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A three-day itinerary for a fun-filled girl’s trip to Rockford, Illinois (only 90 miles west of Chicago!)
Who doesn’t love a good girlfriend getaway? Where you can pamper yourself, indulge in good food + drinks, shop, go on outdoor adventures, and simply relax and have fun! Rockford is the best-kept secret for girlfriend groups around the Midwest!
Before you go
Book your stay at one of our convenient hotels. If you’re coming from out of town, fly into Chicago Rockford International Airport, rent a car, and head to downtown Rockford. Or fly into Ohare International Airport and be in town in just 90 minutes.
Day 1
Start your day with a morning buzz. Head to Rockford Roasting Company in downtown Rockford for great vibes and even better drinks. Then take a stroll downtown and enjoy a unique Filipino brunch at 27Aluna.
@kristinsongstudios Rockford Roasting Co.
Need a quick treat? Crust & Crumbles, located in the Indoor City Market, has mouth-watering and Instagrammable pasties and treats. You’ll make all your friends jealous!
Crust & Crumbles
Ease into the day by hitting the shops and boutiques in downtown Rockford. Start at Elora Home Interiors to find cute and trendy home décor. Walk a couple blocks to Rockford Art Deli to find some souvenirs for your family and friends – all eco-conscious original Rockford shirts and accessories. Love vintage vibes? Smiley’s Vintage or Salvaged by Sonya should be your next stop. Stroll through Maze Books, a community-driven independent bookstore, and stop by SRM Prints Studio and Gift Shop to find the cutest printmaking, stationery, letterpress, art, gifts, and textiles and finish at Urban Farmgirl for cute and trendy farmhouse home décor.
Rockford Art Deli t-shirt
During the evening, catch a show at Coronado Performing Arts Center, an ornate theater with gilded Spanish castles & Italian villas. Enjoy dinner at Abreo, Sisters Thai Café, or Ambiance in downtown Rockford.
Or if a casino night is more of your thing, head to Hard Rock for dinner and drinks and maybe you’ll win big!
Day 2
Start the morning by heading 20 minutes north to the cute and quaint towns of Roscoe and Rockton. Enjoy coffee and breakfast at DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee & Decor in Rockton’s Historic Downtown. Feel rejuvenated with a massage at Sanctuary Spa before browsing the town’s unique shops like Inkwell, Pick-A-Dilly Antiques, and Rockton Garden Works.
@statelinefinds DeeDee’s Mainstreet Cafe
Grab lunch at Rookie’s, a hidden gem with great food, and satisfy your sweet tooth at two local favorites, Sugar Britches and Dairyhaus for homemade ice cream and sweet treats!
Next, make your way to the scenic grounds at DC Estate Winery for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting and charcuterie boxes. Tour their tasting room and savor a wine flight, glass, or bottle to share.
@leah_foster00 DC Estate Winery
Afterward, make your way to Hidden Creek Estates in Roscoe, IL, a beautiful event space situated on 30 acres of preserved farmland. Head to the Wine Bar and listen to live music. Then enjoy dinner on the property, indulging in dishes like Beef Ragu, Shrimp Po-Boy, Korean Cauliflower, or Burrata Bruschetta. End the night laughing with friends around an outdoor firepit under the starlight skies.
Day 3
Wake up and head to a delicious Nordic brunch at The Norwegian, located in the North End Square. Pop in next door to Rooted and find adorable artisan-made goods, gifts & vintage furniture. Grab a sweet treat to save for later at their in-house bakery, Wonderland Sweets.
Aebleskivers from The Norwegian
Head to the beautiful Rock River and take a stroll on the Rock River Recreation Path. Stop into Nicholas Conservatory, 22,000 ft. of indoor and outdoor tropical flora & sculptures. Then, be Inspired by calm and tranquility at Anderson Japanese Gardens. This 12-acre award-winning landscape is comprised of koi-filled ponds, winding paths, gentle streams, cascading waterfalls, and raked gravel gardens, beautifully trained pines, and more. Grab a late lunch at Fresco, situated within the gardens, that provides delicious dishes with locally sourced produce.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Lastly, end the afternoon exploring the Rockford Public Art Trail. Take selfies in front of nearly 100 murals and art pieces.
Rockford Public Art Trail
While three days is certainly not enough time to see it all, it’s a good start! And if you want to learn more and plan even more adventures, visit www.gorockford.com. We can’t wait to see you ladies in the Rockford region!
