Clarence

3 Old Dogs Antiques

Specializes in quality country-style and Victorian furniture, military relics (especially Civil War-era items), folk art, and Americana. Services include appraisals, estate sales, and liquidations.

Mon Tue & Thu-Sat 11AM-5PM, Sun 8AM-5PM

A Frame in Time

A Frame in Time offers custom framing for your photos and artwork, as well as canvas transfers. The adjacent Ashton Gallery features original art and prints for sale.

Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-3PM

Adventures in Heat

Adventures in Heat is a specialty shop that has served locals' outdoor grilling needs since 1999. Specializing in gas and charcoal grills, smokers and other appliances, Adventures in Heat also carries a dizzying array of gourmet food products, spices and marinades, barbecue sauces, and hot sauces.

Tue-Fri 11AM-6PM, Sat 11AM-5PM

Aléthea's Chocolates

Operated by the Tassy family since 1967, whose matriarch, Aléthea, was known for her homemade candies, Aléthea's Chocolates manufactures and sells a wide variety of high-quality chocolates, including unique local specialties such as sponge candy and orange chocolate minikins. Additionally, a wide variety of other sweet treats are available such as licorice, marzipan, peanut brittle, as well as gifts and sugar-free confections.

Daily 10AM-10PM

Antique World & Flea Market

Western New York's largest antique and flea market, Antique World is actually a complex of different facilities including the Expo Center Co-op, a 10,000-square-foot (920m²) emporium of antiques, collectibles, gifts, and other such items, as well as an indoor and outdoor flea market whose stalls feature furniture, jewelry, clothing, toys, trading cards, and other collectibles for sale. There is a restaurant on-site.

Expo Center Co-op Mon-Sat 11AM-5PM, Sun 8AM-5PM, flea markets Sun 8AM-4PM·Parking $1 Apr-Oct, free Nov-Mar

Antiques at the Glencroft

Specializing in locally-produced Craftsman-style furniture, lighting and decorative items, especially those produced by the Roycroft Community in East Aurora and Charles Rohlfs' Heintz Art Metal Company in Buffalo, as well as works of fine art by local artists.

Sat Sun noon-4PM, Mon-Fri by chance, also by appointment

Artsy Elements

A store that sells the works of local artisans, specializing in hand-crafted gifts, jewelry, home decor, and—above all—pottery. Classes in pottery are also offered.

Wed Thu 11AM-5PM, Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-4PM

Asa Ransom House

The Asa Ransom House is a luxurious bed and breakfast and a restaurant each evening from Tuesday through Sunday (including an elegant five-course dinner on Saturday nights for $40-55). The food at the Asa Ransom House has its basis in traditional country-style American cuisine—chicken pot pie, roast turkey, shepherd's pie, and "Jeffersonian Beef" with sherry mushroom sauce are prominent options—with occasional detours into various Continental cuisines exemplified by selections such as sauerbraten and fettuccine bolognese. The homemade desserts served here the same culinary zeitgeist; traditional American selections such as apple strawberry rhubarb pie and berry cobbler are offset by European specialties, including crème brûlée and a delectable amaretto biscotti torte. Dinner theater is held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

Lunch Wed 11:30AM-2PM; Dinner Tue-Thu & Sun 4PM-8PM, Fri Sat 5PM-8PM·$40-80

Bocce Pizza

Located on Goodrich Road about a quarter of a mile (300 m) north of the Four Corners, Bocce's specialty—not surprisingly—is a wide gamut of specialty pizzas offered in a variety of serving sizes, from single slices to full sheet pizzas. The creativity of the menu in this regard is epitomized by such selections as the Greek Pizza, Lasagna Pizza, the Italian Stallion Pizza (which includes pepperoni, salami, capicolla and Romano cheese), and not one but two varieties of Hawaiian pizza. Subs, tacos, appetizers, an impressive offering of salads, a modest range of pasta dishes and dinners, and well-regarded wings are also served, the latter available tossed in mild, medium or hot Buffalo sauce as well as Cajun, garlic parmesan, and two different varieties of barbeque sauce.

Daily 11AM-10PM·$10-30

Brennan's Bowery Bar

Brennan's is an authentic Irish pub and restaurant that is a Transit Road institution. Though the business traces its roots to New York City, where it was founded in 1888—hence the "Bowery" portion of the restaurant's name—Brennan's relocated to Western New York in 1970 and has since adapted its menu to local tastes, integrating (quite successfully, according to local consensus) typical Western New York dishes such as chicken wings and beef on weck into the framework of more traditional old-world pub grub. Authentic Celtic musicians and bands take the stage at Brennan's frequently. Understandably, this is a popular place on St. Patrick's Day.

Daily 11AM-7PM·$15-30

Buffalo Road Hobby Imports

A comprehensive selection of scale-model die-cast cars, trucks and construction equipment, from toys to museum-quality replicas, with all major brands represented. Also carries model kits and custom decals.

Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 1PM-5PM, Sun (Dec only) 11AM-3PM

Clarence Arboretum

On a tract of 18 acres (7.3 ha) at the north end of the Town Hall complex, on Goodrich Rd just south of Roll Rd near Clarence Center. Conceived in 2002, several years after Dutch elm disease and the installation of a new sewer line required many of the trees in this area to be cut down, the Arboretum now contains over a hundred trees representing dozens of native species, including rarities like the American Chestnut. Walking paths traverse a verdant setting, winding alongside two ponds, over a charming footbridge, and past a restored stone wall.

Dawn-dusk·Free

Clarence Grille

Located at the west end of Clarence Hollow, this "restaurant and rathskeller" is the purveyor of what they claim to be "Clarence's Best Chicken Wings", which are available in barbeque, parmesan, garlic and Cajun styles as well as traditional Buffalo style. In addition to the usual pub grub, the Clarence Grille boasts an admirable selection of burgers, sandwiches and hoagies that is matched by an equally extensive offering of salads and a full soup bar. Dinners are also offered, including Friday fish fries and baby back ribs, the latter a house specialty available in both half and full racks.

Open daily for lunch and dinner·$15-30

Clarence Historical Society

Housed in a charming old Greek Revival-style church in Clarence Hollow that was built in 1844, this society has been enlightening visitors on the topic of the town's history since its opening in 1994. Exhibits here include a gamut of historical artifacts that bring to life the prominent individuals, community institutions, and daily life of the town in bygone days. However, the pride and joy of the society is the original pioneer log cabin built in 1815 at the rear of the museum building, and the Greatbatch Exhibit, which pays homage to Dr. Wilson Greatbatch, the Clarence native who was the inventor of the implantable cardiac pacemaker (and whose charitable fund was responsible for the foundation of the museum). This exhibition encompasses biographical information as well as many of Dr. Greatbatch's original laboratory tools and early prototypes of the invention that earned him international renown.

Tue 4:30PM-7PM, Wed (except first Wed of each month) 10AM-2PM, first Sat of each month 11AM-3PM, Sun 1PM-4PM Mar-Oct, also by appointment·Free

Clarence Hollow Farmers' Market

The mission of this weekly farmers' market held right in the heart of Clarence Hollow is to provide patrons with healthy, fresh and locally produced foods and other specialty products, to raise awareness of local food production and distribution, to support local farmers, and to bring the Clarence community together in an enjoyable atmosphere. To that end, a dizzying array of locally grown seasonal produce is offered each week at the Clarence Hollow Farmers' Market by as many as 30 different vendors. In addition, "Vivian's Wine Haus" features an ever-changing selection of local vintages, the "Kornerstone Coffee Hut" sells coffee by the cup and coffee beans by the pound to take home, and the Clarence Center Coffee Company's "Snack Shack" offers an assortment of light breakfasts and lunches. Community programs, local businesses of all types, and even live music are frequently showcased at the Clarence Hollow Farmers' Market.

Jun-Oct: Sat 8AM-1PM, rain or shine

Clear Light Studio

At Clear Light Studio, William Jobling and Donna Ioviero produce and sell unique decorative items such as fountains, birdbaths, ceramic flowers, and other "garden jewels". As well, other sculptures, pen-and-ink drawings, and works of graphic art are available at this "Garden of Earthly Delights".

Cycles Plus

Cycles Plus is a local institution for cycling enthusiasts from all over Western New York and Southern Ontario. It is an authorized retailer for Bianchi, Masi, Haro, Marin, and Rans Recumbent bicycles, and also offers expert service and repairs, clothing, helmets and other accessories.

Mon Tue & Thu Fri 10:30AM-6PM, Sat 10:30AM-4PM

Dkd. Studio

Rooted in Karen Dentinger's creative interest in crafting ornamental beads, Dkd. Studio was conceived in 2005 after her medium of choice shifted from glass to silver. Today, a wide array of handcrafted, personalized silver jewelry for men and women are offered in this restored former carriage house at the west end of Clarence Hollow, along with decorative items, fine paper goods, accessories, and other gifts.

Wed-Sat 11AM-5PM or by appointment

Escarpment Sanctuary

A lovely, 14-acre (5.7 ha) oasis of nature at the base of the Onondaga Escarpment, a rocky ledge that runs west-to-east through Clarence and is some 60 feet (18 m) in height here. Walking trails wind serenely through the landscape, with a viewing platform that offers breathtaking views of the forests, wetlands, ponds, and cliff.

Dawn-dusk·Free

Falletta's Restaurant

Founded in Kenmore, Falletta's Restaurant has operated since 1999 in an Arts and Crafts-style farmhouse built in 1902 on Clarence Center Road, half a mile (800 m) east of Transit Road on the banks of Gott Creek. Upscale Italian cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices is served in what is still a verdant and idyllic setting, with an ample selection of appetizers and salads (the latter served with a selection of homemade salad dressings brought to the table in carafes) accompanying a delectable range of main courses, among which the seafood entrees, including shrimp scampi and a filleted breaded haddock, have earned particularly rave reviews from patrons. Try one of the daily dessert specials to top everything off.

Tue-Thu 5PM-9PM, Sat 5PM-10PM, Sun 3PM-8PM·$20-45

Gate House Grill

Opened in 2006, the Gate House Grill is, in the words of Buffalo News food critic Janice Okun, "a comfortable neighborhood restaurant with a sophisticated bar and good food". The food here is often quite innovative and high-quality: starters such as the Lollipop Lamb Chops (marinated in red wine with garlic and rosemary) and a chili con queso dip made with corn and chèvre, entrees such as their Chicken Paillard in lemon caper sauce, and lighter fare such as the Gouda Chicken Sandwich seem meant to stand out in what may seem to be a casual, even unassuming, environment. Gate House Grill's specialty, however, is its Chicken Rockefeller, which has won numerous awards at the Taste of Williamsville, as well as its delicious homemade desserts.

Mon-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri 11AM-10PM, Sat 4PM-10PM·$15-40

Get Heeled

Since 2006, Deb Tangelder has owned and operated Get Heeled, the "sister store" to the Perfect Gift which is in the Eshelman Building in Clarence Center. Get Heeled offers a wide variety of shoes of all descriptions—sandals, heels, boots, and comfortable leathers—as well as jewelry, apparel, scarves, and handbags and other accessories.

Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM, Thu until 8PM

Gianni Mazia's on Main

Evolving from its roots as a humble take-out outfit offering pizza, wings and subs, today Gianni Mazia's is a full-service restaurant offering delicious food in a family-friendly environment at reasonable prices. Traditional, hearty Italian fare such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, chicken Florentine, calzones, and wood-fired brick-oven pizzas form the core of the menu, with other simple fare such as burritos and fajitas, burgers and sandwiches, and barbeque wings on the menu as well. Gianni Mazia's also offers delivery service.

Sun-Thu 11AM-10PM, Fri Sat 11AM-11PM·$15-30

Greg's U-Pick Farm Market

Delicious items such as berries, pumpkins, squash, corn, apples, potatoes and more are available for purchase in season at the store, but the real draw at Greg's U-Pick Farm Market is the chance to venture into the fields yourself and pick your own farm-fresh produce to take home with you. Autumn weekends see Greg's open their "Corn Maze for Roswell", where a donation of $5 purchases a hayride and a fun-filled romp through a cornstalk labyrinth, with proceeds to benefit Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. Fun for the whole family. Cash only.

Daily 10AM-6PM

Hayes Seafood House

The Hayes Fish Company has been a well-known purveyor of fresh fish and seafood in the Buffalo area since 1877. Though tough economic times caused the company to close their seafood markets in Kenmore and Snyder, the Hayes tradition continues at their restaurant in Clarence (which now also features a much smaller-scale fresh-fish counter on site). Sandwiches and soups (including both New England and Manhattan clam chowder) are available at Hayes Seafood House, in addition to a selection of fried or broiled dinners of tilapia, haddock, sole, salmon, catfish, shrimp, scallops, oysters and more. Non-seafood items, such as grilled chicken and steak sandwiches and a delicious half-pound Black Angus Burger, are also on sale. Not surprisingly, Friday fish fries pack the house at Hayes.

Tue-Thu 11:30AM-8PM, Fri 11:30AM-9PM, Sat 3PM-8PM·$15-35

Hen House Antiques & Decor

Antiques, collectibles, furniture and other handcrafted items are for sale in a charming old 1936 house half a mile (800m) north of Clarence Hollow.

Tue-Fri noon-5PM, Sat Sun 10AM-5PM

Kabab & Curry

An excellent, authentic Indian restaurant that serves top quality North Indian and Pakistani cuisine with attentive customer service. Curries of lamb, beef and chicken—many of which are cooked in a deep circular pot, or karahi, typical of Pakistani cooking—are accompanied on the menu by rice-based biryanis and roasted meats and breads cooked in their own tandoor. Vegetarians are well cared-for at Kabab & Curry, particularly via their small selection of dosas, a sort of lentil-based crêpe typical of South Indian cuisine, and vegetarian curries.

Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30AM-2:30PM, Sat Sun 11:30AM-3PM; Dinner Sun Mon 5PM-9PM, Tue-Sat 5PM-9:30PM·$20-45

Kennedy's Cove

Do not be misled by this restaurant's name: seafood is only half of the equation here. In reality, Kennedy's Cove is an upscale steak and seafood restaurant situated about halfway between Harris Hill and Clarence Hollow. Generous cuts of steak, including New York strip, filet mignon, and others, share space on the menu with lamb chops, surf-and-turf specials, and—yes—seafood options such as salmon filets, Australian lobster tails, and scallops. The selection of appetizers, desserts, and fine wines at Kennedy's Cove is equally impressive.

Mon-Sat 4PM-10PM, Sun 3PM-8PM·$40-60

McGee Art Gallery

This charming gallery, situated in a leafy, almost bucolic setting at the west end of Clarence Hollow, displays and sells the work of Jamestown native Christopher McGee, a former punk rock drummer turned painter who creates both abstract and representational works that are studies in visually stunning, surrealist grotesquery.

By appointment

Museum of European Art

Located next door to the Asa Ransom House in Clarence Hollow, the museum is a diminutive but charming institution where John Zavrel houses his impressive collection of original works by such luminaries of European art as Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, and Jean Carzou. Adjacent to the museum building is the Alexander Garden, a sculpture garden named after the marble bust of Alexander the Great that serves as its centerpiece. Travelling exhibits, lectures, and symposia are held on an occasional basis. Unique limited-edition lithographs and bronze sculptures are for sale at the gift shop.

By appointment·Free