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As we dive into the new year 🎉 we want to know: What are you most looking forward to in 2025? Vote below and let’s kick off the year with some local love! 💖

Fall in Rockford is something special. The air turns crisp, the leaves start showing off their colors, and suddenly a simple weekend feels like a getaway. Whether you’re here to pick apples, sip cider, or just slow down with a walk through the park, Rockford has plenty of ways to make the most of the season.🍏 Apple Orchards to Visit Near RockfordStart with a trip to one of our local orchards. Curran’s Orchard is the cozy choice, known for warm cider donuts and caramel apples that taste like fall itself. If you want the full family outing with pumpkin patch, play area, and bakery included, head to Edwards Apple Orchard West, where there is as much to do as there is to eat. And if picking your own apples sounds like the perfect afternoon, Valley Orchard’s 35 acres will not disappoint. Do not skip the cider slushies, they are a local favorite.🍲 Cozy Restaurants & Fall MenusFall is all about comfort food, and Rockford has no shortage of cozy spots to enjoy. Kick off your Saturday morning with brunch at Fresco at the Gardens, where fresh, farm-to-table dishes pair beautifully with the changing colors at Anderson Japanese Gardens. For a hearty Sunday brunch, Bourbon Street Lounge is a laid-back favorite that never leaves you hungry. And if you are looking for dinner with a little flair, Lucha Cantina brings bold Tex-Mex flavors and a fun atmosphere that is perfect for a Saturday night. Other local gems worth mentioning include Alpine View for soups, La Croute Bakery for pastries, and Ambiance Cuisine for farm-to-table dining.🍂 Parks & Walks for Fall FoliageNo fall weekend is complete without a walk under the trees. Anderson Japanese Gardens is breathtaking this time of year, especially if you pair your visit with breakfast at Fresco. For open-air strolls by the river, Sinnissippi Park & Gardens is always a good idea. And if you are up for a longer adventure, Rock Cut State Park offers hiking trails, kayaking, and plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities just a short drive from town.🎯 How to Spend a Perfect Fall Weekend in RockfordIf you are planning a fall getaway, here is a weekend itinerary that blends the best of Rockford. Friday evening: Arrive in Rockford, grab dinner downtown at Ambiance or Culinary Underground, and stroll along the Rock River. Saturday morning: Breakfast at Fresco at the Gardens, followed by a walk through Anderson Japanese Gardens. Saturday afternoon: Pick apples at Curran’s or Valley Orchard, then head to Rock Cut for a crisp fall hike. Saturday evening: Dinner at Lucha Cantina, and maybe catch a concert or show at Coronado Theatre. Sunday morning: Brunch at Bourbon Street Lounge before heading out. Sunday afternoon: Stop at Edwards Orchard for cider and pumpkin treats, then wind down with a quiet walk through Sinnissippi Gardens.Fall only lasts so long, so grab your flannel, call your friends, and make this one to remember that it's a good day to go local!🍁

Region 1 Planning Council in Rockford just got a boost to help shape the future of our region’s economy. The group received a $70,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, money that will be used to map out the next five years of economic priorities for Winnebago, Boone, and McHenry Counties.So, what does that really mean? In short, this funding will help R1 put together a plan that looks at everything from infrastructure and workforce training to making sure we have sites ready for businesses that might want to move here. The idea is simple: if the region is prepared, it’s easier to attract new companies and create jobs.Michael Dunn Jr., who leads R1, said the grant isn’t just about planning on paper. “When we work together, we get more done,” he explained. “Good planning leads to better roads, stronger utilities, and sites where businesses can actually set up shop. That, in turn, means more jobs and more investment for Northern Illinois.” The plan they’re building is called the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS for short. Think of it as a roadmap. It’s updated every five years and brings together voices from both the public and private sectors. Having this plan in place also makes the region eligible for future funding from the EDA, which can be used to put projects into action.According to Isaac Guerrero, who heads up economic development and policy at R1, this kind of support opens doors. “With the EDA’s help, we can go after more state and federal dollars to back up our strategy. That means real progress for the businesses and people who call this region home,” he said.Region 1 Planning Council itself might not be a household name, but its work touches nearly everyone in Northern Illinois. The agency focuses on big-picture issues that cross city and county lines, like transportation, data analysis, and long-term planning. Its job is to make sure different governments and partners are pulling in the same direction.This grant is another step in making sure our corner of Illinois is ready for the future. From supporting manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and agriculture, the work that comes out of this planning process will play a role in how the region grows. For more about the Region 1 Planning Council, visit r1planning.org. To learn about the U.S. Economic Development Administration, head to eda.gov.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

There’s a group of people in Rockford who show up every day to make sure others can live with dignity, choice, and joy. They’re called Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, and their role is at the very heart of what Mosaic does. These are the people who help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live at home, find independence, and be part of their community. They don’t often ask for recognition, but this week they’re getting it. Mosaic in Rockford is celebrating National Direct Support Professional Week from September 15 to 19.“Our Direct Support Professionals are the heartbeat of Mosaic,” said Kris Hudak, Interim Area Director. “They’re the ones in the trenches, helping with the everyday things most of us don’t even think about. Maybe it’s helping someone get dressed, assisting with meals, or encouraging someone to join in at a community event. These are the little things that add up and make a big difference.”The work isn’t always easy. Some people Mosaic serves live with a lot of independence, while others need more support for simple daily activities like bathing, moving from a chair to a bed, or using the restroom. It’s work that takes patience, compassion, and a whole lot of energy. And yet, for many DSPs, it isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. Hudak explained, “We have staff who’ve been here for decades because they love it. They know they’re making life better for someone else, and that’s enough to keep showing up. That kind of dedication deserves to be honored.”This year’s theme for DSP Week is “A Work of Heart.” It fits perfectly, because DSPs bring more than just skill, they bring love and commitment. Their care makes Mosaic’s mission to “relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people” come alive here in Rockford.So what exactly is Mosaic? The nonprofit has been serving people for more than a century, reaching across 12 states and more than 750 communities. Altogether, they support nearly 5,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, behavioral health needs, and aging adults. Their philosophy is whole-person care, helping people not just survive but thrive by living the life they choose. In Rockford alone, Mosaic runs eight group homes and supports dozens of people through host homes and individualized services.The organization’s history stretches back to 1913, when Bethphage Mission was founded in Nebraska, and 1925, when Martin Luther Homes started in Illinois. The two later merged in 2003 to form Mosaic as it exists today. Through every change, the focus has remained the same: person-centered support that builds independence and belonging.And if you want to see what that looks like, just listen to some of the local stories. Take Yul, for example. He lives with cerebral palsy and has been part of Mosaic programs in Rockford. Yul says, “I have a job, and I work hard at it. I have friends and a girlfriend. I want to be as independent as possible.” He even took part in Rockford’s “Human Library” event, where he shared his story with strangers at the public library. For him, it’s about being seen and understood, not for his disability but for his life.Then there’s Jay, who lives in a Mosaic at Home provider setting. His sister Marie used to worry constantly about him, his safety, his health, and what his future would look like. Now, she feels peace. She said, “I’m so glad Jay is with Mosaic. I’m not going to be around that much longer, but now I know he will be properly cared for the rest of his life.” That’s what DSPs do. They don’t just change the lives of the people they serve. They also lift the weight off family members who carry those worries every single day.Community partners have stepped up, too. Rockford hairdresser Kayla Speaker runs Beautiful Ambitions Salon. She learned how hard it was for some Mosaic clients to afford simple grooming like haircuts. So she started offering free haircuts every six weeks for people served by Mosaic. And she didn’t stop at just trimming hair, she created a welcoming space, playing shows, reading together, and chatting like friends. Some clients said it was the first time they felt truly seen by a stylist. Something as simple as a haircut gave them dignity, pride, and the sense that they belonged.All of these stories point back to the same truth. DSPs and the people who support Mosaic are building something powerful in Rockford. They’re not only helping people with disabilities live day to day, they’re making sure people are part of the fabric of this city. They’re showing that Rockford is stronger when everyone has a place.So this week, as Mosaic celebrates Direct Support Professionals, it’s more than just a calendar event. It’s a chance to stop and say thank you. To the staff who show up every day, to the families who place their trust in them, and to the people served who remind us what resilience looks like, you’re all part of what makes Rockford special.If you want to learn more about Mosaic or find ways to get involved, you can visit Mosaic Rockford or Mosaic National.Direct Support Professionals may not always be in the spotlight, but their impact is everywhere. They are the steady hands, the patient teachers, the quiet cheerleaders. And this city is better because of them.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

Get ready for a spooky day of shopping, food, and family fun at the 8th Pop-Up in the Parks event!📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025🕒 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM📍 Machesney Park Mall Parking Lot, 8760 N. 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL 61115This family-friendly fall festival features:Over 115 local and small business vendorsFood trucks serving the 815’s favorite eats and drinksDJ Petey P keeping the vibes aliveBounce houses and face painting for kidsPermanent jewelry, hair tinsel, and on-site engravingAnd the can’t-miss Tent-Or-Treat experience for safe trick-or-treating with vendorsCome dressed in costume and celebrate fall with shopping, treats, and fun for all ages!Remember, it is a good day to go local.

Discover Culinary Underground, Rockford’s newest reimagined restaurant and bar located inside the Embassy Suites at Davis Park. Formerly Tower Kitchen & Bar, the space has been reimagined with bold energy, blending Rockford’s industrial past with modern design, neon art, vintage photos, and interactive table games.The menu features creative comfort food with a twist, including fried bologna sandwiches, Not Grandma’s Meatloaf, Fig in a Blanket, and the Wagyu “Culinary Underdog” hot dog. Pair it all with handcrafted cocktails that make every visit unforgettable.Whether you’re looking for a night out, a new foodie adventure, or a place to gather with friends, Culinary Underground delivers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of downtown Rockford.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

Honey Boy BBQ has a new home in Rockford, Illinois, at CJ Public House. Known for winning over crowds at City Market, Honey Boy now serves up its famous BBQ every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5 PM until sold out.The menu features fan favorites, including pulled pork sliders, smoked chicken, rib tips, baked mac and cheese, crispy fries, sweet hot garlic pickles, and banana pudding.Stop by CJ Public House to enjoy local, made-from-scratch BBQ with the same bold flavors that built Honey Boy’s reputation. Arrive early as these meals go fast!Remember, it is a good day to go local.

1998 is the best year because that is when Scanlan’s Sports Bar opened in Rockford, Illinois. For more than 27 years, Scanlan’s has been a go-to neighborhood bar for great food, cold drinks, and a fun atmosphere. The menu features burgers, wings, and classic bar favorites along with daily food and drink specials.Scanlan’s is also known for weekend entertainment, with karaoke and live DJs every Friday and Saturday night. Whether you are catching a game, meeting friends, or enjoying a night out, Scanlan’s Sports Bar offers the perfect mix of food, drinks, and music.📍 Location: 2921 City View Drive, Rockford, IL 📞 Phone: (815) 639-0000Come see why Scanlan’s has been a Rockford tradition since 1998.Remember, it is a good day to go local.