Best Plans For A Day Trip To Rockford, Illinois

So many wonderful things to do in The Forest City. If you're planning a visit, this list will help you put together a fantastic day.

A recent Reddit user asked for help planning a day trip to Rockford. It's so hard, as Spring is approaching, to think about doing things indoors. Cabin fever has gotten the best of us and all we want to do is be outside. Parks, the river, shopping on State St., and all the outdoor sipping & dining options. Your day and hopefully a little nighttime will be amazing.

Rockford natives, this are just some of the things I would do, there are plenty of wonderful places not mentioned here. I would love to hear where you would recommend someone go who is visiting Rockford for the very first time.

My ideal plan for a day trip to Rockford:

Morning (starting at 10 a.m.)

Breakfast at Stockholm Inn.

Wired Cafe for a 'to go' coffee while shopping up and down State St.

Rockford Art Deli to buy an '815' t-shirt

Midday

Lunch at Fresco at the Garden. The view is gorgeous. Then walk off your lunch touring Anderson Japanese Gardens. Check their website to make sure the gardens are open. If your visit is after Memorial Day weekend and it's Tuesday, you'll need to come back for live music in the gardens. Bands from across the country play every Tuesday evening.

A nice walk along the bike path on the river to see the Symbol statue, Nicholas Conservatory and more.

One more stop downtown because you might like a tasty beer right about now. Prairie Street Brewhouse. Thursday nights during the Summer you may want to return here for dinner for their special Dinner On The Dock dinners.

Evening

I love a great steak and in Rockford, you can't do better than Alchemy's bone in ribeye. Not to mention their unique cocktails and extensive craft beer menu.

As far as other nighttime activities there are so many to mention that it's a good idea to hit up these 2 great websites for ALL THINGS Rockford.

Go Rockford

Rockford Buzz

Enjoy your visit to the Forest City. For the locals reading this, please share your favorites that someone visiting should check out, in the comment section.