Girls' Weekend Getaway in Rockford

Sometimes, all you need to forget your worries is a relaxing weekend with the girls. With a girls’ getaway weekend in Rockford, get ready for sipping, snacking, and shopping—all while recharging amid the beauty of the region’s landscapes.

Day 1: Friday Night (Arrival)

Start your weekend in Rockford with one of our many pampering options. Soak away stress in a saltwater pod at Forest City Float or book a mediation class at Infinite Soul Vibrations. After you're feeling fresh and glowing, strike a pose in front of the vibrant murals downtown along the Rockford Public Art Trail—perfect for a selfie that pops! During the summer, browse and shop local artisans at the Rockford City Market. Toast your weekend at Social, a cocktail bar where you can make a meal of charcuterie, small plates, and a selection of upscale sandwiches and entrees.. Hungrier? Step over to Abreo; its fine dining sibling three doors down.

Jenny Ustick & Atalie Gagnet 2024 Mural

Day 2: Saturday

Wake up early and get to Crust & Crumbles before the day’s cruffins are gone. Then, start your tour of boutiques with 80s and 90s threads at Smiley’s Vintage Supply Co. With your thrifted treasures in hand, stroll over to E. State Street for more shopping. Find chic tabletop accessories and the softest linens at Elora Home Interiors and block-printed tea towels by nationally known textile artist Sarah Reed-McNamara at SRM Prints Studio + Gift Shop. 

Head over to Edgebrook Shops, a boutique shopping center with eclectic shops, delicious restaurants, and seasonal events. 

Elora Home Interiors

For midday refuel with the girls, grab lunch at 27 Aluna—a chef-driven, award-winning Filipino restaurant. Then, step across the street to the longstanding jewel of Rockford shopping: J.R. Kortman Center for Design, a concept store with elegantly fun items from around the world. 

Feeling adventurous? Take a quick road trip to wine country in South Beloit, where the scenery is as soothing as the chardonnay at DC Estate Winery. In the summer, you can even enjoy wine slushies on their patio! Cheers! 

For something a little more nature-y, spend the afternoon at Rock Cut State Park. If you’re visiting in the spring, summer, or fall, you can also stop for some zen at the Anderson Japanese Gardens. In the winter, it's the perfect opportunity to relax and get your nails done at WM Day Spa. 

For dinner, sink into art at LimaMar, a boutique Peruvian restaurant where the food and cocktails are as gorgeous as their decor. End the evening at The Music Box, an elegant listening lounge with delicious drinks and live music. Here, the wall art is from the collection of Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen.

Rock Cut State Park

Day 3: Sunday (Departure)

One of the Midwest’s cutest brunch restaurants—The Norwegian—has your girls’ brunch covered. Book ahead and, pro tip: don’t miss the æbleskivers. For a little last-minute shopping, the boutique next door, Rooted, has vintage home goods, gifts, and a curated flower shop with grab-and-go bouquets.

The Norwegian Æbleskivers

Leave Rockford relaxed by booking a massage at Circle of Wellness. Or, try a unique therapeutic experience at Salt&Sol, the first salt therapy room in the Stateline area. You can also book a meditation and sound immersion session at Namaste Studios.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting on a weekend when Urban Farmgirl is open, be sure to explore its treasure-filled warehouse showroom of artisan goods. For a souvenir tee—and to meet shop-pup Pepper—drop by Rockford Art Deli. Before hitting the highway, treat yourself to a drink at Candy Cloud, a one-of-a-kind boba and shake shop.