Note the beautiful open fields on your drive into Elba, NY, a quaint town located in northern Genesee County. They provide a hint to why this town is known as the "Onion Capital of the World". With its rich mucklands, Elba is able to produce a bounty of crops, most notably onions.
But there is so much more to Elba than just onions. Small town pride bursts from Elba, a picturesque town of multi-generational families. Experience the slower pace of life as you drive down Main Street and admire the well-kept homes, shops and churches. Stop in to any local establishment to get a feel for the friendly, close knit community that calls Elba home.
Here's a list of must-stop places in Elba, NY that will help you experience its friendly small town charm:
Step back into simpler times when you walk through the doors of this charming country store. A focus on community, fun and tradition are apparent as you browse the selection of goods that are available in this two-story rustic building. It's packed with locally-made products like jams, honey, maple syrup, decorations, artist's creations and more.
Sweet Life is also the exclusive retailer of Circle B Wines, offering tastings and a great selection of the fruit wines. Another local-favorite that can be found here is Oliver's Candies. The country store is owned by the chocolate producers themselves and is stocked with all of the mouth-watering chocolates, hard candies, cookies and other sweet treats your heart desires.
After browsing the retail at Sweet Life and stocking up on goodies to take home, treat yourself to the on-site ice cream parlor. Get a scoop, swirl or sundae and sit back and enjoy it at one of the indoor or outdoor tables.
Located directly behind the country store is the Oliver’s production factory, which was moved from Batavia to Elba in 2018.
Just a quick drive from Elba’s Downtown is Circle B Winery. The winery is located on the family farm, which is home to gardens, farm animals, orchards and, of course, vineyards!
Circle B places an emphasis on producing the freshest fruit wines. Everything that goes into each wine is from either right there on the farm or within Genesee County. Taste the freshness for yourself! Schedule a tasting ahead of time and enjoy 3 tastings or 1 bottle of of semi-sweet wine with a cheese and cracker tray for only $25. Or pick up a bottle at the Sweet Life Country Store, the sole retail location of Circle B Wines.
After your tasting, spend some time enjoying the tranquility of the countryside. Events can be scheduled at the winery for a private and laid-back setting, with the perk of custom labels on your wine bottles!
The Mill offers a cozy, old-fashioned shopping atmosphere that can't be found in the big box stores! The historic building is packed with multiple vendors displaying a range of products.
Wander through the booths and discover all of the unique gifts and treasures. With vendors offering antiques, handmade and one-of-a-kind, you'll never have the same shopping experience twice!
The Mill opens for events only. Be sure to check their Facebook page for event dates.
Take a pitstop and pull off to the side of the road to discover all that Torrey’s Farm Market has to offer. The outdoor stand is packed full of seasonal, fresh produce that comes from Torrey’s Farm, one of the largest farms in New York State! You won't be disappointed by the plentiful selection of the freshest fruits and veggies.
The goods don't end at the outdoor farm stand. Step inside the building to browse primitive gifts, from candles to home décor. Freshen up your seasonal decorations as Torrey's is often rotating inventory with the seasons.
Discover the long, unique and proud history of Elba at the museum!
Explore the impressive collection distributed throughout the three buildings that make up the Elba Museum. An original 1842 farmhouse, reconstructed barn and museum building are filled with a sizable collection of home, farm and village life. The 1842 farmhouse was actually moved from across town to the museum site to give visitors an authentic and memorable experience.
The museum is open by appointment only by calling 585-757-9094.
No trip to the area is complete without authentic Western New York pizza and wings! And when you're in Elba, Andy’s is the place for that.
Try a pizza and wing meal deal with your choice of sauce, toppings and soda (or as we call it, "pop")! Don't forget your side of blue cheese.
Not only is Andy’s serving up friendly service and the best pizza and wings, but they also offer submarine sandwiches and a variety of sides at fair prices.
Craving a sit-down homestyle meal after your day of exploring Elba? Chap’s Elba Diner is the local hotspot and your place to go! It's a full menu restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
Known especially for its friendly atmosphere but also for its delicious food, Chap's will have you feeling like you are eating a home-cooked meal at grandma's house.
