No, really, you're friend is right. Rockford sucks. (Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.)
EDIT: Here, this is the best I can do in terms of suggesting anything actually in the Rockford area:
http://www.rockfordlink.com/index2.htm
Just keep in mind...it's in a place called "Winnebago County" and has a population of 150,116 - it's not exactly a happenin' place
