East Aurora, New York

1. Roycroft Campus

The Roycrofters were a unique community of crafters and artists who formed an important part of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the 1890’s. Inspired by the early guilds of Europe, the work of this reformist community was to have an important influence on American art and architecture in the 20th century. Today you can visit the Roycroft Campus to see 9 of the 14 original Roycroft buildings, which are all that remain of the original art colony.

These include the Inn, the Chapel, the Print Shop, the Copper Shop and the Furniture Shop. To fully immerse yourself in this historic campus you can check into the fully refurbished Inn for a night or two.

Roycroft Campus , 31 South Grove Street, East Aurora, NY 14052, Phone: 716-655-0261

2. Knox Farm State Park

Located adjacent to East Aurora, Know Farm State Park is a very pleasant place to spend a few hours getting back to nature. The park was once the summer estate of Buffalo County’s renowned Knox family and you will still find many farm animals, pastures and hayfields.

There are also several trials for walking/hiking through a variety of habitats where you can enjoy wildlife watching. Knox Farm State Park hosts guided Nature Walks and equestrian trails are also available. The park is open year round – during the winter you can come here to enjoy cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing along the hiking trails.

Knox Farm State Park, 437 Buffalo Rd, East Aurora, NY 14052, Phone: 716-652-0786

3. Millard Fillmore Museum

Fillmore House was the residence of Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, for several years before he took office. The house was reported built by Fillmore himself in 1826.

The home underwent a series of reincarnations over the years once the Fillmores left and it was only as recently as 1975 that it was acquired by the Aurora Historical Society and restored to its original appearance. Today this wood-frame structure with its gabled roof and clapboard exterior is operated as a house museum, where you can take an interesting guided tour of the house and learn all about Millard Fillmore and Aurora in the early 1820’s

Millard Fillmore Museum, 24 Shearer Ave, East Aurora, NY 14052, Phone: 716-652-4735

4. Elbert Hubbard Roycroft Museum

Located just two blocks from the Roycroft Campus, the Elbert Hubbard Roycroft Museum is essential viewing for anyone visiting East Aurora.

Here you can step back in time to the wonderful Arts and Craft Movement of the early 20th Century and learn about the man who established the Roycrofters. The museum is located in a house which was originally built by the Roycroft community and is filled to the brim with priceless Roycroft artifacts. Here you can admire hand-crafted furniture, illuminated books (bound by the master himself) and beautiful leather work created by George ScheideMantel. You can learn all about the Roycrofters and their influence on American art and design on a guided tour of the museum.

Elbert Hubbard Roycroft Museum, 363 Oakwood Ave, East Aurora, NY 14052, Phone: 716-652-4735

5. Hawcreek Wildlife Center

Hawcreek Wildlife Center was established in 1987 with the express purpose of protecting wildlife and fostering a love of conservation and environmental stewardship. The non-profit center is home to more than 70 permanent residents – birds, reptiles and mammals – which have been rescued and rehabilitated but for various reasons cannot be released into the wilds. In addition, the center rehabilitates and releases hundreds of rare and threatened animals each year. In order to fund this amazing initiative, the Hawcreek center hosts various up-close and personal animal experiences which you can book online. They also host regular open-door experiences for the community.

Hawcreek Wildlife Center, 1963 Mill Rd, West Falls, NY 14170, Phone: 716-652-8646

6. Vidler’s 5 & 10

Vidler’s 5 & 10 store was first established during the dark days of the Great Depression; no-one thought they would last for 6 weeks, let alone 100 years. Today visitors to East Aurora should not miss taking a walk down memory lane as they explore this historic store which stocks all manner of curiosities. As you make your way up and down the colorful aisles, which are groaning with goods, you will find just about everything you never thought you needed. Visiting this 100-year old business is a wonderfully nostalgic way to spend a few hours in East Aurora, and the ideal place to stock up with gifts for everyone you know.

Vidler’s 5 & 10, 676-694 Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14052, Phone: 716-652-0481

7. Riley Street Station

For over 100 years Riley Street Station was a busy commuter train station which linked East Aurora and Buffalo City, operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad.

The historic old building you see today was built in 1917, to replace a former wooden structure which was deemed to be unattractive and not fit for purpose. Today Riley Street Station is a popular meeting place which has brought the typical UK Gastropub concept to New York. The interior of the old station has been carefully transformed into a cozy and relaxing pub/restaurant where patrons can enjoy up-market comfort food with a modern twist. There is also a shaded outdoor area for alfresco dining in summer.

Riley Street Station, 27 Riley Street, East Aurora, NY 14052, Phone: 716-655-4948

8. The Health Zone Rink

The Health Zone Rink was opened in 2008 and has proved to be a very valuable asset to the East Aurora community. During the winter season, from October to March, the rink offers a very busy schedule of games, events and camps for all ages. Here future NHL champions find their ice legs and can attend training camps. The rink is a popular venue for parties and can be rented for children’s birthday parties, graduation parties and even baby showers. Activities on offer during the summer include roller-skating, pickle ball, corn hole and can-jam and include the use of the lodge area.

The Health Zone Rink, 41 Riley St, East Aurora, NY 14052, Phone: 716-805-7582

9. Black Raven Pottery

Self-taught potter Bev Fehringer’s passion for her art led her to become a juried artist with the Roycroft Arts and Craftsmen Guild, and she is now a Roycroft Artist in Residence at the famous Roycroft Campus.

Visitors to East Aurora are invited to drop by her studio to see her lovely range of functional (food safe, dishwasher and oven save) pottery designs, all of which make lovely gifts to take back home. In addition to her functional pottery Bev also produces home décor items and one-of-a-kind fun pieces. If you are eager to learn more about mastering the art of pottery you can join one of her private or group classes.

Black Raven Pottery, 37 South Grove Street, East Aurora, NY 14052, Phone: 716-572-5257

10. Bar Bill Tavern

A popular East Aurora watering hole and eatery, Bar Bill Tavern has been family owned and run since 1977 and has a dedicated following of over 4000 “members”, each of whom has their very own custom beer mug kept in the pub. Over the years the pub has gone from having a single offering of Beef on Weck on their menu, to winning multiple awards for their food and in particular for their chicken wings, which are rumored to be the best on the planet. The pub is always busy but regulars are happy to wait patiently until a place becomes available. First-timers are encouraged to come and find out what the hype is all about – Bar Bill Tavern is always happy to welcome new faces.

Bar Bill Tavern, 185 Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14052, Phone: 716-652-7959