Downtown Rockford is shown in this long-exposure image captured in 2019. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Kevin Haas and Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford can get a bad rap, even and perhaps especially from its own residents.

But there are dozens of reasons to find joy in living here.

Last week, we asked readers on our Facebook page to tell us something they love about Rockford. It was part of a giveaway of some 815 merchandise from Crimson Ridge, and it tied into part of our mission at the Rock River Current to include some positive stories in your news feed.

Today we’re sharing some of the responses you sent, which ranged from pride in our parks and forest preserves to loving the local food scene and culture.

Here’s what you had to say:

“Love all the free and fun opportunities for our kids over the summer! Delicious local restaurants and breweries! And of course local music!” — Jill Moth Camic

“I love the music scene, especially The Funeral March and Jay Church” — Marcos Lara

“We love all the forest preserves and parks in the area, as well as the local theaters!” — Traci Bradford

“The sense of community!” — Denise Kittel Noe

“I love Rockford not only because it is home, but there’s not one street I drive on that doesn’t have a beautiful memory. I especially love the parks. They’re beautiful and peaceful.” — Vickie Lynn

“I love all of the beautiful forest preserves, parks, and playgrounds in the 815. I also love all of the murals and I hope we continue to get more every year.” — Erin Sturm

“All of the affordable things to do.” — Cheryl Barlow

“I love downtown!” — Kayla Stepanek

“Ski Broncs” — Rebecca Spriggs

“We love all the forest preserves and parks in the area, as well as the local theaters!” — Traci Bradford

“Rockford has beautiful parks, lovely walking and bike paths, awesome music at several outdoor venues. There are many great local restaurants with fabulous food. We have the Burpee museum, the Discovery Center and some really nice playgrounds and skateboard parks. Rockford also has Wolf Hollow, the most unique and interesting gift shop I’ve ever seen. There’s plenty of fun things to do in the 815.” — Alberta Hoernecke

“I love the beauty of the Rock River, especially the walking path and Klehm Arboretum!” — Christine Lippitt

“Can’t say enough about the food vibe that we have going on in our community along with all the small businesses ~ always shop local! It’s like we are a tight knit community that supports one another!!!” — Stacy Hoium

“Big City amenities with a small town feel! I love Rockford’s local restaurants, shops. Museums, Rockford Park District, Coronado, the riverfront, the massive amount of trees, and the people!” — Lori A. Berkes-Nelson

“Beefaroo, Capri, Pinos on Main, Crimson Ridge, Mama Sue’s deli and slots, Meg’s, my kids enjoy ISC, and Volcano Falls. Rock cut is beautiful…so many staples in the 815 area. But I would have to say one of my absolute favorites is Williams Tree Farm! Small businesses! Support one another xoxox” — Melissa Johnson

“Cornado theater every seat is excellent and our Forest Preserves of Winnebago County all free to enjoy. Also the best pizza in the country.” — Polly Happach

“The Rockford Park District and all they offer is the first thing to come to mind! Made me think back to my childhood and going to Tall Pines Camp and Sand Park Pool!” — Lynn Momberger

“I love all the cool local shops, local restaurants, and amazing live music we have!” — Cindy Ann

“All the amazing small businesses in the 815-specialty stores, restaurants & manufacturing.” — Jenny Redington

“Born and lived in Rockford my whole life. So much to love, appreciate, grow, worship, eat, recreation, entertainment, diversity….the list goes on. I would not live anywhere else. Love Rockford.” — Karen Hammarberg