Buffalo isn't often a destination that appears on a traveler's must-visit list. But maybe it should be? It's the second-most populous city in New York State (following the City That Never Sleeps, of course). It's also less than an hour's drive south of breathtaking Niagara Falls, which does appear on many Americans' bucket lists.

However, we understand your hesitation: Buffalo's got a rep as being a gritty industrial town. But you might not know that when the French settled the area in the mid-18th century, they called it "Beau Fleuve" (Beautiful River). Perched at the confluence of Lake Erie and the Buffalo River, the city has a je ne sais quoi beauty about it, not to mention a number of exciting things to do. The restaurant scene is burgeoning, too — and by the way, they serve up more than just Buffalo wings. Plus, because Buffalo lacks the panache of other destinations, it's less likely to empty your pocketbook.