East Aurora: Secret Charming Neighborhood of Upstate New York

Right outside Buffalo in Western New York lies a village full of character, charm, and cheer. With a population of 6,250 people, East Aurora is a small town that has continued to put down lots of roots, and offers an opportunity for adventure for those that visit. 

Having been established since 1874, East Aurora also left a legacy of American history. This is one of best upstate New York villages to visit, and it’s the perfect destination for any trip. Whether you need a couples retreat, a family vacation, or a quick day trip, (if you’re exploring villages outside of Buffalo), East Aurora has lots of entertainment and personality to offer! 

A Stroll Through East Aurora:

East Aurora is tucked alongside some of the most breathtaking and natural landscapes in the area. As you're strolling into town, you'll come across the beautiful 633-acre state park known as Knox Farm. Donated by the renowned Knox Family, this park stays open for visitors all year long, and it's definitely worth the visit. Within the 633 acres, there's beautiful pastures, forests, and ponds that visitors are allowed to explore through hiking, horse riding, or skiing (to name a few).

Continue down Buffalo Road, a couple turns later, and you'll find yourself on Main Street in front of the noteworthy Bar-Bill Tavern. This is where you'll find the locals, indulging in some "wings and things" as the restaurant's slogan rightfully suggests. You can't go to East Aurora and not dine in at the Bar-Bill Tavern that almost annually wins ‘best wings’ and/or ‘best ‘weck’ in WNY in a number of different polls!

Once you've filled up on some beer and wings, it's time to head over to the President's house! You know, Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States? Oh- did you think we meant the current President? No, silly. We're pretty sure he lives in some white house or something. Now, back to Millard Fillmore, he lived in East Aurora previously before being elected into office. He built this home himself, and it's one of our most proud historical landmarks throughout our town! The Fillmore house is the only remaining home of our 13th president, besides the White House, and one of only 2 homes left in the U.S. that was actually built by hand by a U.S. President. For just $10, you can say you toured the President's house.  

Once you're done there, you'll continue to pass through some more beautiful homes that are within the village, and we're sure you'll be impressed compared to other Upstate New York neighborhoods. You'll finally arrive at your last stop, (by finally, we mean in like, three minutes). You've traveled all this way and saved the best for last… and of course, it's our very favorite. 

Welcome to Vidler's 5 & 10! We're so glad you could make it. We've been established since 1930, and we're proudly the largest Five and Dime store in the world. We're guaranteed to entertain you and take you back to more carefree times, like when running around with yo-yo's and whoopie cushions was all that was needed to have a great time. Stay awhile and enjoy the fun of not knowing what you may find! 

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The rest of East Aurora can even be explored by foot. Walkscore has given East Aurora a score of 80 - most tasks can be accomplished by foot.

East Aurora has a vibrant Main Street with many locally owned shops and a wide variety of dining options from casual comfort food to fine dining to pub style. For more information on East Aurora, check out both of these articles written by New York Upstate; A day in East Aurora or East Aurora: Buffalo neighborhood is becoming Hollywood's 'Anytown, USA'. 

Image Source Links:

East Aurora

Knox Farm

Bar-Bill Tavern

Millard Fillmore House