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It's October and that means it's time for Spooks! I’m dying to know… what’s your favorite haunted house to visit in the 815?

Der Rathskeller was a North End staple for 90 years. What started out as a sausage shop and delicatessen in 1931 at 1132 Auburn St. eventually evolved to include a bar, restaurant and outdoor beer garden.Beginning in 2016, though, the restaurant went through three ownership changes before closing for good in October, 2021, unable to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.In June, the property sprung back to life as Plume under the direction of husband-wife duo Lia Pennacchi and Chase Williams. The two know the Rockford restaurant scene well. They started working together when Williams was the executive chef at Social Urban Bar & Restaurant in downtown Rockford.For those who remember Der Rathskeller, Plume is a bit of a change. It's much brighter with an upscale decor and pricing. It's also an Italian restaurant - but with a slight twist. The cuisine is northern Italian - the Pennacchis' heritage traces back to northern Italy - and the food has Austrian and German influences. So there's still that little tie to Der Rathskeller.My sister and I stopped in to try it out on Halloween, even sitting next to a couple dressed as a British king and queen. One thing to note. You will not be offered a menu. There are QR codes to scan to find the drink and food menus. They will bring you one if you ask. The goal of Plume is to change the menu regularly as produce is in season without having to routinely print new menus.We split a small plate, the tigelle. That came on a wooden board and included thin biscuits that you slice to make small sandwiches stuffed with mortadella (thin slices of Italian sausage), coppa picante (cured pork), pesto Modenese (a spread made of cured pork fat, garlic and rosemary) and blueberry preserves. For one, that would have been a meal in and of itself.We also split the Eickman's beef tenderloin, which was an 8-oz filet placed on top of potatoes cooked with onions and balsamic vinegar. The steak was so tender it seemed to melt in your mouth and the potatoes were sweet almost like sweet potatoes.We plan on going back to check out the bar and desserts on another day. On the night we went, it had Nutella Pot de Creme (hazelnut butter, chocolate and Frangelico whipped cream) and Tiramasu on the menu.Plume is a welcome addition to the North Main-Auburn corridor that also features the Norwegian at 1402 N. Main St. You should put both on your restaurant rotation.

There will be tens of thousands of kids out on Halloween in Rockford, in the annual quest for some cool candy. On Halloween in 1956, Rockford native and U.S. Navy Admiral George Dufek was hoping not to get too cold.On Oct. 31, 1956, Dufek became the first American to stand at the South Pole. He was one of seven U.S. Navy pilots who landed an airplane for the first time at the bottom of the world. With the engines running to avoid freeze-up, Dufek stepped out onto the frozen terrain and planted the U.S. Flag.The flight was part of Operation Deep Freeze, which had the ultimate goal of establishing a research station on the continent. In 1957, Dufek returned to the South Pole to establish a supply base, which he named Little Rockford.Today, the National Science Foundation's South Pole Station is host to cutting-edge science and home to as many 150 people at a time. Dufek was born in Rockford in 1903. He joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at Rockford High School and was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1921.Dufek became a pilot and served in World War II and the Korean War, when he was placed in command of the aircraft carrier USS Antietam. Dufek retired from the Navy in 1959 and died in 1977. The Navy stopped using Little Rockford in 1965.

Tatianna Salisbury, a proud Rockford, Illinois native, has always been driven by her passion for storytelling. Now based in Denver, Colorado, she has blossomed into a powerful voice in the world of creative writing, publishing her debut book, words my heart needed to hear, in June 2023. This remarkable collection of poetry and short stories reflects Tatianna’s emotional journey through love, betrayal, longing, and healing. Her raw, honest writing style has already begun to resonate with readers across the country.A Passion for StorytellingTatianna’s love for writing began early on, but it was during her time at Rockford’s Auburn High School, in the CAPA program, that she truly started to believe in her potential as a writer."I’ve always loved writing," Tatianna shared. "But it was really when I was in the CAPA program at Auburn that I started to think I could make a career out of it. I had some incredible English teachers who pushed me to evolve as a writer."Her teachers’ encouragement ignited a passion that continued to grow throughout her college years. Tatianna pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications at Northern Illinois University, where she honed her skills in journalism and creative writing. She held several positions at the university newspaper, including Editor-In-Chief, and contributed to various online publications and magazines across the U.S.The Journey to DenverIn the fall of 2021, Tatianna moved to Denver, Colorado, to further her career in internal communications. But it wasn’t long before she rekindled her love for creative writing and poetry. Between 2022 and 2023, Tatianna poured her heart into writing and publishing her first book, words my heart needed to hear, a collection that dives deep into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery."Through five chapters, we experience the lifecycle of love through Tatianna’s eyes," the book description reads. "As love sparks, takes, hurts, heals, and lasts, intimate stories from Tatianna’s life are displayed, divulged, and in some cases, dissected."The collection is more than just a series of poems—it’s a heartfelt letter to herself and an offering of comfort and understanding to those navigating their own emotional journeys.Looking to the future, Tatianna is preparing to republish words my heart needed to hear in spring 2025, featuring illustrations by an indie Colorado artist, a reimagined cover, and bonus material that teases her second book. She will be publishing her second book in late 2025.Tatianna’s Advice to Aspiring CreativesAs someone who has successfully pursued a creative career, Tatianna offers two key pieces of advice to anyone following a similar path. First, from her mentor: "Make the time and do the thing." Whether it’s writing for five minutes a day, painting on a small canvas, or volunteering at a theater company, making time for your creative passion is essential.Second, her personal advice is simple but powerful: "Don’t be afraid to love something." Reflecting on her own experiences, Tatianna remembers how she was hesitant to fully embrace her love for writing in school, often holding back for fear of judgment. Her message to younger creatives is clear: pursue your passion unapologetically, and don’t let the fear of judgment stand in your way."The only person’s judgment that matters is your own in terms of anything creative," she adds. "Whether you love writing, geometry, or collecting stamps, don’t be afraid to pursue it."Looking ForwardTatianna Salisbury’s journey is just beginning. Her book, words my heart needed to hear, is a testament to her passion, talent, and dedication to storytelling. As she continues exploring her creative path, both in writing and life, Tatianna is poised to inspire countless others with her courage and authenticity.For readers looking to experience the beauty of Tatianna’s writing, her debut book is available now—and it promises to be just the first of many stories she will share with the world. To follow Tatianna’s creative journey and stay updated on future projects, visit her website at tatiannasalisbury.com and connect with her on social media.

Looking for the best way to enjoy some amazing local flavors? I highly suggest joining the Bourbon Barrel Club and Dinner Club at Bourbon St Lounge! There's nothing like supporting local, and trust me—local food is always the best food! 🍽️🥃

I had the chance to catch up with Mark from the German Society of Rockford about this year’s Oktoberfest, and I even learned a bit of a German dance—thanks, Mark! 💃🇩🇪The 60th Annual GSR Oktoberfest is happening this Saturday, September 28th, from 11 am to 11 pm, and it’s going to be one for the books! 🎟️ Grab your tickets now for just $7 (or $10 on the day of the event).Expect amazing authentic German cuisine from Café 20, a cultural booth, souvenirs, a children’s area, stein holding and racing contests, and of course, the famous tapping of the keg with Mayor Jury! 🍻 Plus, we'll be crowning Miss Oktoberfest 2024 and enjoying some authentic German dancing and beer. 🍺🕺Music for the day will be provided by The Amazing Mike Band, The Legendary Barefoot Becky, and The Zweibel Brothers! 🎶Tickets are still available through Friday, September 27th, at these local sponsor locations (cash only!):Woodman's (Rockford, IL)Windsor Pizza ParlorTop Cut Comics (Loves Park)Pig Minds Brewing Co.Culture Shock - Clothing and RecordsWired Cafe'The DetourCherry Blossom FloristEmbroid ThisDon't miss out on this incredible return of the 60th Annual GSR Oktoberfest! 🍂🎃

✨🎭 I'm beyond excited for Artists' Ensemble Theater's production of THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR by Paul Slade Smith, hitting the stage from September 5 – 22! 🌟 Set in 1948, this screwball comedy follows husband-and-wife playwrights Charlotte and Arthur as they navigate the chaotic mishaps that threaten their next Broadway hit. With a lovestruck novelist, a charming actress, a vain leading man, and a hilariously cranky housekeeper, this play promises nonstop laughs and romance! 🤩💖Don't miss the "perfect storm of comic chaos!" Grab your tickets now and get ready for a "laugh-a-minute romantic romp!" — LA Splash Magazine🎟️ Tickets on sale at https://artistsensemble.csstix.com/event-details.php?e=282!

🎭✨ September is Full of Amazing Shows at The Coronado! 🎉I’m so excited for what’s coming up this month! Check out these incredible live performances:📅 September 12th: Joe Gatto: Let's Get Into It - Featuring Mark Jigarjian📅 September 13th: Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn📅 September 14th: The RSO: Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff📅 September 29th: The Glenn Miller OrchestraYou can purchase your tickets for these events at https://coronado.asmrockford.com/PLUS, don’t miss The Coronado’s Save A Seat open house (on September 16th from 5-7 pm), where you can sign up to be a Season Subscriber and reserve your seat for all 4 upcoming Broadway shows: Chicago, Hadestown, The Cher Show, and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical! 🎟️✨ It’s going to be a month packed with amazing talent, music, and entertainment. Who else is excited to catch some of these performances? 🙌🎶