I’ll be honest, when I first planned a fall weekend in Rockford, Illinois, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I’d heard some things about its beautiful gardens, cute local shops, and killer coffee scene—but it totally surprised me in the best way. Just an hour and a half from Chicago – it’s great for a day trip from Chicago or for a Midwest weekend getaway!
Here’s exactly how I spent my couple of days exploring Rockford—and why you should add it to your next Midwest road trip list!
First Things First: Coffee
You know I have to hit up a coffee shop every day on my travels, and Rockford nailed it! I honestly was so impressed with the selection, and I didn’t even hit every coffee shop on my list!
Rockford Roasting Co.
I’ve come to learn that any shop with “Roaster” in the name has to be my first stop. And I wasn’t wrong – Rockford Roasting Company is the place is for the serious coffee lovers. I loved the open and industrial space – it’s minimalist, friendly, and it was just the right kind of slow morning stop. They make most of their syrups in-house (which is my favorite) so I ordered a classic iced vanilla latte and it was perfect!
Inzombia Coffee
A quirky little spot with an old school, artsy vibe. I loved how creative their seasonal drinks were too! Think fun movie-inspired drinks like Hocus Pocus (brown sugar + pumpkin), Brewmanji (banana, hazelnut mocha), or Space Jam (pb&J cold foam and raspberry). Inzombia Coffee is a quick and easy stop in downtown Rockford.
My Café Amoré
Located in the cutest little town of Cherry Valley that neighbors Rockford, My Cafe Amoré is totally an Instagrammer’s dream! I loved the book wall and fun seasonal drinks, too. The owner was incredibly sweet and bubbly, and the place had a fun atmosphere that made it a great spot to hang out. I had the Holy Ghost Latte, which was made with pumpkin and marshmallow fluff – it was almost too cute to drink, but I did, and it was delicious!
Local Shops You’ll Love
Rockford has a fun little shopping scene—lots are located downtown, so grab a coffee and stroll the shops and see the multiple murals around town!
- Rockford Art Deli –If you love locally made goods and cheeky Midwest-themed designs, Rockford Art Deli is a must. I may or may not have walked out with a t-shirt I didn’t technically need, but I couldn’t pass it up! They also feature a lot of Rockford-inspired items like the sock monkey (which was created here!) and the historic Rockford Peaches. It’s a total vibe and the perfect place to grab a souvenir that isn’t just another magnet (but they actually have really rad magnets and stickers here too).
- Loom- Also located downtown, Loom is a beautiful home goods and gifts store that is so well curated! Think warm textures, cozy touches, and pieces that make you want to redecorate your entire house. Seriously, I wanted it all! The owner, Amie, is an absolute delight and takes pride in her handpicked collections, including an array of locally made pieces too! Plus, you have to meet the cutest shop dog, Chase.
- Rooted – Is a total vibe and the cutest shop in Rockford! Filled with color, Rooted has a ton of home goods, gifts, vintage, and more. I loved the open concept and all the colorful, bold touches this space has. It’s a great option to search for a unique gift or the perfect place to treat yourself. I loved their apparel and food & drink section – definitely so many on-trend things and fun brands to discover here.
- Smiley’s Vintage – I always have to sneak into a vintage shop or two on my travels and Smiley’s Vintage was so fun! I loved the old-school vibe with a ton of nods to Chicago and lots of Chicago Bulls and sports vintage apparel and gear. Definitely lots of nostalgia in there! They have an amazing collection of vintage tees, jackets, and more! I snagged a vintage camo jacket for the fall, and I’m obsessed.
Adventures in Rockford
This is where Rockford really shines. Between vibrant foliage, peaceful gardens, and historic spots, there’s plenty to explore during any season!
Anderson Japanese Gardens
The Anderson Japanese Gardens totally surprised me in Rockford. This isn’t just a garden; it’s a twelve-acre oasis designed by a master craftsman to be a place of pure tranquility. It’s consistently ranked among the best Japanese gardens in North America, offering an incredibly peaceful escape from the everyday hustle. I spent a morning here wandering, and it was truly beautiful! The grounds feature stunning waterfalls, intricate stone paths, and koi-filled ponds, plus there’s a lovely onsite restaurant to dine at in-season as well.
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum
If you love a little history (or a little haunted charm), The Tinker Swiss Cottage was one of my favorite stops in Rockford. This ornate 22-room mansion was built by Robert Hall Tinker in the mid-1860s after he was inspired by the Swiss Chalets he saw on a trip to Europe. It’s one of the few Swiss- style homes left in the US! I visited during October, so it was decorated for a Victorian funeral – very fun for spooky season, plus they offer paranormal tours at night during October too! During the tour, I was truly in awe of the details, intracity and the fascinating story of this family that really came through in every single room. There is even a garden in front with traditional Victorian Roses which smelled absolutely amazing. Pro Tip: Check their website for hours and tours as they change often – but I highly suggest doing this!
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
I drove by the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens on my way to the Anderson Japanese Gardens, and I knew I had to visit! This huge, modern glass building stopped me in my tracks as it’s the third-largest conservatory in Illinois and is a beautiful escape year-round. During my visit, the conservatory was transformed into its latest exhibit: Dinosaurs of the Forgotten Forest. It featured real prehistoric plants and had fun nods to the plants and animals of the Cretaceous Period. I loved it!
Outside, the gardens continue along the Rock River, featuring the beautiful Eclipse Lagoon and the nearby Sinnissippi Rose Garden – which I caught in bloom as well during the lovely October weather!
Valley Orchard in Cherry Valley
You can’t do a fall trip without visiting an orchard! Rockford actually has several options for orchards in the area but I chose Valley Orchard, which is just a short drive from Rockford, right in that quaint town of Cherry Valley. Stop in for apples, cider, and warm donuts that are basically happiness in food form. They also have some fun activities for kids and pumpkins too!
Bites to Eat
Crust & Crumbles
If you’re a foodie, you have to try this artisan bakery. Crust & Crumbles is known for its incredible bread and pastries, like croissants and cruffins. They make everything entirely by hand using the simplest ingredients (flour, water, and salt) and a slow, two-day process to maximize flavor and quality. They are always featuring different varieties daily, too. I stopped here for a mid-morning pastry (okay, two) and before exploring. Their treats are out of this world!
The Norwegian
This spot was hands-down my favorite meal of the trip. It’s cute and cozy with Scandinavian-inspired drinks and dishes. Brunch at The Norwegian is a must! Highly recommend making a reservation if you go on the weekend, as this is a popular spot. I had the Pyttipanne, which was a hash of fried sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, and bacon tossed with maple cashew sauce. SO GOOD! I also enjoyed their Loki 7 latte – tasted like fall in a cup!
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Rockford has this cozy, creative energy that feels perfect for any season! It’s big enough to have cool things to do but small enough to feel approachable and relaxed. Between the gardens, apple orchards, coffee shops, and scenic outdoor spaces, it definitely has something for everyone! Plus did you know it’s home of the sock monkey?!
Whether you’re road-tripping through the Midwest or looking for a weekend getaway, Rockford is a seriously underrated gem.