haven-homes

Top 5 Pizzerias in WNY

ejamescontact@gmail.com (Emilee James) — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 03:05:38 GMT

hey, we heard it's pizza night.

we're here to help.

Buffalo was ranked as America's Pizza Capital a few years back, and you are about to see why. We're known for a fluffy focaccia-like crust, a semisweet sauce, mozzarella for days and lots of cup-and-char pepperoni. Try one of these recommendations, or try them all. You're going to be dreaming of Buffalo pizza for the rest of time. You're welcome.

1. Picasso's Pizza

photo credit: @picassos_pizza

Made with four generations of flavor, what started as Italian treats being sold out of their home, later turned into four thriving locations across WNY. Picasso's is known for their thick freshmade dough, and charbroiled pepperoni. They are our family's go-to; try it out for yourself and you'll see why! Oh, and make sure to ask about their Real Deals when ordering!

2. Macy's Place Pizzeria

photo credit: @macysplacepizzeria

Macy's Place Pizzeria is one of a kind. Offering everything from traditional cheese & pep, to their specialty Thanksgiving pizza. They have crazy good combos and aren't scared to try new things. Check out Macy's if you're feeling hungry and spontaneous! I 10000% recommend their chicken finger sub too. One of the best in Buffalo, hands-down!

3. Bocce Club Pizza

photo credit: @bocceclubpizza

Most pizzerias deliver. However, do most deliver nationwide? They sure don't, but Bocce does! Bocce Club is the answer to all of your pizza-prayers, and ready to help tie you over until your next trip back to the area. Serving fresh pizza, wings, subs and more. You sure won't be disappointed!

4. Just Pizza

photo credit: @justpizza

Home to over 75 varieties of pizza and 25 different wing sauce flavors, don't let the name fool you- Just Pizza is so much more than just pizza. Order from one of their 10 locations, or hit up their drive-thru at 2225 Colvin Blvd, Tonawanda, NY 14150. It's like convenience for your tastebuds... and we like it.

5. Santora's Pizzeria

photo credit: @santoras_pizza

Santora's is a staple; Buffalo's first pizzeria! Not only is their food out of this world, but they put on a dang good party too. Catch just about any sports game streaming live at the Transit location, enjoy the patio when it's warm out, or forget all of that and just get yourself some takeout. You won't regret ordering a single item off the menu, but my personal fav is the Buffalo Chicken Pizza... just in case you're feeling stumped.

Moral of the story is that you cannot go wrong with Buffalo pizza. It's the best, and I stand by that. But I'm side-stepping for a minute because as I was looking up the family history of these pizzerias, I found something interesting. The "About Us" section on both Picasso's & Santora's website are essentially word-for-word the same. It's this heartwarming story of Grandpa Fioravante coming over from Naples and deciding that he will never work for anyone but himself again. So he starts selling Italian treats out of his home (sound familiar?), and eventually those treats turn into a pizzeria. The main difference between these "About Us" sections? Picasso's leaves out gramp's last name... Santora!

It's all making sense now. They both rank very high on my list of favs, and it's probably because the recipe started off the same.

Thanks, Grampa Firoavante, you sure did know how to make a great pizza.

Hope this list was helpful! Make sure to tag us on IG @havenhomesvacay and tell us what you think!,

Emilee

5 Must-Visit Local Coffee Shops in WNY

ejamescontact@gmail.com (Emilee James) — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 05:30:27 GMT

when coffee is just as important as your passport

There are few things in life as magical as stumbling upon a cute little coffee shop juuuust when you need it the most. Whether you’re a total coffee snob (hi, it's me), just looking for a fun place to get some work done, or in desperate need of a pick-me-up, I’ve got you covered!

Here are 5 of WNY’s must-visit local coffee sh ops!

5. Coffee & Stone Cafe

photo credit: @coffeeandstonecafe

Coffee & Stone opened just a few months ago, and the world is better because of it. From coffee to blended drinks, salads, pizzas (even cauliflower crust!), breakfast foods and more. Everything you could ever want, under one roof. Make sure to stop in and try Coffee & Stone out while you're visiting the Buffalo area!

4. Wilson Brew Co

photo credit: @wilsonbrewco

This one is for our Sunflower Home guests! The only thing separating you from your caffeine fix and a homemade bagel, is a ten minute lake view drive... can't get much better than that. Wilson Brew Co has everything you could want, even for our crazy non-coffee-drinker friends!

3. Steamworks Coffee

photo credit- @morganzieglerphoto & @steamworkscoffeeroasters

Located in the historic city of Lockport, right on the Erie Canal, this charming coffee shop is full of character and caffeine- just the way we like it! Enjoy a delicious pour over, french press, or a seasonal beverage. Plan a walk down Heritage Trail, and experience the first navigable waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes.

2. Overwinter Coffee

photo credit- @overwintercoffee

Overwinter has a few different locations, their newest (and my personal favorite) being 5548 Main St Williamsville NY 14221. Just a few minutes from the beautiful waterfall at Glen Falls Park. Order your coffee, snag a locally baked muffin, and soak up everything the quaint town of Williamsville has to offer!

1. Goodrich Coffee & Tea

photo credit- @goodrich_coffee

While these weren't listed in any particular order, Goodrich is my forever fav! This shop is run by a sweet local family, and they roast all of their own beans. Not only do the baristas perfect every drink, but they are the absolute sweetest! The shop itself is so vibey and the food is *chefs kiss*. This spot is perfection if you’re looking for a fun drink, a killer breakfast sandwich/wrap, or a fresh salad. Oh, and they have a drive-thru if you’re just passing by!

Caffeine courses through our veins, and while big chains are an easy option, I say skip the drive-thru and check out some of these must-visit local coffee shops while you’re in the Western NY area!

Make sure to tag us on Instagram @havenhomesv acay and show us what you ordered!

Explore the Greater Buffalo Area | Waterfall Edition

ejamescontact@gmail.com (Emilee James) — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:22:59 GMT

FALL in love with waterfalls in the greater Buffalo area

When I think waterfalls, I think Costa Rica. I think traveling across the ocean to far away places. I think warm climates, and jungles, and *not* Buffalo. Believe it or not, our area is known for some pretty amazing waterfalls. And many may argue that a Buffalo Fall is the very best time of year to explore them!

If you want to head back home with the nostalgic sound of leaves crinkling below your feet as you take in the sights around you, check out these breathtaking views:

Letchworth State Park

Just an hour from our vacation homes, and no matter what season you visit, Letchworth is a perfect day trip! Named the "Grand Canyon of the East", Letchworth is one of the most magnificent areas on the east coast. With more than 65 miles of hiking trails, and three major waterfalls, this park is must-visit.

Fun fact, it even won USA Today's Best State Park award in 2015!

Akron Falls Park

Akron Falls Park is a closer option for those who don't have a whole day to spend chasing waterfalls. Located in the Village of Akron, with over 280 acres just begging to be explored, and trails that lead to a 40-foot waterfall. There are picnic tables and pavilions, so pack a lunch and enjoy an afternoon in this adorable small town. If you have kids with you, there are plenty of playgrounds to choose from too!

Fun fact, this is where Josh and I got engaged back in 2011!

Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls rates as one of The Natural Wonders of the World, and for good reason. It has awe-inspiring scenery, the largest flow of any waterfall throughout the globe, and no matter how many times you visit, there's always more to see next time. Go on Maid of the Mist and see the falls from below, or walk the trails and look down from above.

Fun fact, four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie) drain into the Niagara River before emptying into Lake Ontario. These five Great Lakes make up almost one-fifth of the world's fresh water supply.

Let us know if you visit any of these waterfalls, and what you thought! Be sure to tag us on Instagram @havenhomesvacay!

Have fun chasing waterfalls,

Emilee

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

Hello@maisey.co — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 04:10:58 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.