From Vidler’s 5 & 10 and the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts and Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street US 20A. With its charming small-town atmosphere, rich cultural offerings, and beautiful natural surroundings, East Aurora is a must-see destination an hour and a half west of Rochester and 10 minutes east of Orchard Park, home of the Buffalo Bills.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
Plan Your Day Trip to East Aurora
Breakfast
Start your day at Elm Street Bakery, Charlie’s Diner, or Taste Bistro & Coffee Bar.
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.
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.
The Millard Fillmore House on Shearer Avenue is also a must-see, as it is the only home in the country that was built by a president with his own hands.
Lunch
Enjoy a meal at The Bar-Bill Tavern, Kornerstone Café and Juice Bar, or Left Coast Taco for a taste of local flavor.
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.
Sample some local brews at 42 North Brewing Company and Aurora Brew Works.
Afterward, catch a matinee at Aurora Theatre and enjoy their delicious popcorn. Be sure to check out the extraordinary historic murals in the lobby.
Or head a mile west of the village on Buffalo Rd 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. This extraordinary park is managed by the Friends of Knox Farm.
Dinner
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Pasquale’s Italian Restaurant, 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.
If you want to enjoy a tasty meal at home, pick up a frozen entrée from Mr. Pot Pie before departing East Aurora. Simply pop it in the oven for a quick and easy meal after your adventures.
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.
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.
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What are your favorite things to do on a day trip to East Aurora?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
Will enough be open in February or March to schedule a get away weekend to East Aurora?
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?