Dixon is a friendly, walkable Rock River town that feels great for multi‑week stays — a lively small downtown with coffee shops and restaurants, riverfront trails and parks, seasonal festivals and local museums (including the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home) give plenty to do without feeling stuck.
For weekend variety, Rockford (about 40 miles) and the Quad Cities (Davenport/Moline, roughly 60–70 miles) are within easy reach for bigger‑city dining, museums and regional airports.