Highlights of Tonawanda
August 23, 2021

Explore some of the highlights of Tonawanda, a city adjacent to Buffalo with its own unique sights, sounds & attractions. 

by Max Fisher

Explore a few highlights of the city of Tonawanda

Explore (the) Tonawanda(s)

Tonawanda? More like a Ton-of-Wonder (look, guys, sometimes wordplay comes off a bit corny, at least I’m brave enough to admit it)! Tonawanda is a relatively small place compared to Buffalo or Niagara Falls. Still, it certainly has its own unique sights, sounds, and attractions to keep its residents, as well as tourists, thoroughly entertained. So, if you’ve never been to Tonawanda or if you’re a seasoned resident of the area that’s explored every nook and cranny the city has to offer, I hope you stick around for this little tour of highlights because you might find something new. So let’s get started exploring some highlights of Tonawanda.

Niawanda Park

Niawanda Park, located on the scenic Niagara River

Niawanda Park is one of Tonawanda’s premiere parks located on the scenic Niagara River. It’s a popular destination for everything from roller skating to long walks. There’s also an event schedule that includes bandshell concerts and much more. They even allow dogs (because, let’s be honest, what’s a long summer walk if you can’t bring Mr. Sniffles along too?) Just make sure they’re on a leash and don’t bark excessively (so I’m guessing that’s code for no Chihuahua?) If going to the park and having plenty to do is your idea of fun, Niawanda Park is the place to go!

TC Wheelers Bar and Pizzeria

Classic Buffalo pizzas at TC Wheelers Bar and Pizzeria

If you’re in Tonawanda late one night and the game is on, but you don’t want to go to just any sports bar, because let’s be completely honest here; they’re a dime a dozen with the exact same trappings. Boring Jukebox playing rock hits from the 70s (also referred to as dad rock), bland food that starts at Heineken and ends at peanuts, and lastly, let’s not forget the ever-present chance of a drunken brawl breaking out (everybody knows Heineken and peanuts don’t mix. They make people rowdy). If you wish to sidestep that in lieu of something more comfortable, why not go to TC Wheelers? Instead of peanuts they have delicious pizza, calzones, salads, and much more! (They also have Heineken if you absolutely need it when watching the big game). If you’re tired of the regular old humdrum sports bar experience, TC will wheel you into a whole new experience. (Man, I’m on fire with the terrible wordplay today).

Adventure Landing

Mini golf at Adventure Landing

Who needs Six Flags when you’ve got Adventure Landing? What comes to mind when you think of a fun day at the amusement park? Is it three 18-hole miniature golf courses so you can show everyone how great you’ve gotten since you’ve been hitting the driving range? (Just don’t show off too hard; this isn’t the PGA. The best golfer is probably 12, just something to keep in mind). There is also a Gaming Arcade so you can feel like a kid from the 80s in the best way (think quarters and Space Invaders without the Cold War and existential dread), and a Teddy Bear Factory so you can make your very own snuggly friend to take home after a long day of rides and fun. The snack bar has just about every kind of snack and treat you can think of (provided it’s from America. Sorry, but I doubt you’ll find any Japanese Kit Kat’s over here). If all this sounds like a dream come true, Adventure Landing is the place for you.

Collins Marine

Collins Marine

Looking for a boat to traverse the high seas? (Or maybe just a small river/lake. People always think they have to go searching for Moby Dick if they have a boat. Sometimes it’s perfectly fine to just sit back and chill). Well, look no further than Collins Marine. They carry a large selection of new and pre-owned inventory. And their staff is so knowledgeable about the ins and outs of everything boating. You’d think they were second in command on Captain Ahab’s whaling ship, the Pequod (Starbuck anyone?). So, if you’ve always wanted to get a boat of your own or just wanted to pick someone’s brain about boats, Collins Marine should be your next destination!

Platter’s Chocolates

One of many creative flavors from Platter’s Chocolates: Chocolate Hazelnut Milk Tea

What if Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was genuine? Then you’d have a place like Platter’s Chocolates! First off, Platters makes so much great chocolate on a regular basis that they actually have a tour of their factory! (See, I wasn’t fooling about the whole Willy Wonka thing). If you’re interested, they’ll even provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner for you and your party at their banquet facility. But enough about the factory, let’s talk about all the chocolate products available. Just to name a few, they have the Golf Bag, which is made with 2.5 oz. of solid chocolate! Platter’s Chocolate Golf Bag is available in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and their famous orange chocolate. There’s The Charlie Chaplin’s Easter Bag, which is made with marshmallows coated with milk chocolate, cashews, and coconut. (I’m sure the screen icon would be positively giddy to share his likeness with something so yummy). And that’s but a taste of what Platter’s has to offer if you want to see the rest, you’ll have to go yourself and see. (And you won’t even need a golden ticket to enter).

Mississippi Mudds

Classic American deliciousness from Mississippi Mudds

Sitting by the water eating a charbroiled hotdog with all the fixings, and watching the boats glide through the water as you enjoy every bit. Not feeling like a hotdog? How about a smokehouse BBQ Pulled Pork Burger or a Chipotle Bacon Avocado Turkey Burger (it’s got avocado on it, so you know it’s extra fancy). Any and all of this can be yours if you stop by Mississippi Mudds any day of the week (you’ve got to appreciate a place that makes it easy to fit in your schedule).

A Cool Place With a Cool Name

Did you like our tour of the highlights of Tonawanda? Talk about a place positively bursting with fun things to do, from adventure parks to giant chocolate factories that’ll have you believing some guy with a top hat and cane really does make chocolate. As a place that’s not that big geographic-wise or population-wise, but it’s a place dense with fun attractions, great food, and lots to do. What more do you need?

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