Meet Mike
When did you move to the Rockford area?
August of 1999
What are your hobbies or interests?
Sports, trivia, travel, making parody songs, making bad dad jokes.
What is your favorite restaurant in Rockford?
Joe’s Casa DiAmici, especially for those that miss the old Maria’s!!
What’s the best place to grab pizza in Rockford?
So many choices!!! My favorite is probably a Vinny’s Pizza Deep Dish.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to Rockford?
There are so many hidden gems, whether it be the amazing parks, the restaurants, or the downtown area. Don’t be afraid to look, you’ll love what you find.
What’s your favorite fall activity or attraction in the area?
Edwards Apple Orchard (the donuts right out of the oven are chef’s kiss).
What’s your favorite winter activity or attraction in the area?
Stroll on State is without a peer in Illinois when it comes to a winter festival.
What’s your favorite summer activity or attraction in the area?
18 holes at Aldeen followed by a boat trip down the Rock River.
What’s a fun or random fact about you?
My mom was a nun and my dad was a priest. I can also say all the states in alphabetical order in under 35 seconds while juggling.
What do you think makes Rockford such a great place to live?
There is an insane amount to do for a city of its size. And while you are a short road trip from big city amenities, you can also enjoy all the comfort, warmth, and sense of community that a smaller town has to offer.
What is your occupation?
WIFR Evening News Anchor
What stage of life are you in?
Newly Empty Nester (but they come back to the nest quite often).
How do you prefer to meet or connect?
In person
What’s your best advice for someone experiencing their first winter in Rockford?
Keep your windshield wipers up on your car to avoid them freezing to your windshield. Also, getting a snowblower is probably not worth the cost. You will probably use it like twice a year—it’s easier and more cost-efficient to find a snow removal guy while helping the local economy.
What is your favorite local event or festival?
Stroll on State.
What’s the best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
Dinner at one of the great restaurants, then find some unique drinks at places like Urban Social or Abreo. Catch some local music at the Music Box or an IceHogs game at the BMO. If the night is still young, head out to Hard Rock and see if you can win enough to pay for all your fun.
What’s one hidden gem in the Rockford area that you’d recommend?
Norwegian restaurant serves up quite the breakfast!!
What’s your favorite thing about the Rockford community?
It’s such an underappreciated place to raise a family. The parks are amazing!! The Discovery Center and Burpee Museum are hidden gems for kids!! The youth sports scene is as good as it gets in the Midwest. The support for high school sports is through the roof. Whether it’s Disney on Ice at the BMO, Charlie Brown Christmas Live at the Coronado, a top-notch family-friendly play at Starlight Theatre, or the youth arts and entertainment options—Rockford impresses. And your neighbors look out for you and your kids.
If you had a free day in Rockford, what would you do?
Take the kayak to Rock Cut State Park or a bike ride along the Rock River Recreation Path (with a stop at Sinnissippi Gardens). Drop off the equipment, then follow the local bands and almost surely meet new friends.
Where’s the best place to enjoy nature in or around Rockford?
Anderson Gardens is a great place to wind down and let the beauty sink in. But Severson Dells is also wonderful if you’re in the walking mood.
What’s your favorite local small business or shop?
You can always find something fun at Culture Shock.
What’s the best way to get involved in the community?
Join one of the many local clubs like Venetian, Lombardi, Verdi, or SM-SF.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first moved to Rockford?
How much local comedy there is to catch. You can see some funny local and regional acts virtually every weekend.