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Vidlers 5-and-10 cover

Explore East Aurora

From Vidler’s 5 & 10 to the Arts and Crafts movement, the early 1900s come to life along Main Street US 20A through East Aurora. With its charming small-town atmosphere, rich cultural offerings, and beautiful natural surroundings, East Aurora is a must-see destination located an hour and a half west of Rochester and just 10 minutes east of Orchard Park, home of the Buffalo Bills.

Fun fact, East Aurora has become a popular location for Hallmark holiday movies, with six films being filmed there. The charming historic town, picturesque Main Street, and beautiful countryside make it the perfect setting for these films. After visiting East Aurora, you can watch A Prince For Christmas, A Christmas in Vermont, Hope for Christmas, A Christmas Princess, A Royal Christmas Engagement, and A Royal Christmas on Ice and recognize the locations from your visit.

Plan Your Day Trip to East Aurora

east aurora elm street bakery
Elm Street Bakery

Breakfast

Start your day at Elm Street Bakery, Charlie’s Diner, The Poked Yolk, or Taste Bistro & Coffee Bar.

East Aurora store front Roycroft
Roycroft Campus
East Aurora store front Elbert Hubbard Roycroft Museum
Roycroft door
Roycroft galleries
Roycroft Campus

Morning

Main Street in East Aurora, between Olean Street and Buffalo Road, boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. The Roycroft Campus and the Elbert Hubbard Museum provide insight into the successful Arts and Crafts movement community that once thrived here. The campus contains nine of the original fourteen buildings, including the inn, chapel, and workshop buildings.

Fisher Price store front
Fisher-Price Toy Store

Turning down Riley Street, visitors can find the Fisher-Price Toy Store on Girard Ave. Founded in 1930, East Aurora is still the company’s headquarters.

East Aurora Millard Fillmore House
Millard Fillmore House

The Millard Fillmore House on Shearer Avenue is also a must-see, as it is the only home in the country that a president built with his own hands.

East Aurora store front Bar-Bill Tavern
Bar-Bill Tavern

Lunch

For a taste of local flavor, enjoy a meal at The Bar-Bill TavernKornerstone Café and Juice Bar, or Left Coast Taco.

Vidlers 5 and 10 East Aurora
Vidler’s 5 and 10 in East Aurora
East Aurora store front Toy Loft
East Aurora store front Four Honey Bees Cottage
East Aurora store front Head Over Heals Womens Boutique
East Aurora store front Beulahs General Store
East Aurora store front Too Doors Down
East Aurora store front Bella Casa
Fowlers Chocolate East Aurora
Fowler’s Chocolate in East Aurora

Afternoon

Visit some of the unique shops such as Beulah’s General Store, Fowler’s Chocolates, Four Honey Bees Cottage, Head Over Heels, and Vidler’s 5 & 10, a historic five-and-dime store that has been in operation since 1953.

East Aurora store front 42 North Brewery
42 North

Sample some local brews at 42 North Brewing Company and Aurora Brew Works.

East Aurora store front Aurora Theatre statue
Aurora Theatre

Afterward, catch a matinee at Aurora Theatre and enjoy their delicious popcorn. Be sure to check out the extraordinary historic murals in the lobby.

Knox Farm State Park barns cover
Knox Farm State Park pathway
Knox Farm State Park estate
Knox Farm State Park estate pool
Abandoned swimming pool

Alternatively, drive one mile west of the village on Buffalo Road to enjoy a stroll through historic Knox Farm State Park, where walking paths wind through the former country estate of Buffalo’s Knox family. Wander through woodlands and meadows and around the magnificent residence, with its abandoned swimming pool overtaken by nature. The park also offers an expansive dog park, with four sections dedicated to dogs of varying sizes.

Roycroft Inn
Roycroft Inn
East Aurora store front Ricks on Main
Rick’s
East Aurora store front Griffon Gastropub
Griffon Gastropub
East Aurora store front Pasquales Restaurant
Pasquale’s

Dinner

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at The Griffon Gastropub, 189 Burger, Rick’s on Main, or The Roycroft Inn, where you’ll find Arts-and-Crafts-inspired decor throughout the historic building. Save room for Rosie’s Handcrafted Ice Cream!

Signature Events

Borderland Music Festival

September
Ticketed event

Get your tickets early for the popular grassroots music and arts festival at Knox Farm State Park. Admission fee. 230 Knox Road

Carolcade

December

Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and join nearly 2,000 singers on Main Street in front of Vidler’s 5 & 10. 676 Main St., (716) 652-8444

Google Map of Locations

View the map separately here.

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East Aurora railroad bridge cover
East Aurora

What are your favorite things to do on a day trip to East Aurora?


I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

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People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.

I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.

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Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.

Thank you!
Debi

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Enjoy the Journey Together!

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2 thoughts on “Explore East Aurora”

    1. Deborah, my apologies for not having responded to your question sooner. Yes, most things are open now, possibly with modified scheduled. Did you end up planning and taking a trip to East Aurora?

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