Novel: A Book & Sandwich Shop in Downtown Rochester

Check Out the Newest Bookstore on the Block After the Rochester Farmers’ Market

Come one, come all to the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market! As one of the newest businesses on the block, the Novel team is overjoyed to get an up-close and personal look at one of the community's favorite traditions. Fun for all ages and celebrating its 26th season, this farmers’ market can't be missed!  

When Is the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market Open?

Locals and out-of-towners can enjoy the vibrant colors, enchanting aromas, and mouthwatering flavors of Michigan-made products on Saturdays from May to October. The hours are 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM every week. But don't worry, once the market closes, there are plenty of local businesses to support nearby!

Where is the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market Held?

Due to an exciting new project, this year, the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market has pitched its tents in a temporary location. You can find the rows of vendors at the East Parking Platform between E. Fourth and E. University. If you're driving, type in 415 East Street into your GPS for an exact address!

What is the New Plan for the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market?

If you're a Rochester local, you may have heard rumblings about a new plan in development for the farmers' market. When the DDA heard the community pleas to create additional gathering spaces in the downtown, they listened, and a new, elevated farmers’ market experience was born.

This re-imagined space will have it all—a performance stage, expanded indoor and outdoor market spaces, restrooms, seating, ADA accessibility, and beautiful landscaping. It will be located at the old farmers’ market lot at the corner of Third and Water, as well as the former Animal Emergency Center Building at 265 E. Second Street.  

What is the New Farmers’ Market Space Called?

The new farmers’ market space is named The Market + The Graham, as a tribute to the first settlers in Rochester, the Graham family. Designers plan to feature photos and artifacts around the space as a nod to Rochester’s rich farming heritage.

When Will The Market + The Graham Open?

The Graham Project is expected to be completed by Winter 2025. The project will be built in phases, beginning later in the year. But don't worry—the temporary address off Main Street is fully usable!

What Can You Find at the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market?

The Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market is chock-full of Michigan-made and grown goodies. While the produce each week can vary, depending on what produce is in season that time of year, you can always hope to find:

  • Fresh bread
  • Apple cider
  • Fresh-cut flowers
  • Honey, jams, and jellies
  • Maple syrup
  • Pork
  • Tomatoes
  • Blueberries
  • …and so much more!
Farmer's market blueberries

Where Can You Park for the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market?

The earlier you arrive, the better parking you'll find! The Downtown Rochester area has multiple parking lots to choose from, some paid (for $1.25 an hour or a monthly permit price) and some free (though those spots are limited). There is also plenty of on-street and alley meter parking (max of 3 hours at $1.25 an hour).

Look Out for These Popular Vendors at the Rochester Farmers’ Market

Since Novel doesn't open until 11:00 AM, you have plenty of time to browse the farmers’ market before you pick up the latest Elin Hilderbrand book or a top-recommended dark romance novel. Lucky for you, there is a wide variety of vendors to get to know and booths to shop, including:

  • Angela's Treat Stash: handmade, high-quality pet treats
  • Black Ichor Coffee: Michigan-based nano coffee roaster with small batch beans and specialty drinks
  • The Cheese Lady: over 150 artisan cheeses from around the world (and where we get our cheese from!)
  • The Feminine Farmer: all-organic produce from Grand Blanc grown from organic and heirloom non-GMO seeds
  • Schmookies Cookie Emporium: delicious hand-held desserts (try their signature cookie, the "Yorkie"!)
  • Stibich Farm: farm-fresh eggs, Michigan-grown berry jam, homemade vanilla extract, packaged seeds, and more (and soon, raw mohair and spun yarn from their own angora goats)
  • Tracina's Gourmet Specialties: homemade Italian dishes, such as gnocchi, ravioli, and sauces
  • UnWined Winery: bottles and samples from the local Shelby Twp. Winery
  • Uncle Henry's Gourmet Meats: snack sticks, jerky, smoked sausage, and more
  • Vintage Pie Co.: gourmet Italian and Eastern European baked goods from Metamora, MI
  • The Spice & Tea Exchange of Rochester: exotic teas, spices, olive oils, extracts, and more

Are the Same Vendors Always at the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market?

The short answer—no! While some vendors can be found at the same spot week after week, the market is always evolving depending on the seasons. This is due to factors like produce and vendors' own schedules. To keep you informed, the lovely people who run the market provide a weekly map of vendors!

Bonus Info for Attending the Farmers’ Market:

  • Dogs are allowed at the farmers' market as long as they are leashed by their owner
  • Michigan EBT and Double Up Food Bucks are accepted
  • For gardening questions, visit the Master Gardeners and learn about the beauty of horticulture

Will Novel Have a Booth at the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market?

Since the farmers’ market is mainly for fruits, veggies, and other tasty foods made by Michigan farmers, bakers, and artisans, it's not quite the right place for a bookstore booth! But that's okay—you can catch us at the upcoming holiday events and during normal business hours throughout the week.

How Far is Novel from the Farmers’ Market?

Would you look at that—Novel, our indie bookstore and sandwich shop, is a mere two block walk to the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market! After you browse the fresh veggies and gourmet coffee, consider taking the five-minute stroll over to our storefront to spend the rest of the afternoon browsing the shelves and grabbing a tasty bite to eat off our menu!

The mortadella sandwich from Novel: A Book & Sandwich Shop in Rochester, Michigan

Popular Book Genres to Check Out at Novel

We recommend making a farmers’ market and bookstore visit your regular Saturday routine—that's what we'll be up to, at least! From Emily Henry novels to our latest book club picks, we have it all. When you stop by, keep your eyes peeled for these popular book genres to find your next read:

With a diverse line-up of vendors, high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, and an overall lovely vibe, the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market is a success season after season. Connect with your community, fill your shopping bags, and stop by Novel on your way out!

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