5 Buffalo Neighborhoods for Your Holiday Shopping Spree
While Cyber Monday deals may catch my eye and the idea of shopping from my couch is very tempting, the best holiday gifts I give every year are the ones that I handpick. Like with my two hands, not the click of a mouse. It tells your special someone that they’re just that, special. You took the time to search for that perfect something that you knew they’d love. And where better to find that “I’m the best gift giver ever!” present? Perusing one of Buffalo’s best neighborhoods that allow for a little shopping, a little noshing and a little tipping back of some festive cheer. Start your shopping here:
Elmwood Village
Imagine a neighborhood where locals gather at cozy coffeehouses and stroll down the street window-shopping for holiday gifts. Picture a district where ‘independently-owned’ and ‘artisanal’ are the descriptors used for retailers and where public art can be seen on nearly every block. That’s Buffalo’s Elmwood Village – and they’re totally decked out for the holidays this year! The stores are bursting with holiday gift ideas from spices at Penzey’s to sponge candy at Watson’s Chocolates and sweaters at Buffalo Fleece and Outerwear to sushi plates at Everything Elmwood. Then save a bit of your budget for a brew at Thin Man Brewery for a nightcap.
Hertel Avenue
Few Buffalo neighborhoods capture the city’s rebirth (and the holidays!) quite like Hertel Avenue. The mix of old and new businesses are making Hertel the neighborhood of choice for locals and visitors year round but the holidays is when they flock! Kick off your shopping sprint during their Annual Holiday Walk. Admire the festive windows at room, stop into Modern Nostalgia for a gift for your favorite lady and marvel at the handmade wares at Cone Five Gallery. Round out your visit with a chai latte at Spot Coffee! Or even stick around for a Christmas classic on the big screen at North Park Theatre!
East Aurora
How could your holiday shopping begin anywhere other than in the village where Fisher Price Toys is headquartered? But that’s just a start, East Aurora’s Main Street is chock-full of gift ideas for everyone on your list. Vidler’s 5 & 10 for the kids, Head Over Heels for the gals and Prima Oliva for anyone and everyone. Swing by 42 North Brewing Company for a pint before or after, pop in for a single order of wings at the Bar-Bill Tavern and save room for dessert at Taste Bistro & Coffee Bar (order their DIY Smores Bar!)
Williamsville
The allure of a Main Street shopping experience will draw you to this neighborhood located northeast of downtown Buffalo. Williamsville has come a long way from its historic roots with the addition of trendy boutiques and hip cafes, all ready to serve you up some cheer this holiday season. While you’ll be kept busy searching for that perfect gift inside Tony Walker & Co., Clayton’s Toys and Village Artisans, remember to save time for Buffalo’s signature holiday beverage, the Tom & Jerry, at the Glen Park Tavern.
Allentown
The perfect cure for the stress of the holidays is to do your shopping in the neighborhood known for its chill vibe, Allentown. Start your shopping with a visit to Allen Street Dress Shop or Lace & Day for gifts that the ladies in your life will adore. Pop into one of the neighborhood’s favorite galleries – Glow Gallery and then reward yourself with a cocktail from Billy Club.
