the salon. They are all so talented and inspired, truly artists! My stylist and salon owner, Becky Hoot, has been making sure my hair is perfect for years. I always feel great when I leave! @tonichairsalon

Shopping for clothes, admittedly, is not one of my favorite things to do. Despite this, I always love going into Modern Nostalgia. The pieces are effortless and fashionable, just what I need. I love their selection of small and interesting labels. Bri, the owner, is an absolute doll. Modern Nostalgia also adjoins with men’s wear shop Blue Collar. That’s a win-win if you are shopping with a guy! @modern_nostalgia @bluecollarbflo

Did I say Buffalo has architectural gems? Because this is one of them! The North Park Theatre is a historic circa 1920 movie theater that remains popular to this day. Screening mostly independent films, as well as weekend classic family film matinees, it is definitely up my ally. The foyer is decorated in neoclassical style and the lit art nouveau ceiling mural has everyone arching their heads. I am a huge fan of the 1940s Flexlume marquee. Even though the seats are not as comfortable as your average mall movie theater, I still prefer the experience at the North Park Theatre any day. @northparktheatre

Ró has an unbeatable aesthetic. The shop is carefully curated with beautiful and functional home goods. Shop owner, Hayley Carrow-Janecki is an artist herself, and has a keen eye for great design. Ró’s walls are often adorned with exhibits from inspirational artists. It is truly a wonderful spot to not just shop, but to enjoy calm ambiance and inspirational design. @ro_homeshop

And, this would not be a BUFFALO #locallyinspired without a drinking establishment. Buffalo is a late night city, and one that likes to drink. Buffalo Proper is a restaurant and bar with the most inspired cocktails. Jon Karel, general manager and master cocktail aficionado (I don’t even want to call him a bartender, because he has clearly surpassed that), mixes me up a Night in Tunisia. Rum, Campari, orgeat, pineapple, lime, and rioja. It was magical. Buffalo Proper is a nod to prohibition-era Buffalo, when Buffalo was shamelessly anti-prohibition. The art deco logo, coasters, and menu designed by Buffalo design firm Block Club perfectly compliment this establishment. Buffalo Proper also worked with Queen City Shaken & Stirred for bar equipment and mixers, Emerson James lighting, and Wrafterbuilt for reclaimed wood designs touches. Did I mention that executive chef, Edward Forster created an impeccable, inventive New American menu? And that they serve until 2:00 in the morning? Welcome to Buffalo. @buffalo_proper @queencityss @blockclub @emersonjamesinc @wrafterbuilt