Category Archives: Rockford

What’s to Like About Rockford: The Olympic Tavern, Since 1945

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When it’s 7 degrees outside, there’s nothing better than meeting up with good friends for good food at a great LOCAL place. If beer is your thing, The Olympic Tavern features a beer menu with 28 beers on tap, 59 bottles and 9 cans, including a brew with the propitious name of SKA Euphoria. If beer is not your thing–since these days I’m a teetotaler too, the food and service are well worth the visit.

My writing critique partner extraordinaire and I like to meet up at the Olympic Tavern because we can easily chat away four hours and the staff won’t kick us out no matter how busy they are. We were just there earlier this month discussing literary and literal loves. I had the crab stuffed sole with champaign cream sauce and had to force myself to savor every bite rather than devour the meal (which is what my taste buds were demanding). Our server was pleasant, attentive, but not intrusive. We could hear each other speak. Always a plus in my book. And I left without spending every dime I earned that week.

The inside has recently been remodeled, but to be honest *I haven’t noticed* I pay attention to the person(s) I’m with, not whether or not there’s new paneling 🙂

On a Friday or Saturday night you’ll definitely need a reservation.

Photograph 1/31/13 Karin Blaski

What’s to Like About Rockford: The Nutcracker at The Coronado Theatre

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An annual holiday tradition in Rockford, The Nutcracker is performed by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the Rockford Dance Company. This year the dancers and musicians were exceptional, the choreography whimsical and lovely. A review can be read here.

The venue contributes the rest of the magic and still manages to take my breath away every time I go, whether for The Nutcracker or for one of the many Broadway shows that travel through Rockford. Built in the 1920s, the theater first opened in 1927. After falling into disrepair over the years, the theatre was completely renovated and re-opened in 2001. You can read The Coronado’s Wikipedia entry here. There is also a terrific book about the history and restoration of the theatre by Gwendolyn Quirk, which can be found at Amazon here.

Dubbed Rockford’s Crown Jewel, photos can’t completely capture the grandness of this theater, but I tried:

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Chandelier at the Coronado Theatre, Rockford, IL, hanging between Southwest and Southeast stairwells.

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The stage and audience at The Coronado Theatre, Rockford, IL, as viewed from the left lower balcony.

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The ceiling of the lobby, Coronado Theatre, Rockford, IL.

Photographs by Karin Blaski 12/2/12

What’s to Like About Rockford: The Roundabout

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Yes, Rockford has a roundabout. Just like all those other cosmopolitan cities: Melbourne, Dublin, London, Calgary, and Clearwater Beach, FL.

Designed to *calm* traffic, the roundabout is supposed to be safer, once you get used to it. And as you can see from the picture, it’s a busy, happening place. Well, no, it’s not. In fact if calm is the goal, I’d say it was long ago achieved.

I pass through the Rockford Roundabout at least twice a week and 50% of the time mine is the only vehicle there. And many of the vehicles I do see, stop. Just stop. Even when there are no other cars. Driver looks at the sign. Driver looks at the road. Driver’s face looks a lot like this…

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But then, he takes a breath, and plows on through.

Which is one of the things I like about Rockford. You may have to drag some of the residents kicking and screaming into that “new-fangled circular road thingy”, but they’ll get on board eventually and even support the next one. Bring ’em on…

Coming soon to the Auburn and N. Main intersection. And it will be two lanes this time!

Roundabout photo © Karin Blaski 11/24/12, Scowling boy © Andrew Taylor