The Quilt Farm, located about 25 miles southeast of Buffalo, is the largest quilt shop in Western New York. Located in a circa 1939 dairy barn, this shop has over 5,000 square feet of quilts and quilting supplies over two floors. The shop was established in 1989 by Isabelle Schmitt, whose family operated a dairy farm here for 39 years. The shop has yards of fabrics, along with patterns, books and notions. If you don't have the time or inclination to make a quilt, they have a large selection of already made quilts for sale. The shop offers machine and hand quilting services as well as classes, including weekend quilting retreats and a block-of-the-month club.-Christine A. Smyczynski

Located in an 1800s building which was once the first schoolhouse in East Aurora, this gallery features whimsical and contemporary handmade items. Customers will find paintings, pottery, jewelry, painted furnishings, and other unique one-of-a-kind items created by local and national artisans. Also featured are watercolors and acrylic paintings by artist and gallery owner Michele Conley Vogel. New items are always being added to the gallery's stock. West End Gallery, which opened in the early 1980s, was recently voted the best place to shop for unique gifts by Buffalo Spree Magazine. Some people refer to the gallery as "the coolest little gallery in the land." -Christine A. Smyczynski

Genesee County Farmers Markets has different vegetables, fruits and other produce directly sent in from the farms of the neighboring areas. The market operates from KMart parking lot, so that you can stock up on the grocery and vegetables after your trip to the mall. The venue is also host to various community events and festivals.

This locally owned Christian bookstore features a variety of religious articles and a large selection of bibles, including large print bibles, kid's bibles, compact bibles, and even electronic bibles. Benders also has a variety of books with topics like bible studies, Christian living, prayers, reference books, and books on tape. Music lovers will be pleased to find CDs that contain worship music, Christian rock, and contemporary Christian music. DVDs for adults, teens, and kids, along with Christian video games, a welcome alternative to some of the violent games available in secular stores, are also available. To round off the list, church supplies, including resources for religious education instructors, hymnals, communion supplies, and choir music will make sure all of your needs are met. -Christine A. Smyczynski

This family-operated candy shop and ice cream parlor has a large selection of premium chocolates and other candy treats. Named after owner dean Tassy's grandmother who was a candy maker in Greece, the shop features candy handmade in their chocolate factory behind the shop. Some of the featured confections include sponge candy, a treat unique to western New York. It consists of a candy "sponge" made from sugar water, corn syrup and baking soda covered in chocolate. Alethea's also has a variety of dark chocolates, light chocolates, truffles, chocolate drizzled popcorn, and more. You can even custom order personalized gifts for weddings and other occasions. Their ice cream parlor across the foyer from the candy shop has treats like classic sundaes and cones. -Christine A. Smyczynski

This gourmet bakery, which was established in 1987, has several trained pastry chefs on staff and has won several awards at the Taste of Williamsville. Products include cakes, cheesecakes, pies, cookies, breakfast items, and more. Need a cake for a special occasion? They make them for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, showers, and holiday parties. Need a unique hostess gift? Get a basket or tray of cookies from Dessert Deli and you'll be the hit of the party. Entertainment desserts, individual desserts, cupcakes, and brownies are also available. Their EOP (Easy on the Pocket) line of desserts keeps the budget-conscious indulger in line.Christine A. Smyczynski

Eastern Hills Mall has a wide variety of stores so you can find the perfect item, whether it's a perfectly fitted outfit or a gift for a friend. There are jewelery stores, clothing boutiques, shoe stores, specialty stores as well as restaurants. This shopping center is sure to impress.

Whether you're looking for sporting goods, home apparel, clothing or shoes, Boulevard Mall has it all. After a day of shopping, head to one of the many restaurants, including T.G.I Friday's and Johnny Rockets. Boulevard Mall also hosts events, such as sales.

The Buffalo Beach House is the largest independently owned swimwear store in Western New York and Southern Ontario. They carry men's, women's and children's suits in all sizes, competitive swimwear, along with cruise wear and resort wear. This 4700-square-foot store has over 1000 swimsuits, from size extra small to size 26. They even carry Miraclesuit swimwear, which will help you look ten pounds slimmer. You can find a swimsuit here any time of year, as opposed to the mall, where they are only available for a few months. Some of the brands they carry include In the Shade, Bare Assets, Speedo, Panama Jack, and more. In addition to swimsuits, they have a selection of cover-ups, shorts, T-shirts, swim goggles, beach towels, and sunglasses. -Christine A. Smyczynski

What makes this store unique is that everything they carry is 100% made in America, including the packaging and even the shelves in the store! The idea behind the store is to promote American products and save American jobs. They also support our armed forces; veterans and active duty military personnel get a 5% discount. They carry a variety of items, from jeans and t-shirts, socks, flags, candles, flag pole holders and more. There is a selection of classic toys, like slinkys, silly putty, crayons, playing cards, and even tiddly winks. There is a large section of food items, with locally-made items, like Perry's ice cream, Webber's mustard, and Chef's sauce, along with items made in other parts of the Untied States. They also carry a handful of local interest books. -Christine A. Smyczynski