Carol Fisher-Linn
Come walk with me as we explore Main Street, Ellicottville;
pretend you’ve never been here before.
Last week, I had the pleasure of being gifted with a surprise party and after-party by my family at Villaggio Restaurant (an old livery stable, which intrigued visitors) and, oh yes, why not? … at Aardvark, home to one-of-a-kind hand-made furniture, in the heart of Ellicottville. It was great fun for me to view my sweet little downtown through the eyes of newcomers who have never been exposed to this enchantress we call Ellicottville.
My guests arrived early and couldn’t resist touring our lovely village, all the time hoping they wouldn’t have to throw themselves under a parked car if they saw me and my granddaughter on the street. Of course, they were charmed and expressed many oohs and ahhs. Come walk with me as I share some of their delights with you.
The fact that Ellicottville is home to two important ski areas in the eastern United States, within walking distance of the village and each other, was a bit mind boggling. Just think, SKI Magazine readers ranked Holiday Valley number 2 in eastern North America for 2022. And HoliMont is the largest private ski area in the United States. There they are – side by side in Ellicottville. Even as a long-timer, I still get a thrill when I drive into town on Route 242/219 and can catch views of both areas as I approach town. There are some blessings we just can never take for granted.
How many villages invite you to take photographs at a 31-foot-tall tree made entirely of 400 donated skis? Sure, you may find one half the size in Telluride, but in 2017, some very clever folks in Ellicottville (John Nelson and Tyler Burns of Ellicottville Entertainment) decided to one-up them and make ours twice a big, creating the largest ski tree in America, opening the door for a pretty powerful oooh and ahhh factor (and photo ops!).
Ellicottville’s charming four corners hold some of our most historic buildings and make up the nucleus of our Historic District which is on the National Register. This district consists of 66 structures reflecting 19th-20th architectural styles (Queen Anne, Federal, and Greek Revival) – from 1817 to 1935. Being in the Square takes one back in time to another era, or a Hallmark Christmas town, I was told. Most prominent is St. John’s Episcopal Church built in 1829. This Gothic Revival Church with its soaring white, story-book spire is said to be one of the finest examples in eastern United States and has the distinction of being home (since 1838) of what is thought to be the oldest working bell (named Gabriel) in the United States.
Directly across the church is Ellicottville Town Hall, built in 1829. This building served as home offices for the county seat until 1868 when the county seat was moved to Little Valley. A devastating fire (not the first in its history) in 1969 put it in limbo until a grant was obtained to restore it. Later, in 1983 the charming fairy-tale gazebo was donated by local restauranteur and contractor, Gerry Nicholson, whose son Michael, now runs the Silver Fox Restaurant on Hughey Alley, where it once served as an old fur barn.
Across the street visitors are charmed by the small red building which serves as our Historical Society Building. Built circa 1829, and looking very much like an old red schoolhouse, the building, in fact first served as jail, clerk’s office, a millinery, a church and home economics classroom. At one point the fire department took it over and added the belfry and bell. Upon their departure it served as our library and finally in 1969-70 the Historical Society moved in and stayed.
Across the street, rounding out the four corners, stands the old schoolhouse built in 1887 and used into the later 1970’s. Yes, my kids went there!
A walk down Main Street charmed my visitors with a bank turned into a cocktail lounge, charming restaurants next to quirky, off beat shops which offer items not generally found in shopping centers – an eclectic mix of gifts, CBD, sports gear, and all things “Ellicottville.” The enchanting and artistically presented white lights twinkling in the trees along main street created a fairyland our new visitors would soon not forget.
Ellicottville has many hidden treasures not seen on a main street tour. Visit us and explore our side streets whose buildings open doors to delights like hand crafted cupcakes and cookies, craft brews, and even burritos in a bike shop. Explore back roads. Discover our “crown jewel,” the enchanting Ellicottville Arboretum where one can peacefully stroll (yes, with your pets) through our distinctive outdoor museum of 200+ trees or just sit quietly and meditate near the replica of a 500-year-old Japanese Stone Garden. Explore Ellicottville. We are so much more than a fabulous ski town!