East Aurora
East Aurora offers visitors a charming slice of turn-of-the-century American life, evoking an era of simple pleasures, genteel pastimes and timeless craftsmanship. Its tree-lined streets and historic Main Street were built to be seen and experienced at a leisurely pace and with a desire to linger.
East Aurora is perhaps best known as the home of the Roycroft Arts & Crafts community. Conceived of by author, lecturer, and philosopher Elbert Hubbard, the Roycroft campus was a self-sustaining community of artisans that lasted from 1895 through 1938, when it succumbed to the Great Depression.
Today, the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Inn and Campus has been revived as an internationally acclaimed attraction, visited by lovers of fine design and collectors of authentic American craftsmanship. The nearby Elbert Hubbard Museum documents Hubbard’s extraordinary life and the Schoolhouse Gallery exhibits the work of Roycroft Renaissance craftsmen. Perhaps the best way to experience the many charms of this quirky and distinctive village is to partake of one of master storyteller and author Mason Winfield’s popular ghost walks of the campus and vicinity. Be sure to also visit the National Historic Landmark Millard Fillmore House, once home to the man locals playfully refer to as "our least known Prez of all."
East Aurora is also known as Toy Town, U.S.A., owing to the long-time presence of toy maker Fisher-Price. Explore & More...a children’s museum is another attraction that families with children will enjoy.
The East Aurora shopping district is the heart of the community, anchored by Vidler’s Five & Dime, which opened 70 years ago and is still owned and operated by the Vidler family. Sundries of every description can be found in its overstuffed aisles and the penny candy counter still holds fascination for children of all ages. Recent additions to Main Street such as antique stores, art galleries and coffee shops have only served to enhance the street’s appeal while helping to maintain the historic character and locally-owned ethic that has prevailed since the days of the village’s founding.
