Celebrate love in the Rockford region this Valentine's Day! Whether you are driving the distance for a new experience, playing it more low-key this year, planning a romantic date night out, getting the whole family together for a special moment, or treating yourself to some much-needed R&R we have you covered.

Here are our top 5 suggestions to enhance the Valentine's vibes and make this year your best one yet!

1. STAY – If you need adventure and want to experience something new, visit our premier hotels for a creative date night experience with amazing views, handcrafted foods/beverages, and top-notch service.  

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront is a great Valentine’s Gift surprise for your partner with a romantic rooftop dinner and overnight stay! This Valentine's Package includes overnight accommodations, chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne delivered to your guest suite, and a rooftop dinner with a specialty prix fixe menu and two glasses of wine at The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge.  

This package is available for stays on Saturday, February 10th, or Wednesday, February 14th. Click the link to learn more and book now - https://esrockford.com/valentines-package 
📍416 S. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101 

Embassy Suites Drone


2. FOOD and SPIRITS – There are so many ways to share a Valentine’s Day-infused meal with your loved ones. Be sure to research in advance. Many specials are posted on social media and are unique with flavors and 💝 themes. PRO TIP: Be sure to make reservations as early as you can. Spots for these experiences fill up fast. 

For an exceptional fine dining experience, make a reservation at Franchesco's Ristorante, voted Most Romantic Restaurant. This Valentine's Day, Franchesco's will elevate your celebration with a special Surf & Turf dinner for two, available from Feb. 9-14. Delight in exquisite Filet Mignon, Lobster tails, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake. Roses are available for an additional cost.

If you're dining outside of this Valentine's window, rest assured that Franchesco's regular menu is equally captivating, featuring an array of hearty appetizers and signature entrees, such as the delectable Steak Benny – a New York strip adorned with a Dejone crust and white wine cream sauce, accompanied by vegetables and truffle potatoes, or wild-caught Chilean Sea Bass, served with Jasmine Rice and Sake Cream sauce.

📍7128 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford, IL 61107

Franchescos dinner

Another excellent option for upscale dining is GreenFire Restaurant Bar and Bakery. Indulge in a diverse menu of appetizers, salads, and premium meats like bone-in bison, rack of lamb, twin lobster tails, and prime rib. 
📍6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, IL 61114

Greenfire Restaurant, Fine Dining, Featured Entree
 


3. SWEETS and TREATS – Nothing says love quite like chocolates, truffles, and cupcakes...that’s what we think anyway. Pre-order locally handmade sweets to show your loved ones just how much you care.  

Sugar Britches is a cozy, old-fashioned spot in downtown Rockton offering a mixture of gourmet, handmade candies, plus your childhood favorites, too.  
📍115 W. Main St., Rockton, IL 61072 

Sugar Britches
 
TNT Funnel Cakes offers something sweet for any occasion...even just because. These delicious funnel cakes are made from scratch in a wide variety of flavors and are sure to give a wide-eyed reaction when given as a gift.  PRO TIP: You can’t go wrong with any flavor, but the Peach Cobbler and Turtle Funnel Cakes are ones to remember.  
📍 201 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61101 
 
TNT Funnel Cakes


4. FLOWERS – Tale as old as time – flowers are a great way to surprise and brighten someone’s day on Valentine’s Day. Giving a uniquely crafted assortment of flowers is also a great way to show your person how well you know them.  

Event Floral has a diversified offering of unique flower and plant arrangements, balloons, and gift items. They also provide convenient delivery service as well. 
📍7302 Rock Valley Parkway, Loves Park, IL 61111 
 
Event Floral
 


5. GIFTS 

GIFT FOR HER 
Lucette Holistic Salon, an Aveda Concept Salon, is a holistic salon and boutique, providing expert beauty services including hair, makeup, facials, and natural nails. The in-salon boutique offers a curated selection of luxurious and sustainable items like bags, jewelry, and eco-friendly home decor. A touch of Lucette magic, whether through a salon visit or a gift card, is guaranteed to add a spark to your special someone's style and put a smile on their face this Valentine's Day!
📍508 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104
 
Lucette Holistic Salon 
 
GIFT FOR HIM 
Culture Shock Clothing and Records was born in 2006 as a Midwest shop to find all-things-unique inspired by music, arts, and culture. Throughout the years, it has evolved into the local headquarters for locally and independently made merchandise and clothing, funky gifts and accessories, kitschy housewares, and best of all VINYL RECORDS. Culture Shock is half boutique and half record store. This locally-owned shop is community-focused and loves to serve the Rockford community.
📍2239 Charles St., Rockford, IL 61104 

Culture Shock 
 

GIFT FOR YOUR PET 
The Canine Crunchery is a bakery providing wholesome, fresh baked treats for your pooch, specializing in baking treats for a variety of dietary needs. Dogs are always welcome! 
📍1888 Daimler Rd., Rockford, IL 61112 
 
Canine

These are just some of our recommendations but for a complete list of things to do and ideas search through your one-stop virtual Rockford region Go Guide at www.gorockford.com


Photo credit provided by:  
Header image: Embassy Suites Rockford 
Franchesco's Ristorante
GreenFire Restaurant Bar and Bakery
Sugar Britches 
TNT Funnel Cakes 
Event Floral 
Lucette Holistic Salon
Culture Shock Clothing and Records 
The Canine Crunchery