Rockford is a cultural outpost, a culinary oasis, north of Grand Rapids. With tree-lined streets, cute shops and championship athletics, it is livable and sophisticated. Once you pass through Rockford, don't bother stopping until you get to Traverse City. Trust me.
Rosie's Diner (4500 14 Mile Rd. NE) is the most famous diner in the world. Seen in commercials for Bounty paper towels in the dinosaur ages, Rosie's has been featured more recently on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." While the 120-seat restaurant is a stainless steel and neon icon to America's car culture, this is no Vegas-style recreation. Rosie's is the real deal. "You will feel like you stepped back in time," said Owner Jonelle Woods, when you experience the diner's old-time ambience and are greeted by the friendly staff. The extensive menu includes classic American diner fare made with care and served with generous portions. The Homemade Meat Loaf is sliced thick and smothered in gravy, served with mashed potatoes and stuffing. Because you don't order vegetables at a diner, my pets. You can also try the Bounty Burger with melted Swiss cheese, grilled ham and secret diner sauce and order the Chili Cheese Fries on the side. Get the full diner experience when classic cars, muscle cars and motorcycles descend upon Rosie's Diner during Wednesday Cruise Nights and Thursday Bike Nights. During the summer, Rosie's opens an ice cream stand with hand-dipped sundaes, cones and milkshakes that bring all the boys to the yard. [UPDATE, Oct. 12: Rosie's Diner has closed.]
The Corner Bar (31 North Main St.) may have even more character than Rosie's. The bar is located in the oldest brick building in Rockford. Built in 1873, it survived the Great Fire of 1883, the Main Street Fire of 1896 and South Beach Diet of the 1980s. Originally a bootery, it transformed into a grocer, and finally, a tavern. During the 1930s it was a "pool hall." When Prohibition ended, owner Carl Hyde wanted a beer license, which meant the business had to serve food. The bar's manager and cook put their noggins together and the Corner Bar Hot Dog was born. It's food, right? Donnie Berg bought the bar in 1965 and created the prestigious Hot Dog Hall of Fame in 1968. More than 5,000 carnivores have found immortality by eating at least 12 dogs. The bar changed owners in 2000 when it was bought by Andy Tidey and Jeff Wolfe. They launched the Most Wanted campaign to inspire heart-attack candidates to break the record of 42 1/2 hot dogs. And on Dec. 3, 2005, Balinda Gould ate 43 hot dogs in four hours. She remains the amateur champion. The Corner Bar may be known for tube steaks, but it boasts an extensive menu. It recently made the Top 5 Best Burgers in West Michigan. Look for the Spicy Hot Cheese Cubes, the ½ Pound Sizzler and the Wet Burrito El Grande (which reminds me of my senior trip to Cancun).
Head out of town and you'll find Herman's Boy (220 Northland Dr. NE). This foodie haven has filled tummies from Detroit to Chicago for more than 30 years. Herman's Boy combines a coffee roaster, bakery and deli, candy and fudge shop, a kitchen gadget shop and an outdoor cooking shop and smokehouse. It was once located downtown and called the Melting Pot until those fondue phonies showed up. Owner Floyd Havemeier changed its name to Herman's Boy, since his father's name was Herman and then moved the shop to a classic farmhouse three-quarters of a mile away. Herman's Boy is best known as a coffee roaster. Herman's Boy bought out the Coffee Ranch, which had roasted coffee since the 1920s at Division and Monroe in Grand Rapids for customers such as the Pantlind Hotel. Last year, Herman's Boy roasted 4,000 pounds of coffee for Thanksgiving, including the popular Pantlind Blend. The Bakery and Deli serves excellent food at affordable prices. "It's good American style food. We don't try to be too gourmet," said Jeff Havemeier. Herman's Boy makes almost everything in-house, including the smoked turkey and hand-boiled bagels, which keeps the prices down and the flavors up. A family can lunch there for less then $15. Don't forget the fist-sized Jumbo Cinnamon Pecan Rolls on Saturdays and Sundays. The O'Fudge Candy shop offers Mackinac-style fudge stirred in copper kettles and formed on marble top tables. You can also get a rack of baby back ribs steaming from Herman's Boy Smokehouse. Tell your friends you grilled it yourself. Herman's Boy won't say anything.
If you have a sweet tooth, head over to Rudy Kazoody's (54 Courtland St). Conveniently located downtown , it is the perfect place to bring the family. Owners Tammy Barth and her mother Marge Cavender opened Rudy Kazoody's because there was no candy shop in Rockford. Smart. The shop boasts an extensive collection of retro and nostalgic chocolates and candies. "If it is out there, we have it," Tammy says. Take your children to a bygone era as they browse shelves creaking under the weight of Necco Wafers, Bun Bars, Zotz, Sugar Daddy caramel suckers and candy cigarettes (classy). Buy some for yourself and fill a fancy gift basket. For parents, Rudy Kazoody's sells premium chocolates by Polly's Passions. These handmade truffles, turtles, toffee and other chocolate treats are made with the best ingredients in West Michigan. And if you are daring, you can sample some of Rudy Kazoody's edible bugs. These dehydrated scorpions, larvae and crickets are sold as suckers and dipped in chocolate for your entomophagic explorations.
Every child looks forward to the Annual Rockford Santa Parade. The 68th edition of the parade will be held on Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. in downtown Rockford. The charming city will look like a Thomas Kinkade painting decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, fragrant wreaths and boughs and hundreds of cheery red ribbons. Watch the jolly old fellow spread good cheer from his white carriage to the thronging crowds. He will be joined by an armada of cute floats sponsored by area businesses along with proud marching bands and patriotic scout troops. Santa will end his journey at the Rotary Pavilion. There will be crafts for the children while they wait and goodie bags for everyone. The good boys and girls can sit on his lap and tell him their Christmas wishes. Think Legos.
If you enjoy art, the Rockford Area Arts Commission can help. The commission sponsors the Rogue River Artists Association, which is a juried artists group that includes artisans in fabric, jewelry, oils, pastels, pencil, pottery, handbag crafting, acrylics, charcoal and watercolors. Members meet the second Tuesday of every month at the Rockford D&W. Bring three new pieces of art and you can apply to join. The group will hold their annual Holiday Art & Fine Craft Show, Nov. 5 at the Rockford United Methodist Church (159 Maple St.). If you are interested in museum-quality paintings, prints and crafts, visit the Frame and Mat Shop (65 Courtland). This family run business always has unique and beautiful work by talented local and regional artists on display.
The arts commission also hosts musical performances, which help to knit together the fabric of the community. These all-volunteer groups include the Rockford Community Band, Choir and Orchestra. "Lots of people sang in the choir or played in the band in school, but they have no way to perform as adults. These groups can help people express themselves," said Jeff Lewis of the arts commission. There are no auditions, so anyone can join. All three groups, which rehearse weekly around town, are currently getting ready for the Holiday Community Concert, Dec. 4 at the Rockford Fine Arts Auditorium.
Bargain shoppers, runners and workers will want to visit the Rockford Footwear Depot (235 N Main St.). Owned by Wolverine Worldwide, the attractively designed outlet store offers a wide selection of shoes and clothing for adults and children by Bates, Caterpillar, Harley-Davidson, Hush Puppies, Merrell, Patagonia, Sebago, Wolverine and more. Look for the Wolverine's 1000 Mile Boots, which are amazing. Then head to the back of the store to browse the clearance annex, where you may be able to find shoes up to 90 percent off.
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