Located in a 1872 three-story brick building in the heart of Clarence Center, this family-owned upscale gift shop is the place to shop for "the perfect gift". The building was originally a dry goods store operated by the Eschelman family for nearly 100 years. Afterwards, it housed a country store known as the Clarence Emporium for many years. Today's shoppers can choose from home décor, artwork, greeting cards, handmade jewelry, Vera Bradley items, gourmet foods and seasonal gift items. Located within The Perfect Gift is Get Heeled, which specializes in shoes, including bridal shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. – Christine A. Smyczynski
Explore three full floors of retail space at this bookshop located in a circa 1896 building in the heart of downtown. The shop, housed on 35,000 square feet of retail and warehouse space, overflows with a large selection of antique and rare books, collectible books, maps, autographs and engravings. It is one of the largest antique bookstores in upstate New York and, if by chance they don't have an item in stock, they will locate it for you. Since you will probably spend quite a bit of time here, stroll into the small café on the first floor before wandering through the aisles. - Christine A. Smyczynski
For over 70 years, folks in Erie and Niagara County have come to Niagara County Produce for their top choice in quality produce. In season, choose from home-grown apples, corn, peaches and more, along with floral items. In the off-season, enjoy apples and potatoes from cold storage, as well as produce from other parts of the country. The market's full-service deli offers meats and cold cuts at very reasonable prices, as well as several types of freshly made sausages. They also have a variety of groceries, locally made candies, gardening items, and much more. They have a second location in Lockport. – Christine A. Smyczynski
This unique store/gallery promotes printing and book-related art. They carry bookbinding supplies, paper for letter press printing and decorative art stationery that comes from all over the world. They also carry a selection of books, cards, and posters. Lectures and workshops about printmaking, papermaking, illustration, design, writing, and binding are also on offer. Participation in the International Edible Book Festival, which is held around April 1, is an annual event at this shop. Artists create an edible book that's judged on appearance as well as taste; one can literally eat their words! The April 1 date is not an April Fool's joke, it actually was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826), a French gastronome who wrote the book, Physiologie du Gout. -Christine A. Smyczynski
This eclectic gift shop and gallery, owned and operated by sisters Joan and Joyce Zoerb, has been a popular destination for over a quarter century. It was located at the corner of Allen and Franklin for its first 23 years, but recently was moved to the high traffic Elmwood avenue, at the site of the former Junior League shop. The 2,000 square foot store has many unique items, including wine glasses, home décor, kitchen items, lamps, bath and body, gourmet coffees and teas, seasonal items and more. Many of the items are bought at markets in NYC. Their signature gift wrap includes handmade bows and silk flowers.-Christine A. Smyczynski
For almost 30 years The Dress Shop has offered unique clothing and accessories to women in the East Aurora area. A second location can be found in the Allentown section of Buffalo. Some of the lines of clothing they carry include Urban Outfitters, Kiko, Flax, Free People, Cut Loose, and Anthropologie. Be sure to visit the Shop Upstairs on the second floor, which has a variety of vintage items for the kitchen, bath, and bedroom, along with books, puzzles, pottery, and many other interesting items. They also carry a large selection of vintage clothing. -Christine A. Smyczynski