Shops in downtown Aurora are one-of-a-kind. Spend an afternoon visiting these locally-owned gems.
Visit Warehouse 55 at 55 S. Lake St. and experience what antique and vintage dreams are made of. With garage doors that open up to more than 30 vendors, 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.
Wyckwood House at 80 S. River St. is a block around the corner. The impeccably-staged store inspires homeowners with handcrafted signs and must-have furniture 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. Visit their new location now open with a cocktail bar.
Further down on River Street, The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange wows with an urban vibe and artful pieces and gifts. Add to your vinyl collection or grab a book from this welcoming shop at 64 S. River St.
Tredwell Coffee and All Spoked Up are around the corner on Downer Place, so if coffee (and yummy pastries) or bikes is on your list, stop into these spots. Also at 14 W. Downer Place is Undisputed Vintage (pictured), a uniquely curated 90s vibe awaits you.
If the door to Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Pl. is open, then definitely head upstairs to Maria’s shop, I of the Angeles, to check out crystals and other spiritual wellbeing items.
It’s now time to walk east to City Hall (if open, head into the GAR at 23 E. Downer and the DLP Art and History Center at 20 E. Downer) and walk down the pedestrian-friendly Water Street Mall that is now flanked by The Venue and Gary Brown Art. The art gallery has regular business hours and is worthy of a stop.
Venture over to Galena Boulevard to stop into La Central Bakery or La France Bakery and pick up some delicious items to bring home. Try tres leches cake, conchas, or macarons. Walk a little further east to see the Wings mural by Sam Cervantes and the Unity mural by Laura Lynne and Catalina Diaz.
Also on Galena, pop into Superjumbo at 102 E. Galena Blvd. It’s a super fun toy shop that specializes in throwback novelty items. They also have a print gallery in the back room. If you’re in a playful mood, don’t miss 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. Venture further to 32 N. Broadway and stop inside Aroma Roots for natural bath and body products.
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, mugs, and more. Custom t-shirts designed by local artist Chris Hodge are a hit.
Heading 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, Alice’s Corner, Endiro Coffee, and Ballydoyle all within reach, or more than two dozen other restaurants to choose from in a walkable downtown.
The above walking tour of downtown shops works best if started at Society 57, 100 S. River St. Car and bicycle parking are available across the street at Aurora Public Library. If you’re up for a cocktail stop, then head into French 75 Gallery and Lounge at 56 E. Galena Blvd.