Griffis Sculpture Park

Griffis Sculpture Park

We had absolutely gorgeous weather for Labor Day weekend, so we decided to do a little bit of local exploring, and took the 30 minute drive out to Kaylena Marie’s Bakery in Orchard Park. I had been completely dying to try out Kaylena Marie’s ever since I heard about their fabulous breakfasts and desserts! Little did I know the bakery itself would be the most adorable little bakery that I ever did see!! Like seriously perfection! If I were to close my eyes and design a bakery, I swear it would look exactly like this. It’s pretty much my dream bakery. Lots of splashes of country swag, the perfect amount of comfy cozy charm, and a ginormous counter just overflowing with so many amazing sweet treats. I don’t know who came in here and did the decorating but you would swear it was Joanna Gaines herself. Really!!

Seriously though can you send the decorator my way so we can make my kitchen look like this???


The seating in here is fabulous! There is plenty of room whether your group is small or large. We were the first ones to arrive that morning and snuck in right as they opened at 8:30AM. After sampling a few bites from the menu I seriously can’t believe that people weren’t lining up at the door! I am convinced they have days where that happens!


I couldn’t resist ordering this show stopper from the breakfast menu!! Kaylena Marie’s combines two of your breakfast favorites, and turns them into the ultimate breakfast food mashup…cinnamon roll French toast!!!Talk about heavenly!!! And the portion size was huge too. I couldn’t even come close to finishing this massive dish but Lord knows I tried!!


My hubby went with a classic ham, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich, made to order and served on a fresh brioche bun! I am such a sucker for homemade bread. Doesn’t that look SOOOO good!! The bun was EVERYTHING and the eggs were so fluffy!


We were so impressed by our breakfasts that we even took this cute funfetti muffin home with us! So pretty! I will eat just about anything as long as it has rainbow sprinkles on top! This darling little muffin will surely make you feel like a kid again.

After breakfast we made our way out to East Otto, to explore Griffis Sculpture Park. This outdoor attraction is located just 8 miles outside of Ellicottville and is one of America’s largest sculpture park. It’s 450 acres house over 250 steel sculptures by Larry Griffis Jr. and many other international artists. And it’s dog friendly (as long as their leashed). I can’t wait to bring my puppies back! You can do as much as or little walking and hiking as you like. The park is split into two sections. The Rohr Hill area has larger than life sculptures spread out along a field just off the road and is mostly flat for easy exploring.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous you can make your way over to the Mill Valley Road site, and hike up the hill and through the woods over a variety of terrains where you’ll find sculptures scattered throughout the mostly wooded trails. These dancing ladies surround the pond and are there to greet you as soon as you enter this area.


Many of the sculptures are interactive, meaning you are free to climb inside or on top of them, for photos or just for fun! I climbed up inside this metal tower to pose for a pic! It’s like playground meets art project.


And my hubby channeled his inner “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” and rode atop this giant bug!

The hike through the woods is absolutely beautiful as well as quite the workout. The walk is mostly shaded which is really nice. We found another pond back along the woods as well as an amphitheater where they sometimes have concerts in the summer. This is a gorgeous place to have a picnic. Just remember to pack out what you pack in!

This tornado like piece reminded me of the leg lamp from “A Christmas Story”.

Taking a break in the shade at the Rohr Hill Road site before heading to lunch!

For lunch we decided to head into Ellicottville and check out the Ellicottville Brewing Company. The original brew pub opened here in 1995 and now that location has expanded itself to include an 8000 sq ft restaurant with outdoor seating, a brew house and German beer garden, as well as two additional locations in West Fredonia and Bemus Point, with a fourth on its way this Fall.

The building itself is located on Monroe Street and takes up nearly the whole block! Trust me, you can’t miss it! Or just follow the crowd! I think on any given day you’ll find most of Ellicottville gathering here.

The onsite brewery offers tours on the weekends. For just $15 you can tour the facility, try a few free samples and take home a souvenir glass. Pretty neat!

Inside you’ll find the most inviting, rustic styled restaurant and bar. The restaurant only looked empty but that’s because EVERYONE was sitting outside! But it made for the perfect opportunity to snap a few nice pictures. I bet this place is packed in tight during the winter ski season.

We sampled one of Ellicottville Brewery’s own, Mowmaster’s Ultra Pale Ale, a cool and refreshing light beer! So tasty and delicious!


Jeff enjoying the outdoor beer garden! It was so nice to kick our feet back outdoors after our nice little hike. I would love to go back and check this place out at night when it’s all lit up.


OK, so you HAVE to order the loaded brewer tots as an appetizer. DO IT!!! It’s basically crispy tots, loaded up with their own house smoked BBQ pulled pork, then covered in melty Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses, and topped with BBQ sauce, scallions, and sour cream. Next time we make pulled pork on the smoker I am SOOOO trying to recreate this masterpiece at home! Until then I’ll just have to look at this picture and drool!!


We split a Brisket Sandwich which was awesome! They dry rub it with their own signature seasonings and serve it with BBQ sauce and it’s HUGE! It’s definitely shareable especially after those tots. And we couldn’t stop eating these fries. So addicting!!

We pretty much had to roll ourselves outta there! I can’t wait to go back!!

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