It bears repeating that Rockford College, when it was known as Rockford Female Seminary, graduated in 1881 a young woman named Jane Addams. She is notable for many achievements, one of which occurred in 1931 when she won the Nobel Peace Prize. She co-founded Chicago’s Hull House, one of the first settlement houses in the country. That’s a remarkable achievement for her and one in which Rockford may take some pride. Fast-forward to 2007 when Rockford discovered it will be the home to Rick’s a music-themed restaurant established by Rick Nielsen, the lead guitarist for Cheap Trick. Fame and achievement suits its era, doesn’t it?

Rockford is a lovely place, surrounded by forest preserves. And, the Anderson Japanese Garden is here, one of the top such gardens in the U.S. Have fun in late August, early September at Rockford’s On the Waterfront Festival. The Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center offers music programming. The Midway Village and Museum Center takes you back to a Victorian Village.

With 155,000 people, Rockford may have it made with small-town flavorings and a medium-sized town’s activities. Then, for greater action, Chicago lies within striking distance. Come visit and enjoy yourself.