Dinner at Francesca's

Hello everyone,

Well we have not done any travelling so far this summer and due to work schedules and other happenings we won't go to far, but all the more reason to discover new places in our own back yard, so to speak.  We did that one night early in June when we went to Francesca's Cucina, http://www.francescas-cucina.com/?p=home, to celebrate our 9th Anniversary. 

You enter the restaurant through the bar area which seems a little dark, and even though that is your first impression it will not be the impression you are left with.  Reservations are highly recommended, even on a Tuesday night it did get busy.  We sat in the courtyard, which was like visiting an Italian villa.  It was a lovely night and the weather was perfect for dining al fresco.  Nick, our waiter, who we highly recommend, and I repeat highly recommend, was attentive but not overly attentive and saw to our every need without being intrusive.  The food was delicious and fresh.  We are already planning a return visit soon. 

Eating at Francesca's was relaxing and enjoyable like visiting a friend and being able to linger and appreciate the time spent with good company. 

Shuffle off to Buffalo

Well, it has been a while since I have done any travel blogging, but then again, it was Winter and my husband and I do not do too much travelling in the Winter. Living in the Northeast, especially this year, makes it tough to travel, and with gas prices being on the incline it does make it difficult. This year we think our 6 hour travel circle will be reduced to 3 hours. There is still a lot to do within that 3 hour circle. You don't have to travel far from home to feel refreshed and find something new and exciting.

We did take a long weekend to travel to Buffalo recently. There was a guitar show my husband wanted to go and it was a nice mid-Winter break.

We stayed at a Hampton Inn right near the Walden Galleria Mall. It was a busy weekend there with a lot of families in the hotel for a hockey tournament, but we really did not notice it at all. We did not get any noise from the halls or other rooms and the kids seemed to have all been tucked away by 10 pm. The breakfast area was filled and cleaned at all times and the friendly staff greeted us each morning with a smile and "good morning." We would defiantly go here again. We really have found that Hampton Inns are a great value. You get a great breakfast, large selection, hot and cold options, juices, coffees, teas, cereal, make-your-own waffles, and the list goes on. We have always stayed at one with a pool and sauna area and this one was no exception with a large area with tables and chairs and plenty of towels.

The Walden Galleria is a huge mall but with a lot to offer. It was very crowded the day we went; a lot of visitors from Canada come over to shop. There was a great Italian restaurant there called Bravo Cucina that was excellent.

Buffalo has a lot to offer the entire family; sports, art, music, shopping, and outdoor activities. Don't forget that Niagara Falls is just a short 30 minute drive north and Canada is just across the Niagara River.

Linda