Things to Do in East Aurora, NY: Your Guide to Visiting This Historic Village Near Buffalo
East Aurora is a village in Western New York. Located just southeast of Buffalo, it’s home to an extensive history, famous art and design and access to beautiful nature trails surrounded by the area’s rolling hills. Add some delicious places to wet your whistle or grab a bite to eat, and you’ve got yourself one special place to visit in the United States.
Given its compact size, it might surprise you that there are so many things to do in East Aurora, NY. I’ve spent my fair share of time visiting many places in New York State, and am coming to realize just how many special pockets of the state there are to visit with each trip I take.
I’ve really loved all of the opportunities I’ve had to travel around Upstate, Central and Western New York. I’ve been to regions like the Finger Lakes and its towns like Skaneateles, and its major cities like Rochester and Buffalo. So when Chris and I had the opportunity to pop over to East Aurora during our recent trip to Buffalo, it was hard to pass at the chance.
I don’t only love the history of East Aurora, but I love how quirky this town is. It has a lot of personality and unique places to visit, making it such a great place to come for a day trip, or to spend a couple days if you’d like to stay in town.
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means we may receive a small commission for some of our heartfelt recommendations, at zero additional cost to you.
How to Get to East Aurora
It wouldn’t be truly East Aurora without an Arts and Crafts font, since the movement was so intrinsically linked to the town.
As I mentioned, East Aurora is just southeast of Buffalo. There are tours that stop in East Aurora, but you’ll likely be the happiest if you have a car, so it will be easy to come and go as you please.
From Buffalo, take the NY-400 S highway to Maple St, where you’ll head south and follow signs to East Aurora. It’s only about a 25 minute drive from the centre of town, making it so easy to visit for a couple hours or longer. While you’re in town, you’ll want to plan to spend most of your time along Main Street. There are a few other points of interest, but fortunately so many small towns in NY State are really easy to walk around once you get to town.
Chris and I were visiting Buffalo for many reasons. The AKG Art Museum has officially reopened, and we love checking out Buffalo’s museums and galleries. We had also just finished up a road trip along the Upstate Eats Trail, trying famous local foods from Syracuse to Buffalo. And of course there are just so many things to do in Buffalo that we are never sad to return again.
Where to Stay in East Aurora
The Roycroft Inn
There are a few places you can stay on your trip to East Aurora. Chris and I were staying in Buffalo at The Richardson Hotel during this trip, which we absolutely loved. It’s a hotel with a great story, and excellent access to many of Buffalo’s neighbourhoods. We’ve also stayed at InnBuffalo in the past, which is another solid option in an historic mansion.
If you’re looking for a memorable experience during your trip to East Aurora, it’s definitely worth looking into the Roycroft Inn. It was opened in 1905, and is a National Historic Landmark. It’s part of The Roycroft Campus, which is a crown jewel of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. After an extensive restoration in the 1990s, it’s a beautiful place to stay in town and get a better sense for Arts and Crafts design.
If you’re planning a trip to East Aurora for yourself, you can feel free to take a look at the map below to find the place that’s best for you during your stay.
Things to Do in East Aurora
If you’re planning a trip to East Aurora, don’t miss out on these experiences when you visit town!
Walk Along Main Street
The Aurora Theatre on Main Street
In and around Main Street in East Aurora is so picturesque that the town has even been the backdrop for several holiday movies—think Hallmark style. Once you start to walk around town, you’ll see why.
Main Street is a relatively long street, with many places to visit and pop into along the way. I like to think of it in two major sections, on the west side of the train tracks, and on the east side.
On the western end of Main Street beyond the train tracks, you’ll find the Roycroft Campus, residential areas, and a few more modern conveniences, like some fast food places and other shops. You’ll also find one of my favourite places to get wings in all of the area around Buffalo, which I’ll explain more in the coming sections.
The section of Main Street east of the tracks has slightly more historic buildings. Between Elm Street and Olean Street, specifically, you’ll find some of the most quintessential sites in town, like the famous Aurora Theatre or Vidler’s 5&10. There are several cafes and restaurants sprinkled throughout, and many shops with the kindest of owners. We popped into a store to look at some shoes, and we learned the shop owner had been in business for the past 35 years. There are a lot of stories like this in East Aurora, and a lot of passionate community members who are proud to call this town home.
Vidler’s 5&10
Vidler’s has been a part of East Aurora’s Main Street for generations. They’re a family business that’s been open for 90 years, and have expanded and grown to take over the buildings next to it over the years. You can’t miss it on a walk down Main Street, with its candy striped red and white awnings, and the “Vidler on the Roof” statue out front.
Opened by Robert S. Vidler in 1930 (not exactly the best time in American history for new retailers), the store was known for its “fair 5¢ to $1.00” prices. The business continued to grow and thrive—a surprise to many—and over the years, Robert’s sons took over the business, followed by some of their children, and family cousins.
It’s a family business through and through, and on top of its historical storefront and interior, it offers unexpected toys, gifts and treats that you might not have pictured yourself finding. Like a Golden Girls Monopoly set, or Buffalo Wing flavoured soda (yes—you heard that right!) You truly never know what you’ll find when you pop in here, and Vidler’s a true homage to the many family businesses and community spirit that defines East Aurora.
Grab Wings and a Beef on Weck at Bar-Bill Tavern
I mentioned earlier that I had a favourite place to get wings in and around Buffalo, and Bar-Bill is the one. Bar-Bill made my list of the best restaurants in Buffalo, NY and this is because not only are they a great, next-door-neighbour-feeling pub to visit in town, they have some of the best takes on Western New York’s classic dishes, too.
Originally opened by Barb and Bill Korzelius in 1967, it’s gone through a few different owners over the years. But the food seemingly just keeps getting better. They’re famous for their wings, and they have some delicious flavours too, like Cajun Honey Butter Barbecue and Sicilian. You can’t go wrong with ordering their classic Medium wings while you’re here, and I’d highly recommend ordering a Beef on Weck sandwich here, too. The beef is tender, and melts in your mouth with a little light jus on the side.
Learn About the American Arts and Crafts Movement at The Roycroft Campus
The Roycroft Campus is where you can find The Roycroft Inn, and several Arts and Crafts style buildings from the early 1900s. The campus was officially founded in 1897 by Elbert Hubbard, one of the founders of the Arts and Crafts Movement in America. This movement was in direct response to industrialization, and artists and craftspeople who joined the movement were looking to return to the fine arts and crafts of a pre-industrialist era. Many people now view the Arts and Crafts Movement as having provided the base for the later Art Nouveau movement.
For over twenty years, the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora was a place where artists came together from different parts of the country to create and collaborate. It was a true artists’ and philosophers’ guild during its time.
Today, there’s a museum on site, or you can even book a campus tour to get a better sense for the movement and what it produced here on the campus. There’s also a shop on site, and you can learn about different events happening while you’re in town, too. While you’re at it, I’d recommend checking out the schedule for the Aurora Players. You can catch a show at the Roycroft Pavilion in Hamlin Park, which is just down the street from the campus.
As you walk around East Aurora, you’ll even notice the Arts and Crafts font has been adopted by the town, and is used on many of its signs, and by many of its businesses.
Take a Walk at Knox Farm State Park
Nature trails abound at Knox Farm State Park
Knox Farm State Park is a short drive from downtown East Aurora. You can walk too, but it would take a little longer. The park spans over 600 acres, and used to be a country estate. Today it’s home to several historic barns and buildings, along with well-marked walking trails.
Some trails head into its forests towards the back of the property, while others circle around its farm fields and tree-covered roads. It’s a peaceful, serene place to go on a walk, and is a beautiful place to spend some time no matter the time of year. There’s even a little library and reading bench tucked into the woods on one of its trails. You’ll have to go for yourself to find it!
In the fall, the rolling hills of the nearby countryside are dotted with colourful changing leaves, and in winter it’s a great place to go snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
Dive into East AUrora’s Haunted Past
As is the case with many historic towns, there’s always a little room for a good ghost story. East Aurora just happens to be full of them, including the legend of the ghost of George H. Ash in Vidler’s 5&10, or Elbert Hubbard’s ghost roaming The Roycroft Campus after he lost his life at sea in 1915.
No matter what kinds of haunted stories you’re interested in, you can keep an eye on group ghost walk events hosted by Haunted History Ghost Walks each fall in East Aurora, and other spots across New York State.
Grab a Bite, a Pint, or Both!
On top of grabbing a bite to eat at Bar-Bill, there are some excellent cafes, restaurants and bars to stop at while you’re in East Aurora. Here are a few I’d recommend checking out while you’re in town:
Elm Street Bakery: They’re known for their tasty breakfast options and pastries. It’s a great place to come for coffee and a bite to eat to start the day!
42 North Brewing Company: This brewery is a great place to come to sample local, delicious craft beers, or light snack.
Taste Bistro & Coffee Bar: Their giant, steaming coffee mug out front on Main Street can’t be missed as you’re walking through town.
Griffon Brewery & Gastropub: Part of a larger chain of a couple locations, you’ll find craft beer and classic pub fare here.
Enjoy Your Trip to East Aurora
Whether you’re visiting in winter, summer, spring or fall, there are so many ways to spend your time in East Aurora. This was such an enjoyable trip to take, and I’m looking forward to the next time I can visit. I’m hoping for a fall or winter trip for myself, personally!
I want to thank Visit Buffalo Niagara for hosting me as media on my trip to East Aurora. All opinions are completely my own.