IGNITE July 2021

Live like a local

What would be in your Rockford guidebook?

As I was coming back from my trip to Tennessee, I started thinking about all the activities my husband and I found to do in Memphis, Nashville, Lynchburg and Chattanooga. Each of our AirBnbs had a guidebook, and that is where we found many of our activities.

It got me thinking- what would I include as “must-sees” in my guidebook?

Start Your Day Right

Rockford Roasting Company. Find them at Embassy Suites and at their storefront. Both on Main Street.

Meg’s Daily Grind. Find great coffee at their locations on Riverside, Perryville or their coffee truck.

Wired Café. Stop by Wired for some great coffee, breakfast or lunch!

Restaurants I Recommend

Tavern on Clark. Enjoy dinner on their patio in the summer!

Greenfire. Go here if you are looking for food cooked in a state-of-the-art woodstone oven.

Giordano’s. This is the place to go for some deep-dish pizza without having to go to Chicago!

Beef-A-Roo. Here you will find fast food like no other! Don’t forget the cheese fries!

Local Stores to Visit

Rockford Art Deli. Take a piece of Rockford home with you!

Roxy Carmichael. A boutique that has something for everyone.

Rocktown Adventures. Visit them to explore your outdoor adventure side.

What to Do Inside While in Rockford

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum. A historic house museum located in the heart of Rockford, Illinois.

Laurent House Foundation. A Frank Lloyd Wright house built right here in Rockford for the Laurent family!

Midway Village Museum. Learn about Rockford’s history!

Visit the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information on events happening while you are in town.

What to Do Outside While in Rockford

Anderson Japanese Gardens. Experience gardens like you never have before!

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Enjoy 155 acres of woodlands and botanical gardens.

Rockford Park District. Spend the day at one of Rockford’s many parks!

Severson Dells Nature Center. Find your inner nature lover at Severson!

Day Trips

Prairieview Golf Course in Byron. Only a 30-minute drive. Stop by this golf course for 18 holes or stop by PrairieFire Golf & Grill to play golf with Toptracer® technology!

Brews and Booze

Prairie Street Brewing. Enjoy Dinner on the Dock while you sip some local beer!

Barnstormer Distillery. Rockford’s very own distillery! Check out the local spirits while on your trip!

Artale Wine Co. Family-owned and -operated wine, beer and spirits store. Set up a private tasting!

Visit www.rockford.com, click on the Business Directory for more recommendations.

IGNITE MEMBERS: Tell us on our Facebook page or Instagram: What would you include in your Rockford guidebook?

Carmen Kellerman is event & program coordinator at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and IGNITE.