Western New York is filled with hidden gems. Some of which are revealed in the re-released hit book ‘Secret Places of Western New York’ (https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Places-Western-New-York/dp/1681063689). Co-authors Jennifer Hillman and William McKeever teamed up with Bruce Kershner’s literary estate to encourage the next generation in this latest edition.
While my first run copy is long since lost to moving boxes, I still get inspired by it to keep exploring. I’ve lived in the area nearly my entire life, believe-it-or-not there are still places for me discover. Over a few Fall days I checked three more off the list:
Eternal Flame Trail at Chestnut Ridge Park
The Eternal Flame is no secret. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_Flame_Falls) Chestnet Ridge Park is also the largest park in Erie County and a quick country drive from Buffalo and the surrounding suburbs. It’s perhaps one of the most popular hikes in Western New York. New trail improvements have made it even more accessible, although still a good decent downhill to the creek bed.
Pro tip: pack a lighter. The Eternal Flame is tucked into the side of a waterfall. The natural gas that weeps from the shale keeps it going. Most of the time. My time it was out. Sadly, I did not have a lighter on me. Neither did the dozen other hikers I passed. There’s always next time. Meanwhile, daylight broke through the forest revealing perfect opportunities to capture the changing season.
Bennett Beach
What a surprise! I’ve driven Old Lake Shore Rd. hundred of times and always passed by this small park along Big Sister Creek. This time I explored and followed the trail beyond the wood line. To my surprise it opened up to one of the most pristine beaches on Lake Erie. Even Travel & Leisure magazine ranks it there! (https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/lake-erie-beaches) …and it was all mine! Not a soul in sight on this Monday afternoon well past tourist season. The seagulls didn’t seem to mind either, lol.
Audubon Community Nature Center
Sometimes you have to take advantage of the moments. I had no plans to visit or shoot this day. Unseasonable weather and an errand nearby made it all but irresistible. The Audubon Community Nature Center is located about 10 minutes south of Jamestown, New York. Full disclosure - we've taken the kids to the center and never hiked deep onto the trails. Not this time - the full 2 mile, well maintained trail around natural habitats, woodlands and open fields made for a leisurely hike with plenty of wildlife opportunities.
Here I wanted to experiment creating a painting like feel of the warm Fall colors and feel. The result can be seen above, with print available for framing in the Landscape & Wildlife Collection.
Four new photographs have been edited and sized for wall art in the Landscapes & Wildlife Collection. If there’s an image in a photoblog you’d like to make into wall art, please let me know.