Skip to Main Content
New York's Falls to the Finger Lakes
New York's Falls to the Finger Lakes

Bite Into Western New York: A Fresh Air Foodie Adventure

What’s a great adventure without a delicious reward at the end? Or in the middle. Or, honestly, at every stop along the way. Welcome to the Fresh Air Foodie Trip, a road trip designed to satisfy your wanderlust and your appetite!

Here in the Fresh Air Adventures area of Western New York, we believe the best meals come with a side of scenery, and our menus are as fresh and flavorful as the landscapes that surround them.

From roadside farm markets to chef-inspired comfort food, this is a trip built around bold bites, locally crafted sips, and regionally famous dishes you can’t get anywhere else (we’re looking at you, Beef on Weck). Whether you’re diving into saucy Buffalo wings, biting into the perfect slice at one of our 30+ pizzerias, or ending your day with sponge candy or a slice of homemade pie, you’ll find that each county on this trip serves up something unforgettable.

Allegany County: Down-to-Earth Dining in the WNY Wilds

In Allegany County, meals are made with heart—and often served with a view of rolling hills and wooded trails. From cozy diners and rustic cafes to fine dining with a frontier twist, this is the kind of place where you’re always treated like a regular, even on your first visit.

And if you time it right, you just might stumble upon a seasonal gem serving all-you-can-eat buckwheat pancakes, dripping with 100% pure, locally made maple syrup—a sweet celebration of tradition that draws visitors year after year. Here, comfort food isn’t just comforting—it’s a cherished part of life in the Wilds.

Find your next meal in the WNY Wilds HERE!

Genesee County: Big Flavors & Local Legends

In Genesee County, food isn’t just fuel—it’s part of the experience. You’ll find bold flavors, hearty portions, and local favorites that have become part of the landscape. One long-standing diner has been serving up Beef on Weck since the 1950s and is known just as much for its colorful exterior as its place in local lore—appearing in novels, paintings, and plenty of hometown memories.

Come hungry for slow-roasted prime rib, and don’t forget to grab a sweet treat for the road—handmade sponge candy is a must-try while you’re here.

Taste what’s on the menu in Genesee HERE

Orleans County: Sip, Savor & Be Surprised

Culinary creativity meets countryside charm in Orleans County. With a deep agricultural heritage, this is where you’ll find fresh flavors served with a splash of something unexpected. Think locally grown produce turned into seasonal specialties, menus that change with the harvest, and a thriving craft beverage scene featuring wine, cider, and mead. Whether you’re dining at a farm-to-table café or sipping on a small-batch wine in a vineyard setting, Orleans offers something to savor.

Dig in and drink up in Orleans HERE

Wyoming County: Farm-Fresh Flavor Meets Wild Encounters

Kick off your culinary journey where rural roots and creative menus collide. Wyoming County is home to hearty hometown cooking, fresh-from-the-farm ingredients, and some truly unforgettable dining experiences - like enjoying a meal just steps away from camels, bison, and zebra at a local safari park! Yes, really.

Whether you're indulging in homemade pies, classic comfort food, or dining near exotic animals (a must-try for adventurous eaters and families alike), the flavors here are as unique as the setting. With deep agricultural heritage and down-to-earth hospitality, every bite tells a story—and every meal feels like home.

Explore Wyoming County’s food scene HERE

Pro Tip for Foodies:
Don’t forget to stop at local markets, roadside stands, and farm stores as you travel - they’re the best way to snack between stops and take home a taste of the region. A wedge of sharp cheddar, a jar of locally made jam, or a six-pack of craft beer makes the perfect souvenir.

Hungry yet?
Plot your route, pack your appetite, and get ready to eat your way through Western New York on the Fresh Air Foodie Trip - where the air is fresh, and the food is even fresher.

This program is supported by a grant awarded to Greater Niagara Region by New York State's Empire State Development and I Love NY Division of Tourism.

®I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.

Suggested Destinations

No destinations found

Request The FREE travel packet

Discover all the adventurous things you can see and do in the Fresh Air Adventures region. Then bring your travel packet with you to use while you're visiting destinations in the area.

Get the packet