Shopping Travel Guide to Buffalo
Finding the Fun and Funky Stuff in Western New York
Find Buffalo's fun and funky side with this shopping travel guide to Western New York. Find cool stuff at Antique World, Elmwood Village, Vidler's 5 & 10 and Wegmans.
Shopping districts abound in Buffalo and the Western New York area. More than 200 shops and restaurants are at the Walden Galleria, the region’s premier shopping center. Experience the true essence of Buffalo by stepping outside the mall perimeter and into these fun and funky shopping venues.
Fun and Funky Shopping Travel Guide to Buffalo: Antiquing in Clarence
Just 15 miles east of Buffalo is the cozy town of Clarence. The town’s Main Street is commonly referred to as “Antique Alley” for the sprinkling of antique shops up and down the main drag. It’s easy to get lost in the browsing of old trunks and treasures once belonging to others’ grandmothers.
The granddaddy of treasure hunting in Buffalo is Antique World and Market (11111 Main Street, Clarence). Everything from kitsch to chic is found at this indoor and outdoor flea market. With 100,000 square feet of “stuff” in 10 buildings plus outdoor stalls, this is one of New York State’s largest markets. The buildings housing antiques are open daily but Sunday is the day to browse through the flea market.
Fun and Funky Shopping Travel Guide to Buffalo: Elmwood Village
Stroll down Elmwood Avenue to see more than 200 fun and funky shops and restaurants in this revitalized area of Buffalo’s downtown. Shops are intimate and cozy and owners are usually working behind the registers. There’s an artsy-edgy feel while walking down Elmwood Avenue where an aging Buffalo meets the twenty-first century. When the night scene gears up, a pair of neon tango dancers light up Elmwood Avenue signifying it’s time to party.
Don’t miss these fun and funky Elmwood shops:
- Clutch (814 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo) – Find kitschy and quirky jewelry like earrings made from recycled soda bottles and necklaces with the Virgin Mary. Check out the wall of earrings, line of tights and other funky must-have accessories. The true traveler will love Clutch’s really cool purse with a historic map of Buffalo screened onto fabric.
- Everything Elmwood (740 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo) – Perfect, trendy and unique gifts will be found at this funky Buffalo boutique. Pick up a piece of handcrafted jewelry from a local artist or a piece of home décor with a little bling to give as a gift. The entrance way is a mosaic of gem-like stones.
- Thin Ice(719 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo) – This small boutique sells handmade art, jewelry and home décor crafted from wood, glass, pottery and metal, most by local artists. Women can bring sexy back with hats reminiscent of 1920s flappers.
Fun and Funky Shopping Travel Guide to Buffalo: Vidler’s 5 & 10
Located in quaint East Aurora, Vidler’s 5 & 10 (676-694 Main Street) takes customers back to 1930 when the five and dime opened its doors. Peruse the penny candies and ageless toys like yo-yos and kazoos while walking on the hardwood floors. The popcorn vending machine for a quarter is a favorite with store visitors. Crafts, house wares and candles are found at Vidler’s, too.
Fun and Funky Shopping Travel Guide to Buffalo: Wegmans Grocery Store
Grocery stores aren’t usually on a traveler’s must-see list but when visiting Buffalo, round out the trip with a stop at Wegmans. Western New Yorkers are proud of this regional grocery store chain with sections specific to cheese, international cuisine and a myriad of bulk foods. With all the variety and selections, it’s like browsing an exotic outdoor market with the convenience of being indoors. Wegmans is also an ideal store to pick up popular Buffalo foods.
Make the most of a Buffalo visit and step out of the mall when it’s time to shop. The memorable, fun and funky goods are found in Elmwood Village, the Clarence antique district, Vidler’s 5 & 10 and Wegmans grocery stores.
