Alpha-Buffalo: E is for East Aurora

printableletters.org

Established in 1874, East Aurora is home to an amazing old-time five-and-ten, a historic toy manufacturer and a 100-plus-year-old Arts-and-Crafts era inn. These are just a few of the things that make East Aurora a great place for a day trip from Buffalo.

Vidler’s 5 & 10 opened in 1930 and is now run by the third generation of the family. Located on the village’s historic Main St., Vidler’s now occupies four buildings and over 15,000 square feet of retail space.

Fisher-Price Toys has been located in East Aurora for many years and is also the site of the Fisher-Price Toystore, located on the company’s campus at 636 Girard Ave. Hours at the store are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Roycroft Inn, built in 1905, was built to accommodate the influx of people brought to East Aurora as part of the Arts-and-Crafts Movement. The Roycroft Campus was once the hub of the movement, with more than 500 artisans and craftsmen in the area. Today, the Inn features 28 luxury suites as well as a restaurant and a lounge.

Explore& More Children’s Museum, at 300 Gleed Ave., is the only Western New York museum designed especially for kids. Full of hands-on exhibits and learning activities, the museum also hosts birthday parties and school field trips.

Ever wonder what happened to the boards from the inaugural NHL Winter Classic at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park? Check them out at the East Aurora Classic Ice Rink, located at 41 Riley St. There is public skating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and it also hosts a number of events, including the “Hockey-A-Thon,” a 26.2-hour-long hockey game.

Want more information on East Aurora? Check out eastaurora.org.