Between Madison And Rockford Is A Charming Illinois Escape With A Revitalized Downtown And Local Eats

From lovely Lake Michigan views to a Route 66 must-visit, Illinois has plenty to offer travelers. And if you're looking for a getaway in easy proximity to Madison or Rockford, look no further than Durand. This small Winnebago County village has a population of around 1,600, but rest assured that there's no shortage of things to do here. Durand's history dates back to the mid-19th century and even has a claim to fame as the birthplace of suffragette Ellen Gates Starr. Today, it retains charming small-town vibes; a place where new neighbors are welcomed with cheer and friendliness. Durand offers visitors a revitalized downtown area and an assortment of local eateries — a place for city dwellers looking to get away and enjoy a taste of small-town life.

Durand is conveniently situated about 30 minutes by car from Rockford, Illinois, and about an hour from Madison, Wisconsin. It's also about four and a half hours from Madison, and two hours from Chicago, making it feasible for a weekend trip away from either of these Illinois metropolises. The closest airport is Chicago Rockford International Airport, about 26 miles from Durand, which offers flights to U.S. cities such as Las Vegas, Nashville, and Orlando, as well as Mexican destinations. For accommodation, one option is to stay at the highly-rated Sugar Shores RV Camping Resort, which has a clubhouse, pool, and scenic views of the Sugar River.

As Rockford-based journalist Mandy James put it on 97 Zok, Durand's downtown area "is two streets of nothing but deliciousness." For a hearty meal, make your way to Cimino's Ristorante and Pizzeria. At this downtown Durand red sauce joint, you can nosh on pizza, calzones, pastas (and baked pasta dishes), salads, and other Italian-American delicacies.

Or head to the Fire Barn, a bar and grill housed in a restored barn dating back to 1890. Here, you can enjoy easygoing American classics, like wings and burgers. Sports fanatics, this is a place for you: with 23 high-definition TV screens, you can catch the game of your choice screening at the Fire Barn. But it's not just pro sports that this community hangout spot cares about; charmingly, the overall restaurant's theme "honors local athletes, teams, and coaches."

Earlier in the day, pop over to Ricky's Breakfast and Lunch for — you guessed it — breakfast or lunch. At this cheerfully colorful local diner, you can order classic egg-based breakfasts, skillet dishes, and more, all at reasonable prices. With quick service, ample parking, and a vast menu, this is a great spot to start your day in Durand with some hearty fuel and a local vibe.

While Durand has a long and storied past, the downtown area lost its luster at one point. "We had crumbling sidewalks," Sheila Hoffman, Durand Village President, once explained to WREX. But with renewed efforts and grant funding, new life has been breathed into the vicinity of the town square. Today, downtown Durand is revitalized and vibrant, with numerous independent businesses.

If you've got the shopping bug, pop into Harper G! Mercantile, situated smack in the middle of downtown, which owner Diana Reed named after her granddaughter. At this thoughtfully curated emporium, you'll find everything from apparel to home decor to toys and kitchen gadgets. Whether you're shopping for yourself or grabbing a gift for someone back home, you've got an array of choices.

Or, if your idea of a fun day out in Durand involves some healthy competition, visit GameStar Arcade. Owner Erik Olsen felt a need in Durand for a kid-friendly entertainment hub, and so the business was born. Visitors of all ages can enjoy an arcade featuring a range of games – including retro classics — and a golf simulator. There's also a slot machine room: for adults only, of course. And, after your time in Durand, you can always head to the Illinois village of Greenup with its charming downtown.