10 Reasons to be Thankful You Live in Rockford

Who needs the hustle and bustle of driving down 90 East to go to Chicago to fly around the country? The Chicago Rockford International Airport makes it easy to fly to your desired location.

The Rock River Valley Pantry assists on average 7,000 clients a month. It is a community based food pantry that has been assisting people for over 40 years.

Who needs to go to Minnesota or Canada for good hockey? Not us, we have the Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks affiliate to root for.

Places like Rural On Tap, Oasis, Carlyle Brewing Co. and Rockford Brewing Company serve delicious craft beers. Whether they bring in from breweries around the country or make it themselves, it's some of the best selection around.

We aren't called the Forest City for nothing. If you are going on a stroll through the many parks Rockford has to offer, or if you are driving through town, the leaves changing color is one of the most fantastic sights to be seen. The perfect sunset really makes the moment magical.

Everyone has a story of when they brushed shoulders with greatness. Seeing Bun E. Carlos at Mary's or Rick Nielsen at the grocery store are daily activities.

Uncle Nick's is always where you get a gyro. You can get a burrito as big as your head at Mexico Clasico. The Italian Beef and cheese fries from Portillo's are unlike any other. Lucha Cantina serves the best tots and the pizza from Greenfire is to die for. Let's not forget that we can always come home to Lino's for an amazing dinner.

No matter what may be your ailment, Rockford is a regional leader in health care, with three major health systems and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.

You can see Jane and learn about dinosaurs at the Burpee Museum of Natural History. The Discovery Center is one of the top four children’s museums in America. The Rockford Art Museum is the largest art museum in Illinois outside of Chicago. Midway Village Museum, Tinker Swiss Cottage, The Historic Auto Attractions Museum, The Erlander Home Museum, the Laurent House and the Ethnic Heritage Museum are all in our own backyard.

I had my first visit to The Coronado Performing Arts Center earlier this year. With its lavish gold, royal blue and crimson colors, it is a sight to be seen. There is no bad seat in the house which is great for short people like me!