April 14, 2009 - The 26th annual Taste of Buffalo, presented by Tops, the largest two-day food festival of its kind in the United States, will take place on July 11th and 12th in the heart of the city's downtown neighborhood. The culinary extravaganza has grown into one of the region's most successful events, bringing in visitors from nearby Southern Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Ohio in addition to residents of the eight counties that comprise Western New York.

"The Taste of Buffalo has grown into such a popular event in downtown Buffalo for visitors and residents alike, and I look forward to this year's edition of this unique, family-friendly event," said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. "While the event draws people to the wide array of excellent and healthy local culinary options, the Taste of Buffalo always serves as a great opportunity to showcase Buffalo's rich architectural heritage throughout our downtown, as well as the continuing revitalization of the city's waterfront, which is so close to the Taste weekend events along Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square. This is another outdoor, city event that reinforces the dynamic quality of life in Buffalo."

While Buffalo may be famous for chicken wings, Taste organizers are encouraging those looking for a weekend destination or even a fun day trip to consider coming to Buffalo the weekend of their festival to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

"We've got amazing art institutions, including the newly renovated Burchfield Penney Art Center and great historical and architectural offerings as well," said Thomas Muscarella, chairman of the 2009 Taste of Buffalo. "And the best part is, a lot of attractions are free, or only have a nominal entry fee. So the entire family can enjoy the experience."

Buffalo is home to dozens of family friendly attractions, with affordable entry fees. The Buffalo Zoo, the third oldest zoo in the country, includes state-of-the-art aquatic habitats and the newly opened Rainforest Falls, home to vampire bats, anacondas, anteaters, piranhas and much more.

Not far from the zoo is the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, located in downtown Buffalo on the beautiful waterfront. History buffs can take their family of four to this sight to see for $30 and experience a two-hour tour on a guided missile cruiser, destroyer and WWII submarine.

Two of Western New York's popular museums - Explore & More Children's Museum and the Buffalo Museum of Science - are perfect stops for families with young children (and even for parents who are young at heart!) The Buffalo Museum of Science has 12 ongoing exhibits, including exhibits from educational activities specific to Western New York history to an interactive exhibit teaching children about life in ancient Egypt. Admission to Explore & More Children's Museum is just $5.00 a person (children under one year are free) and children can explore a variety of hands-on experiences...and more!

Not far from Explore & More is the Toy Town Museum in the Buffalo suburb of East Aurora, home to Fisher Price Headquarters. This museum is dedicated to showcasing antique toys and preserving Western New York's rich toy heritage. See a 12-room antique doll house, films about toy making and a unique gift shop. Parents are sure to talk a walk down memory lane after visiting this one-of-a-kind museum.

Martin's Fantasy Island is located on Grand Island, minutes from downtown Buffalo. Parking is free, and the park offers over 100 rides, several shows and a variety of games.

And don't forget, one of the seven wonders of the world lives in Buffalo's backyard, Niagara Falls! Niagara Falls is home to the Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara State Parks, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, several restaurants and great views.

And at the Taste of Buffalo, visitors get a sampling of the region's vast array of fine dining, family and ethnic restaurants, with wineries from the Finger Lakes and the blossoming Niagara Region as a growing component to the festival. Buffalo's melting pot heritage is reflected in the array of items available, from Polish pierogi to Italian sausage and Viennese pastries.  Almost every cuisine under the sun is offered, as well as staples such as pulled pork, jerk chicken, shrimp and crab cakes.

Sampling sizes average $1.00 to $4.00 per item, the Taste of Buffalo is literally offering "taste size" samplings, so visitors can experience an even wider range of culinary styles and treats.

The best part of Buffalo is how affordable it is, visitors can find hotels to fit any budget. And Western New Yorkers always brag about being able to visit all of these great places in one day because of the quick drive from place to place and easy going traffic.

"We all joke that to get anywhere in Western New York, it only takes 20 minutes. And, it's the truth," Muscarella said.

Festival hours are Saturday, July 11 from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday, July 12 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Event information, including cooking and entertainment stage schedules and a full listing of the participating restaurants, are available by visiting www.tasteofbuffalo.com.