about east aurora, new york

The Village of East Aurora’s rich history remains an integral part of its present-day character. Located just 25 miles from downtown Buffalo and 45 minutes from Niagara Falls, East Aurora has been home to interesting individuals, including U.S. President Millard Fillmore and Elbert Hubbard, the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement and international companies, such as Fisher-Price Toys.

A walk down East Aurora's bustling Main Street is, in some ways, a step back in time with a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, churches, municipal buildings and carefully preserved homes. Main Street is home to various local businesses and attractions, including Vidlers, an old-fashioned five and dime store, an ice cream parlor and a big-screen theatre with a classic neon marquee.

Local museums and national historic sites provide direct links to East Aurora’s dynamic past. Fillmore, the nation’s 13th president, built the Millard Fillmore House on Shearer Avenue when he was a country lawyer in East Aurora. The 1825 structure is restored to that period and features some original Fillmore furniture of the era, as well as items from Fillmore’s presidential years.

Founded in 1895, the Roycroft Campus on South Grove Street grew to be a leading international Arts & Crafts center under the leadership of Elbert Hubbard. The Roycroft Inn is completely restored and is open to the public for dining and accommodations. The Elbert Hubbard Museum on Oakwood Avenue features an extensive collection of Roycroft books and Arts & Crafts pieces.

The birthplace of Fisher-Price Toys, East Aurora is a community that is passionate about children. Fisher-Price’s international headquarters are located on Girard Avenue in the Village. A community foundation operates the Toy Town USA Museum , located on the Fisher-Price campus. The annual ToyFest celebration draws children of all ages to the community every summer. A community group also operates Explore & More...a children's museum.

Sinking Ponds Nature Preserve, located on the Pine Street Extension at the outskirts of the Village, offers hiking trails and a natural habitat for migrating geese and other animals.

Centrally located on Prospect Avenue, Hamlin Park hosts many Village celebrations and concerts and is the home of the Aurora Players , a community theatre company.

East Aurora is a community that is firmly rooted in its past and keenly aware of the qualities that make the Village a great place to shop, work and live. The East Aurora Chamber of Commerce offers additional information on things to do, places to go, dining & lodging , as well as upcoming events in the East Aurora area.