Written by Christopher Currie
In the immediate area of Rochester Hills, downtown Rochester is a popular destination. Other cities included in the vicinity are Troy, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Bloomfield Township, Oakland Township, Washington Township, Sterling Heights, and Shelby Township. Among many of the cities there will be boutique shops, walkable shopping centers, and both indoor and outdoor shopping malls.
As much of these areas were once agrarian, restored mills and former farming facilities have been turned into tourist attractions. Biking and hiking trails are popular and available. Municipal parks are abundant in the metropolitan area. Each city has its own website with information on recreation. There are a number of city-sponsored festivals in downtown Rochester throughout the year, including Dancing in the Streets, Music in the Park, Art & Apples, Heritage Festival, and more. The farmers' market in Rochester is open every Saturday from May through October.