Maybe we’re subjective, but March is one of the best months to rediscover Elmwood Village, and our spring guide will tell you exactly why. First of all, the streets are calm, the parks quiet, and everyone seems to exhale after a long winter. This time of the year, the neighborhood is in limbo—half asleep, half awake, and completely captivating. It’s the month when early flowers peek through the snow, coffee shops roll out their first spring specials, and the streets feel almost like a secret only insiders know.
There are many reasons why you should visit Elmwood Village in March, whether that’s for wandering the quiet side streets, stopping in charming cafés, photographing ornate Victorian rowhouses and Craftsman duplexes, or following paths through Bidwell Parkway and Delaware Park. You might be wondering “can’t I do this in every other season?”. Short answer: you could. Long answer: you want to do it in March, because it gives you time to reflect without big crowds, wander without a plan, and feel like the neighborhood is your own. And it can actually be when you join our Elmwood Village apartments for rent.
Dive right into it!
The symbolism of March
March is a month of transition, a bridge between winter’s quiet hibernation and spring’s lively bloom. Across cultures and history, it has been celebrated as a time of renewal, balance, and preparation for growth. Regardless of the things to do in Elmwood Village, March brings in a new energy, one you can feel in every activity.
March is for:
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International Women’s Day – 8 March, is celebrated globally as a day honoring the achievements of women and promoting equality. IWD is a perfect lens for exploring Elmwood. For instance, you could visit women-owned businesses in Buffalo like Zio's Deli & Heroes or Thin Ice to celebrate local entrepreneurs.
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Vernal Equinox – 20 March, marks the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and is celebrated globally as a time of balance, when day and night are equal. In Elmwood, this could be experienced by:
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Taking a midday walk along Bidwell Parkway, noticing how the sunlight catches rooftops and park trees differently than in winter.
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Photographing architectural details in the soft equinox light, from Victorian bay windows to Craftsman porches, are definitely in our Elmwood Village spring guide.
March rituals you can bring to Elmwood Village
This month has historically been a month of ritual activity tied to nature, reflection, and renewal. Many of these align perfectly with the area's intimate streets and walkable parks. So, here are some early spring activities in Elmwood Village:
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New season observation. Witness seasonal change firsthand: crocuses and snowdrops along Bidwell Parkway, emerging tree buds along side streets, or the first hints of greenery in residential gardens.
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Cleansing practices. This is traditionally a time for spring cleaning and renewal. In Elmwood, this could mean rejuvenating your senses with seasonal treats from a local café, cleaning every room in your home (even better if it’s at our communities), and maybe getting new books, home décor, or artisanal gifts.
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Mindful walking. Slow strolls are March rituals on their own, and they’re more than easy to do, since even the Elmwood Village hidden streets are lush and easy to access.
Outdoor Activities in Elmwood Village
Although Elmwood Avenue is a big part of what makes this area stand out, it’s not all there is to it. Streets like Soldiers Place, Chapin Parkway, and Forest Avenue are lined with lush trees, Victorian rowhouses, Queen Anne turrets, bracketed cornices, bay windows, and stained-glass details that reveal Buffalo’s late 19th- and early 20th-century boom.
What to look for:
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Contrasts of scale: grand homes along Bidwell Parkway with their expansive porches and ornate woodwork contrast beautifully with the more modest Craftsman duplexes tucked on quieter streets.
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Delaware Park activities include contemplative walks along still-quiet trails. Early signs of wildlife activity reward those who pause: ducks, squirrels, and early songbirds appear as snow melts.
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Landmark architecture:
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William R. Heath House at 76 Soldiers Place, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School design, peeks behind mature trees.
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Elmwood Historic District West & East: large swaths of preserved streets that highlight a mix of architectural styles from Italianate to Colonial Revival.
Tips for exploring: Walk slowly and notice things often missed in summer crowds. Check a local weather app like AccuWeather to perfectly plan early spring activities in Elmwood Village.
Indoor Options in Elmwood Village
You might have already heard about the Elmwood strip and the seemingly endless places you can enjoy there. All up and down this avenue, you’ve got a wide array of small businesses Elmwood Village is known for. Mix in discovering the neighborhood with giving The Place, Aroma on Bryant, or Milkie’s Elmwood Lounge a try.
There are more things to do in and beyond Elmwood Village this March than you think. The event lineup includes:
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Mini Glow Golf (03/04, Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens). Enjoy indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf for a fun, family-friendly outing.
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Intro to Javanese Gamelan (03/04, Nusantara Arts Culture Center). Learn the rhythms and instruments of traditional music in this hands-on, free workshop series.
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Twilight Tour & Healing Sound Bath (03/05, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House). Explore architectural history and unwind with a calming sound bath experience.
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Grace Lougen and Friends (03/17, Jack Rabbit). Catch live music in an intimate Elmwood venue.
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Tuesday Karaoke @ Milkie’s (Weekly on Tuesdays, Milkie’s Elmwood Lounge). Sing your favorite songs or enjoy watching neighborhood talent in a cozy bar setting.
It’s ironic to say this, but it’s time to stop reading and start doing. March is the perfect month to not only follow an Elmwood Village spring guide, but to craft one of your own. Our apartments offer an environment where you can settle for as much time as you want, so maybe you’ll enjoy more than spring around here.
As you’re actually discovering the neighborhood, don’t forget to:
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Photograph architectural details
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Attend at least one live event
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Spot nature awakening in Delaware Park or along Bidwell Parkway
These three simple ideas are perfect for repeating from March to May. Keep track of your finds and add them to your “early spring activities in Elmwood Village” album.