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Romantic Long Weekend Guide to Rockford, USA

Fall in love with Rockford’s charm on a romantic getaway.

22 April 2023

Rockford offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural events, and historical landmarks that make it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Take a stroll through the gorgeous Anderson Japanese Gardens, explore the eclectic collection of art at the Rockford Art Museum, or simply savor a delicious meal at one of the city's many gourmet restaurants. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Rockford, you're sure to create lasting memories with your loved one.

Travel plan

• Check into the Cliffbreakers Riverside Hotel and Conference Center, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Rock River.
• Head to Prairie Street Brewhouse for a delicious lunch and a pint of their famous craft beer.
• Take a relaxing stroll along the Rockford City Market, where you can shop for local produce and handcrafted goods.
• Visit the Anderson Japanese Gardens, a serene 12-acre garden that is voted as one of the top Japanese gardens in North America.
• End the night with a romantic dinner at Franchesco's Ristorante, a fine-dining Italian restaurant with an extensive wine list.

• Start the day at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, where you can see the T-Rex named Jane and learn about the history of Rockford.
• Continue on to the Rockford Art Museum, which offers a collection of contemporary American art and an impressive collection of works by Illinois artists.
• Take a lunch break at Lino's, a classic Italian eatery that serves up mouth-watering pizza and pasta dishes.
• Spend the afternoon at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, a historic theater that hosts concerts, plays, and comedy shows.
• Cap off the night with a drink and live music at the The District Bar and Grill.

• Get up early and head to Rock Cut State Park for a morning hike, bike ride or fishing along the banks of Pierce lake.
• After working up an appetite, head to the Stockholm Inn for a hearty breakfast of Swedish pancakes or a Swedish meatball omelet.
• Explore the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, which boasts over 155 acres of gardens, woodlands and prairie.
• Grab lunch at the Prairie Street Brewing Company, a microbrewery with great views of the Rock River.
• Take a self-guided tour of the historic Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, which features unique architecture and impressive antiques.
• Have dinner at GreenFire Restaurant Bar & Bakery, an eco-friendly eatery that serves up farm-to-table dishes with a rotating menu featuring seasonal ingredients.

• Start the day with a tour of the Midway Village Museum, which features a Victorian-era village, exhibits on Rockford's industrial past and a re-created town square.
• Have lunch at the Machine Shed Restaurant, a homestyle eatery that serves up Midwest classics like fried chicken and pot roast.
• Visit the Discovery Center Museum, a hands-on children's museum that combines play and education with over 250 interactive exhibits.
• Take a tour of the historic Coronado Theatre, with its beautiful architecture and storied past as a vaudeville and movie theater.
• Take a dinner cruise on the Forest City Queen, an authentic paddle boat that takes you down the Rock River while you enjoy a dinner and live entertainment.