Meet Melissa
When did you move to the Rockford area?
I’m born and raised in Rockford.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I paint, enjoy a variety of different music, and I’m always looking for inspiration for my career path, apparel, podcast, and events.
What is your favorite restaurant in Rockford?
Lao Kitchen.
What’s the best place to grab pizza in Rockford?
Vinny’s or Jojo’s.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to Rockford?
Be open-minded—there are hidden gems everywhere.
What’s your favorite fall activity or attraction in the area?
Apple Orchard.
What’s your favorite winter activity or attraction in the area?
Christmas decorations downtown and ice sculptures.
What’s your favorite summer activity or attraction in the area?
Cultural outdoor events.
What’s a fun or random fact about you?
I love to cook.
What do you think makes Rockford such a great place to live?
Majority of my family resides here, and Rockford has so much potential.
What is your ethnicity?
Chicana.
What stage of life are you in?
I have an adult son, but I also have young teens, and I am a grandmother.
How do you prefer to meet or connect?
Both virtually and in person work for me.
What’s your best advice for someone experiencing their first winter in Rockford?
Be prepared for bipolar weather—we have a little bit of everything.
What is your favorite local event or festival?
Domingo’s en el Parque.
What’s the best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
Hard Rock Casino.
What’s one hidden gem in the Rockford area that you’d recommend?
Union Event Space has a little Speakeasy bar open to the public, which is a must-experience.
What’s your favorite thing about the Rockford community?
We don’t conform to others.
If you had a free day in Rockford, what would you do?
Go out to eat, walk and shop locally, and visit several art galleries.
Where’s the best place to enjoy nature in or around Rockford?
Forest preserves.
What’s your favorite local small business or shop?
Too many to choose from, but if I had to pick, it would definitely be Wired.
What’s the best way to get involved in the community?
Get out there to community events—networking will get you involved, but most importantly, volunteer when opportunities present themselves.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first moved to Rockford?
I have been here all my life.
