What's Happening in Buffalo, NY…

Buffalo, New York, has something of a reputation for being snowy and cold most of the year, but it has recently been the subject of praise for the beauty of its urban center, which lies at the eastern end of Lake Erie.

The compliments came in the wake of the 19th Garden Walk Buffalo, a two-day function during which over 360 gardens in Buffalo were open to visitors. The event is the largest of its kind in the nation. Barbara Bonvetti, who came from Delaware with a group of garden-loving enthusiasts, said Buffalo was beautiful, adding it was the number of gardens open to view that added to the city's appeal.

More than 50,000 people attend the Walk each year, with approximately 20% of that number coming from more than 50 miles away, according to a 2011 study. The number of visitors to this one event pumps nearly $4.5m into the city's economy.

When they were asked what drew them to the area, visitors cited the city's architecture, one-of-a-kind neighborhoods, and welcoming homeowners as the reasons why the Walk is so enjoyable. Those gardeners who participate in the Walk let total strangers into their homes, and apparently the word has spread that Buffalo residents give visitors a warm welcome.

Event organizers could work with poster printing companies to create a colorful advertising poster for next year, which could also be sold as a souvenir. Flyer printing might be another way to let local people know about this scenic location of their doorstep.