Groundhog Day - Woodstock Square

This hilarious comedy concerns a crabby weatherman who finds himself reliving Groundhog Day over and over. Filmed in the quaint town of Woodstock, the bell tower that the weatherman leaps from is actually the Woodstock Opera House (which today presents concerts and plays). A small plaque in Woodstock's historic town square marks the spot where the character repeatedly stepped into a puddle in the movie.

CITY: Woodstock

Country Faire

Afghans, books, baby quilts, birdhouses and feeders, ceramics, goose clothes and geese, southwest artifacts, lawn and garden decor and more.

CITY: Hampshire

Five Forks Market

Tapas-based cuisine plus a variety of sandwiches and soups. Extensive gourmet "to go" menu. Wine sales and free wine tasting Saturday afternoons.

CITY: Rockford

Hoffman House Restaurant

Continental cuisine, steaks and prime rib in a relaxed setting. Banquet facilities to 400 people. Full bar, plus Rockford's hottest sports bar, the Scoreboard. Inside the Holiday Inn, but owned separately.

CITY: Rockford

Woodstock Opera House

Built in 1889 as City Hall, the Woodstock Opera House has long been one of the top performing arts centers in the Midwest. Its illustrious history also includes a cameo in Groundhog Day.

CITY: Woodstock

Exclusively Yours Leiza-George

A shopping experience like no other, this store has floor-to-ceiling gifts from around the would. Its specialties include handmade oak and Amish furniture, jewelry, linens, cards, Christmas items and more.

CITY: Belvidere

Bowl - Hi Lanes

Enjoy bowling as well as karaoke every Friday and Saturday.

CITY: Huntley

Gensler Gardens

Gensler Gardens is a family owned operation specilizing in greenhouses and locally grown vegetables.

CITY: Loves Park

River House Bed & Breakfast Getaway Retreat - Machesney Park

The River House is actually two waterfront lodges, well separated on five tree shaded acres. The luxury Getaway Lodge offers couples romance in three suites complete with Jacuzzi, fireplace, and gourmet breakfast, plus special occassion amenities for honeymoon or anniversary romance. The Timeaway Lodge, with five family sized guestrooms, offers comfortable, child friendly accommodations for leisure travel or group retreat. It is an ideal location with its large gathering room, conversation bar and outdoor deck to host a family reunion, church or business retreat, scrapbooking weekend, or wedding ceremony and reception. Special package options are available. An Extended Stay furnished apartment also available for weekly rental.

CITY: Machesney Park

Jailhouse Potters

Jailhouse Potters is a school, gallery and studio. Items presented for sale include a unique collection of handmade pottery by local artisans. Classes available in wheel and hand-building pottery techniques. Pottery supplies are also available.

CITY: Woodstock

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Genoa

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Genoa mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Genoa and the other communities along the Illinois route.

CITY: Genoa

Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society

In 1977, the Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society was formed to bring together area people who had an interest in local and regional history and its preservation.

CITY: Genoa

Book Stall of Rockford

Used and rare books: history, military, cookbooks, art, antiques, poetry, fiction, technology, natural history. First editions, hard-to-find and antiquarian books. By chance or by appointment.

CITY: Rockford

Courtyard by Marriott - Rockford

Courtyard surrounds travelers with the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. Relax and get ready for the day ahead in one of our spacious guest rooms, featuring a comfortable sitting area, large work desk, two phones with data ports, free in-room high speed Internet access, in-room coffee service, HBO, in-room movies, and a newspaper. Unwind in our swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness room. No pets except service guide animals. Totally non-smoking facility. 24 hour Courtyard Market with snacks and drinks for your convenience. WiFi in lobby. You can also dine at the The Bistro, a "fast casual" restaurant for guests and the public, serving breakfast and dinner. The restaurant proudly serves Starbucks coffee and products 24 hours a day.

CITY: Rockford

Corner Grill on Main

We are known for our Italian beef, gyros (cooked on the spit), 10oz. burgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, and BBQ ribs. We pride ourselves on having great food, big portions, and fair prices. Located in downtown Genoa, stop in today!

CITY: Genoa

Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch - Hampshire

Ride the wagon to pick your own pumpkin, shop the Harvest Market and visit the Farmers Wife Cafe and Bakery. Goebbert's has a second location in South Barrington.

CITY: Hampshire

Country Lanes

Good old-fashioned family fun.

CITY: Hampshire

StudioPLUS - Rockford

Conveniently located, just off I-90 and Business Rt. 20, all rooms have full kitchens, including a full refrigerator and freezer, oven and four burner stovetop, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and kitchen utensils, and free Wifi. Conveniently located, just off I-90 and Business Rt. 20. Near Magic Waters waterpark, CherryVale Mall, antique shops, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

CITY: Rockford

Country Cabin Orchard and Nursery

This u-pick apple orchard (with eight varieties), also includes a petting zoo, gift shop, wagon rides, pumpkin patch, Christmas trees, donuts, pies, bakery and fall nursery. Open mid-September through December 24.

CITY: Woodstock

JMK Nippon

Midwest's finest Japanese restaurant where they prepare your meal right before your eyes at the Teppan tables. Traditional seafood, steak and chicken dishes and sushi bar. Karaoke Bar.

CITY: Rockford

Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology

The mission of the center is to honor the memory and spirit of the Space Shuttle Challenger 51L crew by providing hands-on space exploration curriculum and center that enhances thinking skills and inspires those to meet the challenges of 21st Century.

CITY: Woodstock

Boone County Historical Museum

Explore this varied collection of local memorabilia. The museum includes a log home, Civil War artifacts, a natural history room, historic dolls, clothes, tools and transportation ranging from a 1906 Eldredge Runabout to Belvidere's first Chrysler.

CITY: Belvidere

Giovanni's Restaurant & Big Al's Bar

A local favorite, Giovanni’s Restaurant is known for its good food, service and competitive prices. Extensive banquet facilities. Big Al's Bar, an upscale entertainment and jazz bar, has a bar menu that includes pasta dishes, sandwiches appetizers & much more.

CITY: Rockford

Lexington Hotel at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort - Rockford

Cliffbreakers overlooks the beautiful Rock River. Whether you have come here to attend a business meeting or celebrate with loved ones during a wedding reception, enjoy an evening of fine dining in Cliffbreakers Restaurant, a view of the Rock River will offer a pleasant and memorable time. On-site fine dining restaurant, martini lounge, Swedish hot rock sauna, business center, 25,000 sq. ft. of function space.

CITY: Rockford

Motel 6 - Rockford

With newly renovated guestrooms and lobby, the hotel is convenient to I-90 and Illinois Business 20. Always fresh, always clean, our 131 guest rooms include a remote-controlled TV with free cable. No pets except service guide animals.

CITY: Rockford

Erlander Home Museum

The cultural centerpiece of Rockford's Swedish-ancestry community, Erlander Home Museum is located in Rockford's first brick home, built by John and IngaStina Erlander family in 1871. Restored to its original Victorian decor, the twelve-room home features collections that include Rockford-made furniture, a renowned collection of more than 50 dolls created by Charlotte Weibull and many artifacts recalling Swedish immigration to northern Illinois and Rockford's Swedish heritage. Don't miss the Midsommar Dag festival in mid-June, and Lucia Fest in early December.

CITY: Rockford

Graham-Ginestra House

An 1857 Italianate limestone house with ceiling murals, parquet floors, pocket doors, stained glass, curved staircase, carriage house and stables. English garden. Special events. Guided tours for groups on Sundays by appointment.

CITY: Rockford

Marengo Ridge - McHenry County Conservation District

The major glacial feature at Marengo Ridge Conservation area is the Marengo Ridge, from which the site derives its name. Left by the retreating Wisconsin glacier, the Marengo Ridge moraine is 40 miles long and 3 miles wide, creating one of the steepest vertical moraines in Illinois, at 1,050 feet above sea level. This rugged, fire-protected topography supported wooded communities dominated by oak species. Site features hiking trails, campground, picnic shelters, scenic views, x-country skiing, and fishing.

CITY: Marengo

Sportscore One

This 105-acre sports complex, host to local and national tournaments, features eight lighted softball diamonds, eight regulation and 11 practice soccer fields, nine sand volleyball pits, concession stands, a soccer center with lockers, a boat ramp and a walking path.

CITY: Rockford

Olympic Tavern

Friendly neighborhood place for drinks, pizza, homemade soup or full dinners. Steaks, chops, chicken, seafood, ribs, barbeque, pizza, pasta and salads. Patio dining in summer. Full bar.

CITY: Rockford

Groundhog Day - Woodstock Opera House

This hilarious comedy concerns a crabby weatherman who finds himself reliving Groundhog Day over and over. Filmed in the quaint town of Woodstock, the bell tower that the weatherman leaps from is actually the Woodstock Opera House (which today presents concerts and plays). A small plaque in Woodstock's historic town square marks the spot where the character repeatedly stepped into a puddle in the movie.

CITY: Woodstock

Rockford College Performing Arts Department

Four productions per year in Clark Arts Center's Maddox and Cheek Theatres, performed by theater students, plus student-directed 3-Penny Theater productions, the Rockford College Forum Series, and Common Destines programs.

CITY: Rockford

Erlander Home Museum

The cultural centerpiece of Rockford's Swedish-ancestry community, Erlander Home Museum is located in Rockford's first brick home, built by John and Inga Stina Erlander family in 1871. Restored to its original Victorian decor, the twelve-room home features collections that include Rockford-made furniture, a renowned collection of more than 50 dolls created by Charlotte Weibull and many artifacts recalling Swedish immigration to northern Illinois and Rockford's Swedish heritage. Don't miss the Midsommar festival in mid-June; the First Annual KUBB Tournament in early June; Julmarknad in late November; Lucia in early December; Camp Sweden, a youth camp, in July; Swedish language classes offered in the fall and spring.

CITY: Rockford

Macktown Living History Education Center

Built in 1834 on the Pecatonica River by fur trader Stephen Mack, one of the area's first settlers. See the walnut cradle Mack made for his children, plus Native American artifacts, donated by Mack's descendents. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Macktown is where Stephen Mack, his Native American wife, Hononegah, and the people who inhabited the village conducted their daily business. Remnants of 8,000 years of Native American occupation of this same site can be seen. Stephen Mack’s Home and the Whitman Trading Post still stand, and a reconstruction of the village is being undertaken, including the disassembly of the 2-story shop and schoolroom to be rebuilt at its original site. There are many historic and prehistoric artifacts in the Education Center.

CITY: Rockton

Northern Illinois Wine Trail

Located one to two hours northwest of Chicagoland, the Northern Illinois Wine Trail features 15 wineries set among beautiful countryside and charming towns. Offering award-winning wines, gourmet-style food and handcrafted gifts, the wine trail makes it easy to escape the urban hustle and bustle for a quaint and bucolic culinary experience.

CITY: Genoa

Studio Theatre at Rock Valley College

During the fall and spring semesters, Rock Valley College sponsors a Studio Theatre program, giving students and amateur actors in the area a chance to perform with guest professionals in plays such as Wings, Black Coffee, and 1940's Radio Hour. Each year the Studio Theatre presents a William Shakespeare classic. The Studio Theatre also has a new play development program with productions that have included American Rock!, Kite's Book, and Christmas With the Conroys.

CITY: Rockford

Artists' Ensemble Theatre

Artists's Ensemble is a thriving theater group that offers five professional productions a year in the Clark Arts Center at Rockford College. Tickets are available by phone or online.

CITY: Rockford

Homestead Orchard

This u-pick orchard features 14 varieties of apples, plus rhubarb and raspberries. The Homestead's store is located in a century-old horse barn, stocked with homemade honey, candles, dried flowers, dried apple chips and more.

CITY: Woodstock

Apollo Activity Center

The Apollo is an all-purpose activity center, featuring a renovated historic 1912 theater.

CITY: Belvidere

More Than Delicious Orchard

This seasonal orchard offers more than 80 varieties of apples and pears.

CITY: Woodstock

Olde St. Pete's Antiques

Primitive and unique furniture, accessories, folk art, and collectibles.

CITY: Hampshire

Whisper Creek Golf Course

This beautiful course is set on 240 acres rich in bluegrass, protected wetland environments, and even magnificent rock formations with casading waterfalls.

CITY: Huntley

Rockford College Art Gallery

Six exhibitions per year featuring local and national artists, including Rockford College students and faculty.

CITY: Rockford

Ethnic Heritage Museum

Six nationalities that helped shape the cultural region are represented in this home museum, built in 1850. Located in the heart of the old water power district, the house features a room for each ethnic group it represents: African American, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Hispanic. Call to confirm hours and admission fees.

CITY: Rockford

Tom Guirl's Beaver Creek Pottery

Find skillfully handmade and kiln-fired pottery to decorate your home.

CITY: Belvidere

Judy's Quilt 'N' Sew

A nice selection of fabric, notions, books and threads. Experienced quilters to assist with all your quilting needs. Quilting classes available.

CITY: Hampshire

Von Bergens Country Market

In fall enjoy farm animals, pumpkin picking, a train ride, seasonal decorations and a craft corner. An annual antique tractor show is held in September.

CITY: Hebron

Blackhawk Farms Raceway

This off-road and motorcycle dirt track also features sport car, motorcycle and go-kart racing.

CITY: South Beloit

Camp Grant Museum and Command Post Restaurant

Memorabilia of Rockford's Camp Grant, U.S. Army induction and training camp during World Wars I and II. The museum, an original building of Camp Grant, houses the Command Post restaurant and contains postcards, pictures, and memorabilia of the camp along with Rockford postcards.

CITY: Rockford

Abreo Restaurant, Wine Bar & Patio

In the heart of the up-and-coming 500 block, Abreo has become known as downtown's premiere restaurant and nightspot. Housed in vintage 1888 architecture, the atmosphere is uniquely its own. From its cozy wine bar with a beautiful stone fireplace, its whimsical dining room, its peaceful garden patio, to its intimate wine cellar, Abreo is an experience for all of the senses.

CITY: Rockford

Elliot Golf Course

Located on Rockford's far east side, Elliot is an 18-hole course with 6,443 yards of rolling terrain, large trees and spacious greens. A smattering of water hazards and sand bunkers make Elliot a challenging course for any golfer.

CITY: Rockford

The Office Niteclub

Located in downtown Rockford’s historic River District, The Office offers dancing, drag shows, karaoke and an outdoor patio in warm-weather months.

CITY: Rockford

Historic Woodstock Square

A Victorian town square, complete with bandstand and gazebo, is the setting for many unique shops, eateries, antiques stores and art galleries. The square is home to many events, and was the film site for the hit movie Groundhog Day.

CITY: Woodstock

The Upstairs Downstairs Shop

Antiques, collectibles, furniture, crafts, and gifts.

CITY: Hampshire

Lloyd and Leota's Antiques

Antiques and fine furniture, restoration, refinishing, repair, rushing, caning, spindles, and hand stripping. Complete restoration service. Eight shops and restaurants nearby. Spend a day in Hebron.

CITY: Hebron

Boone County Conservation District

The enchanting charm of Boone County’s Buffalo Creek creates a picturesque scene of nature at its finest. With a mission of preserving nature for generations to come, the area offers numerous educational events and festivals.

CITY: Belvidere

Rockford Art Museum

Part of the Riverfront Museum Park, the Rockford Art Museum features an eclectic collection of 20th century American artworks. Discover pieces by self-taught African American artists, American Impressionist paintings and modern art glass. Changing exhibits feature regional and national artists.

CITY: Rockford

Victorian Veranda - Winnebago

This 1865 country house features five guest rooms, all with private baths, are located on the second floor and decorated in an individual style with unique & antique collectibles. Eclectic Victorian decor with wraparound porch, wicker furniture, porch swings, croquet, cards. Specialize in quilting and scrapbooking retreats, private parties, weddings and small meetings.

CITY: Winnebago

Fox Valley Framing & Gallery

Custom framing, prints, framed prints.

CITY: Woodstock

Susie's Garden Patch

Find u-pick asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes and pumpkins. Roadside produce includes sweet corn, muskmelons, peppers and pumpkins. Susie's hosts a Strawberry Festival every June.

CITY: Garden Prairie

Sinnissippi Golf Course

This nine-hole course, located in Sinnissippi Park, offers challenges for advanced golfers and novices. The 3,230-yard course is best known for its hilly layout and tree-lined fairways.

CITY: Rockford

Historic Auto Attractions

More than 70 historic autos including presidential limousines, Al Capone's car and movie cars such as the Batmobile, PLUS hundreds of "pieces of history" and constantly changing exhibits make this museum a step above the standard auto museum.

CITY: Roscoe

Fox Run Bed & Breakfast - Rockford

Fox Run Bed and Breakfast Inn was built in 1878 by J.P. Sauber. Karyn Sauber Brokhausen and her husband, Kurt, have fully restored the grand Eastlake home to its present high Victorian splendor. Fox Run offers prestigious and luxurious accommodations. Choose from five themed rooms, each with an adjoining or hall-access private bath. The inn, with its numerous antiques and heirlooms, sets the scene for your "Victorian Adventure". High Victorian decor with family heirlooms, antiques, fireplace, library. Five-course gourmet breakfast. Private parties, weddings, small meetings. Only blocks from Rockford Memorial Hospital. Currently listed in "Antiquing Weekends: 52 Excursions Across America" by Gladys Montgomery and featured in the March 2007 Rockford Life Magazine.

CITY: Rockford

Natural Resource Center

The Natural Resource Center is located at Russell Preserve, and is open to the public on weekends. The Center offers a great stop for exploration and live animal viewing for all members of the family. The Center can be reserved by school groups and other organizations for outdoor educational field trips. While there, take a walk through Russell Preserve, beneath mature oaks and hickories, surrounded by woodland wildflowers. In the winter, Russell Preserve is a great place for tobogganning.

CITY: Genoa

Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel

Take a free self-guided tour of the Chapel, located in the Belvidere Cemetery, which was built in 1907 in memory of a local doctor.

CITY: Belvidere

Illinois Lincoln Highway

Take a journey on the Illinois Lincoln Highway, a 179 mile National Scenic Byway. From the Indiana border, west toward the mighty MIssissippi, you will find an adventure filled with variety, rich in history and heritage. As you travel the Lincoln Highway route across northern Illinois, take time to discover each communities' unique culture and special offerings and find a past era woven together with the present.

CITY: Belvidere

Muirhead Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast

Private Master Suite surrounded by nearly 800 acres of prairie, this Frank Lloyd Wright designed home offers a private bath, historical artifacts, hearty country breakfasts and beautiful views.

CITY: Hampshire

Grampy's Antique Store

Offers affordable American and English antiques / curiosities in primitive, country, cottage, Victorian, and traditional styles. Includes furniture, architectural goods, lamps, glassware, stoneware, tools, artwork, etc. Spend a day in Hebron.

CITY: Hebron

Rock Cut State Park

Beautiful Illinois state park with two lakes set off the park's 3,092 acres. Pierce Lake, with 162 acres, is a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. A second 50-acre Olson Lake is especially for swimmers. Fishing, boat launches, restored prairie and birdwatching, hiking, extensive campgrounds, paddleboat and canoe rental, horse and bike trails, cross-country ski trails and concessions.

CITY: Loves Park

Royal Oak Farm Fruit Orchard

Enjoy 22 varieties of pick-your-own and pre-picked apples from August through October, breakfast or lunch in the Country Restaurant, a miniature train ride, carousel, petting zoo, gift shop and bakery, and seasonal events that include Applefest and Pumpkinfest.

CITY: Harvard

Rock Cut State Park Camping - Loves Park

Two lakes set off the park’s 3,092 acres. Pierce Lake, with 162 acres, is a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. A second 50-acre Olson Lake is especially for swimmers. Fishing, boat launches, paddleboat and canoe rental, horse and bike trails, cross-country ski trails, concessions.

CITY: Loves Park

Blackhawk Valley Campground - Rockford

More than 130 units in developed campground located in a wooded and secluded area on the Kishwaukee River with mini golf, pedal carts, a playground, weekend activities and hayrides for the kids.

CITY: Rockford

Donley's Wild West Town

Wild west displays and genuine cowboy memorabilia including train rides, horse rides, panning for gold, cowboy shows and more. Extensive antique phonograph and music box collection on display. Seasonally open April - October.

CITY: Union

A Leauge of Their Own - Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Rd., Union

This comedy follows the formation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1940s, at the start of World War II. All of the movie's scenes on the train and at the railroad depot were shot at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, home to more than 250 restored electric, steam and diesel trains. The Nebraska Zephyr passenger train seen in the film is part of the museum's permanent collection.

CITY: Union

Prime Outlets at Huntley

Prime Outlets at Huntley offers over 40 brand name retailers at 25% to 65% off every day, including Mikasa, Reebok/Rockport Outlet Store, BOSE Factory Outlet, The Gap, Carter's and much more.

CITY: Huntley

New Mill Antiques

Two buildings of furniture, glassware, kitchenware and old toys. Located in the town of New Milford.

CITY: Rockford

Opera House of Woodstock

Built in the 1800s in Steamboat Gothic style, the opera house hosts musicals, dramas, dance and touring groups.

CITY: Woodstock

Laser Quest

The laser tag maze is a multi-level game floor with black lights, music, sound effects and automatic computerized scoring.

CITY: Rockford

Beattie Park

Downtown park on the banks of the Rock River. Site of several Native American "Effigy Mounds," which have been preserved, and home to Rockford Artists Fair.

CITY: Rockford

Petit Memorial Chapel

Petit Memorial Chapel, located in Belvidere Cemetery, was designed by Frank Llyod Wright and erected in 1907. Brochures available for self-guided historic tours. Open daily, 8am - sunset. Tours available by appointment.

CITY: Belvidere

Rockford Speedway

See top-name NASCAR racing on a quarter-mile, high-banked track. From Kid's nights to monster trucks, fireworks, fantastic NASCAR racing action, you will enjoy an exciting night of affordable family fun at Rockford Speedway.

CITY: Loves Park

Edgebrook

Edgebrook offers local specialty shopping with a unique blend of eclectic boutique shops, excellent restaurants and convenient service-oriented businesses, where there is truly something for everyone. Please visit edgebrookshops.com for a list of merchants and events happening. Owned and operated by Orput Companies, Inc.

CITY: Rockford

Belvidere Cemetery and Pettit Memorial Chapel

Established in 1847, this is the burial ground for Belvidere's illustrious pioneers. Want to go right to a Frank Lloyd Wright landmark? Visit the Pettit Memorial Chapel.

CITY: Belvidere

Village Green Home & Garden West

A fascinatingly large garden center with outdoor furniture supplying customers from all over the Midwest. The center also takes care of holiday needs with trees, trims and gifts. Home center, same location, 815.637.8840. There's a Village Green East, too.

CITY: Rockford

Poplar Grove Children's Farm

Poplar Grove Children's Farm is a seasonal farm for children and families who come for the petting zoo, mini-putt, craft barn and lots more.

CITY: Poplar Grove

Bengt Sjostrom Theatre & Studio Theatre

Newly renovated, stunning open-air theater with retractable roof, home to Starlight Theatre, the area's oldest summer theatre, and to RVC's annual Shakespeare Festival. The Studio Theatre provides a venue for amateur and student productions.

CITY: Rockford

Kegel's Harley-Davidson/Buell

World's oldest family owned Harley-Davidson dealership. Large, showy shop with leather-wear, Harley-Davidson apparel and accessories. Close to Bypass U.S. 20 and CherryVale Mall in Cherry Valley. Motorcycle rentals and full service department.

CITY: Rockford

Coral Woods - McHenry County Conservation District

This sugar maple forest provides the sweet sap necessary for annual maple sugar programs, and is also known for its magnificent display of spring wildflowers. Activities include hiking, x-country skiing, picnic shelters and scenic views.

CITY: Marengo

Forest City Queen Riverboat

Many cruise options on the Rock River are available, including hourly narrated tours, family-style picnics and elegant dining.

CITY: Rockford

Nygren Wetland Preserve

721-acre tract near the confluence of the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers, making it an important area for many species of birds, including sandhill cranes; owned by The Natural Land Institute, which began its restoration in 2000.

CITY: Rockton

Bull Run Maize Maze

This seven-acre maze was designed by England's Adrian Fisher, the "Michael Jordan of mazes." Navigate the four miles of paths during the day or in the evening on special moonlight maze nights.

CITY: Poplar Grove

Storefront Cinema

Weekend showcase for the finest in foreign, independent and classic films; children's international film festival in spring.

CITY: Rockford

Rockford Dance Company

Established in 1972, Rockford Dance Company pursues excellence in the art of dance through performance, education and outreach. A full season of dance is performed by company members, guest artist from around the world, and students from RDC’s school of dance. This ballet school also offers classes in modern, jazz, and tap and a recreational division full of many other unique dance genres.

CITY: Rockford

Carlyle Brewing Company

Enjoy the taste of quality, handcrafted beer in the atmosphere of a true European-style ale house in the Rockford Region's premiere microbrewery. Ten to twelve styles of ales and lagers are on tap at any time, chosen from more than 30 styles of beer brewed on-site throughout the year. Sandwiches, bratwurst, pretzels and great thin-crust pizza are available. For a real treat for the beer lover, try the sampler tray of current beers.

CITY: Rockford

Severson Dells Nature Center

Nature lovers will enjoy 369 unspoiled acres with an unusual 90% concentration of native wildflowers, a paved path and 2.5 miles of trails. The Nature Center features a butterfly garden, gift shop, aquarium and indoor beehive.

CITY: Rockford