Explore: A Stroll Through Downtown Rochester
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 21, 2020)
Rochester, MI – Downtown Rochester has the best of two worlds – a thriving shopping district with eclectic locally owned shops and restaurants, plus a serene bit of nature with the Rochester River Walk and the Paint Creek Trail.
Main Street is quiet as nonessential businesses are closed, with some restaurants open only to carryout service.   Strolling through the quiet downtown gives the chance to the decorated windows of the shops, including which ones – like Moon River Soap Company, Bizzy Buzz Artisan Market and Catching Fireflies – have online shopping options.
Winding through Downtown Rochester is the Paint Creek, which also boasts the Paint Creek Trail and the Rochester Riverwalk. Visitors can enjoy the bubbling creek and the nature surrounding it as they walk or bike the paved walkway.  Downtown also has many historic buildings and features, including an un-covered pioneer era water well which has been exposed and covered with glass so visitors can see.
Public art is also prominent.  There are several sculptures and murals to see.  And behind the library there is a sculpture of a child balancing on a ball, with a walkway engraved with each letter of the alphabet in stones along the way.  It’s little details like this that make Downtown Rochester a great place to explore.
After a nice walk one might consider getting a to go order from a local restaurant.  According to the Downtown Rochester website the restaurants still offering carryout or delivery are Bangkok Cuisine, Bologna Via Cucina, Buscemi’s BP, Catering by Katherine, Chicken Shack, Chomp, Dessert Oasis, Fieldstone Winery & Hard Cider,Georgio’s Pizza and Pasta, The Home Bakery, Hungry Howies, Kabin Kruser’s Oyster Bar, Kruse and Muer, Main Street Deli, O’Connor’s Public House, Park 600, Paul’s on Main Street, Penn Station East Coast Subs, Penny Black Grill & Tap, Rochester Bistro, Rochester Brunch House, Rochester Chop House, Rochester Wine, The Silver Spoon, Willoughby’s Beyond Juice.
Getting fresh air and exercise are important parts of a healthy lifestyle for those who are able to do so.  The state is recommending face masks for those going to public places, as well as keeping six feet of distance from others. There are restrictions in place due to the state’s “Stay home, stay safe” order.
Be sure to check out our Places to Explore list. Some are accessible during the crisis, and others may be an inspiration for down the road.
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