Whether it's a guitar you want or piano lessons, this store can provide it for you. Located just west of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (hence its name), the shop has been serving area musicians since 1977. Aside from the sale and servicing of instruments, both new and used, the store also stocks amplifiers, PA and recording gear, and special effects processors. And check out the specials. You might get a classic instrument for a song and a dance.

When in Buffalo and in need of some brand-new Christian-themed literature, there is only one place to go. Located within the Buffalo Christian Center (home to the Forbes Theatre) in the city's historic Theater District, this bookstore offers religious and spiritual reading material. See website for complete visitor details.

Anyone who is searching for a gift for that special Grateful Dead pal doesn't have to look any further than this shop in a quiet neighborhood in North Buffalo. From incense and oils to imported jewelry, from music to stickers, posters and clothing, it's all here, and at bargain prices. Named after a famous 1977 Grateful Dead album, the shop, located close to the Buffalo Zoological Gardens and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, has received favorable comparisons to similar Deadhead shrines in San Francisco and Amsterdam.

A full-service tobacco shop in Buffalo's North End, this establishment offers one of the widest selection of cigars and cigar-related products in Western New York. You can get domestic and imported cigarettes, premium cigars from around the world, and top-of-the-line pipe tobacco. There's a walk-in humidor and the opportunity to smoke one of their products while relaxing in the lounge with a cup of coffee and the TV tuned to the big game. The shop is also proud to be part of Buffalo's annual Herf-In-The-Snow (HITS) cigar crawl!

Eastern Hills Mall has a wide variety of stores so you can find the perfect item, whether it's a perfectly fitted outfit or a gift for a friend. There are jewelery stores, clothing boutiques, shoe stores, specialty stores as well as restaurants. This shopping center is sure to impress.

This upscale dessert restaurant, located in a historic 1870s mansion in the heart of Williamsville, features world class desserts, served as the entrée. About eight different plated desserts are offered on the menu each day. Some of the items that have been featured include Belgian Chocolate Pate, White Chocolate Mousse Cake, Black Bottom Tiramisu, and creme brulée. Their original location in West Falls serves similar fare. From the original location, owners Carolyn and Bill Panzica market their desserts to finer restaurants and hotels in western New York and beyond. So try something different and have dessert for dinner tonight. - Christine A. Smyczynski

When it comes to repairing and reconstructing pianos, no one does it better than Vincent Illos. One of his restored pianos has made it to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the business since 1961, Illos worked as a technician for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for 15 years before starting his own North Buffalo business. Today, his crew of trained technicians and repair people can do everything from sand a piano to building one from scratch. Each piano is hand-restored from start to finish.

This chocolate company, with a half-dozen locations in Western NY, has been producing the "food of the gods" since it was founded by Joseph Fowler in 1910. Using only the finest ingredients, the firm has built up an enviable reputation as the place to go for that special chocolate gift. The Buffalo store, in North Buffalo, offers seasonal delights for Christmas, Valentine's and Easter.Another store can be found in Williamsville, northeast of Buffalo, located within the Boardwalk Boutiques.

The largest and oldest independent bookstore in western New York, Talking Leaves has well catered to Buffalo and its academic community since 1971. They provide a large selection of local interest books and best-sellers, along with books concerning Native American interest, textbooks for the University students, and the most extensive selection of poetry in the United States. They house a helpful staff sure to make you feel at home, and the store also regularly schedules events with book authors. Please  contact for open hours.

This renovated 1880's church, located in the Blossom area of Elma, is stocked with a variety of primitive antiques, along with one of a kind locally made handcrafted items, such as candles, soaps, lotions, jams, dips, spices and mustards. As you browse, enjoy a complimentary cup of fireside coffee. Some of their unique decorator items include flexible twig lights, perfect for creating country displays. They come in 20" and 39" tall sprigs, as well as in a 6-foot garland. The antique items are ever changing and include many primitives and country décor items. - Christine A. Smyczynski