Jan 24, 2008

10 reasons to shop downtown RochesterBy Georgea KovanisFreeP.com

Yes, the Fire & Ice Festival on Friday and Saturday in downtown Rochester includes ice sculpture demonstrations, a family snowshoe race, ice skating, fireworks and a chance to see sled dogs in action.

But the best part of the fest?

Downtown Rochester — about 26 miles from downtown Detroit — is an interesting mix of old and new, and that makes for an interesting shopping experience.

There’s been a pharmacy on the corner of Main and Fourth since the 1830s. Since 1976, it’s been Lytle Pharmacy, a gloriously cluttered store that sells aspirin and fills prescriptions, but also has an impressive selection of classic and vintage toys and novelty items.

Another old-timer: Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar, which started as an ice cream shop almost 60 years ago. It serves the best old-school burgers and malts on the planet. And the seasoned fries? Yum! If you’re not counting calories, this is the place to go. Even if you are, go anyway.

As for the new, I’m especially fond of two shoe stores that sprang up about a year and a half ago to complement the mix of thrift stores, gift shops, clothing stores and one of the best art supply stores you’ll ever find.

Read complete article.