This family-owned Christian supply store has been in business since 1977. Items they carry include religion-themed books, including Bibles and inspirational books, Christian music and videos for both adults and children, like the popular Veggie Tales videos. They also carry church supplies, like candles and communion supplies. Life Resources also has a nice selection of cards for special occasions like first communion and confirmation, to everyday cards, like birthday cards or sympathy cards. They also have a great selection of gifts like photo albums, statues, jewelry, plaques for baptisms, first communion, confirmation, weddings and other special events. -Christine A. Smyczynski

This 1,400-square-foot deli and gift shop specializes in items imported from Eastern Europe, with many goods from Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Bulgaria. Many of the customers who frequent this shop are of direct European descent and find many foods here that they enjoyed in the "old country." You'll find chocolates and cookies, as well as coffees, teas, sodas and imported beers. They have a deli with fresh meats distributed by European companies, along with breads, cheeses, sausages and more. The owners, who are both of Ukrainian descent, travel to New York City about once a month to make purchases to restock the store. - Christine A. Smyczynski

Over the last 50-plus years, Spoth's Farm Market has grown from a simple roadside stand to one of the largest and best-known markets in the Clarence/East Amherst area. Founded in the 1950s by the late Ed Spoth, the market is currently run by his sons, Dave and Ed, with help from some of their children. Most of the produce is grown on the family's 75-acre farm, which is located in nearby Clarence Center. Open from May to December, they carry a variety of in-season plants, fruits and vegetables. In fall, they have pumpkins galore, along with an array of wooden cutouts for kids to play among. Come Christmas, choose from a large selection of live Christmas trees. Call ahead for varying dates.

The Badding family has been operating their farm and farm market for several generations. Currently, brothers Bob and Mike oversee the operation; several of their children help out, too. Located on busy Transit Road and convenient to both Buffalo and Lockport, the business has grown from a small roadside stand to a large market and greenhouse. They offer in-season produce, annuals, and hanging baskets. In the fall, area families flock to the market for pumpkins and other fall produce and decorating items. Kids especially like to play in the Scarecrow Village that the family sets up each fall.

For over 70 years, folks in Erie and Niagara County have come to Niagara County Produce for their top choice in quality produce. In season, choose from home-grown apples, corn, peaches and more, along with floral items. In the off-season, enjoy apples and potatoes from cold storage, as well as produce from other parts of the country. The market's full-service deli offers meats and cold cuts at very reasonable prices, as well as several types of freshly made sausages. They also have a variety of groceries, locally made candies, gardening items, and much more. They have a second location in Lockport. - Christine A. Smyczynski

If you like trains and/or model cars, this is the place to come. Billed as the "Biggest hobby shop in the USA" this store has rows and rows of train and model building supplies, as well as collectible car, plane and boat models. Kids of all ages will enjoy the large, interactive model train display and the Thomas the Tank engine play tables. Outdoors, a fully restored red caboose is open for your exploration, (weather permitting). The store also has a huge art department, craft supplies, dollhouses and more. - 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

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 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

Meibohm Fine Arts has been owned and operated by the Meibohm family for three generations. They have a reputation for personalized attention and customer service. The business was started by Carl Meibohm in 1901. Carl was one of the photographers at the 1901 Pan American Exposition held in Buffalo. Meibohm Fine Arts is located in two buildings along Main Street in East Aurora. The front building houses an art gallery, which features the work of local artists. Exhibits change five times a year. The back building houses the Art Shop, which sells prints and original artwork. They also do custom framing for both individuals and businesses. - Christine A. Smyczynski