Rockford, Illinois

Illinois' third-largest city spent years watching travelers whiz by on Interstate-90 on their way east to Chicago. Now, thanks to a revitalized downtown, an emerging foodie scene, new cultural attractions and beautiful public gardens, word is getting out: You'd be crazy not to stop.

Just 90 minutes northwest of Chicago, Rockford is reinventing itself as a weekend-worthy destination, with attractions such as the Anderson Japanese Gardens, Discovery Center Museum and Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens.