Things to Do in Lackawanna

Thousands of beads of all kinds from around the globe twinkle in hues of every color at Bead Creative, awaiting their moment to be united with wire, floss, and leather in customers’ unique handiworks. The store’s expert jewelry-makers aid shoppers in selecting the perfect combination of beads for stringing a necklace or embroidering onto a leotard in preparation for a circus job as a beardless woman. After finding the perfect materials, guests can perch at in-store workstations to start their creations. The store’s bead artists also lead classes or host parties, imparting the fundamentals of crafting pieces to dangle around the neck, wrist, or prehensile tail.

In addition to outfitting aquatic adventurers with necessary equipment, Buffalo River Canoe and Kayak Outfitters sends groups of paddlers splashing downstream during guided explorations seven days a week. Headlining an assortment of trips, the Buffalo River Urban Trails tour unveils some of the city's historic waterfront sights, highlighted by industrial-area businesses and grain elevators that stand as towering links to an agrarian past or prophesies to an apocalyptic future where morsels of homogenized chicken byproduct no longer exist. The Outfitters' other point-to-point adventures—ranging from 2.5 to 6 miles apiece—also provide varying launch points, such as Red Jacket River Front Park and Seneca Bluffs.

Perched at the bow of the pirate ship, the captain's parrot braces for stormy weather. But in the case of the pirate-ship inflatable at Pirates Plank, the feeling of choppy waves isn't generated by water below, but by the youngsters hopping on it. Kids can also jump around on a _Pirates of the Caribbean_–themed bounce house before navigating around the tranquil ponds decorating the 18-hole miniature-golf course.

Elsewhere, Pirates Plank hosts races on its go-kart track, gamers in its video arcade, and players in its batting cages aiming for homers or to hit balls back into the machine they came from. The snack bar keeps visitors reenergized with tasty treats, and birthday parties entice attendees with unlimited soda and popcorn, arcade tokens for each guest, and mini-golf passes for future visits.

Three branches of a winding creek intersect at the very center of 18 Mile Creek Golf Course, spreading out in a wishbone pattern along the layout's fairways and greens. Along with four small ponds, the creek supplies the bulk of the course's hazards, as golfers must steer their drives, approaches, and thirsty golf carts away from water that comes into play on 10 holes. With a total distance of 6,081 yards, the par 70 layout caters to clubbers across the handicap spectrum. After rounds, golfers can replenish energy sapped from crushing drives or disciplining misbehaving wedges at the clubhouse, which serves burgers, hot dogs, beer, and other grill food and refreshments.

Awash in the aromas of all manner of edible creations, the air in Cazenovia Park buzzes with the strums of guitars and cheerful chatter as Taste of South Buffalo’s festivities carry on into the night. Throughout the day, chefs from area restaurants such as Brick Oven Bistro & Deli and Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub can be found serving up hearty helpings of their signature dishes. In the background, live music from local artists Jane Jane Soundsystem, The Voice contestant Zack Joseph, and So Far So Good add a toe-tapping component to the proceedings and facilitate synchronized eating routines.

Taste of South Buffalo’s loaded schedule of events mingles food with entertainment, starting off with a USA Track & Field-sanctioned Mike Diggins Memorial 5K walk and run at 8 a.m. Afterward, the Buffalo Warriors take on the South Buffalo Catholic School's parents in a basketball game at 11 a.m. Other events include a split-club drawing and a taping of the game show Duck, Duck, Goose wherein elementary students answer questions culled from 36 categories in an attempt to scoop up various prizes.