Meet Jessica
When did you move to the Rockford area?
I was born in Rockford- at Rockford Memorial Hospital
What are your hobbies or interests?
My hobbies are: exercise ( really, I'm being serious!) I make sure to schedule at least 30 minutes a day to move on my bike, treadmill ( outdoors on Sunday- track time!) or lifting. I also enjoy finding new restaurants with my husband or friends, traveling to warm places with my family at least once a year and cheering for Marquette Basketball and Indiana Football!
Favorite restaurant in Rockford?
This is a tough one- but probably a toss-up between Abreo and Alchemy. I loved my first experience at Crave, though and that is my favorite new to the scene!
Best place to grab pizza in Rockford?
Capri's
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to Rockford?
Don't listen to the naysayers about our town! Experience it for yourself with an open mind.
Favorite fall activity or attraction in the area?
We love heading down route 2 to Thyme and Again for pumpkins and Squash, and follow up with our yearly Hairy Cow visit in Byron.
Favorite winter activity or attraction in the area?
My favorite winter activity is boarding a plane headed South. Our family also really loves walking through the lights at Nichols Conservatory- a can't' miss!
Favorite summer activity or attraction in the area?
I love summer! My favorite activity is hanging out with my kids at the Forest Hills County Club pool. I also love grilling with my family in my backyard, visiting City Market and enjoying outside patios for drinks and dinner.
What’s a fun or random fact about you?
I used to run for Nike!
What do you think makes Rockford such a great place to live?
I love living in Rockford because it is affordable, has great options for school ( we Love Holy Family!), close to Chicago and Milwaukee for occasional weekend trips, has a vibrant downtown, tons of family friendly activities and great job opportunities.
Occupation
I am the Director of Community Impact for United Way of Rock River Valley
Ethnicity
Middle Aged White Woman
What stage of life are you in?
Haha.. I am in different stages- I am a married professional with young children, as well as four children in their 20s
How do you prefer to meet or connect?
I love meeting in person, but open to virtually
What’s your best advice for someone experiencing their first winter in Rockford?
Buy a warm jacket, keep the wine stocked and a good attitude will be helpful.
Favorite local event or festival
City Market
Best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
Night out in Rockford - for us, it usually is a friend's house so we can still hang out with our kids. If we have an adult night out, you can find us at Alchemy, Abreo or Greenfire.
One hidden gem in the Rockford area that you’d recommend?
A hidden gem in our community is Tinker Swiss Cottage- so much history and lots of interesting stories
What’s your favorite thing about the Rockford community?
One of my favorite things about Rockford is the accessibility of decision makers to all of the residents.
If you had a free day in Rockford, what would you do?
A free day in Rockford would start with a run on the riverfront path, lunch at Ernie's Midtown Pub, taking the kids to Discovery Center or Nichols (if its butterfly season) and a night at home with my family.
Where’s the best place to enjoy nature in or around Rockford?
Severson Dells!
What’s your favorite local small business or shop?
B Jones is my very favorite local business!
Best way to get involved in the community?
Joining Junior League is a great way to become involved in Rockford and meet new people.