December 5, 2023

CHARMING ROCHESTER June 17, 2023 *Part Ⅱ*

And then I walked W 3rd St that intersects directly at S Main St. Across W Main St Alley, I saw a fairly-tale-like light blue house.

Tonia's Victorian Rose  118 W 3rd St, Rochester, Michigan 48307

A original owner seems to have remodeled a house into a shop. Actually, this is Michigan's Original Tearoom. Surrounded by a sweet interior which girls would like, crepes, soups, salads, quiche, scone, chicken pot pies, meatloaf etc. are available as well as wide variety of teas. Tonia's Victorian Rose is "Tea Room & More". 

Rochester Brunch House  301 Walnut Blvd, Rochester, Michigan 48307

Going down W 3rd St, on the right where it crosses with Walnut Blvd, there is a brunch restaurant with a charming atmosphere. The house looks dignified and "Brunch on Another Level" is expected. 

It's walk-in only. They don't take reservations in order to best serve customers. I will tell you later how the food was because I'm scheduled to come here with Collie tomorrow😘 I could checked it out serendipitously today!


I walked back to S Main St where classy shops & cafes stand in a line. 


Thankfully, I was blessed with nice weather on this day. So next, let's walk north on S Main St and have some fun enjoying lovely atmosphere🌸

Bean & Leaf Cafe  439 S Main St, Rochester, Michigan 48307

An excellent and memorable cafe!

When I accidentally dropped and spilled my coffee on the floor (oh no~~😖😢), a beautiful staff said kindly "Don't worry!", and prepared me the same coffee as I ordered for nothing. The memory will be forever in me. 


I was happy to have visited Downtown Rochester for the first time in five years. Walking around and exploring this city again on my own, I again realize that Rochester is a charming city.
Rose

December 1, 2023

I came across DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER FARMER'S MARKET☆

 On S Main St, a signboard attracted my attention.   It says, 

JOIN US AT THE MARKET
DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER FARMERS' MARKET
*FRESH FROM MICHIGAN*

I will go and see them now!  I may discover delicious-looking foods related to the region.


Near the signboard, there stands an attractive Asian girl waiting at the traffic light.

DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER FARMERS' MARKET opens on Saturdays, May through October 8:00 am - 1:00 pm at the corner of E.THIRD & WATER ST.

The booth I got most interested in was Great Harvest Bread Co. from Shelby Township in Michigan.


GREAT HARVEST believes in using pure, simple ingredients, bakes everything from scratch, and fresh mill their 100% whole grain flour every day, instead of relying on the use of additives. 

The premium whole wheat from the family farms located in Montana is fresh milled every morning in the bakery, and blended with simple wholesome ingredients, like yeast, salt, and honey.  It must contribute greatly to the "hearty taste" of GREAT HARVEST. 

It's quite tempting, but I didn't buy anything this time because I had pancake lunch plans (at the same place as my breakfast!)


Leaving the fun place back to S Main St, I saw red miniature roses blooming profusely.

I was happy to have experienced a spot where the locals gather. DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER FARMERS' MARKET is a perfect community to know locally grown Michigan-made products. 


November 26, 2023

CHARMING ROCHESTER June 17, 2023 *Part I*

I will introduce charming buildings I photographed in Downtown Rochester, Michigan on June 17, 2023. 
I separate them into 2 parts. Today is the first half.


Several streets meet S Rochester Rd at right angles. I like watching peaceful atmosphere around themThis light blue & white house is located on one of those streets. 

All right, let's go back to S Rochester Rd.


A classy red brick building of SANDERS, which has been an iconic national brand providing premium confections at a fair value since its first chocolate shop started in Detroit on June 17, 1875. 

Coincidentally, this photo was taken on June 17.  So it's SANDERS' 148 anniversary.  Congratulations!


Every time I visit Downtown Rochester, I'm charmed by a lovely style of each shop. It is an original vibe, a high-rise building doesn't have.


This shop is also attractive and reminds me a little of 'American Spoon' in Petoskey, Michigan. Well I'll also write about a travel to Petoskey with Collie during I stay in Michigan. You're gonna love it.

Hilarious😆

Collie will come back to Rochester this evening after a long drive. How about some quiet time with a stylish cocktail here?

However, it ended up getting out of there to seek another place in Downtown Rochester at night because it was unexpectedly a bar where the music was loud...

A Italian restaurant might be a solution to enjoy quiet time with a nightcap.
Let me give it a try next time, Rose

November 18, 2023

Impressed by Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad at Downtown Cafe Rochester in Michigan

Downtown Cafe is a breakfast & lunch place in Downtown Rochester, Michigan. It's open from 7:00 am, every day! 


From the moment we enter, we are welcomed warmly by the owner, like, "Please take a seat anywhere you like." This is a cozy cafe I longed for visiting again since I had pancakes from scratch on the patio long time ago. Collie ordered a omelette served with American fries and bread at that time.

Fresh Squeezed Orange   Small $3.99

I tried a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice as he used to do when visiting a cafe in the morning. I usually order a cup of coffee, but I will drink it later again at my hotel.

It tasted sweet, tangy and refreshing❤︎  As featured on the website, it's the perfect way to start off the day, loaded with natural vitamin C, and other beneficial nutrients.  

I think I'll order Large $4.99 if I can come back next year. I have an interest in coffee here, though..


Here comes a salad I was hoping to try❤︎❤︎  Wow, it's gorgeous!!!

Served with cake sale? a little sweet pound cake? on the side. I secretly brought a piece to my hotel so I could enjoy with coffee later.

Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad  $13.50

Grilled Chicken, Crumbles Feta Cheese, Red onion, Candied Walnuts, and Fresh Strawberries. Served on a bed of fresh baby leaf spinach, with Ranch dressing.

I chose "Ranch" dressing for my salad. I understood what Ranch was after getting the explanation. As a result, I liked Ranch! My waitress was very beautiful... 

Please enjoy this video taken at my favorite cafe→ https://www.instagram.com/p/CvTiAIfNOi5/ 

Have a wonderful weekend, Rose🌸

November 10, 2023

Travel like a local in charming Downtown Rochester, Michigan.

 TRAVEL  LIKE  A  LOCAL
There are many different ways to travel. Those who have the ability to travel are given the opportunity to explore new places, immerse themselves in new experiences, and try local flavors.


Saturday morning! After sipping a little coffee, I stepped out from ROYAL PARK HOTEL with a heart filled with excitement. I almost knew directions around here since Collie told me when we took a walk to Downtown Rochester together last night.


Crossing a refreshing Rochester River early in the morning...


Then came out to E University Dr. I have a memory of that pretty house, but what is that building for? It looks like a shop. I will check it up later.


Then I reached N Main St. This is Knapp's Donuts where Collie took my photo standing in front of these gorgeous red roses.

This time, I didn't have a chance to stop by and enjoy donuts - hands down - with a cup of coffee as I had a plan to have another sweets. So next time, for sure! 


DOWNTOWN  IS  ALL  YOURS
A perfect mix of hip and historic, Downtown Rochester is home to more than 350 unique shops, salons, restaurants and professional service businesses.

Today is a day to enjoy my trip to the fullest on my own...in charming Downtown Rochester💕
Hope you visit this blog again to see the next episode, Rose

November 4, 2023

The crisp morning at Royal Park Hotel in Downtown Rochester, Michigan

 Saturday morning! This is a day I explore Downtown Rochester on my own.


I couldn't wait to feel the crisp morning air, coming outside onto the balcony. It's still before 7 o'clock in the morning. How refreshing it is!


PARK 600 RESTAURANT is down below and still in preparation for "Weekend Brunch" that starts from 8 am. (Weekday's breakfast starts from 6:30 am.)


Spacious room! I'm all set for going out of the room now. One of the reasons I got up early is...


Complimentary drinks are served in the library room on the first floor from 7 am in the morning.


I sat for a while and tasted a cup of fresh coffee. It was delicious! I'll write about the coffee as I'll come back to the library room again. A coffeemaker is not provided in the individual guest room, so we can come to this room to have a cup of coffee. I didn't refill my coffee because I had already decided which restaurant to go to for breakfast. Then, I came out to the dignified lobby... 


I'm given the opportunity to explore Downtown Rochester I haven't seen for ages. 

I know today is going to be an amazing day!

October 28, 2023

a charming balcony of Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan + slippers Collie prepared for Rose

Around 9 o'clock Friday night on June 16th, 2023.  Collie went home and I am at Royal Park Hotel.


The greenery of early summer. Collie booked a room with a balcony for me. 


The river is flowing outside and the view from the tasteful window is amazing.


The balcony looks pretty large. Let's step out of the room and look outside from the balcony. It's still light even though 9 p.m.! I felt slightly cool and pleasant air.


I love this balcony!  I will definitely enjoy morning coffee here while I stay.  I'm so excited! 

Then I just relaxed in the room. It was very busy at work in Japan, so let's take it easy in Michigan.


Collie brought a pair of slippers for me. It seems that he bought it somewhere in advance so I could stay comfortable. I had slippers that looked like non-woven fabric from Delta since I didn't use them on the plane, but he prepared women's size for me. How thoughtful he is! A container is also cute❤︎

I took a keepsake photo of the room with slippers♪ ^^

It was almost 12 o'clock at night. I should go to bed now. I can't wait for tomorrow!   See you, Rose