A Travelers Guide to Ellicottville, New York

Also referred to as Western New York’s Playground, Ellicottville is an amazing 4 season destination for adventurers seekers, nature lovers, cute town enthusiasts and relaxation seekers.

Let’s dive in so you can get the most out of your stay in Ellicottville!

When is the best time to Visit Ellicottville?

The honest answer is, it depends! There is something magical about every season.

Summer: With longer days comes even more options for how to spend it; swimming, golfing, mountain biking and music festivals. Or simply grab an ice cream cone and stroll the cute shops in the village (that looks straight out of a Hallmark movie!)

Fall: Ellicottville is surrounded by State Parks and luscious forests that show off gorgeous fall foliage and colors. It is a great time for hiking and attending one of the many events in the village.

Winter: The ‘it’ season for those looking to hit the slopes at the amazing Holiday Valley Ski Resort or the private HoliMont Ski Club. For those who don’t ski or snowboard, there is cross country skiing, snow shoeing, snow tubing, or simply curling up next to the fireplace with a book or glass of wine.

Spring: After spring skiing is over and the trees start to bud, it is a perfect low key time to explore the shops & restaurants, hit the trails or relax and enjoy the amenities of one of our many luxury chalets.

Best Restaurants in Ellicottville

From chill to fancy, take out to many courses, there is something for everyone. If you take a quick stroll down the main street, you will pass coffee shops (shout out to Ellicottville Coffee Company!), seasonal patios set up, inviting storefronts and more.

However, here are our 5 favorite restaurants in Ellicottville you won’t want to miss:

1. Ellicottville Brewing Company: Lively brewpub that brews their own beer, plus a huge summer patio that will remind you of a bustling German beer garden.
2. West Rose: An upscale & trendy restaurant featuring seasonal dishes, great cocktails and a delicious brunch.
3. Katy’s Cafe – A cozy & eclectic cafe with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads & breakfast.
4. Villagio – a casual American Italian restaurant in a warm rustic barn with excellent service & TV’s for watching the game.
5. Ellicottville Bake Shop – A cute bake shop featuring daily bread, pastries, sandwiches, salads and more.

Top Nightlife in Ellicottville

Planning a bachelorette? Hosting a guys weekend getaway? Going away for a couples trip and want to hear some live music?

Here are our top choices for bars & nightlife:

1. Madigans – Great bar, great music – a true classic in town.
2. Balloons – live music, DJ’s and great wings for over 30 years.
3. The Banq – craft cocktails in a stunning design forward space.

Our Favorite Family Friendly Activities

From toddlers to teens, we have you covered with super fun activities for the group.

1. Ellicottville Village Park – A great playground for the kids plus tennis courts, soccer & baseball field and a skate park. There is also a picnic pavilion and changing facilities. Trust us, it is not just for the little ones, all kids will be able to find something they love here!
2. Sky High Adventure Park – the 3rd largest in the US, this aerial adventure has 13 different courses of varying difficulties for kids & adults.
3. Holiday Valley Snow Tubing Park – 20 lanes of snow tubing for big and little kids plus a warming hut.
4. Tamarack Pool – A set of 3 pools (including a toddler pool and a waterslide for bigger kids) along with poolside food and drink service. There are also some outdoor games right nearby for additional entertainment.

Bonus Travel Tips for Ellicottville

Ensure you check out the events calendar to see you will be there for one of the many different festivals and events in Ellicottville.

If you don’t ski or snowboard, don’t fret! There are many other great options for activities for you that you will love.

If you are with a large group or traveling on a summer or winter weekend, we recommend making a reservation for restaurants, golfing or the Holiday Valley Pool.

Wondering Where to Stay?

Stay Après has many beautiful chalets to choose from with a range of amenities for your group. We recommend locking down how many people are traveling in your group and what is important to everyone.

Would you rather be a walk to town or nestled in the forest for maximum privacy? Do you need a second living/rec room downstairs for the kids to hang out? Would you prefer a man cave, a sauna, a wood burning fireplace, a hot tub or all of the above?

We are here to help you find your perfect place to stay for your visit to Ellicottville.