Shopping at Smokin' Joe's is a unique experience. While many people come here for tax-free gas and smokes—it's located on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation so they don't collect New York state sales tax—there is much more to choose from at this large complex. One can get groceries gifts, fine jewelry and even cigars. Even if you aren't looking to shop, come here for the Native American Museum of Art, featuring the works of sculptor Joseph Jacobs and other Native American artists. A café features a variety of reasonably priced foods to eat in or take out. - Christine A. Smyczynski
Antique World is the largest indoor and outdoor antique and flea market in New York State. Indoors, hundreds of dealers display their wares year-round in 100,000 square feet in 10 buildings. You'll find glassware, pottery, dishes, furniture, jewelry, textiles, collectible items and more. On Sundays during spring, summer and fall, hundreds of additional dealers set up their wares outside. Two huge “super” flea markets are generally held in May and August. Since Clarence, the oldest township in western New York, is considered the antique capital of the region, it's fitting that this large complex is located here.
This family-operated candy shop and ice cream parlor has a large selection of premium chocolates and other candy treats. Named after owner dean Tassy’s grandmother who was a candy maker in Greece, the shop features candy handmade in their chocolate factory behind the shop. Some of the featured confections include sponge candy, a treat unique to western New York. It consists of a candy "sponge" made from sugar water, corn syrup and baking soda covered in chocolate. Alethea’s also has a variety of dark chocolates, light chocolates, truffles, chocolate drizzled popcorn, and more. You can even custom order personalized gifts for weddings and other occasions. Their ice cream parlor across the foyer from the candy shop has treats like classic sundaes and cones. -Christine A. Smyczynski
The first DiCamillo Bakery was opened in Niagara Falls in 1920 by Tomaso and Addolorata DiCamillo. Today the bakery, which is still family run, has five locations in Western New York, including the one on Center Street in Lewiston. One of their most popular products is thick crusted, hearth-baked Italian bread, sold sliced or unsliced. It is made with no sugar, shortening, preservatives or artificial flavors. Other items sold include classic Italian cookies, donuts, cakes, turnovers, pizza and bagels, as well as pizza dough and sauce. The Lewiston location has a few small tables in the front of the shop, as well as some out on the sidewalk during the summer months. -Christine A. Smyczynski
You'll fall head over heels in love with this unique boutique located along East Aurora's historic Main Street. They have a large selection of shoes, purses, and accessories displayed in an elegant yet funky store. You'll find shoes to go with every outfit in you closet, along with matching bags, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories. Be sure to allow enough time to browse, as they have quite a bit of items to choose from. The average woman has about 17 pairs of shoes in her closet; after visiting this store you'll definitely have more than average. -Christine A. Smyczynski
In a city known for its ethnic foods, this indoor market has been the place to go shopping for over 100 years. At over 100,000 square feet, the market is one of the largest in the country, featuring 40+ vendors specializing in sought-after German, Polish, and Eastern European comestibles in this neighborhood. If you are hungry for home-made kielbasa, bratwurst, or real Polish ham, this is the place for you. There are also restaurants, bakeries, poultry and candy stands scattered throughout the market.