Carrie Stevens: Born May 1, 1969 – Buffalo, NY

Born and raised in Buffalo before the world came calling, Carrie Stevens built a career that spanned modeling, acting, and writing. Named Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in June 1997, she went on to appear in hit television shows including Beverly Hills, 90210 and Two and a Half Men, and shared the screen with Mark Wahlberg in Rock Star. She later chronicled her life in the entertainment industry in her memoir Unrated: Revelations of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Centerfold. From Buffalo to Hollywood, she carried the city’s resilience with her every step of the way.

Roswell Park: Born May 4, 1852 – Made His Mark in Buffalo, NY

When Roswell Park arrived in Buffalo in 1883, he brought with him a vision that would change medicine forever. A pioneering surgeon at Buffalo General Hospital, he founded the Gratwick Research Laboratory in 1898 — the first institution in the world devoted exclusively to cancer research, now known as the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. His bold idea of bringing pathologists, chemists, biologists, and surgeons together under one roof set a global standard for cancer care that endures to this day. Buffalo didn’t just adopt Roswell Park — it became his legacy.

John F. Carlson: Born May 5, 1875 – Raised in Buffalo, NY

Born in Sweden and raised in Buffalo, John F. Carlson grew up to become one of the most celebrated American Impressionist painters of his era. Known for his luminous winter landscapes and poetic brushwork, his work was exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago and earned him recognition across the country. He later became director of the Woodstock School of Landscape Painting and founded his own school in 1922, shaping generations of American artists. Buffalo gave him his first canvas; the rest of the world gave him its admiration.

Tim Russert: Born May 7, 1950 – Buffalo, NY

South Buffalo’s most famous son, Tim Russert grew up in a tight-knit Irish Catholic neighborhood where hard work and humility were the family currency. He took those values straight to the top of American journalism — becoming the iconic moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press, where his sharp, deeply researched interviews held politicians accountable for over 16 years. During the 2000 presidential election, he famously distilled the entire race to three words on a whiteboard: “Florida, Florida, Florida.” He never stopped saying “Go Bills,” and Buffalo never stopped claiming him as one of its greatest. A street in South Buffalo now bears his name.

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Sports have also been a powerful outlet for Buffalo-born excellence. Athletes like Johnny McCarthy and Matt Anderson exemplify determination and competitive spirit, rising from local courts and gyms to national and international stages. McCarthy etched his name into NBA history with a record-setting playoff performance, while Anderson became a cornerstone of Team USA volleyball, earning Olympic and World Cup success. Their journeys highlight a common thread—Buffalo’s ability to instill discipline, toughness, and ambition in those who grow up there.

Beyond entertainment and sports, Buffalo has also been home to innovators and visionaries who changed industries entirely. Joseph Dart revolutionized global trade with the invention of the grain elevator, helping transform Buffalo into a 19th-century economic powerhouse. In a different realm, environmentalist Bruce Kershner dedicated his life to preserving old-growth forests, proving that Buffalo’s impact extends into conservation and education as well. Even in music and creative arts, figures like David Lucas and Vincent Gallo pushed boundaries, bringing innovation and originality to their respective fields.

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About Boulevard Music Lessons

For nearly 15 years, Boulevard Music Lessons (BML) has served the local community by fostering a nurturing and inspirational environment for musical growth. Their mission is centered on spreading the spirit of music through learning experiences that are as fun as they are educational.

Expert Instruction Tailored to the Individual

BML offers a comprehensive range of lessons, including:

• Piano and Voice
• Guitar and Bass
• Drums
• Brass and Woodwinds

The faculty is comprised of formally educated, experienced musicians who view themselves as teachers first. Rather than acting as mere staff, these instructors are passionate members of the musical community dedicated to helping students reach beyond their horizons.

A Personalized Approach

Understanding that every student has unique goals, BML avoids rigid, one-size-fits-all curricula. Instead, they provide customized instruction designed to help every individual succeed. This commitment to accessibility includes a focus on accommodating students with special needs to ensure an inclusive learning environment.

To guarantee the best possible experience, a dedicated lesson coordinator consults with parents and students to match them with an instructor best suited to their specific skill level and aspirations. Whether a student is a beginner picking up an instrument for the first time or an advanced musician honing their craft, Boulevard Music Lessons strives to leave a lasting impression that leads to a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

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Start your day with a stop at Spot Coffee, where the pace slows down just enough to enjoy a good cup and take in the neighborhood. It’s the kind of place where conversations happen, laptops open, and the day begins on a relaxed note. From there, Elmwood naturally pulls you into its rhythm—small shops, local businesses, and a steady flow of people that make the street feel alive. 

When it’s time to eat, Cluck Cluck Moo Moo delivers exactly what you want without overcomplicating it. Known for their crispy chicken sandwiches, smash burgers, and loaded moo-tine fries, it’s a go-to spot that feels both casual and memorable. It’s the kind of place you stop at once—and then keep coming back to.

Elmwood works because it blends everything together—food, community, and character—without trying too hard. 

• Walkable, local, and full of personality 
• A mix of everyday staples and hidden gems 
• A true reflection of Buffalo’s culture

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About Andrew Galarneau

Andrew Galarneau is Buffalo’s go-to guide for all things food. With 35 years of journalism experience under his belt — including a long tenure as food editor at the Buffalo News — Galarneau has spent decades earning the trust of Buffalo diners, one honest recommendation at a time. Whether you’re hunting down rare ingredients, searching for the best banh mi in the city, or trying to book a celiac-safe table for eight on a Thursday night, Andrew is the guy with all the answers.

From Newspapers to Digital

Galarneau launched his journalism career at Generation, a weekly student feature magazine at the University at Buffalo. After two internships at the Buffalo News, he was hired by the Concord Monitor in New Hampshire in 1988. He went on to work as a court reporter for the St. Petersburg Times and an investigative reporter for the Lowell Sun in Massachusetts, building a well-rounded reporting foundation before rejoining the Buffalo News in 1997 as a feature writer — eventually becoming its celebrated food editor.

On December 1, 2023 — shortly before his 57th birthday — Galarneau made a bold move, leaving print behind entirely to go all-digital. He launched Four Bites, a subscriber-supported platform where he acts as a personal dining concierge for Buffalo food lovers. The premise is simple but powerful: he doesn’t just publish articles — he gets readers answers.

Four Bites: Service Journalism Reimagined

At the heart of Galarneau’s digital venture is a belief that great food journalism should be useful, not just entertaining. Drawing on theories developed over 23 years of teaching journalism at the University at Buffalo’s English Department, he set out to create a new kind of service journalism — one where the reporter is also a finder of answers, a digital concierge committed to delivering reliable, actionable eating intelligence to his subscribers.

From hidden gems to hard-to-find ingredients, Galarneau puts his investigative reporting chops to work for everyday diners. It’s a concept that has resonated deeply with Buffalo’s passionate food community.

Embracing New Media

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Galarneau has thrown himself into the world of social media — even the platforms that make veteran journalists cringe. His undergraduates at UB taught him how to use TikTok, and he’s been learning reel by reel ever since, building his presence as @buffalofoodguy. As he puts it, faced with the choice of serving an important part of his audience or writing them off, the answer was easy. He’s also active on Instagram, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter), connecting with food lovers across Buffalo and beyond.

Educator and Advocate for Independent Journalism

For 23 years, Galarneau has lectured on journalism at the University at Buffalo — and his commitment to the craft extends well beyond the classroom. He is currently developing The People’s Journalism Academy, a textbook and DIY reporting guide built around a straightforward but radical idea: journalism is too important to be left solely in the hands of profit-driven businesses. The project aims to empower everyday people to report, investigate, and tell the stories that matter in their own communities.

A Proud Buffaholic

Galarneau’s love for Buffalo runs deep — deep enough he put that love in writing for the Buffalo News with the closest thing he has to an autobiography is titled “My Name is Andrew, and I’m a Buffaholic.“ After decades of covering the city’s food scene, teaching its next generation of journalists, and now building something entirely new in the digital space, Andrew Galarneau remains one of Buffalo’s most dedicated, trusted, and enthusiastic storytellers. He’s not just reporting on Buffalo’s food culture — he’s helping shape it.

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About Grand New Flag, LLC.

Grand New Flag is a mission-driven American business founded to honor the legacy of Arnold J. Kauppinen, a Vietnam War veteran who served two combat tours with the Army’s 196th Light Infantry Brigade. His service and sacrifice remain at the heart of the company’s identity, shaping both its purpose and operations.

The company integrates this commitment into its business model through its “5% for Vets Fund,” pledging to donate 5% of annual net profits to organizations that support U.S. veterans. Since 2019, Grand New Flag has partnered with Dog Tags New York, an organization dedicated to connecting rescue dogs with veterans in need of emotional support.

Grand New Flag further demonstrates its appreciation for military service by offering a 15% discount on all military flags, flagpoles, and patriotic products for veterans and active-duty personnel. The company also shares personal historical content through its blog, including Arnold’s letters home from Vietnam, reinforcing its deep-rooted connection to service and remembrance.

In addition to its veteran-focused mission, Grand New Flag is committed to supporting American manufacturing. All products are made in the United States, with a carefully curated selection of flags, flagpoles, brackets, solar lights, and accessories. Each item is personally selected and tested by founder Philip Kauppinen to ensure high quality and durability.

Through its dedication to veterans and American-made products, Grand New Flag positions itself as a leader in the patriotic goods marketplace, defined by purpose, quality, and national pride.

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It might be a small coffee shop you used to stop at without thinking, or a neighborhood street that always felt familiar. At the time, it’s just routine. But once you’re gone, those same places start to mean more.

Take a walk through Elmwood or Hertel and you’ll start to notice it. The local shops, the restaurants that remember your order, the spots that don’t try too hard—they just feel right. Buffalo has a way of creating places that are comfortable without being flashy. 

It’s not about big attractions. It’s about consistency. It’s about knowing where to go when you want something good without overthinking it. 

People who move away often say the same thing: they miss the feeling. Not just the food or the city itself—but the ease of it all.

That’s what makes these spots special. You don’t always realize it in the moment, but they become part of your routine, your habits, your everyday life. 

And once that’s gone, you notice. 

Buffalo isn’t just a place you live—it’s a place that sticks with you.

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The best parts of the city aren’t always the most talked about. They’re the places you hear about from a friend, stumble into by accident, or finally try after driving past them a hundred times.

What makes Buffalo different is that it rewards curiosity. If you stick to the same few bars, restaurants, and routines, it can feel repetitive. But the second you branch out, everything changes. 

Some of the best experiences come from: 

• Trying a random local spot instead of a chain 
• Exploring a neighborhood you usually ignore 
• Checking out events you didn’t plan for 

Buffalo has character—you just have to go find it. Next time you think there’s nothing to do, try checking out Born Buffalo to discover something new. You might be surprised how much you’ve been missing.

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Delaware Park was designed in the late 1800s by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect responsible for designing New York City’s Central Park. His vision for Buffalo was to create a connected park system where green spaces, waterways, and parkways blended naturally into the surrounding neighborhoods. 

At the center of Delaware Park is Hoyt Lake, a scenic spot that has become a popular destination for walking, biking, and outdoor events. The park is also home to open fields, wooded paths, and cultural landmarks that make it a year-round destination for residents and visitors.

What Makes Delaware Park Special 

• A historic park system designed in the 1800s 
• Home to Hoyt Lake, walking paths, and open green space 

Over the years, Delaware Park has hosted everything from festivals and concerts to quiet afternoon walks and family picnics. Its combination of history, design, and natural beauty continues to make it one of the most important green spaces in Buffalo.

For those who enjoy discovering the stories behind Buffalo’s landmarks and neighborhoods, platforms like Born Buffalo highlight the places, history, and businesses that help define the city.

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Created by Buffalo artist Casey Milbrand, the mural was designed in the style of a classic travel postcard. The goal was simple: celebrate the city and give people a colorful place to stop, explore, and take in a piece of Buffalo culture. 

The mural stands out for a few reasons: 

• A tribute to Buffalo – The postcard-style design highlights the city and its identity in a fun, welcoming way. 
• A popular photo spot – Visitors and locals regularly stop by Hertel Avenue to snap pictures in front of the wall. 
• Part of Buffalo’s growing art scene – Murals like this are helping bring more public art and creativity to neighborhoods across the city. 

If you’re already exploring Hertel Avenue’s restaurants, shops, and theaters, it’s the perfect place to stop for a quick photo. And if this mural sparks your interest, you’ll find plenty of other incredible street art throughout Buffalo worth checking out. 

Looking for more hidden spots, local businesses, and things to do around the city? Explore more Buffalo finds on BornBuffalo.com.

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