The Day Guide: What You Must Do In East Aurora
In a new series, Beau and I are sharing our favs and must-do's in WNY towns. So if you're new to town, looking to venture out to one you haven't explored yet, or have guests in visiting...our lists are a great guide to make sure you get the full experience.
Food & Drink
We are frequent visitors to East Aurora since it is 15 minutes from our house. The extremely walkable town is one of our favorites because you can support local and be outside while doing it! Here are some of our fav places to eat and grab something refreshing:Elm Street Bakery: one of the absolute must-stops for any meal, grab & go, taking home a loaf of bread, or meeting up with friends for coffee outside on their patio.Yoshi: a modern vibe of sushi and noodles. Yoshi has lunch specials, an outdoor patio, and buy on get one traditional rolls every Thursday.
Kornerstone: juices, smoothies, bowls, sandwiches, salads, coffee, and damn good beet slaw. Can call ahead to order, run in and get something to-go, or meet up with friends.
Red's: hot dogs, burgers, milkshakes, and that cute malt shop diner feel! A must-visit you like good ol' American hot dogs and burgers. Also has take-out.
Bar Bill: want our fav wings and Buffalo's top three? Go. Here. And yes, the Medium is hot! Cash only with ATM inside. Prepare to wait unless you go on an off-time. Worth it! Oh and the beef on weck is one of our favs!Taste: get your fun coffee here- they rotate out seasonal specials and use Elmhurst Nut Milks. Great for solo dates, meeting friends, studying, coffee to- go, and you MUST get the super fun S'mores to share. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.The Griffon: lively spot for lunch or dinner. Outdoor patio, bar, and great for larger dinner parties. American-fare food and to-go options available.Left Coast Tacos: this is on our top 5 must-eat tacos list in WNY! Unassuming and quick, LCT is off the main drag and is perfect for to-go. A couple booths in there but we suggest getting it to go for home or sitting outside somewhere in town.
42 North: a brewery and food joint. Great for parties, too, with a side game room. Their menu pairs up with local places like BreadHive and Ru's Pierogi and they have veggie, gluten-free, and kid menu options. Beer lovers must stop here.Aurora Brew Works: Beer lover? Another must-stop in East Aurora. Can purchase craft beer individually or by the 6-pack. Watch for when Lloyd is hangin' outside, too. That's a good pairing!Wallenwein Hotel: a rich history- established in 1881- and also one of WNY's best fish fry's. A staple of bar hangouts for the town with an outdoor patio, burgers, and wings. Call ahead to see wait time on Friday's.Mambrino King: a wine/coffee/chocolate bar! Sold! Small plates, great for hanging out, and to-go available.Rick's on Main: need a classy date night? Here it is! Snag the outdoor seating with reservations when the weather is warmer.Riley Street Station: an Irish-American pub feel with lots of space, a bar, and a good place to meet friends for dinner.The Irishman: sister restaurant of the Williamsville one with traditional fare, bar, and space for group dinners. We think the fire pit outside is cool to see!189 Public House: another great spot for bar hangs, food, and live music so you can meet up with friends.Charlie's Diner: want traditional eggs, pancakes, toast, and bacon? Here is the joint.East Aurora Co-op: not just a co-op grocery shop but also has fresh food to-go!Red Caboose Ice Cream: nothing cuter than an old red caboose serving up ice cream cones!Kone King East: big for families! Cash only and we love the Twisters.
Roycroft Inn & Roycroft Campus: need brunch? Book it here and book it early! It frequently is packed especially for occasions and nice weather. But it's an absolute must-visit. The Inn is also a great place to stay with its rich heritage and of course while you're on the campus, visiting the historical grounds and artisan shops are easy as you walk across the street. Check the Roycroft Campus to learn more, when to visit the museum, and how this preserved campus is huge in American history for the Arts & Crafts Movement.
Shopping
Vidler's 5 & 10: an absolute must! A staple in WNY, Vidler's has everything you could need for just about anyone in life. The old-fashioned feel of childhood hits you hard here and we are willing to bet you'll find a random cookie cutter you never had before.
Nigh Road Farmhouse: want to step in to a dream? Wander through NRF and shop home decor, furniture, and baby items. The perfect place to find things for your home, ala Joanna Gaines-style.
Blush: beautiful clothes for women that love great style. Perfect for casual, work wear, or date night outfits.Toyloft: an adorable toy store in town for kids of all ages. It carries unique toys, books, and interactive games.Beulah's: the perfect shop for finding gifts- for others or yourself! Clothing, accessories, gifting, and decor.Fisher Price: did you know EA is home to Fisher Price? They also have a large store you can stop in to and buy from. Open to the public!Head Over Heels: a boho vibe lives here with cute shoes and cozy finds.Urban Design: did I just walk in to a mini Restoration Hardware? Urban-vibe home decor.
Know Your History
Millard Fillmore House: did you know our 13th President built a house in EA and lived there with his wife until 1830? Pretty cool, huh? He was EA's only lawyer in town at the time. Go visit this National Historic Landmark while in town!*scope out Roycroft Campus details mentioned above in Food & Drink
Things To Do
Aurora Theatre: opened in 1925 and still playing movies! We are lucky to have a few of our original theatres in WNY and this is one of them!Muse Jar: a stop for artists that also has classes and events for all ages. The building mural is great for an Instagram pic, too!Power Yoga: get in your workout with a sweat sesh. Easy to book online! One of our go-to yoga spots.Knox Farms: 633 acres of beautiful land is the best way to get outside and take a walk. Dog park area included. Free and open to public with horseback permit riding available and nature trails.
Healthy Zone Rink: in the winter- go ice skate, in the summer- check out their concert series.
In the Know
East Aurora businesses have lot parking and street parking (check for cost). There is a free lot open to the public on Riley St. off Main Street. Sidewalks make it a friendly area to walk in.
All suggestions above are based upon our own visits and recommendations.