Northwest Quarterly Magazine (Old Northwest Territory Edition)

11/22/2025

For 25 years, Rosalie and Benny Salamone have blended traditions, ditched the all-work mentality and grew their Salamone's Cherry Valley into a multi-award-winning restaurant.

From left: Cathy Wilke, Rosie Moscato, Rosalie Salamone, Benny Salamone and Philip Salamone. Steam curls from a skillet as white wine hisses into butter and lemon. Capers leap across the pan. Voices overlap – laughter, a few playful shouts – and hands move as quickly as the conversation. It’s ...

11/21/2025

Have you gotten your hands on the Holiday Issue of the Northwest Quarterly Magazine (Old Northwest Territory Edition)? We are excited to be featured in the magazine!

Stop by any of our six offices to pick up a copy. Happy reading! 😀📕

11/20/2025

Rockford artist Nancie King Mertz has painted in more than 20 countries — but it’s her impressionistic streetscapes and “under the El” pastels that earned her a place in the Pastel Society of America’s Hall of Fame.

Known for her impressionistic portraits and streetscapes, artist Nancie King Mertz has painted in more than 20 countries and earned international recognition as a master pastelist. She also operates Art De Triumph, a gallery, framing studio and learning center in Rockford where she shares her skills

11/18/2025

Across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, towns are lighting trees, launching parades and filling the season with small-town sparkle. From Freeport’s Mistletoe Walk to Monroe’s Cheese Drop, holiday magic is everywhere this year.

Everywhere you look, carolers are warming up their wassailing voices for festive Christmas walks, jolly parades and citywide celebrations. Meanwhile, up at the North Pole, Santa’s giving his sleigh a polish and Mrs. Claus is packing the cookies for their many stops across our corner of the world.

11/13/2025

If you’re waiting for the drips and drafts, it’s already too late. Find out what it takes to prevent ice dams, drafty windows and other signs of winter trouble.

11/11/2025

Treasure hunting feels timeless at Rockford’s oldest and largest antique mall, where 100 dealers fill 20,000 square feet with vintage finds and mid-century charm.

Check out these original and inventive shops in our region.

11/07/2025

Growth isn’t just about numbers. In Freeport, Rockford and Beloit, collaboration, creativity and a can-do spirit are driving the next chapter of regional success.

11/06/2025

In the heart of the Midwest’s “Beer Triangle,” hometown brewers and distillers are crafting drinks that taste like home — one pour at a time.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to cozy cideries, bold breweries and farm-to-glass distilleries, where regional flavors shine in every pour.

11/04/2025

As education evolves, many families are transforming their homes into classrooms, family outings into field trips and curiosity into lifelong learning. They see it as a way of taking their children’s education into their own hands, and they’re backed by a network of educators and agencies helping to fuel this growing movement.

https://oldnorthwestterritory.northwestquarterly.com/2025/10/03/kitchen-table-classroom/

10/31/2025

🎃 Happy Halloween from Northwest Quarterly! 👻

Here’s to glowing pumpkins, crisp autumn air, and cozy moments shared with family and friends. May your night shine bright with laughter, warmth and a hint of Halloween magic. ✨🍂

10/29/2025

Philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus’ love for Lake Geneva led to more than 19 city beautification projects, including the graceful “Angel of the Waters” fountain at Riviera Plaza, a symbol of purity and renewal that still blesses the lakefront today.

Check out these unique destinations that reflect the genuine character of our region.