| One of the great benefits of living in Sterling is the
endless selections of things to do. Not only can you stay home in the Sterling-Rock Falls
area and take in what the area has to offer, but making the 1 hour trip to the Quad Cities
or Rockford is very easy. That 1 hour trip can take
you to major musical tours ranging from Neil Diamond to Eric Clapton to Britney Spears.
Art museums, dance companies and theatrical troupes are also easily found. The John Deere
museum is one of the newest and largest museums to be opened. Both areas are also home to
local symphonies that regularly perform. Theatrical presentations are a constant presence
in the areas. Performance of Man of La Mancha and Letters from the Front were some of the
recent performances to grace area stages.
 For the more sporting types, there are three minor league
baseball teams in the area, Clinton Lumber Kings, Quad City River bandits, and the Beloit
Snappers. The 3 time champion Quad City Mallards play hockey at the Mark of the Quad
Cities while the rival Ice Hogs skate at the Rockford MetroCentre. The newest professional
sport in the area is Arena Football 2. The Quad City Steamwheelers have
dominated the league since its inception, winning the first two championship titles.
For the more involved athlete, the area provides for rock
climbing along the Mississippi River bluffs, downhill skiing in Galena, the Quad Cities,
and Dubuque, and golfing on a PGA tour course. The options are endless.
Rarely will you need to shop or dine outside of the
Sterling area as it has a large diversity of shopping outlets, including a mall, and
restaurants, but for the occasional odd or end, both areas also offer numerous shopping
opportunities, nightlife and entertainment districts.
 Chicago
is a simple, straight-forward drive along Interstate 88. On a Saturday,
it is possible to be in downtown Chicago within 2.5 hours. Of course,
the Chicago area offers up everything you could ask of in terms of
entertainment, shopping, recreational, cultural, and dining
opportunities. Living in Sterling gives one access to all Chicago can
offer, but without the daily grind and headaches associated with big
city living. Spend a weekend shopping on Michigan avenue, viewing
downtown from the top of a skyscraper and dining at one of any number of
ethnic
restaurants in the area. Or take it easy and relax at a Cubs game,
followed by a lakefront stroll. Visit the art, history and science
museums lined up along Lake Michigan or head to the planetarium and
aquarium located there as well. And when you're done with the crowds,
the traffic, and the high prices, head back home to Sterling where
life's a bit easier, and a good measure less worrisome. |
