Situated throughout the rolling hills of this stunning area is a den of antiques, with more than 60 shops and multi-dealers along a route that stretches 60 miles. To find these shops, visit the towns of Rockford, Love’s Park, Rockton, Pecatonica, Winnebago and Roscoe. When you’re ready for some show action, there’s the mid-September “Pec Thing,” which draws 500 dealers, and the mid-May through September Antiques & Flea Market, which also attracts 500 dealers. Both shows feature furniture, glassware, pottery, linens, tools, farmhouse and decorative pieces, and art.

Besides antiques, these areas are havens for music festivals and concerts, farmers markets and baseball teams. You can also learn more about the history of the areas by taking a stroll through Rockford’s eight historic neighborhoods – attractions include the Erlander Home, the Italianate Bushnell Wheeler House and Graham Ginestra House, the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, the Anderson Japanese Gardens, and the Macktown Center, to name just a few. And if you happen to be fan of golf, bring your clubs along for the ride as Rockford is well-known for its golf courses.