With its recent move into the completely renovated Allendale Theater, a former vaudeville house built in 1913, in historic Allentown, this non-profit troupe starts a new era of entertainment for audiences of all ages. Featuring professional actors, the theater has made it, its mission to introduce children to the performing arts since 1972. Now, in its new 475-seat, ultra-plush and ultra-modern home, the theater can carry forth that mandate-with the help of its dedicated volunteers.

You've likely heard of Buffalo wings, but few outside the city know that Frank and Teressa's Anchor Bar is where they originated in 1964 and where they still make some of the best. If wings aren't your thing, you can choose from made-to-order pub food. Minutes from the Buffalo Theater District, this casual, unpretentious bar features live jazz Friday and Saturday evenings. The walls are covered with awards and articles extolling the famous wings. See website for online sauce and souvenir shopping and more.

The Glenn and Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center of Nichols School, is one of the premier venues in Buffalo to host dance performances or concerts. It is a 480-seater auditorium with excellent sound and light facilities. It has been the venue for the prestigious Buffalo Contemporary Dance Company and The Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet. The Center also houses the Flickinger Gallery which holds several art exhibitions and workshops. Its facilities are available on rental.

If your idea of Italian Cuisine is restricted to pizzas and pastas, then think again. At Romeo & Juliet's Bakery Cafe, you are bound to fall in love not only with the ambiance but also the food served. Though famous for its European Style pizzas, the menu has wide range of soups as well. For desserts the "prosciutto and Tiramisu" are highly recommended. The only let down would be the lack of parking facilities; though the moment you smell the delicious aroma and meet the friendly staff you would know it is worth the trouble. At the end of it, this place is sure to send its customers back stuffed.

Some of the best in contemporary American cuisine is served here by chef Christopher Daigler, including Olive Oil Poached Long Island Duck Breast, and Porcini Dusted Sea Bass. One of the oldest fine dining spots in Buffalo, this restaurant located north of Delaware Park is still a favorite for those looking for elegance and excellent food. There's a formal air to the place, perhaps due to the dress code. But the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. A good place for a special anniversary or to close that important deal.

Ted's Hot Dogs has been a popular place to eat in Western New York since it was founded by Greek immigrant Theodore Liaros in 1927. His philosophy was to serve delicious foods cooked to order in a clean, friendly atmosphere. This still holds true today. The menu is simple: hot dogs charcoal-broiled to order, hamburgers, plus chicken, Italian sausage, polish sausage and fish sandwiches. Try a dog or burger with Ted's famous hot sauce for a real treat. Round out your meal with fries and a loganberry drink, a Western New York specialty. - Christine A. Smyczynski

This group was originally founded in 1923 as the Players of Niagara. They were formerly known as the Niagara Ffalls Little Theater, but changed their name in 2004 to Niagara Regional Theatre Guild to reflect the fact that they serve the whole region. It is one of the oldest continually running local theater groups in western New York. They are the official resident theater company in the cardinal O'Hara Performing Arts Center. Past performances include production like My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, The Music Man and Guys and Dolls. - Christine A. Smyczynski

An 1829 building which once housed the Clarence Center Post Office now lends itself to this popular café. They serve a variety of coffees and specialty beverages, as well as gourmet panini sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and desserts. In warmer weather, you can sip your coffee on the café's wrap around porch. Breakfast sandwiches and wraps are served until noon, and a children's menu includes favorites like PB&J and grilled cheese. Beverage selections include regular and decaf coffee, espresso, specialty coffees (for example, their rich white chocolate mocha), smoothies, milkshakes, tea and chai. Wine and beer are also served, along with liquored coffees and frozen drinks. Live music adds a nice touch to Friday and Saturday evenings. - Christine A. Smyczynski

This café features Italian pastries, homemade gelato and sorbet, specialty beverages, and a small lunch menu. They have between 60-70 recipes for their frozen confections that they rotate, with about two dozen flavors in the case on any given day. The name of the restaurant, Sweet Melody's, draws on the fact that many of the employees are college students that major in either voice or music. At any given time they might take a break from their duties and break into song or play their instrument. Lunch includes panini sandwiches, along with a few other sandwich selections. Beverages include coffee, cappuccino, steamed milk, tea and smoothies. - Christine A. Smyczynski

This combination upscale restaurant/bar and indoor golf experience is a place you'll feel as comfortable taking your grandmother to lunch as you would spending time with your golfing buddies. This facility, named after the short grass that separates the putting green from the rough, was developed by a local couple; is the first of its kind in the country. They have eight indoor golf simulators and 22 HD tvs to keep up with golf and other sports. The menu, which features classic American cuisine, features items like salads and sandwiches, along with entrees like grilled salmon and New York strip steak. - Christine A. Smyczynski