Fun in Springfield, the Illinois Capital City

While it is fun to hit the road, and travel to places unknown, sometimes that is only a hop, skip and jump away. That’s the case with Springfield, Illinois, the Capital City. With my friend Linda Spanberger visiting, and my cousin Carrie Steinweg of Chicago Foodie Sisters, who I am collaborating with on a new book Unique Eats & Eateries of Illinois in town, we have been hitting some of Springfields better and lesser-known sites.

This is just a reminder of some of the fun places Springfield has to offer!

Pease’s!

Over the past week or two, I have been to some of Springfield’s most popular and iconic dining and food spots. One of my favorites for both dining and to have a business meeting is Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet, located on Springfield’s west side. Fellow writer Kathy Lamsargis, author of Marbles in a Fishbowl met up with me to strategize writing opportunities. My husband Keith and I finished eating a marvelous lunch.

Then Kathy and I met and planned. Kathy shared with me that Pease’s supports local authors, and I was excited to add my book Farm Girl Adventures to their list!

Carrie Steinweg and I had stopped at Pease’s on Laurel earlier in the week.

We sampled some salted caramels. So good! I had to bring some home. This store is sentimental to me, one that I have shopped at over the years for my family. Pease’s brings such history to the Springfield area! While at Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet, I learned that originally, Bunn was also a candy company many years ago and that by purchasing Pease’s, they reentered the candy business!

Cozy Dog Drive In

What is more fun than a cozy dog for breakfast? Cousin Carrie and I enjoyed one along with a breakfast sandwich. Did you know that Cozy Dog offers breakfast, and that they have a drive through? Ed Waldmire developed the cozy dog that is now famous along this fun Route 66 stop.

A week or so back I had the chance to interview Buz about his brother Bob Waldmire and his art along the Mother Road for Senior News & Times for Illinois. I learned how Bob’s art is still thriving.

The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space

Located in the old Watt’s Brother’s Pharmacy, the Pharmacy Gallery is a great place to see local artists. Currently until December, there is a Bob Waldmire exhibit! Bob Waldmire’s amazing attention to detail, shows Route 66 in a whole new light.

After learning about this from Buz, Waldmire, while she was in town, Linda and I took it all in.

While downtown, we made a couple stops.

Prairie Archives

One of my husband’s favorite haunts, Prairie Archives is located in the heart of historic downtown Springfield, Prairie Archives has been serving Central Illinois since 1973. Like Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet, owner John Paul also supports local artists, and he is carrying my latest book along with many other local writers.

Cousin Carrie spied some Lincoln books while browsing.

When Linda and I were downtown, she also had a Lincoln sighting.

Abraham Lincoln history is alive and well!

Linda found and admired this statue of Honest Abe!

This is just outside the Visit Springfield office where on the 2nd floor the Lincoln Law office is under renovation. The beautiful Old State Capital where he practiced law is also nearby.

Saputo’s downtown dining.

Is there anything better than authentic Southern Italian cooking at a family owned and operated restaurant? Saputo’s marks off all the boxes for a great meal especially for a celebration, or date night out. After sampling an amazing meal, Cousin Carrie and I met up with the owners, Sandra and Michael Coffey Jr. and they allowed us to take a take a picture under the iconic Saputo’s neon sign.

D’Arcy’s horseshoes and so much more

Carrie Steinweg and I checked out D’Arcy’s Pint. While famous for their horseshoes, a Springfield tradition, we learned that they are so much more.

D’Arcy’s is owned by Hallie Pierceall, and her brother T.J., took time to share that they also have some fine Irish dishes like Shepherd’s Pie. We shared one of the best I have ever tasted, along with of course, a horseshoe. The Muffaletta was also AMAZING!

More Springfield Staples

A visit to Springfield must include a stop at Charlie Parkers! With its retro design inside a Quonset hut, music history, and friendly servers, the customers are all smiles. The huge pancake, the breakfast horseshoe and more draw travelers to this fun dining spot.

Another roadside favorite right along Interstate 55 is Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill. With its own museum, and auto themed attractions there is something new to look at every visit.

There are the Lincoln attractions, Route 66 stops, and more that makes Springfield an attractive place to travel. These are just a few of the stops I had not graced recently and thought I’d bring to your attention. What stops did I miss that I need to go see?