Come late January, cabin fever begins to set in around Buff-Niag. Here’s a handful of things to do to get out & stretch your legs for a bit.

by Meg Bennett

Find 5 reasons below to get off the couch (or stay planted, in some cases) and beat those mid-winter blues

We are halfway through winter in Buffalo Niagara – and now is about the time when the cabin fever begins to set in. It goes without saying that recent events have made this particular season especially tricky, after having been bogged down by pandemic measures for so long. Thankfully, at Welcome 716 we have been able to round up a handful of opportunities for locals to get out and stretch their proverbial legs for a bit, while still keeping warm and practicing social distancing measures. Check out our list of five epic indoor activities below!

1. Aquarium of Niagara

Perfect for all kids of all ages, go visit the brand-new interactive exhibits at Aquarium of Niagara

It is always good to look on the bright side of situations! If your family vacation plans were cancelled this winter, then take a trip to the Aquarium of Niagara and experience animal life from around the world! Here you will find a huge variety of ocean creatures such as Humboldt Penguins, Seahorses, Red-Bellied Piranhas, Giant Pacific Octopuses, Harbor Seals, and California Sea Lions. Come visit the brand-new interactive touch tank, where visitors safely interact with sharks and stingrays while learning about the conservation of tropical habitats. Perfect for all kids and kids-at-heart, the educational adventures you’ll find at Aquarium of Niagara will be the talk of the family dinner table for weeks!

Located at 701 Whirlpool Street in Niagara Falls, NY. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visit www.aquariumofniagara.org for more information.

2. Buffalo Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens has a staunch lineup of upcoming virtual and in-person happenings

If you are thinking ahead and want to make this Valentine’s Day special, then be sure to write Botanical Gardens’ “Love Week” in your calendar! On February 11th, tickets are BOGO. From the 11th to the 14th, enjoy an After Dark event, which promises romantic lighting and beautiful flora and fauna. Can’t get out of the house? Then check out the online workshop on succulent gardening, available on January 28th. When the winter blues hit, the gardens have a magical way of reminding us that spring is just around the corner!

Located at 2655 South Park Avenue in Buffalo. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Be sure to go online and make reservations for any in-person event, as space is limited due to covid restrictions. Visit www.buffalogardens.com for more information.

3. Excuria Salon and Spa

A little pampering at Excuria Salon & Spa goes a long way

The winter air in Buffalo Niagara is refreshing – but it sure does have a way of drying out the skin! If you are feeling a little rough around the edges these days, then consider booking a pampering session at Excuria Salon & Spa. They offer a wide range of revitalizing packages that include services such as a Swedish massage, HydraFacial, scalp treatments, manis and pedis, sugar body polish, herbal steam showers, body wraps, hair styling, and professional makeup application. A little bit of self-care at Excuria Salon & Spa goes a long way in turning around a bad day!

Located at 5725 Main Street in Williamsville. Hours are Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.excuriaspa.com or call 716-839-3106 for more information and to schedule your appointment.

4. Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA

Retail therapy at Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA is always a good way to get rid of the winter blues

Shopping is always an adventure at Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA! Whether you are searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift or you are ready to splurge on yourself thanks to some leftover Christmas cash, Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA is the perfect place to spend your day off. Enjoy popular stores like Banana Republic, Coach, Disney, Foot Locker, Godiva, Oshkosh B’gosh, and Samsonite (just to name a few). When you get peckish, grab a quick bite at Dunkin’ Donuts or Auntie Anne’s, and then order a nice lunch at Applebee’s. Need to quarantine at home for a while? Don’t forget about curbside pickup! With savings of up to 75% on the daily and over 200 designer brands available, creative problem-solving is worth it!

Located at 1900 Military Road in Niagara Falls, NY. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.fashionoutletsniagara.com.

5. North Park Theatre

Enjoy a cozy night in with North Park Theatre Virtual Cinema

Unfortunately, North Park Theatre isn’t showing films in-house right now – BUT lucky for us, they are offering virtual streams! Catch upcoming showings such as Some Kind of Heaven, A Shadow in the Cloud, Tazzeka, 76 Days, and Night Shift. North Park Theatre has a fun way of bringing distinctive and lesser-known movies to the stage – providing viewers with novel entertainment, rich perspective, and even local flavors. Gather together with a loved one, a fuzzy blanket and some popcorn, and get ready to enjoy a cozy night in!

For a complete list of titles and showtimes, as well as up-to-date covid restrictions, please visit www.northparktheatre.org.

Don’t let Old Man Winter get you down

Even though Christmas is over, and we’re 1/3 of the way to St. Patty’s Day, and the winter doldrums are in full swing in 2021, there is still plenty to do in around town. Our mission at Welcome 716 is to connect you with the best local entertainment, retail and dining experiences. The world is crazy, but we keep it cool in the 716. Stay warm and safe – but don’t forget to have fun, friends!

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