Group Excursions

2024 National Congress - Buffalo, New York

02-05 October 2024

Four Centuries of Naval and Maritime History

Updated 15 July 2024

The Western New York Commandery looks forward to providing you opportunities to visit various attractions at a reasonable cost and making your visit to Buffalo memorable.  We are exploring various options for guided tours to make your visit to the United States “City of Light” most memorable.  In addition to the tourist attractions that individuals may want to visit in conjunction with the congress (2024 Congress Tours — Naval Order), we would like to gauge interest in three (3) possible group excursions. 

Companions registering for, or considering participating in the 2024 Annual Congress are asked to consider the following tours, identify ones that you are interested in, and e-mail CDR Michael Zuffoletto, CHC, USN (Ret) (Fr. Mike) with your preferences at mpz@aol.com by June 15th. This date is so we can make necessary reservations for transportation.

On Tuesday, 01 October

Visit Niagara Falls, Lewiston and Fort Niagara. 

We depart from the Hyatt Regency (0900) and travel to one of the wonders of the world, Niagara Falls, where we will embark on the Maid of the Mist,  Maid of the Mist | The Original Niagara Falls Boat Tour, for a close-up view of the mighty falls. After the tour, we will depart for the quaint village of Lewiston where we will enjoy a buffet lunch at the Griffon Gastropub Griffon Brewery and Gastropub (griffongastropub.com). A quick visit to one of the invasion points of Canada during the War of 1812 and a terminus of the underground railroad follows, and then it's off to Old Fort Niagara, Welcome to Old Fort Niagara, returning to the Hyatt by 1700.

The estimated all-inclusive price for this group tour is $140/person for a group of 40 participants.  We are confirming prices that may vary based on participation. 

 

A half day Architectural Tour,

departing from the Hyatt for a tour of the Darwin Martin House, one of the finest examples of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.  Then it’s off to tour the Pierce Arrow Museum and Filling Station  The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum. If you like grand old luxury cars this is the place to see. As time allows, we will drive by additional notable architectural buildings of which Buffalo is famous, returning to the Hyatt.

 

The estimated all-inclusive price for this group tour is $127/person for a group of 15 participants.

 

On Friday, 04 October,

The Best of Buffalo and Buffalo Waterfront tour

Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours - Buffalo Tours, Sightseeing Tours.  The tour will begin immediately following the afternoon Congress session at the Buffalo Naval and Military Park.  Your guide is Officer O'Connor, an Irish cop from the 1800s who brings to life all the hidden stories of the “Queen City.”  The proposed itinerary includes:

  • Depart from the Buffalo Naval and Military Park (1700)

  • The Naval Park and America's Most Famous Photo

  • Canalside

  • Uncover the secrets of Buffalo's notorious waterfront AKA 'The Most Evil Square Mile in America'

  • Discover how a drunken dock worker contributed to Buffalo's most infamous invention

  • Experience the transformation of the Outer Harbor

  • Millionaire's Row 

  • Richardson Complex AKA the Psych Center

  • The Triple Hanging at City Hall

  • Secrets of Downtown Architecture

  • Return to Hyatt Regency (1900)

The estimated all-inclusive price for this group tour is $30/person for a group of 25 participants. 


There is something for everyone in Buffalo. Companions are encouraged to consider participating in this Congress and taking advantage of exploring Western New York and this unique city. Buffalo was front and center at many of the most pivotal moments of the 19th and 20th centuries. Its history is surprising and rich, replete with countless historic sites and museum-worthy stories. Battles were waged here as the War of 1812 played out at Old Fort Niagara. Fortunes were made, jazz legends jammed and American presidents lived, died, governed and are interred there.

The Hyatt Regency Buffalo Concierge is pleased to assist Companions with excursions to local attractions that are not included in the Naval Order’s Schedule of Events. Click here for Tour suggestions.