Sometimes winter can feel like endless days stuck inside sheltering from harsh temperatures and brutal weather. This doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. In and around the Rockford region, there are so many things to do that are cozy and comforting. This blog will take you through a few great options that are sure to give you a warm feeling!
Coffee Shop & Fireside Music
Warm up, connect with others, and enjoy coffee and live music at Anderson Japanese Gardens this winter. You can enjoy pastries, sandwiches, and coffee from Meg’s Daily Grind while taking in breathtaking views of the gardens. The inviting and relaxing atmosphere is guaranteed to leave you feeling warm! Visit their website for a list of performances. Until March 1st, you can go anytime Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 am- 3:00 pm.
DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee and Decor
What’s better than a delicious coffee with great people in a great environment? This is what you can find at DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee and Décor! With comfy seating options and many types of drinks to choose from, it is a must-visit shop this winter! You can also earn points and win prizes if you visit! If you sign up for the Rockford Area Coffee Trail, you can check-in to each location and rack up some points.
Toad Hall
Books and music might be what make you feel cozy during the cold days of winter. Toad Hall is a record and bookstore in Rockford. They carry a wide variety of books, comic books, records, DVDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, and so much more. If shopping is a hobby of yours, this store is an exciting place to visit.
Wired Café
Visit this quaint café for all the cozy vibes. Features unique to Wired include a full espresso bar, house made pastries and baked goods, and fresh soup (made to order!). You can grab breakfast, lunch, or just a cup of coffee in the shop’s warm and welcoming atmosphere. This café is also a stop included on the Rockford Area Coffee Trail, so don’t forget to check-in!
Pho Square
For many people, comfort food is the perfect solution to getting cozy in the winter. A nice warm bowl of Pho just might do the trick! This Vietnamese restaurant has a menu full of delicious choices. Their Noodle soup bowls are the perfect warm meal during the winter. You can get chicken, combo beef, or veggie pho.
Igloo Dining
When you hear the word “igloo”, you probably think of cold. Get ready to change that perception when you experience igloo dining in the Rockford Region. Escape the cold into these beautifully decorated igloos and enjoy the beauty of winter while embracing all the coziness of these dining experiences. Hidden Creek Estates, Alchemy at Aldeen, Disco Chicken, and The Top Rooftop Bar and Lounge are all open for reservations.
Rockford Public Library
What's more relaxing than unwinding with a good book? Rockford has an amazing library that will leave you astonished with the amount of books, amenities, and spaces it offers. It is newly renovated, and it is the perfect way to spend a day out of the freezing temperatures. The main branch is located in Downtown Rockford at 215 N Wyman St.
La Croute Bakery Cafe
Just a few minutes from Rockford, this bakery and cafe recently opened in Rockton, Illinois. The pastries, soup, drinks, and warm atmosphere all combine to create the ultimate comforting dining experience. You can warm up with anything from sourdough and bagels to cupcakes and cookies! Don't forget to try one of their delicious drink options like espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos.
Although it is chilly outside, that doesn’t mean you have to be too! All of these places are great options to beat the cold. Don’t let the winter stop you from having fun. With these options, you can feel cozy while being entertained.