The Pilafs were excited to find another beautiful area to explore this winter. From the signs in the area and bits and pieces of summer peaking out of the snow, we see it is a great place to come in warmer weather. Dra can’t wait to return and see the fairy houses! But in the meantime, grab your choices of hiking boots, snow shoes, cross-country skis, camera, binoculars and really warm clothes and head out to Java, NY!
Beaver Meadow Audubon Center – Java, NY
Beaver Meadow is a 324-acre nature preserve with 8 miles of trails.
As we approached the Nature Center, JT was incredibly excited to hear the sounds around us. There were birds everywhere! He could add to his Big Year list! This is no longer a joke. He actually has an app on his phone and is now keeping track. Anyway, Dra found a comfy spot and took a few shots for his folder.
There are birdfeeders everywhere and it is a great place to see the cardinals that always look so beautiful up against the white background of snow. We were excited to see several different species of birds, both near the center and up in the trees on the trails.
Next, we headed out to the trails. People were skiing and hiking and checking out the frozen pond.
We chatted with a couple who were determined to see the eagles from the area and to some parents who were encouraging their kids to look closely at the footprints in the snow.
There are educational signs throughout the area and pamphlets of information near the nature center.
This is a beautiful area to get outside and enjoy in February!
After a nice, long afternoon, we headed toward East Aurora for dinner, and what?! We were surprised!
42 North Brewing Company
JT is a big fan of the craft beers at 42 North. They have so many Home Runs here and it is hard for him to choose. While we were there, we discovered 3 surprises!
Surprise #1: Did you know if you save the plastic tops from the 4 packs you buy you can recycle them at the brewery and receive a pint for every 10 tops? Wait, don’t quote me on the number, but I’m pretty sure I was told 10. You can also get a four-pack replacement for a certain amount – but you will have to ask them for details.
Surprise #2: Did you know they now have a menu supplied by Fat Bob’s? Yes, Fat Bob’s from Virginia Place in Buffalo has expanded to the southtowns! Oh, yeah! Great beer and great food? Oh, and a super fun shopping experience down the street at Vidler’s? No questions; this is awesome!
Surprise #3: The employees here have always been great, but we discovered that one of our absolutely favorite bartenders from Buffalo now works here! Woo hoo! It was great seeing you, Alyssa! We will be back!
One last thing… they have lofts. So you can stay overnight if you’d like… if they are available. Reservations required.
Box Score for 42 North
- Food: Home Run
- Horchata Stout: Home Run
- Revive WNY Restaurants IPA: Home Run
- Blackbird Cider: Home Run
Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, 1610 Welch Road, North Java, NY 14113, 585.457.3228 www.buffaloaudubon.org
42 North Brewing Company, 25 Pine Street (just off Main), East Aurora, NY 14052, 716.805.7500 www.42northbrewing.com
Circling the Bases 
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