People walk through the All Aglow lights display on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, outside Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
    By Mary Sisk
    Rock River Current
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    ROCKFORD — The All Aglow holiday display at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, protected natural land and scenic views earned Rockford a spot on a list of real-life winter wonderlands.

    Viator, a Tripadvisor company, ranked Rockford among nine underrated destinations that emulate a winter wonderland. Other places that made the list include Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Duluth, Minnesota.

    “The city of Rockford is just two hours from Chicago, yet its small-town charm makes it feel worlds away from the bustling Windy City,” Lauren Dana Ellman wrote in the article. “The destination’s snow-covered hills and forests provide a postcard-worthy backdrop for sports such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.”

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    John Groh, president and CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, is excited to see Rockford get public recognition. Groh’s team is behind the annual Stroll on State, one of the region’s premier winter festivals.

    “Anytime Rockford can be positively recognized in media outside of our city is positive and exciting,” Groh said. “These quick hits, like Rockford being a great destination for real-life winter wonderlands, are exciting.”

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    Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens was also named one of the most romantic locations in America in October, according to an article from Travel + Leisure magazine.


    This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent

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