By Sharon Osorio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-927592.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Take a look outside, and you'll see the rich colors of fall on the trees surrounding us. Mother Nature is putting on a show.
Angela Berti from the New York State Parks, knows it's a great time for out-of-towners who cannot get this view back home, to visit the area.
"We get a lot of that from our international folks who might not have change of season or even folks from around the country who aren't familiar with change of season. They do make a special points to come and include fall as part of their visit and take part in the leaf-changing," said Berti.
The Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau hopes to seize this as a chance to bring tourism to this area. Peter Burakowski, the communications manager for the CVB.
"What we try to do is encourage people to come here and witness that and also do more beyond that," said Burakowski. The CVB sent out a newsletter focusing on fall foliage in Western New York, listing some of the best places for the best views.
"We encourage people to go to becker farms, we encourage people to go to Colden and Route 40 to check out the hills and valleys as you drive through," said Burakowski.
Berti said Letchworth State Park is a great spot for a great view. This weekend the park ties peak foliage time with an Arts and Crafts Show and Sale that attracts more than 300 exhibitors and vendors. And even more visitors.
"It's packed this time of year for obvious reasons if you've been there it's just naturally gorgeous, but if you're looking for something a little less crowded the Niagara Gorge is spectacular looking out today," said Berti.
The CVB's job is to enourage tourists to stick around Western New York. So they don't simply drive in, then out of the region after checking out the leaves. The goal is to lengthen the amount of time visitors stay here, thereby increasing the amount of money they spend.
The CVB newsletter also offers more things to do, including offering a discount to see the production of Mary Poppins at Shea's while they're already in town.
"Whether it be that you find a restaurant along the way or that you stop by the Historical Society or the Burchfield Penney, or bring the kids to the Zoo or the Botanical Gardens. All these type of things we try to get people to do and we try to get that message out there," said
But it's just not only about bringing in money. When tourists enjoy their visit, the good word travels back to their homes. And that can help change Buffalo's misperception of being a snowbound town.
"It's fun to see peoples expressions both when they see the falls and they see the leaves and i think it makes for a really pretty experience," said Berti.
And amidst all the differing opinions on how to invest in Buffalo and its waterfront to attract more people and more dollars, this fall foliage does the job of bringing in visitors at no cost to our region.
And of course, you don't have to be a visitor to enjoy the view.