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Golfers, affordable greens fees await around the bend across the Midwest. In Illinois, the Rockford Park District and Winnebago County Forest Preserve manage the eight fabulous courses. Rated by Golf Digest as the USA's “Best Mid-Sized City for Golf," the Aldeen Golf Club and Practice Centre is among the favorites on the list, with 4-1/2 stars!
Motor sports fan pack your cooler and head to Rockford Speedway that offers 85 scheduled events per year as well as post-season National Short Track and Little Car Championships on its quarter-mile, high-banked track. Prefer SCCA sports car events, autocross, motorcycle or go-kart races? Then hit Blackhawk Farms Raceway, a road course as well as off-road and motorcycle dirt tracks are featured.
When lunch rolls around and your stomach starts to growl you can grab a burger, fries and chocolate shake at the classic 50's-style diner found at the Kegel Motorcycle Company. Of course, there's more than food on the menu in the showroom that featured at the oldest Harley dealership in the country. You'll find a wide selection of Harley-Davidson and Buell, plus unique gifts, home furnishings; and an unsurpassed selection of children's Harley Davidson riding apparel.
Climb to new heights with your buddies at the Northlander Indoor Climbing Center & Outdoor Sports. The professional staff provides instruction to any age participant while promoting maximum enjoyment in a safe and controlled setting. Sports fans will find that Baseball is alive and well in Rockford. The Rockford Riverhawks , a minor league team, play at a band new stadium at I-90 and Riverside Blvd.
Now, if you like baseball but want to take part in a little different take on the game, don't miss the Midway Village & Museum Center's Midway Marauders vintage baseball team where they play by 1850's rules, when men were men and gloves were for sissies! While you're there, check out the Rockford Peaches exhibit inside, featuring Rockford's own All-American Girls Professional Baseball League team from 1943 to 1954—and the team that the movie A League of Their Own was based on.
Rockford, Illinois is located approximately 60 minutes west of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport off Interstate 90. And along with all the thrills and outdoor recreation to enjoy there are plenty of dining options for an evening out on the town.
For a juicy, thick steak there are many choices, but a select few are considered top-notch. Maria's Italian Café is a classic, Italian neighborhood restaurant still located in its original building serving up what many think is the best steak around. Or try the garlic-smothered Steak Sinatra at Nunzio's Italian Restaurant . Great Mediterranean dishes are served up at Basil Café.
There's a wine tasting every Friday and martini tasting on Thursdays. If you're looking for a view, try Cliffbreakers River Restaurant . Overlooking the Rock River, this eclectic dining establishment is furnished with antiques and architectural artifacts from around the world. Giovanni's Restaurant & Big
Al's Bar offers choice steaks, fresh seafood, low cholesterol entrees, and gourmet pastas. There's a late night bar menu and live jazz and music on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Rockford, Illinois offers so much to do, and experience on your trip. To learn about other current events, attractions, and getaway options visit the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.gorockford.com.
For information on Illinois destinations, events and attractions contact
the Illinois Bureau of Tourism at: 1-800-2CONNECT, or online at
www.enjoyillinois.com.