"You can really make a day of it” gets tossed around a lot, usually to describe places with a handful of decent stops stitched together into a half-day itinerary. But when it comes to East Aurora, the phrase actually holds.
This picturesque suburb, just 20 minutes down Route 400 from Buffalo, can keep you busy from early morning to late night. East Aurora isn’t just a place you pass through; it’s a destination that rewards you for lingering. If you need convincing, here’s how my sister and I spent an entire day in the Hallmark Movie Village.
Take a stroll
We kicked off our day at Knox Farm State Park, a 633-acre former estate with open fields, wooded trails and peaceful ponds. It’s a great spot for wildlife watching. And if you’re a birder (like I am), you may already know that Eastern Bluebirds are year-round residents of the park. As New York’s state bird, they’re always a treat to see. Speaking of birds…
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Grab a bagel
The early bird gets the bagel in East Aurora. We headed to Dopest Dough for one of their coveted breakfast sammies. The Bodega Cat features local organic eggs, cheese and your choice of add-ins, like house-made breakfast sausage or smoked bacon. The shop often sells out before noon, so don’t miss your window.
Watch a matinee
The historic Aurora Theatre.
After breakfast, we headed for a matinee (“Song Sung Blue”) at the historic Aurora Theatre. Opened in 1925, the single-screen cinema feels like stepping back in time and was the perfect place to rest our feet before the second half of our day.
Browse the aisles
Retro candy at Vidler's 5 & 10.
You could easily spend a couple of hours at Vidler’s 5 & 10 alone. Spanning four floors and packed wall to wall with nostalgic finds, this longtime Main Street staple is equal parts toy store, gift shop and trip down memory lane. We grabbed some retro candy for the road.
Try the wings
If it’s good enough for QB1, it’s good enough for us! Bar-Bill Tavern, a local favorite and Josh Allen’s go-to wing spot, can get crowded, so we aimed for a later lunch. The Cajun Honey Butter BBQ wings are an absolute must-try.
Hit the ice
After lunch, we laced up our skates at the Classic Rink. Whether you’re confident on the ice or clinging to the boards, everyone fits in here. Of everything we did that day, this was the moment that felt the most like we’d stepped into a Hallmark movie.
Soak in the art scene
We slowed things down again at The Copper Shop Gallery, a cozy space on the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Campus filled with work from local artists and makers. From paintings and pottery to jewelry and sculpture, the gallery is great for scoring unique keepsakes.
Grab some dinner
Dinner at Marta's Market.
By dinner time, we were more than ready to eat. Marta’s Market hit the spot with its elevated yet unfussy menu. We ordered the Sandro and Mike the Bike sandwiches and swapped halves, which is always the right move. Simple, thoughtful and really well done.
Enjoy a nightcap
For our final stop, we slipped into the semi-secret speakeasy at the General Riley House. Just look for the gas light to be flickering to find the entrance. The perfect way to end our very busy day in East Aurora.
Drinks at The General Riley House.
