Clarence

The oldest town in Erie County is the Town of Clarence. From Buffalo, head east along NYS Route 5, continue past busy NYS Route 78. Clarence is also easily accessed from the NYS Thruway. Along your way you will see interesting restaurants and shops to browse featuring a variety of gifts, gourmet foods and barbeque specialties.

Whether you come for an hour, a day or a week, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the unique historical charm of this area known as the “Antiques Capital of Western New York.” It is easy to walk the mile-long historic hamlet of Clarence Hollow. Visit the site of the original Asa Ransom Grist Mill (1801) where the handsome Asa Ransom House, an inn and restaurant, now stands. You’ll also discover a vast flea market every Sunday on the east hill of the Hollow. A wide array of antique and collectible shops are also open seven days a week in that same complex and on the west hill. On Sunday evenings in July and early August, there are music concerts in the Clarence Town Park situated at the crest of the west hill.

A guaranteed family favorite is the Great Pumpkin Farm that features Halloween activities throughout the month of October including a national pumpkin weigh-off. Christmas in Clarence, an event that begins Thanksgiving through December on the same property, offers a holiday gift shop, all types of entertainment, food and a ride through the woods illuminated with holiday wonders.

The Clarence Historical Museum houses an intriguing collection of artifacts and exhibits including the original laboratory of world renowned Dr. Wilson Greatbatch, the inventor of the implantable cardiac pacemaker. A circa 1825 authentic log cabin also sits on the site.

For a special adventure, make an effort to visit the Clarence Hollow Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings, June through October for the best of fresh, local produce, flowers, NY made jams, jellies, dressings, candy and more, family entertainment and a free taste of NYS wines.