Arts and Crafts in Upstate New York.

Fans of the American Arts and Crafts movement are probably familiar with the Roycrofters -- a community of artists and craftsmen who lived and worked together in upstate New York, around the turn of the century.

Inspired by William Morris, founder Elbert Hubbard started the Roycroft Press when he was unable to find anyone who would publish his journals. Eventually, printers, bookbinders, furniture makers, metal smiths, weavers, and leather workers came to tiny East Aurora to work with Hubbard. And by 1910, more than 500 people were living on the Roycrofters campus.

The best known of the Roycroft designers, Dard Hunter joined the group in 1902. He designed the stained glass windows for the Roycroft Inn, which was built in 1905 to house out-of-town guests. Demand for the inn's distinctive furniture led to the creation of a furniture factory. One of the biggest customers was the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina -- another arts and crafts mecca.

The group petered out in the 1930s, but there's still plenty to see and do in East Aurora. Many of the original buildings are now National Historic Landmarks. From June through October, tours of the campus are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesday at 12:30PM and 2:30PM. And the Elbert Hubbard Museum is open the same days.

The Copper Shop Gallery, which is located on the campus, showcases the work of 60 hand-selected artisans. It's a great place to shop for top-quality arts and crafts. Meticulously restored in 1995, the Roycroft Inn is as great place for lunch.

For more information, visit http://www.roycroftcampuscorporation.com

Image Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpape/