13 Things You Have to Do Before You’re an Official Rockfordian [LIST]

In the last four years I've lived in four different states, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and now Illinois; and for those last four years, when someone asks me where I'm from, I still say "Minneapolis." People usually give me a puzzled look and ask, "how did you end up here?" Instead of boring people with the details of how I ended up in Rockford, I think it's time I just tell people I'm from Rockford.

Ever been in the Rockford Art Deli? There's this t-shirt I really want to buy that says "Born and Raised" and then it's got a picture of the state of Illinois along with a star for the city of Rockford. Obviously I wasn't born and raised here but that doesn't mean I can't "earn" that t-shirt. Inspired by a list I saw on OnlyInYourState.com, "10 Things You Have to do to be an Official Illinosian;" I put together this list of things you have to do to become an official Rockfordian.

1. See a show at the Coronado

2. Eat at Portillo's

3. See Cheap Trick live.

4. Go to an IceHogs game.

5. Hike Rock Cut State Park

6. Spend an afternoon at Edward's Apple Orchard.

7. Enjoy live music at District Bar & Grill.

8. Picnic at Sinnissippi Park.

9. Visit one of the Rockford's family friendly museums.

10. Eat a gyro from Uncle Nick's at 2am.

11. Own a sock monkey.

12. Shop at Cherryvale mall.

13. Replace a set of tires, rims or shocks on your car because of potholes.

What else should people do to say they're from Rockford - and don't say, "don't tell anyone you're from Rockford."