Discover the Village of Williamsville
Forever Young Magazine
September 2014
It’s the middle of summer and you’d like to get away for a day trip or maybe even an overnight getaway, yet you don’t want to spend hours driving to your destination. Fortunately, there are many communities right in the Buffalo area that make perfect getaway destination; one of those places is the Village of Williamsville, which offers a quaint walkable shopping district, numerous restaurants, three parks within the village (one with a waterfall!) and even a couple of hotels if you want to stay overnight. Plus with easy access to the Thruway, you can get there quickly, no matter where you live in western New York.
A bit of history
The village, which is located within the town of Amherst, was first settled in 1799 near the waterfall on Ellicott Creek known today as Glen Falls. Jonas Williams, who was traveling through the area, realized of potential of the water power of the falls, so he acquired land here and in 1811 built a gristmill on the west side of the waterfall. The area became known as Williams Mills, later changed to Williamsville.
Enjoying green space within a village
Glen Park, a ten-acre park and natural wildlife area located between Main Street and Glen Avenue is the most scenic spot in the village. When I was in the park a few weeks ago I heard a lady remark to her family that Glen Park was “like a little hidden paradise.” People come here to enjoy picnicking, fishing, or just strolling the trails. The viewing spot next to the 27 foot high waterfall is considered to be quite a romantic location: it is a popular spot for both marriage proposals and wedding photos. Back in the 1940’s to 1960’s Glen Park was the site of a small amusement park and in its heyday also home to the Glen Casino, an entertainment venue that attracted nationally known performers. The complex was destroyed by fire in 1968 and converted to parkland in 1976.
Across Main Street and behind the village hall is Island Park, a triangular shaped island which was formed in 1841, when Jonas Williams built a raceway to direct water power to his gristmill. The park, which hosts several festivals each summer, has a large picnic pavilion, a playground and a wading pool. On the eastern edge of the village Garrison Park, a small neighborhood park, features a playground, wading pool, and a gazebo.
A walkable shopping district
One can spend several hours browsing the numerous shops located along Main Street. If you’re looking for home décor, check out Tesori, which features new items as well as antiques. You can also find vintage treasurers at Muleskinner Antiques. Locally made jewelry, home décor, artwork, and more can be found at the Village Artisans. You can also find a nice selection of jewelry, accessories, and home items at Shabby Chic Boutique. Vintage jewelry is the specialty at Sarah’s Vintage and Estate Jewelry. Monarch, which has a great selection of jewelry and accessories which retail for only $10, is a great place to pick up some real bargains.
Even the local hardware store, Ed Young’s, has a large giftware section in the front of the store, in addition to its great selection of hardware and seasonal items. Clothing shops include LeeLee, the Jacqueline Shoppe, and Pumpkins children’s clothes. Be sure to check out Clayton’s Toys, which has been in the toy business for over 90 years.
If you visit on a Saturday morning between mid-May and late October, stop by the Farmer’s Market which takes place on Spring Street from 8:00am-12:30 pm. Over 30 vendors sell a variety of items including fresh produce, baked goods, wine, candy, pet items and more.
So many restaurants, so little time
There are a number of restaurants, both casual and fine dining, in the village. For breakfast try the Original Pancake House or Break ‘n Eggs Creperie. Some of the more traditional dining spots include the Eagle House, which was established in 1827, Creekview Restaurant, which overlooks Elliott Creek, and the 125 year old Glen Park Tavern. Ethnic eateries include the Irishman Pub and Eatery, Milos, for Greek food, Prosit, for German and Polish food, Brioso by Butterwood known for South American cuisine, and Sorrentinos for Italian.
For dessert stop by Sweet Jenny’s Artisan Chocolates and Ice Cream, which is located in the historic 1811 gristmill. You can sample foods from these restaurants and more at the annual Taste of Williamsville, which takes place Sunday August 3rd in Island Park.
Places to stay
There are two hotels within the village, the Hampton Inn and Wyndham Garden Hotel. Both are located on Main Street within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.
Directions
The Village of Williamsville is located along Route 5 (Main Street) just east of the I-290 expressway. Free parking is available in a large municipal lot behind the village hall. There is also parking off Glen Avenue by Glen Park, as well as a limited number of on-street parking spaces.
Forever Young Magazine
September 2014
It’s the middle of summer and you’d like to get away for a day trip or maybe even an overnight getaway, yet you don’t want to spend hours driving to your destination. Fortunately, there are many communities right in the Buffalo area that make perfect getaway destination; one of those places is the Village of Williamsville, which offers a quaint walkable shopping district, numerous restaurants, three parks within the village (one with a waterfall!) and even a couple of hotels if you want to stay overnight. Plus with easy access to the Thruway, you can get there quickly, no matter where you live in western New York.
A bit of history
The village, which is located within the town of Amherst, was first settled in 1799 near the waterfall on Ellicott Creek known today as Glen Falls. Jonas Williams, who was traveling through the area, realized of potential of the water power of the falls, so he acquired land here and in 1811 built a gristmill on the west side of the waterfall. The area became known as Williams Mills, later changed to Williamsville.
Enjoying green space within a village
Glen Park, a ten-acre park and natural wildlife area located between Main Street and Glen Avenue is the most scenic spot in the village. When I was in the park a few weeks ago I heard a lady remark to her family that Glen Park was “like a little hidden paradise.” People come here to enjoy picnicking, fishing, or just strolling the trails. The viewing spot next to the 27 foot high waterfall is considered to be quite a romantic location: it is a popular spot for both marriage proposals and wedding photos. Back in the 1940’s to 1960’s Glen Park was the site of a small amusement park and in its heyday also home to the Glen Casino, an entertainment venue that attracted nationally known performers. The complex was destroyed by fire in 1968 and converted to parkland in 1976.
Across Main Street and behind the village hall is Island Park, a triangular shaped island which was formed in 1841, when Jonas Williams built a raceway to direct water power to his gristmill. The park, which hosts several festivals each summer, has a large picnic pavilion, a playground and a wading pool. On the eastern edge of the village Garrison Park, a small neighborhood park, features a playground, wading pool, and a gazebo.
A walkable shopping district
One can spend several hours browsing the numerous shops located along Main Street. If you’re looking for home décor, check out Tesori, which features new items as well as antiques. You can also find vintage treasurers at Muleskinner Antiques. Locally made jewelry, home décor, artwork, and more can be found at the Village Artisans. You can also find a nice selection of jewelry, accessories, and home items at Shabby Chic Boutique. Vintage jewelry is the specialty at Sarah’s Vintage and Estate Jewelry. Monarch, which has a great selection of jewelry and accessories which retail for only $10, is a great place to pick up some real bargains.
Even the local hardware store, Ed Young’s, has a large giftware section in the front of the store, in addition to its great selection of hardware and seasonal items. Clothing shops include LeeLee, the Jacqueline Shoppe, and Pumpkins children’s clothes. Be sure to check out Clayton’s Toys, which has been in the toy business for over 90 years.
If you visit on a Saturday morning between mid-May and late October, stop by the Farmer’s Market which takes place on Spring Street from 8:00am-12:30 pm. Over 30 vendors sell a variety of items including fresh produce, baked goods, wine, candy, pet items and more.
So many restaurants, so little time
There are a number of restaurants, both casual and fine dining, in the village. For breakfast try the Original Pancake House or Break ‘n Eggs Creperie. Some of the more traditional dining spots include the Eagle House, which was established in 1827, Creekview Restaurant, which overlooks Elliott Creek, and the 125 year old Glen Park Tavern. Ethnic eateries include the Irishman Pub and Eatery, Milos, for Greek food, Prosit, for German and Polish food, Brioso by Butterwood known for South American cuisine, and Sorrentinos for Italian.
For dessert stop by Sweet Jenny’s Artisan Chocolates and Ice Cream, which is located in the historic 1811 gristmill. You can sample foods from these restaurants and more at the annual Taste of Williamsville, which takes place Sunday August 3rd in Island Park.
Places to stay
There are two hotels within the village, the Hampton Inn and Wyndham Garden Hotel. Both are located on Main Street within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.
Directions
The Village of Williamsville is located along Route 5 (Main Street) just east of the I-290 expressway. Free parking is available in a large municipal lot behind the village hall. There is also parking off Glen Avenue by Glen Park, as well as a limited number of on-street parking spaces.
