East Aurora feels locked in time. From Vidler’s 5-and-10 to the Aurora Theatre, and the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900’s are alive and well on Main Street US-20A and ready to enjoy.
If you love those heartwarming Hallmark holiday movies, then you must watch A Prince For Christmas, which was filmed throughout East Aurora. You’ll recognize Vidler’s, Knox Farm, and the Roycroft Inn to name a few.
Suggested Itinerary for Your East Aurora Getaway
Take a look at these day-by-day ideas for your three-day East Aurora getaway, with plenty of other options below. You could take this plan and use it as your own, or let it serve as inspiration.
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Day One
Plan to arrive by noon so you can check in to your lodging and enjoy a relaxing lunch before seeing the sights.
Lunch
Welcome to (716) Country! Try the Buffalo Wings at The Bar-Bill Tavern or the Beef on Weck at The Globe.
Afternoon
Spend a few hours at Vidler’s 5 and 10 before doing anything else! There’s so much to see, you may wish to absorb it all now and stop back in before you head home again.
Dinner
Enjoy a meal at Pasquale’s Italian Restaurant, The Griffon Gastropub, 189 Burger, or Rick’s on Main.
Evening
Take in a movie at the historic Aurora Theatre. And some popcorn! Also, check out the extraordinary historic murals in the lobby.
Or explore the locals brews at 42 North Brewing Company and Aurora Brew Works.
Day Two
Here are some ideas to fill your day with memory-making adventures!
Breakfast
Stop in to Elm Street Bakery for coffee and a delicious assortment of pastries.
Or for a hearty, sit-down meal, head for Charlie’s Diner.
Morning
Spend the morning exploring the village. A walk down Main Street will show you everything the village of East Aurora has to offer. You’ll find unique boutiques, restaurants, and historic sites worth stopping for along the way.
For example, the Millard Fillmore House is the only home still standing that a president built with his own hands.
The Roycroft Campus and Elbert Hubbard Museum around the corner will give you insight into one of America’s most successful Arts and Crafts communities. The Campus contains nine of the original fourteen structures including the Inn, the Chapel, the Print Shop, the Furniture Shop, and the Copper Shop.
If you want to extend your walk, head up Riley Street to the Fisher-Price Toy Store. Kids or no kids, it’s a playful place for everyone! Fisher-Price was founded in East Aurora in 1930, and is still headquartered here today.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at Riley Street Station, a beautiful repurposed commuter train depot.
Afternoon
Hike one of the local sanctuaries, like Sinking Pond Wildlife Sanctuary or Owens Falls Sanctuary.
Or a take a less adventurous hike along a one-mile boardwalk loop trail through Major’s Park along Cazenovia Creek, which also flows through Cazenovia Creek Nature Sanctuary.
Dinner
Enjoy a fine meal at The Roycroft Inn, and explore the Arts and Crafts movement decor throughout the historic building and grounds.
Evening
Enjoy sunset from the Mill Road Overlook.
Day Three
Make the most of your time here this morning. Plan on seeing a few sites, and enjoying a great lunch before you head for home.
Breakfast
Stop by Taste Bistro & Coffee Bar
Morning
Were there places you wanted more time to explore? Like more time in Vidler’s, or the Roycroft Campus? One of the Main Street shops, like Nigh Road Farmhouse or Beulah’s General Store?
Lunch
Stop into Kornerstone Café and Juice Bar for a tasty beverage for the drive home. Or try Left Coast Taco just down the street.
Afternoon
Head home on US-20A and spend the afternoon at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.
Or, head toward US-20 with a stop at the Marilla Country Store, and Oliver’s Candies on the way home if you didn’t hit Fowler’s Chocolates in East Aurora for sponge candy. All right, even if you did!
Dinner
I hope you grabbed a delicious frozen entrée from Mr. Pot Pie before you left East Aurora! Pop that in your oven for an easy meal after your adventures.
Attractions
These are the top things to do around East Aurora.
Vidler’s 5 & 10
Founded in 1930, Vidler’s is the largest “5 & 10” variety store in the world. At least, that’s what their website declares! You could spend hours wandering around the store’s four connected buildings and still won’t see everything!
You’ll appreciate their entertaining and quirky commercials on YouTube if you’re looking for more reasons to go! The “Vidler on the Roof” has been in place since 2009.
Knox Farm State Park
Situated on a former country estate, the park’s 633 acres are comprised of a variety of habitats, including 400 acres of grasslands (pastures and hayfields), and 100 acres of woodlands, ponds and several wetland areas.
Walked the paved pathways between the barns and the estate mansion, past the 6-acre dog park and nursery. Or, wander miles of bucolic meadow and woodland trails.
This extraordinary park is managed by the Friends of Knox Farm.
Roycroft Campus
The Roycroft Campus is the most complete complex of buildings remaining in the country of the guilds that evolved as centers of craftsmanship and philosophy during the late 19th century.
Founded by Elbert Hubbard in 1897, it is often considered the birthplace of the American Arts & Crafts Movement.
The Campus, designated a National Historic Landmark district (NHL) in 1986, contains 9 of the original 14 structures including the Roycroft Inn, the Chapel, the Print Shop, the Furniture Shop, and the Copper Shop.
The Elbert Hubbard Roycroft Museum is just two blocks away.
Take a Hike
In addition to Knox Farm, there are several excellent parks and preserves to explore off the beaten path.
Sinking Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
Kenneglenn Scenic and Nature Preserve
Cazenovia Creek Nature Sanctuary
Dining
Great options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or a tasty beverage along the way.
Kornerstone Café and Juice Bar
Mambrino King – Wine, Coffee, & Chocolate Café
Lodging
Here are the best options for a place to spend the night during your East Aurora getaway.
Inns and B & Bs
Traditional Hotels
Camping
Shopping
East Aurora’s Main Street is packed with shops!
Signature Events
These are either great times to visit or dates to avoid when planning your East Aurora getaway depending on your comfort level with crowds.
Borderland Music Festival
September
A grassroots music + art festival featuring 22+ bands across 3 stages, NYS Craft beer, plus craftsman and vendors located at the pastoral grounds of Knox State Park.
Carolcade
December
Celebrate the Annual Christmas Carolcade on Main Street in front of Vidler’s. A beloved East Aurora tradition, it started with some girl scouts singing carols at the store.
Today, nearly 2,000 singers from near and far come together to sing traditional Christmas carols, enjoy hot cocoa courtesy of Vidler’s and to see East Aurora’s historic Main Street decked out for Christmas.
More Getaways Around Rochester
Ranked as one of the “Top Ten Small Towns,” you’ll love a getaway in Lewiston, with its excellent shops, restaurants and Niagara River views.
Spend less time traveling and more time exploring with these fantastic getaways from Rochester. They’re all within a two hour drive from home.
How will you spend your 3-day East Aurora getaway?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!