Guys' Weekend in Rockford
Get the guys together for a weekend in Rockford! If you feel like getting competitive, tasting your favorite beer or spirits straight from the source, and seeing some incredible live acts, then look no further than Rockford.
Day 1: Friday Night (Arrival)
Rockford is roughly a 90-minute drive from downtown Chicago or Milwaukee. By the time you arrive, you’ll be ready for dinner, so head to Murphy’s Pub and Grill. Catch all the big games on some of the biggest screens in town. Plus, you’ll find pool tables and dart boards to keep you and the boys entertained. Unwind with a local craft beer and prepare for the weekend! During hockey season, get the guys together and cheer on the IceHogs!
For lodging, you’re spoilt for choice. Choose any of the hotels near the interstate or find cozy digs downtown along the Rock River. You have plenty of options (for all sorts of budgets) with everything from spacious rooms, gyms, pools, and other amenities so you can relax with the guys between activities!
Day 2: Saturday
Start your day at one of Rockford’s best breakfast spots, Stockholm Inn. Go for the Swedish pancakes combo and ask for a side of lingonberries—the topping recommended by Cheap Trick’s very own Rick Nielsen (one of the owners!) Once you’re fueled up, head to Victory Pickleball, where you can try this fun, competitive paddle sport. Newbie? No worries; their friendly staff can help you learn the rules and get started.
To feast like a local for lunch, score a reservation at The Norwegian. Pro Tip: If you’re feeling daring, go in on the Sea Bord—a tasting platter packed with Nordic classics like gravlax, pickled fish, and other seafood delicacies! After lunch, explore one of Rockford’s craft beer mainstays, Carlyle Brewing Co., a downtown spot where you can play a few rounds of shuffleboard, too!
Would you prefer something a little more spirited? Try Barnstormer Distillery, where you can tour the distillery and its on-site working farm. For dinner, regroup at Baker Street Burgers. We recommend "The Flamethrower"—a burger packed with bacon, cheese curds, and pickled jalapenos. Cheers!
For a nightcap, don’t miss Mary’s Place, the oldest bar in Rockford and an excellent spot for live music! Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick performs there occasionally, so you may even bump into rock n' roll royalty! For extra excitement, check out the new Hard Rock Casino, Rockford. Try your hand at the live poker tables, test your luck at the slot machines, or catch some local music acts.
Day 3: Sunday (Departure)
You deserve a big breakfast after an epic night out. Good thing Lydia’s Cafe serves breakfast all day! Fill up with a Rockford-themed dish like The Coronado or their house-made corned beef hash, Aldeen. Then, why not spend some quality time with the guys at one of the many golf courses in the Rockford area? Aldeen is a local favorite, though you’ll find plenty of options around town! If you prefer an activity that's a little more active, bond with the lads over disc golf at Anna Page Park or hit the mountain bike trails at Atwood Park.
Looking for more things to do with the guys in Rockford? Check out the many outdoor recreation activities and stay tuned to our events calendar for the latest happenings around town!
