An entire day in Springfield, IL?

[Johnc IL]

Hi Andy.

Not sure if you've been updated, but Springfield just completed the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library. While I haven't been yet, (I guess it's just too close) I haven't heard one negative thing yet. The place is suppose to be spectacular. I've heard "Disney has nothing on that museum" amongst other things. All of the Lincoln related stuff should keep you busy for a while. The entire museum area has been upgraded and is pretty neat. The kids should like this also.They just completed a refurbished train station, (union station) across the street a few weeks ago. In the same area is the old state capitol where Lincoln gave a famous speech or two. Also Lincoln's home, Lincoln's tomb...well you get the picture.

The route 66 stuff doesn't do much for me, but I guess it de pends on what your interests are.

Any other questions, email me! John C.

[Johnc IL]

Okay Andy,

I've got my thinking cap on...

The museum area will be the highlight of the day. When you're done there, there's a home made candy store a block away called Pease's. After Pease's continue south by foot to the old state capitol, to the left is a Cold Stone Creamery, and to the south, next to the Lincoln Herndon law office is "The Feed Store". Great soups and sandwiches. On the food topic, if you want a bigger meal, there's a great italian place called Saputo's within a mile or so. Definitely recommended! (Strongly recommended is the italian breaded filet with garlic butter sauce and the house salad.) Another excellent place for the famous Springfield horseshoe or anything else on the menu, is D'Arcy's Pint. (You'll have to drive from the museum area) (about an hour wait, no reservations, but worth it!)

Some other downtown eateries worth mentioning are (lunch)Sammy's Sports Bar, (horseshoes again.) Lunch: Kind of gourmet Bentoh's, Care Brio, and (subs)Head West.

Close to the museum, you might want to check out "Recycled Records". Used LP's, 45's, 78's, lava lamps, and all kinds of old stuff.
Dinner: Maldaner's, Saputo's.

[Mark Sedenquist]

The museum area will be the highlight of the day. When you're done there, there's a home made candy store a block away called Pease's.

Great ideas, thanks for sharing!

Mark

[Spicy McHaggis]

Okay Andy,

I've got my thinking cap on...

The museum area will be the highlight of the day. When you're done there, there's a home made candy store a block away called Pease's. After Pease's continue south by foot to the old state capitol, to the left is a Cold Stone Creamery, and to the south, next to the Lincoln Herndon law office is "The Feed Store". Great soups and sandwiches. On the food topic, if you want a bigger meal, there's a great italian place called Saputo's within a mile or so. Definitely recommended! (Strongly recommended is the italian breaded filet with garlic butter sauce and the house salad.) Another excellent place for the famous Springfield horseshoe or anything else on the menu, is D'Arcy's Pint. (You'll have to drive from the museum area) (about an hour wait, no reservations, but worth it!)

Some other downtown eateries worth mentioning are (lunch)Sammy's Sports Bar, (horseshoes again.) Lunch: Kind of gourmet Bentoh's, Care Brio, and (subs)Head West.

Close to the museum, you might want to check out "Recycled Records". Used LP's, 45's, 78's, lava lamps, and all kinds of old stuff.
Dinner: Maldaner's, Saputo's.

Wow...THANK YOU!!! Definitely doing Springfield! Thanks.

[Johnc IL]

Just wanted to update this thread on local Springfield Il stuff. I did the Lincoln Museum with my family during the Christmas break.

The Lincoln Museum was excellent. If someone is into the civil war and Lincoln history, you definitely want to set aside a minimum of half day to take this in. It is extremely well done. Do NOT miss the two shows while you are there.

The entire downtown area around the library and museum is fun to shop and visit. If you time it right, there's an outdoor art show in the spring, and often other activities like car shows through the summer.

[Mark Sedenquist]

As it turns out, I will be in Springfield, IL on the 16th of February to speak at a media event. So, thanks for this info.

Mark