Buffalo Burbs – Neighborhood Shopping – History

Source: www.visitbuffaloniagara.com 

Elmwood Village

Named one of the “10 Great Neighborhoods in America” by the American Planning Association, the Elmwood Village is one of the Buffalo’s top shopping and entertainment districts. Bordered by the city’s museum district on one end and Allentown on the other, Elmwood Avenue features a host of boutiques, coffee shops, bars, art galleries and restaurants.

 

Hertel Avenue

Known as an antique haven for the last 15 years, North Buffalo’s Hertel Avenue now boasts much more than the half-dozen or so antique shops that call it home. The shopping district has a collection of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and an early 20th century movie theater that’s not to be missed. Nicknamed Buffalo’s “Little Italy,” Hertel is also renowned for its Italian restaurants, cafes and grocery stores.

Allentown

Long known as a hip cultural destination in the city, Allentown continues to live up to that reputation today. The neighborhood, bound by Allen Street, Franklin Street, Delaware Avenue and Elmwood Avenue, has a number of bars featuring live music and jazz every weekend, restaurants and small galleries. You’ll also find antique shops and bookstores, filled with off-the-beaten-path knick-knacks, used books and CDs.

Williamsville

First settled nearly 200 years ago, historic Williamsville is a destination for those who want to skip the malls and prefer the allure of an old-fashioned Main Street shopping experience. The village features a host of boutiques, clothing stores, gift shops and other retailing outlets centered around picturesque Glen Park. Williamsville also has a number of well-known restaurants and cafes.

 Clarence

Founded in 1808, Clarence was the first town incorporated in Erie County. Located northeast of Buffalo, Clarence’s history and heritage are still very much alive today. Many of Clarence’s antique shops, cafes and bookstores are housed in quaint 19th century buildings along Main Street and on Goodrich Road in the hamlet of Clarence Center. When you need a break from the shopping, take in Clarence’s forests, fields and wetlands on a pair of walking and biking trails.

East Aurora

The village of East Aurora, located southeast of Buffalo, can stake claim to the residence of an American president – Millard Fillmore – and the birthplace of the American Arts & Crafts Movement – the Roycroft Campus. Today, its quaint Main Street is filled with shops, restaurants, an old-fashioned movie theater and Vidler’s 5 & 10, a surprisingly expansive store that has been in operation for more than 80 years.