Lewiston and Youngstown

Lewiston and Youngstown are so much more than you expect. These towns have tons to offer year-round, but in summer we love all of the date nights, family events, historical sites, thrill seeking, spas, antiquing, food, drink, shopping, and festivals in the area. Embrace the adventure, support local businesses, and immerse yourself in the charm of Western New York.

THE WESTERN NEW YORK WAY

The fun of exploring the area is soaking up the charm while learning the stories of the different places. For example, DiCamillo Bakery on Center St., Lewiston has been familyowned and run for over 100 years. Western New Yorkers no doubt are familiar with Griffin Gastropubs. They recently moved their Lewiston location into the old Riverside Inn, and in February they opened a tap house in Youngstown, where they brew beer for their restaurants. Niagara County has so much great farmland, and many of the chefs and other businesses take full advantage. Almost every stop you make is locally owned and operated, so no matter where you go, you’re shopping small!

BANDANA’S BAR & GRILL

Bandana’s on Lake Rd. is a treasure for locals and visitors alike. Owners, Rob and Melissa Kudel met in college. Rob ran Cozumel Grill on Elmwood for years, while Melissa teaches in Buffalo. When a building in Melissa’s hometown of Youngstown went up for sale, they seized the opportunity with family support. The Kudels aim to create a rustic, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can have fun. The staff is friendly, and the food is thoughtfully prepared.

The restaurant’s name and logo come from Rob’s signature bandana, inspired by a bartender’s drawing of Rob at Cozumel. The diverse menu includes Buffalo favorites and comfort food, with unique touches to reflect and honor Rob’s life experiences, such as Sunday fiesta specials reflecting his time at Cozumel, and jerk dishes to reflect his love for Jamaica. In the summer, guests can enjoy outdoor seating on the porch or in the courtyard.

DOING IT RIGHT

In Lewiston, The Natural Link is a specialty meat market and deli on Portage Rd., owned by Cathy and Brian Martin for the past 10 years. With Brian’s 25 years’ experience in a supermarket, he enjoyed the work but wanted to offer healthier, better options, leading to their purchase of The Natural Link. This family-run business embodies a locally owned, shop small, support local ethos. The shop prioritizes local and ethical sourcing, with free-range chicken, organic pork, and smoked chicken and pork sausages. Known for 21-day dry-aged prime steaks, they also offer game meat, wild-caught fish, and local dairy products. If people can’t find what they want in the area or their store, the Martins work hard to try and find and/or make it.

THIS AIN’T YOUR MOMMA’S HISTORY CLASS

When talking about this area, you cannot ignore the history - there is just so much of it! Lewiston was the site of the first major battle of the War of 1812 and a final stop on the Underground Railroad. In Youngstown, Old Fort Niagara was built by the French in 1678. The British took it during the French and Indian War and kept it until the end of the Revolutionary War. You’ll find historical markers all over the region, and the Historical Marker Database can help you find them. Each village has a museum to offer more information: the Historical Association of Lewiston and Museum, and Old Fort Niagara

ARTPARK

Artpark continues to be a large draw–and for good reason: they have offered great concerts, shows, and art for 50 years this year. While you may be familiar with Artpark’s concerts, be sure to check out the website for so much more: art installations, free family Saturdays, hiking trails, picnic areas, and festivals.

OUTDOOR FUN

If it’s the outdoors you love, check out the several area parks and hiking trails. Joseph Davis State Park in Lewiston has a nature trail, 27 and 9-hole disc golf course, pavilions, fishing, boat launches, and playgrounds. There are plenty of places for anglers. Four Mile Creek State Park in Youngstown has a variety of camping spots including yurts to extend your stay! With so much water in the area, there is plenty of opportunity for kayaking, boating, sailing, and fishing. If golf is your thing, stop by Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course between Lewiston and Youngstown.

For daredevils, the villages have something for you too! In Lewiston, take a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour through the rapids of the Lower Niagara River, though you may want to save that for a warm day because you WILL get wet. Or, go skydiving at Skydive the Falls in Youngstown.