Rochester, MI

When the first settlers arrived around 1817, they named their new community after the one they'd left behind in New York -- Rochester. Located about 25 miles north of Downtown Detroit, Rochester is a vibrant city with beautiful parks, charming neighborhoods, and a delightful downtown that attracts visitors from all over the region. The city sits about four miles east of Oakland University, a large school with a 1,443-acre campus.

Resembling an Old West town with plenty of false-front architecture, Downtown Rochester contains a wide selection of shops and restaurants. Browse the antique stores, gift shops, and art galleries and then stop for coffee at one of the cafes. In the evening, try one of the many restaurants or stop in at a tavern or pub. The Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market takes place on Saturdays, May through October. Other downtown events include Music in the Park, the Art & Apples Festival, and the Heritage Festival. For outdoor fun, Rochester Municipal Park follows Paint Creek and includes the Paint Creek Trail. The park also features the Rochester Community House, which hosts events and classes, as well as a playground, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. Bloomer Park is home to the International Velodrome, the only bicycle race track of its kind in North America. The Clinton River winds through Bloomer Park, which is also home to the Clinton River Trail.