<description> &lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;The Family Vacationer&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Episode 203: Christmas in Rockford, Illinois&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Guest:&lt;/b&gt; Kristen Paul, Executive Vice President, GoRockford&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Host:&lt;/b&gt; Rob Jones&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Episode Summary&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, festive markets, and that perfect small-town holiday charm, you’ll love this stop in our &lt;i&gt;Christmas in the U.S.&lt;/i&gt; series. In this episode, Rob heads to &lt;b&gt;Rockford, Illinois&lt;/b&gt;, a city that knows how to celebrate Christmas in a big way — with dazzling light displays, heartwarming traditions, and a community that truly embraces the season.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Rob chats with &lt;b&gt;Kristen Paul, Executive Vice President, GoRockford &lt;/b&gt;about what makes this Northern Illinois destination a must-see during the holidays. From the magical &lt;b&gt;Stroll on State&lt;/b&gt; celebration to breathtaking attractions like &lt;b&gt;Anderson Japanese Gardens: Illuminated&lt;/b&gt;, &lt;b&gt;Festival of Lights&lt;/b&gt;, and &lt;b&gt;All Aglow&lt;/b&gt; along the Rock River, Kristen shares how Rockford shines bright with festive fun for the whole family.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You’ll also discover where to shop for locally made gifts, can’t-miss holiday eats (yes, brunch lovers, this one’s for you!), and how Rockford celebrates its quirky and creative history with nods to &lt;b&gt;Cheap Trick&lt;/b&gt;, the &lt;b&gt;Rockford Peaches&lt;/b&gt;, and even the original &lt;b&gt;sock monkey&lt;/b&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Whether you’re looking for a new holiday getaway or just a little Christmas inspiration, this episode captures the heart, community, and magic that make Rockford feel like a Hallmark movie come to life.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;In This Episode&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why Rockford’s &lt;b&gt;Stroll on State&lt;/b&gt; is one of the Midwest’s best free holiday events&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The story behind the city’s beloved &lt;b&gt;sock monkey&lt;/b&gt; and how it became a local icon&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Family-friendly attractions including &lt;b&gt;Festival of Lights&lt;/b&gt;, &lt;b&gt;Anderson Gardens Illuminated&lt;/b&gt;, and &lt;b&gt;All Aglow&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Where to find the best holiday brunch (hint: try Abrio’s biscuits and gravy or shrimp and grits!)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tips for visiting with kids and grandparents — including easy walkability and hotel recommendations&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How Rockford celebrates its musical and sports heritage through &lt;b&gt;Cheap Trick&lt;/b&gt; and the &lt;b&gt;Rockford Peaches&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Featured Guest&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Kristen Paul&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Executive Vice President, GoRockford&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Learn more and start planning your trip at &lt;b&gt;GoRockford.com&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Resources Mentioned&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;GoRockford.com – Official visitor information, events, and itineraries&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Anderson Japanese Gardens – “Illuminated” holiday event details&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Nicholas Conservatory &amp;amp; Gardens – “All Aglow” light displays&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Festival of Lights – Rockford’s iconic drive-thru holiday tradition&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect with Rob&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;📘 &lt;i&gt;The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel&lt;/i&gt; — Available now on Amazon and Barnes &amp;amp; Noble&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;🌐 thefamilyvacationer.live&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;📸 Instagram: @thefamilyvacationerpodcast&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Closing Thought:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Rockford, Illinois, captures everything we love about the holidays — connection, creativity, and community. It’s proof that some of the best Christmas destinations aren’t the biggest cities, but the ones filled with heart.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;“Remember, folks, keep your passports and your hearts open. Safe travels, everyone.”&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; </description>

The Family Vacationer

Rob and Traci Jones

Rockford, IL

NOV 21, 202528 MIN
The Family Vacationer

Rockford, IL

NOV 21, 202528 MIN

Description

<p><i>The Family Vacationer</i></p> <p><b>Episode 203: Christmas in Rockford, Illinois</b></p> <p><b>Guest:</b> Kristen Paul, Executive Vice President, GoRockford</p> <p><b>Host:</b> Rob Jones</p> <p><b>Episode Summary</b></p> <p>If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, festive markets, and that perfect small-town holiday charm, you’ll love this stop in our <i>Christmas in the U.S.</i> series. In this episode, Rob heads to <b>Rockford, Illinois</b>, a city that knows how to celebrate Christmas in a big way — with dazzling light displays, heartwarming traditions, and a community that truly embraces the season.</p> <p>Rob chats with <b>Kristen Paul, Executive Vice President, GoRockford </b>about what makes this Northern Illinois destination a must-see during the holidays. From the magical <b>Stroll on State</b> celebration to breathtaking attractions like <b>Anderson Japanese Gardens: Illuminated</b>, <b>Festival of Lights</b>, and <b>All Aglow</b> along the Rock River, Kristen shares how Rockford shines bright with festive fun for the whole family.</p> <p>You’ll also discover where to shop for locally made gifts, can’t-miss holiday eats (yes, brunch lovers, this one’s for you!), and how Rockford celebrates its quirky and creative history with nods to <b>Cheap Trick</b>, the <b>Rockford Peaches</b>, and even the original <b>sock monkey</b>.</p> <p>Whether you’re looking for a new holiday getaway or just a little Christmas inspiration, this episode captures the heart, community, and magic that make Rockford feel like a Hallmark movie come to life.</p> <p><br /></p> <p><b>In This Episode</b></p> <ul><li>Why Rockford’s <b>Stroll on State</b> is one of the Midwest’s best free holiday events</li><li>The story behind the city’s beloved <b>sock monkey</b> and how it became a local icon</li><li>Family-friendly attractions including <b>Festival of Lights</b>, <b>Anderson Gardens Illuminated</b>, and <b>All Aglow</b></li><li>Where to find the best holiday brunch (hint: try Abrio’s biscuits and gravy or shrimp and grits!)</li><li>Tips for visiting with kids and grandparents — including easy walkability and hotel recommendations</li><li>How Rockford celebrates its musical and sports heritage through <b>Cheap Trick</b> and the <b>Rockford Peaches</b></li></ul> <p><b>Featured Guest</b></p> <p><b>Kristen Paul</b></p> <p>Executive Vice President, GoRockford</p> <p>Learn more and start planning your trip at <b>GoRockford.com</b></p> <p><b>Resources Mentioned</b></p> <ul><li>GoRockford.com – Official visitor information, events, and itineraries</li><li>Anderson Japanese Gardens – “Illuminated” holiday event details</li><li>Nicholas Conservatory &amp; Gardens – “All Aglow” light displays</li><li>Festival of Lights – Rockford’s iconic drive-thru holiday tradition</li></ul> <p><b>Connect with Rob</b></p> <ul><li>📘 <i>The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel</i> — Available now on Amazon and Barnes &amp; Noble</li><li>🌐 thefamilyvacationer.live</li><li>📸 Instagram: @thefamilyvacationerpodcast</li></ul> <p><b>Closing Thought:</b></p> <p>Rockford, Illinois, captures everything we love about the holidays — connection, creativity, and community. It’s proof that some of the best Christmas destinations aren’t the biggest cities, but the ones filled with heart.</p> <p><b>“Remember, folks, keep your passports and your hearts open. Safe travels, everyone.”</b></p>