Playing Tourist in Springfield, IL

Playing tourist in Springfield, Illinois is fun. It is great to look in your backyard through the eyes of others! Travel bloggers Melody Pittman of Wherever I May Roam, and Sara Broers of Travels With Sara came to town. We met up and I played tourist with my writer friends. We enjoyed the Land of Lincoln. And I saw it with a fresh perspective.

Dinner Out!

Dining in Springfield is fun! We dined at wonderful Saputos, an Italian main stay. Open since 1948, today the 4th generation is serving Southern Italian food! Their baked lasagna is my favorite! We had great service and food. Sara and Melody really liked their choices and especially the homemade sauce.

Springfield Stops, Playing Tourist in Springfield!

After dinner we parked near the Abraham Lincoln home., the only house that Abraham Lincoln ever owned! Melody said that Ulysses S. Grant is her favorite Civil War hero. But, Lincoln is a close second!

Sara and Melody were impressed with how nice the Lincoln Home National Historic neighborhood looks. The Lincoln home is a reminder of the American Dream. How far he came from splitting rails at New Salem!

We drove by the beautiful Dana Thomas House. Built for Susan Dana Thomas, the home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is one of Springfield’s treasures! I also pointed out the lovely Illinois Governor’s Mansion before heading to the Ladage abode.

Day 2 Playing Tourist in Springfield!

Today we ate breakfast at the 1950’s style diner Charlie Parker’s Diner. Sara was amazed with the quick service. Everyone liked the food and fun atmosphere. My pecan waffle was spot on. As fan of peanut butter on my waffles, I was a happy camper that it was available!

On to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Sara had seen this wonderful interactive museum before. But, it was Melody’s first time. She was impressed with all there is to see and do. All aspects of Lincoln’s life are covered. They touch on the cabin where he grew up, to his courtship with Mary Todd. Then close with his political career and death.

The statues outside the museum are also a draw. We ventured on to the Illinois State Capital and admired the murals along the way.

Springfield’s downtown near the capital is a study in beautiful architecture. Between the murals, statues and buildings, my friends became fans of Illinois’s Capital City.

Dinner For Me!

My friends departed for Champaign, Illinois. However, my daughter Carrie took me to Nu Voh for dining. (Sadly I just learned that this wonderful place closed in February!) This was another downtown delight. Housed in Saint Nicholas (former hotel now apartments), this was one of my new favorite stops. We opted for appetizers. The atmosphere is great!

Lots of fun Springfield stops, I am finding lots of new places just by getting out and walking around. Have you found any fun places in your neck of the woods to play tourist? It is amazing seeing new and old spots alike through others eyes how they take on a whole new look! Get out and enjoy fun in your backyard with friends and family!