How to Spend a Day in the Tonawandas

If you’re spending a day in the Northtowns, the Tonawandas area is worth exploring. Sharing the Erie Canal, the twin cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda offer a variety of places to eat, drink, shop, listen to live music, and venture along the Niagara River and Erie Canal.

To help you make the most of your day in the area, we’ve put together an itinerary of places worth visiting, but we encourage you to see what catches your eye along the way and add it to your personal list!

Breakfast: Coffee and Stone Cafe or FIGMOR

To start your day off right, we recommend heading to Coffee & Stone Cafe or FIGMOR. For starters, both places are very reasonably priced and have a wide selection of options. For quick coffee options, Coffee & Stone is the way to go. For sit-down service and a classic bacon and egg breakfast, FIGMOR has you covered.

Shopping on Webster Street

Webster Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Webster Street is very walkable and is full of local shops worth exploring. Check out You Grow Girl plant shop, Aster and Lilies boutique, and Spiritually Rooted metaphysical shop.

Lunch: Prosper Brewing Company or El Punto Mexican Cantina

While you’re on Webster Street, Prosper Brewing Company is a great place to grab a craft beer and a light lunch. They have a selection of draft beers, amber beers, and IPAs, as well as bites like pierogi, pizza, chicken wings, and more! Craving Mexican food? El Punto is a lively Mexican restaurant with authentic dishes that will have you drooling.

Explore the canal and river by land and sea

Water is everywhere in the Tonawandas and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. On land, you’ll find bike trails that run along the water through Ellicott Creek Park to the canal and then through Niawanda Park along the Niagara River. In the warmer months, if you’re looking to get out on the water, you can head to Collins Marine to rent pontoon boats or try out the water bikes and kayaks at Water Bike Adventures. For those who love to fish, head to Gratwick Park where you’ll find a beautifully paved bike path and a fishing pier that’s also wheelchair accessible!

Practice your drive at the Golf Dome

175 Brompton Rd, Tonawanda, NY 14150 / More information

For a colder day when the canal might be a little too chilly to explore, the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome is a great alternative. Open from October to May, you’ll find a driving range, miniature golf, putting and chipping green, and a practice bunker. It’s a fun place for families and friends, no matter how good your golfing skills are.

Dinner: Remington Tavern and Seafood Exchange or Prescott’s provisions

Remington Tavern and Seafood Exchange and Prescott’s Provisions are located along the canal and offer exquisite menus. Both establishments will offer you seafood, steaks and chops, sandwiches and much more.

Grab dessert at Just Say Cheesecake or Eucalypt Cake Artistry + Coffee

You can’t skip dessert! After dinner, head to Just Say Cheesecake for a slice of homemade cheesecake. The Babci Original is a popular choice: a graham cracker crust with their famous creamy cheesecake and a sweet sour cream filling. Another great option in the neighborhood is Eucalypt Cake Artistry + Cafe. This cute little cafe offers cookies, brownie bars, cupcakes, and more.

Catch a show at Gateway Harbor or the Riviera Theatre

Gateway Harbor, 1 Young Street, Tonawanda, NY 14150 / Website

Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 / More information

Live entertainment is never far away when you visit the Tonawandas. During the summer months, Gateway Harbor hosts a Canal Concert Series, which is free to the public and includes opportunities to purchase items from outside vendors. The Riviera Theatre, home of the mighty Wurlitzer, hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, often featuring popular tribute bands. Pro tip: check out the recently restored mural on the side of the theater while you’re there!

Drinks after the show at Canal Club 62

62 Webster Street, North Tonawanda, New York 14120 / More information

After a busy day, head just across the street from the Riviera to Canal Club 62 for craft cocktails, wines, and spirits in the late evening. During the warmer seasons, you’ll find they have an inviting outdoor patio with hanging lighting, a fireplace and surrounding greenery.

This article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated.