Buffalo Limousine

Bills Fans Sidelined by DWI Arrests

2008-09-22T11:26:00.001-04:00

According to the Buffalo News, 11 motorists were arrested for Driving While Intoxicated following the Bills-Oakland game on Sunday.

11 drivers charged with DWI following Bills game

While most fans are responsible, a minority of them take the risk of driving while intoxicated. It doesn't make sense, especially when you look at the costs of DWI:

Attorney fees: $2,500
Insurance Pool Surcharge: $4,500
Additional Insurance Cost: $1,500
Fines: $500.00 (average)
Alcohol Evaluation / Treatment: $500
Minimum Cost = $9,500

These costs are not estimates, they're based on real data supplied by Erie County's Stop DWI Task Force. Fortunately nobody was injured or killed in any alcohol related accidents after the Bills game. It is tragic that people get behind the wheel after drinking, especially when many safe alternatives exist.

The best alternative is to appoint a designated driver for the day. We also recommend using chauffeured transportation. In addition to eliminating the problems of DWI, taking a limousine to the game makes it easy for you to enjoy 'tailgating' at the stadium, while providing a safe trip home for your group.

It's less expensive than you think, and way less expensive than a DWI/DUI. Taking 20 people to a Bills game in our stretch Hummer Limousine costs about $37 per person...and it is a lot of fun. Be advised that nearly all of our fleet sells out for Bills games, so it is wise to plan and reserve your transportation early!

You'll find all our Bills and sporting event prices right here.

Bride Recommends Buffalo Limousine

2008-09-22T10:36:00.004-04:00

A letter from a bride reviewing our service on the day of her wedding:

"Our limo driver was David. He was very sweet and professional. At one point, my Mom who gets hot very easily, had to step outside the church to get some air. David, who thankfully got there a little early, came over to my Mother to see if she was okay and brought her some water from the limo.

On our way to the reception, my husband and I had to make a quick stop at our apartment. When we came out, it was raining very suddenly and here comes David running to us with an umbrella! He helped me numerous times in and out of the limo. He was just too sweet! We were very fortunate to have him as our limo driver.

Our overall experience with Buffalo Limousine was just perfect. All the transactions went very smoothly and the prices were by far the best. (and believe me, I called a lot of places!)

I HIGHLY recommend Buffalo Limousine. A wedding is one of the most important days of a person's life and its comforting to know when your in good hands. Thank You all so much for every thing!

Sarah and David LaPaglia

Congratulations Sarah and David, and thank you for choosing Buffalo Limousine. If you are a bride planning your wedding transportation, you'll find everything you need at our web site.

Seneca Lake Wine Tour: Fun in the Finger Lakes

2008-09-07T19:19:00.001-04:00

We had a great time this past weekend taking 18 guests to visit Seneca Lake Wineries aboard our stretch hummer. Our weather was a reminder that Fall will soon be here--a little sun, some sprinkles and clouds. That did not dampen the enthusiasm of our group. We started in West Seneca and approached the wine trail from the north, passing through the quaint town of Geneva.

From there we stopped at Torrey Ridge Winery first. A one-man band serenaded us as we tasted the wines and enjoyed the airy ambiance of the winery. Glenora's exclusive 'Champagne Room' was our next stop. Glenora is a venerable favorite amongst day-trippers and the winery goes to great lengths to accommodate groups large and small. The restaurant there is fantastic as well, so you might want to make that part of your plans if you're making a trip. Traveling south, we visited the Arcadian Estates Winery, where the gracious Lauren filled our glasses. Everybody became immediately attached to Jake, the winery's top dog and official greeter.
All-in-all, a wonder wine tour indeed. If you are in the Buffalo metro area and are considering a Seneca Lake wine tour, make certain to budget 2 or 2 and a half hours travel time to/from the region. It would be a good idea to call ahead to the wineries and arrange for wine tasting reservations if your group is larger than 10.
Buffalo Limousine offers many luxury vehicles that are perfect for wine tours. For more information, click here. Our web site allows you to generate your own price estimate and has interior and exterior images of all our limousines and buses.

Feed Your Soul Nourishes Mind and Body

2008-08-16T11:50:00.006-04:00

There are three main reasons why I am a chauffeur.
1-you meet cool people
2-you go interesting places
3-You do fun things

This past week I was able to do all three on a trip to the Chautauqua Institution. An exciting new company called Feed Your Soul Buffalo asked Buffalo Limousine to help transport VIP clients to Chautauqua for the day.

Feed Your Soul specializes in creating culinary adventures for people in the Buffalo Niagara region. The company is dedicated to bringing out the creative flavor of our area. Christa Glennie Seychew is the heart, and well...soul or Feed Your Soul. Christa brings two main ingredients to the table, a background in Food Writing and creativity. She organized the Chautauqua trip around a lecure that was given by two world renowned chefs at the institution.

Among the guests for the trip were chefs and foodies. Foodies are people who are gourmets, aspiring cooks and people who appreciate a good meal and a good time. Some of the food professionals in the group were:

-Chef Paul and Eric from Tempo on Delaware Avenue.
-JJ from Torches Restaurant on Kenmore Ave.
-The Goetz family from Sample on Allen St.

Getting there was half the fun as we enjoyed wonderful bagels, coffee and pastries on the way down. On the way back we stopped to fill up on fudge at Webbs...and a few of the passengers complimented the sweets with some wine.

This was my first time visiting Chautauqua, and I'll return soon. The campus is beautiful in every detail. Lunch was wonderful at the awe inspiring Athenaeum Hotel. Bestor Plaza was gorgeous an invited many people to have a seat and enjoy the fountain. I had an opportunity to browse through the library and take pictures from the giant windows on the second floor.

I look forward to the next excursion with Feed Your Soul Buffalo. Contact Christa via e-mail (cseycheww at yahoo.com) or by calling (716) 812.1615. Feed Your Soul's web site is linked here.

Are you planning a creative corporate or private adventure? Contact Buffalo Limousine and discover all the services we provide including airport transfers to/from the Buffalo-Hamilton-Toronto region.

Kodak-Ingram Micro Corporate Event

2008-08-13T11:13:00.000-04:00

Kodak and Ingram Micro know how to make a corporate event picture perfect. First, choose a really cool, extremely creative location. Add a limo bus and mix with fine wine. The result was a heavenly evening at the Stratus Winery.

Kodak sponsored the evening to say thank you to Ingram Micro for promoting Kodak scanners. Kodak scanners are geared towards business and corporate markets. The scanners use the same lens technology that has made Kodak a world leader in imaging. Ingram Micro employees learned about the Kodak scanners and made excellent efforts to promote them. Their efforts were rewarded with the dinner and wine tasting at the Stratus Winery.

Stratus is uniquely beautiful among the many excellent wineries that populate the Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) region. Stratus is designed to produce fine wines in the 'greenest' manner possible. No expense has been spared in creating the most energy efficient winery imaginable. The winery's temperature is controlled by geo-thermal vents that extend from the building more than 200 feet into the earth. Architectural design maximizes sunlight and is LEED certified. Grapes are hand picked and no pesticides are used. Every process of wine making has been analyzed and optimized for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Stratus' Ben Nicks was our host for the evening. It was fascinating to learn of the innovative strategies the winery employs to reduce its carbon footprint. The winery uses no pumps in its process thanks to a production design that uses gravity to do most of that work. Ben's knowledge stretched from the French Oak used to make the aging barrels ($1,200 each!) to the subtle joys of the palate when wines are paired with the proper foods.

Words would be inadequate to describe the wine tastings and the dinner. You must experience for yourself by visiting Stratus. A big thank you to Kodak and Ingram Micro for choosing Buffalo Limousine and our limo bus to provide transport for the evening. The group left enriched with the best in food and drink, and I learned how Stratus puts 'green' into every bottle of white and red.

If you're planning a corporate event, give Buffalo Limousine a call. Our company features professional chauffeurs and vehicles of every size to meet your needs.

Stephanie's Wine Tour in Niagara County

2008-07-31T13:32:00.007-04:00

Stephanie and her group could not have picked a better day for a wine tour. It was warm and sunny with a pleasant breeze.

After picking up the group of 17 in Buffalo, we headed for the Niagara Wine trail, which has really become popular as of late. I believe this is for 2 reasons; 1-the trail has successfully marketed itself to the Buffalo region and 2-the proximity to Buffalo is close , plus there's no need to deal with the border.

Our first stop was the Honeymoon Trail Winery on Ridge Road in Lockport. This is a pleasant winery with a very homey atmosphere in the main tasting room. Our group purchased more than a case of wine here. We also posed for an outdoor picture, as seen in the slide show above. Next we headed North to Marjim Manor in Appleton. Although the Bittner family does not actually make wine at this location, their wines and juices are made from local fruit. If you're looking for some unique vintages, try the wines made from apricots, cherries or apples--you won't be disappointed. Another differentiator of Marjim Manor is the resident ghosts. On this tour Margo Bittner entertained us with specters that are thought to frequent the manor (do spirits enjoy spirits?). The house and grounds have a storied past, which is well worth a visit.

We stayed the longest at the Freedom Run Winery, and for good reason. Their tasting facility boasts a set of luxurious leather couches that envelope you. The interior design of the winery is by far the best on the Niagara Trail, providing a spacious, contemporary venue for tasting. Our extremely friendly guide for today was Kurt. Kurt had the knowledge of a professor and the demeanor of a laid back grad student. His colorful vocabulary helped bring out the subtleties and nuances of each wine. He was engaging enough to captivate everyone of our 17 guests, which is no small feat. The winery is also a showplace for art by Sean Manning, which you have to see to appreciate.

Our last stop for the tour was the Niagara Landing Winery. The atmosphere here is much more 'country' when compared to our previous stop. When I've visited here before, several small airplanes were parked around the perimeter of the parking lot. Unfortunately, there were no planes available on this day. The wines here are uniformly good, with the fruity Boxer Blush receiving an exceptionally warm reception from our group. It is also wonderful to see this winery's brand of Ice Wine which proves that we can do what the venerable wineries of Germany and Ontario can do.

All in all, a great day to be out with a great group of people. If you're interested in scheduling a winery tour, we can help. Head over to our main web site or call 716-835-4997 to schedule your winery trail tour.

Rick Ross Concert

2008-07-31T12:25:00.004-04:00

We had a great time this past weekend taking a group from Buffalo to Rochester for a concert. Mr. Jefferson, the group's leader, had arranged for VIP tickets to a Rick Ross show. I had to do a little research on Ross, as I am not up to date on my hip-hop stars...so more is available here.

Mr. Jefferson must of had good connections, because when we arrived at the venue, we were escorted directly into the show hall. We bypassed hundreds of fans who were waiting in line outside the Rochester Armory--I guess thiose VIP tickets really work.

A Summer Solstice Winery Tour and Birthday Party

2008-06-23T12:07:00.001-04:00

Although the Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, our winery tour went by very quickly. Our group was a family who surprised their mom with a winery tour to celebrate her birthday. It was nice to see an extended family, sons, parents, grandparents, aunts--all together for this adventure aboard our 10 passenger stretch limousine.

We chose the Niagara County Wine Trail and were not disappointed. Our first stop was Eveningside Vineyards on Lower Mountain Road in Cambria. This is a wonderful winery that is in its infancy, but already produces excellent wines. The owner greeted us and provided a tour of the barrel room.
Our next stop is the Freedom Run Winery and Vineyards which features a spacious and beautiful salon for tastings. Freedom Run's motto is "We view wine as art." To that end they've constructed and decorated a truly stunning space in which you can relaz and appreciate their wines. In addition to the vintages, feast your eyes on the artwork that is available.
Our third winery is Arrowhead Spring Vineyards. This winery features on quality rather than quantity. The tasting area is rich with wood and overlooks the gorgeous vineyards. This is truly a family operation and the friendly owners will take the time to answer any questions you may have about their winery.
If you like a winery with personality, you'll like our 4th stop on the tour, Niagara Landing Wine Cellar. The first thing you'll notice are brightly colored single engine aircraft that are parked outside of the tasting room. Inside we found a very open and friendly staff that serves wines in an atmosphere of rustic warmth.
We decided to improvise a little as our tour came to a close. We went to Wilson, NY to catch a view of Lake Ontario. The day was warm and the sailboats were dotting the water all along the shore. It was a perfect end to a wonderful day along the Niagara County Wine Trail.
If this sounds like fun, down load the Buffalo Limousine Wine Tour Guide, or click here for more information on our wine tours.

Why so many tourists from India visit Niagara Falls

2008-06-19T07:29:00.003-04:00

As a provider of Niagara Falls limousine tours, I've often wondered why so many there are so many Indian visitors to the Falls. Many days I see that visitors from India out number any other ethnic group at Niagara. I'm not complaining, as we welcome any rupees that may come to the region.
Why so many people from India? I think this entry in a blog by an Indian author may help explain:

When you visit Niagara Falls in USA, you will be left to wonder if you have traveled to India. The only tourists I saw there, were Indians. It was like the entire country was there, except may be Rajinikanth and Bal Thackeray. If there were no Indians visiting Niagara Falls in USA, the place wouldn’t have any funds to support itself. It looks like all the native tourists just drive down to Canada to watch Niagara from there. It is said that Niagara is much more beautiful from Canada.
Perhaps it is a mark that a touring Indian wants to make, He wants to say that he has spent his time in America, by visiting a very popular place in the country. He cannot go back home and claim he has seen Yosemite or Colorado springs without being given empty stares, not many people know about those places. But if you say you saw Niagara, then they can definitely relate it to something back home. Your purpose of the trip will be complete, You saw the most popular place (popular to Indians) in USA.

It appears that Niagara is an icon in eyes of many Indians, a place that they must visit when they come to America. Which is no different than what everybody does when on vacation. When I went to DC, I saw the Washington Monument. San Francisco, I went to Alcatraz. These sites 'brand recognition' to us and we flock to them based on an impression.

Back to the Falls, I've had the opportunity to take several groups of Indian origin on tours. I find that their English is very good and their knowledge of American history is better than most yanks. They tend to travel in extended family groups and make decisions based upon consensus. Once the decision is made, there are no questions asked. I sense there is a reverence for parents and grandparents in this culture.

If you're visiting the Falls from India, consider taking a custom tour from Buffalo Limousine. I know you'll have some great stories to tell about the Falls when you return home.

EA to TO for a most entertaining road trip and birthday party

2008-06-16T17:36:00.003-04:00

When I have a birthday party, I'd like to have this group plan it! They really know how to have fun.
The group booked our 18 passenger Limo Bus for an 8 hour trip. When I arrived I was greeted by a thoroughly prepared group who had all the ingredients for a successful party: beverages, food, snacks, cameras, music CDs and pajamas. These people know how to have a good time!

After starting out in East Aurora (EA), we made a few stops in the Chippewa district to pick-up a few more participants. The ladies were sharply dressed in the latest styles. Their hair and make-up was exquisite...turning quite a few heads throughout the evening.
Then it was off to a new and extremely hot night club called Muzik. It is open only on Saturdays and routinely draws more than 5,000 people each week. It occupies the former CNE Horticulture Building. IF you can get in, you'll pay $30 at the door.
Of course getting there was half the fun. We needed several bio-breaks along the QEW where our fancy group made quite a stir. Did I mention this group is prepared? Several of the lady guests brought PJs for the ride home. They were very comfortable for the trip back, puzzling our US Customs Inspector who mentioned that he'd never seen adults in pajamas before, at least not on the job.
We had a great time, especially the brownies that the group brought especially for me. I'm already looking forward to next year's trip. Thanks for choosing Buffalo Limousine!

Friday 13th no Problem for Lancaster Prom

2008-06-16T14:38:00.004-04:00

It was extremely hot when we picked-up our group for the Lancaster Central Junior Prom. The pick-up point is so exclusive, so secretive, it isn't on the map! But we found it anyway and had a great time aboard our 20 passenger stretch Hummer.
Before the prom we had a few extra moments so I decided to show the group around the waterfront. Some of our guests had never seen the Naval Park and were impressed by the retired naval ships that are moored there. We met some fishermen and took a moment at the Vietnam Memorial before heading to the prom at the Buffalo Convention Center.

The prom ended at 11:00 PM, and we were loaded by 11:03 PM--and that's exactly when the rain started. A tremendous downpour engulfed downtown. We huddled and assessed our options, deciding to venture on to Niagara Falls despite the rain.
The gamble paid-off, we had a nice view of the Falls and then meandered home. Thank you to the students and parents who chose Buffalo Limousine for their prom transportation.

Hillary's Wine Tour May 2008

2008-06-11T13:06:00.003-04:00

This winery tour was picture perfect, and we have the pictures to prove it. The group was celebrating Hillary's bachelorette party. Friends and family decided that a winery tour aboard a Buffalo Limousine Limo Bus was a great way to travel in style.
We could not have asked for a better day. The sun was out and there were no delays at the border. We targeted wineries along the Lakeshore in the Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) area and were able to visit four of them.

Our first stop was Stone Church Winery. We were able to have a tasting room set aside exclusively for our group. This was a relaxed environment in which we could taste and learn.
Our second stop was the venerable Konzelmann Winery. Hillary was treated to tasting the wine from a special crystal slipper. The staff here were loads of fun and kept our spirits high. The winery is quite picturesque and provides a viewing platform for better appreciation of Lake Ontario. We saw a four- masted schooner on the water, as well as an impressive lake freighter.
Not too far away, the Strewn Winery offers a connoisseur's delight. Strewn is a respected winery cooking school as well as a traditional winery. Strewn offers hands-on winery cooking classes in a beautiful contemporary facility. Our guide took us to the barrel cellar, treating us to a 'behind the scenes' tour of wine making.
The wonderful people at Palatine Hills Estate Winery greeted us at the last stop on our busy tour. For many years Palatine produced grapes, but did not make wine. Now they craft award winning wines and provide grape juice to home brewing enthusiasts.
Then it was back aboard the Limo Bus for the ride home. All the best of luck to Hillary and her sister Aubree in the upcoming months. thank you for choosing Buffalo Limousine for your bachelorette winery tour. I hope you had as much fun as I did.

Grady's Bachelorette Party

2008-06-10T11:47:00.002-04:00

Life as a chauffeur is always interesting. When you pull up to a client's house, you never know exactly what you're going to find. That's why I was pleasantly surprised to host a group of young ladies who were celebrating the impending marriage of their good friend, 'Grady'.

We started out at a favorite local bar in Kenmore. Then we really accelerated the fun by heading to the Chippewa district in our 10 passenger stretch limousine. There were many highlights including Grady's attempt to ride the mechanical buffalo, as well as the dancing that transpired on top of the bar at the Bucking Buffalo Saloon.
We had a great time and made it home safe and sound. If there was a theme song for the night, it would be "Girls Just Want To Have Fun."

Frontier Senior Prom

2008-06-09T21:06:00.004-04:00

We had a lot of fun at the Frontier Senior Prom. The day started out sunny and very hot--the group went to the Hyatt Hotel for the dinner and dance. Afterwards we headed for Niagara Falls and a little exploring of Goat Island. We topped-off the evening at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Amherst High School Prom

2008-06-02T21:51:00.004-04:00

Had the good fortune of taking nearly 30 people to the Amherst High Prom last weekend. Here are a few of the highlights. Click the arrow button to start the slide show. Click on the caption button to see the comments that accompany the images:

Thank you for choosing Buffalo Limousine! I hope you had as much fun as I did.

More Foreigners find the Falls Fantastic

2008-06-02T21:11:00.003-04:00

The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend the Falls looked more like the United Nations. I dropped off my group and then parked the Limo Bus. I couldn't park in the main lot (a first, as far as I know), so I had to park on the South end of the island and make my way back to the group. Along the way I saw people from all around the world and from several states.
The Niagara Gazette made note of the large crowds as well:

"Changes in foreign visitors to Niagara
By Don Glynn

Stroll through Prospect Park any day of the week — now that the prime tourist season is under way — and you’ll quickly come to the conclusion that there’s indeed a revolution in tourism.

In the travel industry, they’re known as the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and they’re coming by the bus loads — via the charter flights — to Niagara Falls. At present, it appears visitors from India rank No. 1 of the Big Four.

Not that the natural wonder here has just been discovered by the international set. Foreigners have been a major segment of Niagara tourism for more than a century but the UK no longer leads that list, tourism operators generally agree.

Locally, it’s virtually impossible to track the influx.

A large group from India or China may descend on the state park at any time and they often move swiftly — guided by a tour leader — to a specific attraction or vantage point.

Still, after you’re in the park for a half hour and maybe had a chance to observe the exodus from the Prospect Park tower, you’ll be convinced that some of the 47 million Chinese traveling abroad this year have included the Falls on their itinerary. And visitors from Indian and Pakistan are all around as well.

Of course, there was the credible threat that many Americans had been planning to cut back on their vacations this year because of the high gas prices.

That didn’t happen here, at least over the Memorial Day holiday. In fact, attendance in the state park was up more than 8,000 for the comparable weekend a year ago.

If you check out the license plates in Prospect Park and on Goat Island, you would have found visitors from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Oregon — a lot more than a tankful away.

That combination — foreigners and Americans determined to go on vacation despite the gas prices — provided for a good start to the season.

Meanwhile, hoteliers and bed-and-breakfast operators will tell you that many foreign visitors — even some U.S. citizens who think the new passport regulations are already in effect — are reluctant to cross the international bridges because of the unwarranted concern they won’t be allowed to return.

It’s an ironic twist from the days when visitors couldn’t wait to clear customs because they were always told the view was better from that side."

My words of advice to people who are thinking about visiting Niagara Falls...DO IT! The American side, the Canadian side...the cultural attractions all around--there's plenty to do. Be certain to check out the Falls in a chauffeur driven stretch Limousine or Limo Bus from Buffalo Limousine. It's a great way to see the attractions and have a customized agenda.

Fearless Dare Devil to Risk Death at Niagara. But can he get Insurance?

2008-05-21T08:00:00.003-04:00

Take a look at this dark video to see an extreme dare devil jump from the top of Niagara Falls to the gorge floor below while holding onto a rope:

The stealthy dare devil in the video is Dean Sullivan. He walked away from that stunt without a scratch, and was able to avoid Parks Police.
Now he wants to go legit. Sullivan would like to leap from the Skylon Tower this summer. His only equipment will be an ordinary climbing rope tethered to the structure. He's already scheduled to leap from a crane to promote a festival in Niagara Falls, Ontario this summer. Plus he'd like to leap out of a helicopter at Niagara as revealed in this article from the Niagara Falls Review:

Skylon Tower spokesman Lee Carr says the jump shouldn't be a problem, so long as Sullivan has the proper insurance. The Skylon has attracted base jumpers before, but no one has ever rappelled off the 160-metre tower. Carr believes it would be a hit with tourists, and a way to utilize the city's daredevil past.
"We have a history," he says. "There is a heritage of stunting in Niagara Falls."
Celebrate Old Downtown has booked Sullivan for two upcoming festivals: Springlicious May 30 to June 1, and the more apt Dare Devil Days Aug. 15 and 16. In addition to rappelling off a 200-foot crane near Queen Street, Sullivan wants to stage his coupe de grace - a 1,000-foot plunge from a helicopter.
Niagara Helicopters operations manager Rene Huessey says the stunt needs approval from Transport Canada and the usual insurance. But someone jumping from a copter with only a rope "won't be an issue."
Celebrate Old Downtown events co-ordinator Shane Sargent says stunting, for better or worse, will be forever linked with Niagara Falls, so why not capitalize on it?
"I don't think the event wants to celebrate daredevils, except we do want to recognize our unique history."
Doing a fully approved stunt will help Sullivan take the next step. Or leap.
"If he's part of the festival, it has to be all legal," says Sargent. "Or we just can't be involved. For his part, if he wants to be a professional that's what he's got to do."
"Every man will die, but very few will live ... that's a good saying. I forget where it came from, but it's true. At least I know I've done a few things in the world nobody else has done. And there's billions of people in this world.

We'll keep you posted on this story. Sullivan is scheduled to jump from a crane during the 'Celebrate Old Downtown' festival May 30-June 1.

Niagara Falls Review - Ontario, CA

2008-05-09T08:27:00.002-04:00

Niagara goes "unconventional"

Niagara Falls Ontario continues to build infrastructure giving travelers another reason to stay in the region for more than one day. Planners unveiled the new logo for the convention center, and the Niagara Falls Review was there:

Niagara Falls Review - Ontario, CA

Tell us what you think of the logo

Posted By Corey Larocque

Niagara’s convention centre is borrowing a page from 7-Up. The soft drink company marketed itself once upon a time as the “un-cola” to separate itself from its competition.

Now the Niagara Convention and Civic Centre will promote itself as “unconentional,” putting an emphasis on delivering “unconventional experiences” to thousands of annual delegates.

“We are going to make sure the world knows Niagara Falls has a convention centre,” manager Kerry Painter said at a reception Wednesday to unveil the logo and slogan she’ll use to drum up business.

The logo has a series of coloured, vertical bars depicting “an original and fresh interpretation” of the world-famous falls, a press release states. Two blue, wavy horizontal lines represent the relationship between the falls and the Niagara River.

A crowd of civic and business leaders attended the reception at the Fallsview Casino to see the the logo unveiled to Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” blasted over the sound system.

Sample ads with phrases “Be Unconventional” and “Meet Unconventional” were shown to demonstrate how the “unconventional “ brand could be linked to Niagara attractions like the falls, casinos and golf courses.

The new $105 million convention center is scheduled to open in 2011. It will be built on Fallsview Boulevard near Dunn Street. The convention centre is just one more reason to use Buffalo Limousine for your travel needs in the Niagara region.

Falls Springing to Life

2008-04-26T18:27:00.007-04:00

It's an annual rite of Spring for people who live near Niagara Falls, the day workers begin constructing the 'Cave of the Winds' deck. If you're not familiar with this attraction, find out more here; Click here to see a multi-media version of this story.
Here is a bit of Spring coverage from the Buffalo News:

State Parks workers are completing the yearly reconstruction of the Cave of the Winds deck, the season’s first Maid of the Mist boat will be launched Saturday, and tens of thousands of seagulls are mating near the Bridal Veil Falls.

“This is our spring,” State Parks assistant Amy Ortman of Lewiston said.

Thursday, visitors from many countries already were streaming out of the Cave of the Winds tunnel that leads to the bottom of the American and Bridal Veil falls.

The Hurricane Deck is still being rebuilt, so the tourists couldn’t venture to within 15 feet of the drenching base of the falls. They snapped photos of the reconstruction, instead.

They began dismantling the steep, winding deck last Oct. 24 — the same day the Maid of the Mist boats pack it in each season.

“If we didn’t take it down, the whole thing would be crushed by the winter ice,” Siegmann said.

Slabs of ice are still jammed between the boulders at the bottom of the American and Bridal Veil falls.

By mid-May, most of the ice will be gone and the entire Cave of the Winds structure will open."

One of the Maid of the Mist boats was launched today, the others in the fleet will return to the river on Wednesday. The fleet of four boats can accommodate 1,800 passengers at one time. This year it is estimated that 2.5 million tourists will ride this awesome attraction.
If you are headed to Niagara, the Maid of the Mist is a must! Consider taking in all the Falls has to offer by booking a Dare Devil Tour from Buffalo Limousine.

Niagara Guides Now Available

2008-04-22T13:42:00.005-04:00

Just in time for Spring, a new Niagara Visitor's Guide is available. The new publication will be given away at key gateway areas to Niagara, as well as through a US-Canadian distribution in newspapers. Here's more on the guide:

“Niagara Seasons” and “Les Saisons” guides highlight Niagara accommodations, Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tours, and so much more!

Niagara Falls, ON – April 22, 2008 -Tourism Niagara, a division of Niagara Economic Development Corporation, is delighted to announce that the 2008/2009 edition of “Niagara Seasons” and the 2008/2009 “Les Saisons” are available for visitors looking to experience the best of Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The attractive guide highlights Niagara as a destination with experiences that cater to many different interests. The guide has a special emphasis on popular Niagara Falls attractions and services such as the Niagara on the Lake Heritage District and Niagara hotels.

The annual visitor guide features articles on topics such as Natural Outdoors with the Welland Canal and Niagara River; Food, Wine & Drink with Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tours; Niagara’s Culture and History; Fun with the Family; and Shopping & Antiquing such as at the Niagara falls outlet mall. This year the magazine’s Festivals and Events section has been expanded with more than 100 events from all of Niagara’s communities.

There are two ways in which you can order a copy of the guide. Call 1-800-263-2988 or contact Gateway Niagara via e-mail at gateway@tourismniagara.com . The publication is free. As always, consider using Buffalo Limousine to take you to all the exciting places and events in Niagara including our winery and scenic tours.

Tips for Renting a Limousine for your Prom

2008-04-14T19:09:00.001-04:00

Teenagers put a lot of preparation into their prom night plans. Transportation to the big event is an important detail that can add to the magic of the evening, or cause serious problems. Here are some tips parents and prom goers should review if they are using chauffeured transportation:

1-Couples who rent a limousine as a group typically see the best value for their money. It is best to calculate the cost per passenger when assessing which vehicle to choose. Established companies provide pricing on-line, to make it easier for you.

2-When you rent a limousine for a high school prom, you're usually buying 4 or 5 hours of service. When the group 'goes over' the allotted time there are additional charges. Keep on schedule by minimizing the number of pick-ups and drop-offs for your group. Have everyone from the group meet at one central location for pre-prom pictures. It's a great way for the parents to meet and take pictures of the entire group.

3-Reputable limousine companies are more than happy to provide a contract for you to sign. This outlines both parties' rights and responsibilities. The contract protects prom passengers by guaranteeing vehicles, hours of service and professionalism. Also, ask the limousine operators about their insurance coverage; companies that carry the minimum may also provide the minimum in service.

4-Choose your group wisely. Remember that the passenger who signs the contract is responsible for any damages caused by group. Make certain that the people in your group are trustworthy and conscientious. Smoking or drinking alcohol in the limousine will end the night early for your group.

5-Reserve your limousine early! Most proms are scheduled in a six week period from mid-May to June. Demand for limousines is high during this period. Reserving early gives you the best selection.

6-Ask around! Maybe there are some recent graduates you know who've used a limo for their prom. First hand experience with a limousine company is a great way to find a good provider. If you call a limousine company and they are booked the night of your prom, ask them for a referral. Limousine companies know the other reputable players in town, so use them as a resource.

7-Look for value, not the cheapest rate. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

Buffalo Limousine is a good place to start your shopping for prom night transportation. Prom pricing is available on-line here; Images of the fleet are seen here.

Niagara Wine Tasting Events

2008-04-14T19:06:00.001-04:00

Looking for something unique to do in May? Buffalo Limousine suggests that you check out the Wine and Herb Festival going on at select Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries. We'd love to take you there in a sedan, limousine, or limo bus driven by one of our chauffeurs. See below for more information on the festival:

WINE AND HERB FESTIVAL
Four weekends in May
May 3/4, 10/11, 17/18 and 24/25, 2008
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy these Wine and Herb pairings (available only to pass holders):

Marynissen Estates Winery
2003 Cabernet and Oregano

Niagara College Teaching Winery
2006 Gewürtraminer and Cilantro

Palatine Hills Estate Winery
2007 Chardonnay and Parsley

Peller Estates Winery
Ice Cuvée and Chervil

Pillitteri Estates Winery
2006 Pinot Grigio and Fennel

Reif Estate Winery
2006 Gamay Rosé and Lavender

Stonechurch Vineyards
2005 Shiraz and Garlic Chives

Strewn
2006 Cabernet Rosé and Caraway

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery
Strawberry Wine and Mint
Cattail Creek Estate Winery
2007 Sauvignon Blanc and Savory

Château des Charmes
2006 Aligoté, Estate Bottled and Thyme

Coyote's Run Estate Winery
2007 Unoaked Chardonnay and Lemon Basil

Hillebrand Winery
2006 Trius White and Tarragon

Inniskillin Wines
2004 Inniskillin Reserve Pinot Noir and Dill

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery
2005 Proprietors' Reserve Meritage and Sage

Joseph's Estate Wines
2005 Riesling and Lemon Grass

Konzelmann Estate Winery
2006 Shiraz and Basil

Lailey Vineyard
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon and Rosemary

Advance Ticket Price: $25 until April 30; $30 as of May 1. Plus applicable taxes.
Tickets may be ordered online at www.niagaraonthelake.com or by calling 905.468.1950.

Lower Airfares Attract Canadian Fliers to US Airports

2008-04-14T19:03:00.002-04:00

Posted below is an excellent article on why Canadians are heading to Buffalo for cheaper airfares. I've included portions of the article, but the entire piece is well worth reading:

Fare Better South Of The Border

By TED JACKOVICS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 13, 2008

TAMPA - When Kimberly Hartley wanted to fly between Toronto and Tampa to attend a conference here in January, the best round-trip airfare she could find cost $1,185 on Air Canada.

Then, Hartley researched fares between Buffalo and Tampa and found one for $475 on Southwest Airlines.

So Hartley did what an increasing number of U.S. and Canadian travelers are doing. She bypassed the steep charges that the Canadian government adds to flights using Canadian airports.

Airports in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, N.Y., have emerged as gateways to the burgeoning Toronto-Hamilton, Ontario, corridor, while airports in Burlington, Vt., and Plattsburgh, N.Y., are marketing themselves as alternatives to flying into Montreal.

Families Can Save A Lot

But the cost savings can mount, especially for parties larger than a single traveler.

"It is not unusual for families to save $800 or more on tickets to or from places like Tampa," said C. Douglas Hartmayer, director of public relations for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which oversees the Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports.

The savings also matter to business travelers like Hartley.

"Should I pay more for a little more convenience," said Hartley, a Pinellas County tourism consultant who lives 30 miles west of Toronto in Oakville, Ontario, "or should I take an easy drive and get a less expensive fare?"

If you live in Ontario and are flying out of the Buffalo airport, check out our main web site for the cost of airport transportation service from your door to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

Niagara Falls Videos

2008-04-14T18:59:00.001-04:00

A question for our international web surfers...Are you considering a trip to Niagara Falls? There is so much to do, that you might find an overview to be rather helpful.
I've scoured the You Tube site to bring you the best videos about the Niagara region, and compiled them here. The videos are a mixture of home made and professional productions. By looking at the title I've provided, you can quickly decide if the video is of interest.
Enjoy, and remember that any of the attractions you see here can be incorporated into a custom Buffalo Limousine tour.

Stretching Your Euros

2008-04-14T18:50:00.003-04:00

Thanks to our slumping economy, now is a great time for Europeans to find tremendous values in the United States. According to the USA Today, Europeans are flooding cities such as New York, looking for values:

"Weak dollar draws more European visitors in 2007
The USA received 1.5 million more visits from overseas last year than in 2006 as the weak U.S. dollar lured more Europeans interested in exercising their increased buying power.
Last year, the USA received an estimated 23.2 million visits from outside North America, up almost 7% from 2006, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce estimate.
Visits by Western Europeans, the largest source of visitors, were up 8% for the year, and the news Tuesday suggested they continue to have a strong motive for visiting the USA: record strength of the Euro.
The Euro surged Tuesday to an all-time peak of $1.4982 before closing the trading day in New York at $1.4967."

Niagara Falls, NY offers real value for your Euro. Consider that the US dollar has decreased in respect to the Canadian Dollar, leading to extra incentive to stay on the US side of the border.
Here's an example of 2 adults and 2 children buying tickets to board the Maid of the Mist Boat attraction (tickets can be purchased in the US or in Canada):

CANADA: 2 Adults + 2 children = $45.60 CAN, or 29.88 Euros
USA: 2 Adults + 2 children = $39.60 US, or 25.83 Euros

In this example, you save nearly 15% by touring on the US side of the Falls. There are more examples of this. Please check our main web site for more information on visiting Niagara Falls, regardless of which side you choose!