Highlights of Williamsville
August 11, 2021

I can’t promise that you will find the William in which the village was named after, but you can bet all you have in the bank that you are about to find some great highlights of Williamsville.

by Max Fisher

Williamsville has plenty of family-friendly options

Discover Williamsville

What is up with the Village of Williamsville? Was it founded by an overly possessive person named William? (Overly possessive people tend to name things after themselves as a bid for control, but really it just shows their insecurities). I know it really is a village, so the name at least has some truth to it, but let’s dive deeper. Let’s see what Williamsville has to offer to the uninitiated. I can’t promise that you will find the William in which the village was named after, but you can bet all you have in the bank that you are about to find some great highlights of Williamsville.

The Meeting House, one of the many highlights of Williamsville

Originally a church for The Disciples of Jesus Christ, as part of their movement seeking to restore primitive Christianity by reproducing the church of the apostles, the church has been around for over 150 years. However, at some point the church’s original congregation had lost membership to the point that it was disbanded, and the church subsequently was sold to The Village of Williamsville Historical Society for $1. Many much-needed repairs were completed, and now the church isn’t just a historical site in Williamsville to visit but also a meeting place, concert venue, and a wonderful place to hold traditionally styled events.

What’s in Your Attic?

Have you ever had a hankering for a store that was part antique store and part pawnshop? A place where you didn’t have the sole choice of buying someone else’s antique knickknacks, but you could trade in your own without even calling Antiques Roadshow. So, if you have some antique whatchamacallits lying around in your attic for the past 25 years, dig them up and see what you can get when you visit What’s in Your Attic?

Excuria Salon and Spa

Life gets to us all from time to time (if it doesn’t get to you, then you, my friend, are living in The Matrix, and it’s time to take the red pill). When it does, what’s a better way to unwind than a day spa? But let me take it a step further, what’s better than a day spa run by a consummate professional? Everything from the right temp of hot water (because there are levels to hot water, it’s not one heat fits all. That’s how you end up with first-degree burns) to masseuses knowing exactly what to press down on and what to soothe with a touch. If this sounds like your cup of tea (of which I’m sure they serve a great cup during your stay although I can’t vouch for how hot it’ll be in the cup) then head on down to Excuria Salon and Spa and treat yourself for a day. Don’t worry, life will still be there after a nice massage and mud bath, I promise.

12 Gates Brewing Company

Established in 2015, 12 Gates Brewing Company is an independent, craft-production brewery that produces high-quality, handcrafted beers in a 30- barrel brewhouse. 12 Gates’ flagship beer is the well-known West Coast Style IPA, a dry citrus indulgence that leaves a clean palate. Always adhering to its independent roots, 12 Gates always experiments with new ingredients and new flavors, never satisfied with being complacent on what works.

Buffalo History Museum

Can’t make it to the waterfall in Niagara Falls? Why not check out Glen Park/Glen Falls. Jointly owned by the Village of Williamsville and the Town of Amherst, it was built in 1976 with funds obtained from a federal grant and includes many interconnecting ponds, which are now home to many ducks. Whether it’s long walks or fishing, you can be sure to find something fun and interesting to do.

Eagle House Restaurant

Looking to eat a meal in a place of history? Well, I have just the place for you. The Eagle House has had multiple different owners during its existence, with the first being Oziel Smith in 1827. With its historic atmosphere and a delicious menu that includes everything from coconut shrimp and stuffed banana peppers to Chicken Picatta (which is egg battered boneless chicken breast, pan-fried in lemon, white wine, capers, artichokes & mushroom, look some of you may have known what it was being the culinary savants you are, but I’m a layman in these matters, so I feel justified with the description) to fresh baked salmon. If you’re looking for some historical prestige to go with your meal, you won’t find a better place than the Eagle House.

Cup of Communitea

Since 2009, Cup of Communitea has been serving the specialty tea market of Buffalo Niagara. Plain and simple if you’re looking for tea in the old style, meaning when every ingredient was meticulously examined and tested to see what flavors complement each other as opposed to going to the supermarket and buying 400 teabags that’ve been sitting on the shelf for anywhere between a few months to several years. If you’re a true tea aficionado, this place is a must! You owe it to yourself to try tea the way it was meant to be served.

Explore Williamsville

Well, we’re nearing the end of the road here, and although I’m mildly disappointed that we didn’t find the William in whom the village was named after, we still made some interesting discoveries. From great teas to incredibly old churches, I can say there are a number of highlights of Williamsville that warrant numerous return trips.

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