Welcome to Gaines, NY

Overview

The town of Gaines is in central Orleans County and contains part of the village of Albion, which is the county seat. Gaines is bordered by the towns of Carlton on the north, Murray on the east, Albion on the south and Ridgeway on the west. The Erie Canal forms part of the southern boundary of Gaines. The northernmost part of the canal in New York state is at Gaines Basin. The Oak Orchard River, a fishing hot spot, flows through the northwest part of town. Farming has always been the economic base in Gaines. The Lake Ridge Fruit Company can store up to 300,000 bushels of apples, and fruit packed there is shipped throughout the eastern United States and Canada.


Essentials

Most services and shopping are found in the village of Albion, and more shopping is available via a short ride south to Batavia or a quick trip southwest to Medina. For grocery shopping, Albion has a Top’s Friendly Market supermarket and other smaller stores. The Swan Library is at 4 N. Main St. The Albion Central School District, which serves this area, has a high school, middle school and elementary school. 



Recreation & Entertainment

Besides outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and the like, most entertainment options are in the village of Albion. The Erie Canal, of course, has boating and people watching, and there’s a park beside the canal. Scottish Pines Par 3 is a nine-hole golf course located along the canal. Oak Orchard Bowl, at 3291 Oak Orchard Road in Albion, is the local bowling center. The Wild Rose Pony Club teaches youths riding skills and safety. Movie theaters all are a short drive away: to Lockport, heading west; Brockport, heading east; and Batavia, heading south.



Transportation & Traffic

Gaines sits at the crossroads of Route 104, the main east-west highway in the area, and Route 279, which goes north and south. Route 98, also running north-south, is a short drive to the east.



Pros & Cons

You’re centrally located in Orleans County, with part of the village of Albion (the county seat) located here. Albion is on the historic Erie Canal, as is nearby Medina, a short drive southwest. You’re also about halfway between Lake Ontario to the north and the Thruway to the south.