Shops in downtown Aurora are reopened, so it’s time to grab a face mask and spend an afternoon visiting these one-of-a-kind gems.
Walk inside Branch Gardens, 77 S. Lake Street, and it’s a paradise of overflowing greenery that will delight the senses or perk up any staycation. Owners Kori and Bryan Kasper lovingly fill the corner shop with plants and curated decor and gifts.
A block down is Warehouse 55 at 55 S. Lake Street With garage doors that open up to more than 30 vendors, Warehouse 55 is a soon-to-be 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. Celebrating its second anniversary this month, the impeccably-staged store inspires homeowners with handcrafted signs and must-have furniture and statement pieces. Owner Shannon Gutierrez has added a line of women’s clothing that is sold online and in the store. The store is a go-to for clever occasion cards and thoughtful gifts.
On each side of Wyckwood House is Tredwell Coffee and All Spoked Up, so if coffee or bikes is on your list, stop into these spots.
It’s now time to walk east to City Hall and walk down the pedestrian-friendly Water Street Mall that is flanked by The Venue and Gary Brown Art. The art gallery has regular business hours and is worthy of a stop. Check The Venue’s music calendar online.
Now on Galena Boulevard, travel a block east past Broadway and stop into I of the Angeles, the new spiritual and metaphysical shop at 217 E. Galena Boulevard. Owner Maria Saltijeral schedules reiki and tarot appointments throughout the day, and sells inspirational merchandise including incense, jewelry, and tapestries.
Next door at 221 E. Galena Boulevard is My Daughter’s Dress, a resale occasion dress shop featuring prom and wedding dresses at a fraction of the retail cost. The nonprofit accepts donations of formal dresses and accessories, and has the mission to make every girl and woman feel beautiful in her own skin.
Walking back west, stopping across the street for bakery items is always a good idea and La Central or La France have amazing and delicious selections.
At Galena Boulevard and Broadway, cross the street to stop into The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange at 8 N. Broadway. Owner Yvonne Thompson entices passerby with coffee, handmade soaps and creams, a selection of vintage vinyl, and hand-painted furniture. The store is the perfect place to pick up a creative party or host gift, too.
Further north on Broadway, Patron Boots is a great stop to inhale the fresh leather of boots and see the latest in Western and casual wear.
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 are La Quinta de los Reyes, Gillerson’s Grubbery, and Ballydoyle all within reach, or more than two dozen other restaurants to choose from all in a walkable downtown.
Find a map of places to eat, drink, and shop online at auroradowntown.org. The above walking tour of downtown Aurora shops works best 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.
Marissa Amoni, manager of Aurora Downtown, is frequently seen biking to downtown Aurora. Her recent purchases at downtown shops include a set of glasses from Warehouse 55, a face mask from Wyckwood House, and hand-made lemon soap from The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange.