By: John Clark
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — To see if there were some “unwritten rules” for living in Rockford, Illinois, we put the question to our Facebook users and were surprised by an overwhelming amount of negative comments.
Users blasted the city for having “bad roads”; warned others to “look the other way,” rather than help someone in need, out of concern for their own personal safety; complained of speeding, panhandlers, and hearing either gunshots or firecrackers in certain areas of the city at night.
However, we heeded the advice of commenter Bea Lincoln, who said “Ignore negativity because it’s rampant around here!” and compiled a list of some of the more positive “unspoken rules” users submitted for living in the Forest City.
Moni Terronez said, “Every weekend this summer and even during the week there is plenty of free events. Hundreds and hundreds this summer. From creating art, to a 5k to free entertainment outside venues. Plus the housing market is excellent they can’t keep homes on market I’ve met folks this year from Washington, California, North Carolina, Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Texas who’ve only been here a year or two and they love Rockford!”
“I have been impressed with the beauty of the city and the efforts at making the city a very livable place. The riverfront is becoming more beautiful every year!” wrote Michele Mulhall.
Julie Kim said, “You’ll never get over the splendor and beauty of The Coronado Theater,” Rockford’s gilded atmospheric auditorium, at 314 North Main Street.
Once known as the “Big Orange Box,” Rockford’s BMO Center arena, at 300 Elm Street, was originally built as the MetroCentre, and some Rockford residents prefer to remember it that way. It was briefly known as the BMO Harris Bank Center once BMO Harris Bank took over the naming rights.
“It’s always Metro Center,” wrote Debbie Cuthbertson.
“I will always say ‘MetroCentre’, Rockford College,” said Patti Hechel, also referring to the renaming of Rockford College to Rockford University.
Other users said several Rockford restaurants are must-visit destinations while proclaiming the city’s pizza as top-tier in the world.
“You gotta hit up Beef-a-roo as soon you enter the city limits if live elsewhere,” wrote Kareem Simon.
Colin Kicklighter agreed, saying, “All roads lead to Beef-a-Roo. Olivo tacos are the best in town.”
Deedee Kay added, for new arrivals: “You Must try Swedish Pancakes at Stockholm Inn!!”
“If you want to get pizzas that are truly among the best in the world, you must go to one of Rockford or Loves Park’s local, Italian family-owned, restaurants… It is so unspoken that I don’t even need to name names…you know who I’m talking about…” David Dale Johnson said.
“1. Try our pizza. Way too many amazing options!” said Matt Frazier. “2. Golf here!! There are some really good courses (like 12 all within a 15-minute drive) 3. You have to check for flights out of Rockford before you check anywhere else.”
“Downtown is revitalizing and there’s so much to do!” said Heather Weiss. “We have the best pizza! Our parks are beautiful!”
Other users said Rockford residents must “Love Cheap Trick,” an ode to the iconic rock band that was formed in the 1970s. Guitarist Rick Nielsen and former drummer Bun E. Carlos still reside in town, and the new Hard Rock Casino Rockford, at 7801 E State Street, contains a large amount of the band’s memorabilia.
Tasha Peterson said, “Wear 815 like Rockford owns the area code exclusively!” Rockford has adopted the 815 area code with pride, even proclaiming “Rockford Day” on August 8th each year (8/15). The area code was established in 1947 and covers most of northern Illinois, including portions of Joliet, DeKalb, and Kankakee. In 2007, the 779 area code was added to the region due to increased demand for phone numbers.
Matthew Jones said it was an unwritten rule that “You have to go through the Festival of Lights every year,” referencing the annual Christmas light display at Sinnissippi Park.
Nicholas Malmin offered a bizarre word of caution for living in Rockford: “Don’t lick the street.”
Ironically, Tiff Marie claimed to have done just that: “I did once as a dare, and it’s salty, didn’t die though lol.”
