Shops in downtown Aurora are one-of-a-kind and perfect for gift-giving. An afternoon visiting these locally-owned gems for Small Business Saturday, or, any day this holiday season can be enjoyable.
When you walk inside Branch Gardens, 77 S. Lake Street, you’ll find a paradise of overflowing greenery that will delight the senses, or perk up any Winter day. Owners Kori and Bryan Kasper lovingly fill the corner shop with plants and curated decor and gifts. Christmas trees are on sale in the lot.
One block down is Warehouse 55 at 55 S. Lake Street. With garage doors that open up to dozens of curated vendor booths, Warehouse 55 is a two-floor shopping playground for those smitten with all things vintage and mid-century. Vendors dress up their spaces with the most festive of touches, and it’s hard to walk away without falling in love with something.
Walking east on Downer Place a block-and-a half is Wyckwood House at 14 W. Downer Place, Suite 16. The impeccably-staged store inspires homeowners with handcrafted signs and must-have home decor. Owner Shannon Gutierrez has added a line of women’s clothing that is sold both online and in the store. The store is a go-to for clever occasion cards and thoughtful gifts. Their new location at 80 S. River Street will open in 2022.
On each side of Wyckwood House is Tredwell Coffee and All Spoked Up, so if coffee (and yummy pastries), or bikes is on your list, these spots can be of assistance. Further down, if the door to Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Place is open, then definitely go upstairs to Maria’s shop, I of the Angeles, to check out crystals and other spiritual well-being items.
It’s now time to walk east towards City Hall. If open, the GAR at 23 E. Downer Place and the D.L.P. Art and History Center at 20 E. Downer Place across the street are interesting, then walk down the pedestrian-friendly Water Street Mall will reveal flanked The Venue and Gary Brown Art. The art gallery has regular business hours and is worthy of a stop.
On Galena Boulevard is La Central Bakery, or La France Bakery, and good advice is to pick up some delicious items to bring home such as tres leches cake, conchas, or macarons. A little farther east is the Wings mural by Sam Cervantes and the Unity mural by Laura Lynne and Catalina Diaz.
On Galena Boulevard is the Superjumbo at 102 E. Galena Boulevard. It’s a super fun toy shop that specializes in throwback novelty items. They have a print gallery in the back room. If you’re in a playful mood, you would want to see the pinball machines at Yetee Station around the corner on Broadway.
On Broadway, Patron Boots is a great stop to inhale the fresh leather of boots and see the latest in Western and casual wear. Creaciones Morelos, nearby, features beautiful dresses in their windows to admire.
Kitty-corner at Broadway and New York Street is Aurora Regional Fire Museum that boasts a nice gift shop filled with fire-themed items, including toys and mugs.. Custom T-shirts, designed by local artist Chris Hodge, are a hit.
Going west, it’s time to round out the day with a walk along the riverwalk, and if hunger strikes, there is La Quinta de los Reyes, Gillerson’s Grubbery, and Ballydoyle, all within reach, or more than two dozen other restaurants to choose from in the walkable downtown.
The above walking tour of downtown shops works well if started with a coffee at Society 57, 100 S. River Street. Car and bicycle parking are available across the street at Aurora Public Library. If you’re up for a cocktail stop, then there is French 75 Gallery and Lounge at 56 E. Galena Boulevard.
During the holidays, several store windows are decorated for Aurora Downtown’s A Magical Winter that celebrates Cinderella at Paramount Theatre. Pure Skin Solutions, 24 S. Stolp Avenue, won the city’s window contest that features a painted carriage by artist Lisa Holzl.
Marissa Amoni is the manager of Aurora Downtown, a group of business and property owners in Special Service Area One A Magical Winter in downtown Aurora is available with storefronts that are turned into palaces fit for a ball this holiday season. There is more on Aurora Downtown’s efforts at auroradowntown.org.