Explore Rochester , MI — Yarn Shops, Bookstores, Cafés & Gardens

Introduction

Rochester, MI, was my home for three years, during what seems like a previous life.  It feels like a small town, but as part of the greater Detroit Metropolitan area, it is also near many big city amenities. The surrounding suburb of Rochester Hills is a busy residential and commercial district.  The city of Rochester is very walkable and has a cozy downtown.  

It was famous for being the childhood home of Madonna, the pop superstar, who attended Adams High School.  

Local Yarn Store

For fiber arts enthusiasts, Skeins on Main offers a curated selection of yarns, patterns, and tools, welcoming both beginners and experienced crafters. 

Machine knitters can find 2/24 acrylic at The Blanket Lady and Yarn Depot at an incredible price within driveable distance from downtown in Rochester Hills.  

For thirsty fiberarts  history buffs, Rochester Mills Beer Co. offers you an opportunity to have a beer and relax, while visit a National Historic Place. The brewer opened in 1998 in downtown Rochester. Located in the historic Western Knitting Mill, the brewery is located on Water Street, just two blocks east of Main Street. Preserving the original character of the building, the brewery features original hardwood floors, columns, beams, and exposed brick walls.  My research subject, Katy Kelly from North Robinson, Ohio, may have been a  circular sock knitting machine instructor there.  

Bike Shops

Erik's Bike Shop occupies the space formerly occupied by KLM Bikes and Fitness.  This bike shop is actually in Rochester Hills, on the same block where I used to live.  It offers options for casual riders and cycling enthusiasts alike. 

According to their web site, "Our Rochester Hills location is surrounded by amazing mountain biking trails, including the Roller Coaster, Back Nine, and The Snake. If road biking is more your style, the Clinton River Trail offers a fun, scenic getaways nearby. For winter recreation, let ERIK’S mechanics tune up your skis, snowboards, and winter gear before hitting the Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort in nearby Clarkston." 

Rochester is also the end point of the Paint Creek Trail, a hard-packed gravel trail that I have ridden several times.  It connects to the Macomb Orchard Trail, which goes all the way to Richmond, Michigan, and to Lake Orion, Michigan on the other end.  Note to knitters and fiber artists:  Lake Orion is the home of Heritage Spinning and Weaving where there are many delights, including fused glass buttons and Chrystalettes to enhance your designs.  Joan Sheridan is the owner.  You may know her from many articles she has written for the Long Thread Media group, or from classes she has offered at her shop and various fiber festivals.   

The Paint Creek Trail website offers information about parking on their web site. 

Independent Bookstores

Book lovers will enjoy Novel in downtown Rochester, an independent bookstore and sandwich shop, featuring new and used books that are curated by the owners, a husband and wife team.  

Rochester and Rochester Hills are located in Oakland County.  Oakland University straddles the border between Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills.  There is a university bookshop, and also another at Oakland Community College nearby.  

Cafés with Outdoor Seating

Relax at any of the many restaurants with patios in downtown Rochester  enjoying a freshly brewed coffee or tea on a patio while soaking in the town’s charm.  I remember one in particular that I loved just north of University drive, but not only can I not remember the name, it is likely to have changed in the intervening years.  Regardless, you all know how to google, and you can't go wrong picking any of the restaurants downtown. 

Other attractions

Gourmet food shop Papa Joe's.  This business was located on my block when I lived there.  They have since moved to a new location north of downtown.  I don't believe they accept mail orders, so you have to visit.  Plan to spend a couple of hours! 

There are multiple cider mills in or near Rochester, if you are visiting in the autumn you may see the historic water-powered  cider press at Yates Cider Mill in operation.  Snack on cider and site-made donuts.  

There are multiple shopping centers in the area. 

Public Gardens

Meadow Brook Hall Gardens.

A National Historic Landmark, Meadow Brook Hall is a historic house museum, cultural center, and events and wedding venue. Built in 1929 by Oakland University founder Matilda Dodge Wilson, Meadow Brook represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival style architecture in America and is especially renowned for its superb craftsmanship, remarkable grounds and grand scale.

• Address: 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, MI 48309 Meadow Brook Hall+2provenwinnerspros.provenwinners.com+2

• Features: Multiple historic gardens — East Gardens (Breakfast Garden, Pegasus Fountain), Rose Garden, Knot Garden. Meadow Brook Hall

• Rose Garden is a notable, sunken oval-shaped historic garden. Meadow Brook Hall+1

• The estate gardens are maintained by the Meadow Brook Garden Club. Meadow Brook Hall

Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm

• Address: 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48306 Michigan+2Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce+2

• Grounds include ~16 acres of historic gardens, a garden gazebo, and a children’s garden. 

• Public open hours: Fridays & Saturdays 12–3 pm. Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce+1

• The Rochester Garden Club runs garden programs, including an “Adult Garden Series” in the Children’s Garden. rochestermedia.com

Public Pollinator Gardens (Rochester / Rochester Hills)

• The City Beautiful Commission in Rochester, MI lists five public pollinator gardens. rochestermi.org

• Locations include:

  • Butterfly Garden at Rochester Municipal Park (400 6th St, Rochester) rochestermi.org

  • Rochester Hills Public Library (500 Olde Towne Rd) Rochester Pollinators+1

  • Rochester Fire Station (277 E. 2nd St) rochestermi.org

  • Plus others in Rochester Hills: Van Hoosen Farm, Innovation Hills, etc. Rochester Pollinators

Nearby green spaces include, offering beautiful landscaping, walking paths, and a peaceful escape for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Schedule your visit considering Local Events or Festivals

Major Annual Festivals in Rochester, MI

1. Rochester Frost Festival

   • Held in downtown Rochester, typically in January. Oakland County Moms+2Rove+2

   • Features ice sculptures, ice carving competitions, marshmallow roasting, and family-friendly winter activities. Oakland County Moms+1

2. Art & Apples Festival

   • A fine art fair held in September at Rochester Municipal Park. Michigan+1

   • Includes art exhibitors, food vendors, kids’ art zone, live entertainment. pccart.org+1

3. Festival of the Hills

   • Held in Rochester Hills (very close to Rochester) in June, at Borden Park. rochesterhills.org

   • Free entertainment, community gathering, and fireworks. rochesterhills.org

4. Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade

   • Takes place on the first Sunday in December. Wikipedia

   • Part of the city’s holiday celebrations, often paired with other seasonal events. rochestermi.org

Conclusion / Why Visit

For a cozy small-town feel with big city amenities, Rochester and Rochester Hills can't be beat.