If you're planning a quick family getaway for Thanksgiving, you could do much worse than visiting this Illinois city.

Sure, you could hit up Chicago, which was named as one of the 9 Best Thanksgiving Getaways in Illinois by Tripping.com.

Dulcey Limaon Unsplash
Dulcey Limaon Unsplash
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However, a little further down the list is Rockford.

Yes, Rockford.

Rockford, Illinois in Early Spring Seen from above by Drone
Jacob Boomsma
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Here's why:

In Rockford, you’re going to have to be up and ready early the day after Thanksgiving for the annual Stroll on State. This yearly festival begins with a parade down State Street. Marching bands, dancers, Floats, and Santa Claus prance their way down the street to adoring fans.

Obviously, Stroll on State is a great reason to visit Rockford during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Stroll On State 2018: By The Record-Breaking Numbers
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There are also some great places to stay in the 815, including one of the most unique AirBNBs you will ever lay your eyes on (if you click, scroll to #12).

Then there's the shopping. After all, that is the reason why Stroll on State exists. It's all about the small businesses in downtown Rockford getting some holiday shopping love.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
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When you leave downtown and head east, there are still plenty of retail shopping choices along East State Street.

Lastly, the food. After Stroll on State, the shopping, and an overnight stay in Rockford, you're going to need to eat.

Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
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Rockford is one of the most underrated food cities in America. Local restaurants serving up some of the best pizza, burgers, and whatever you can imagine will surely be ready for out-of-town guests during Thanksgiving week.

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