Info on Springfield, Mass...

[Tinker'n'Fun]

DS has been invited to participate in the solar car races in Springfield in June. His car won locally for concept and design...

We are thinking about driving in on Friday night, touring the city on Saturday, then the finals are on Friday....

So what does one do on a Saturday in June in Springfield, Mass??

 

[PollyannaMom]

Springfiled has the basketball hall of fame, a Dr. Suess garden, and some museums. There is also a Six Flags nearby.

 

[daisax]

The Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield.

There's a 6 Flags not too far away, too.

 

[tabby1881]

The basketball hall of fame is right in Springfield. Six Flags New England is not too far from Springfield, too. Have fun!

 

[tabby1881]

Daisax! Same thoughts at the same time!!!!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Has anyone been to the basketball hall of fame. If so, how much time should I allot for that part of the day? Thanks!

 

[apirateslifeforme]

I'm in Enfield, CT (just over the border from Springfield)...along with the Basketball Hall of Fame and Six Flags (in Agawam), there's Forest Park, the museums on the Quadrangle...I think some of them do fun stuff on weekends in the summer.

Is it really bad that I've lived here for 33 years and I just don't spend much time in Springfield?

 

[KadysMom]

I'm in Suffield CT so an arm's reach from Springfield, and I can count on one hand how many times i've been to springfield. Strange....

 

[npmommie]

If you want some good food check out Frigo's italian deli. on williams st.
you will not be disappointed

 

[BunsenH]

If you want some good food check out Frigo's italian deli. on williams st.
you will not be disappointed

Oh yeah! It's worth a visit just to smell the inside of that store!


All the tourist highlights have been mentioned. For downtown dining I suggest:

The Fort/Student Prince - famous German restaurant
Theodore's - Blues, Booze, & BBQ
JT's - sports bar, lots of TVs and good pub grub

 

[dancingdisneygirl]

There's always Yankee Candle which is about 30 mins north of Springfield. It's always a good time there

 

[Youarehere]

Oh yeah! It's worth a visit just to smell the inside of that store!


All the tourist highlights have been mentioned. For downtown dining I suggest:

The Fort/Student Prince - famous German restaurant
Theodore's - Blues, Booze, & BBQ
JT's - sports bar, lots of TVs and good pub grub

Theodores and JT's? Is your name Keith?

Actually I agree- both are good.

If you prefer chain restaurants, you won't find them in Springfield- follow route 5 into W. Springfield. You will probably want to stay in West Springfield too- there aren't many choices in Springfield besides The Marriot and the Hilton (or Sheraton?) across the street. Be careful in Springfield- it is not a safe town. I lived there and had many crimes committed against me including an attepmted mugging behind JT's Sports Bar. Stay on the main road if you go downtown at night.


The Basketball Hall of Fame is cool. I think it can be done in a hour or two unless you are really into basketball.

Six Flags has a good waterpark, but usually crowded.

 

[ZPT1022]

There's always Yankee Candle which is about 30 mins north of Springfield. It's always a good time there

If you head up that way there is also Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Garden. www.magicwings.com

 

[daisax]

I agree about staying in West Springfield -- lots of chain hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers and movie theatres. Not a lot of character, but safer than Springfield itself.

You could also check the calendar to see what's happening at the Big E (Eastern States Exposition?) fairgrounds. They could have anything going on from a dog show to a horse show to any number of organizations holding events. They're often open to the public.

 

[stellablue]

We live 20 minutes from Springfield & I agree with the others-stay in West Springfield or even Longmeadow if you can. Much of Springfield is NOT safe or pleasant.

 

[DawnCt1]

My two new favorite restaurants. Pazzos, right next to the Basketball Hall of Fame, and Onyx Fusion, across the parking lot from the BH of F. Isaac was a chef at Roys on Maui and he brought some terrific food ideas with him. They have a very affordable meal; $49.99 includes salad, entree, dessert from a specific list, and a bottle of wine for two. Can't beat that. There are many more pricey items on the menu but if you are watching your budget, its a great choice.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Okay I booked the hotel this morning. It is the Hilton Garden Inn on West Columbus Ave. They say it is connected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Is this area okay??

More suggestions please. I will take the boys to the Hall of Fame for a few hours, but then I need more. One is a sports/science type and the other all science. Is there a zoo or aquarium close by?

 

[Bay Hill]

>>Okay I booked the hotel this morning. It is the Hilton Garden Inn on West Columbus Ave. They say it is connected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Is this area okay??<<

The Hilton is across the parking lot to the BHOF. Chicago Uno's Grill is next to the hotel. The hotel is four years old.

On Rt 5 in W. Springfield is the White Hut, delicious burgers.

As other have posted in Deerfield is Yankee Candle...91 N exit 24.

Forest Park does have a small zoo located in Springfield.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Thanks, don't think small zoo will do it... So other than Six Flags (I'm a Disney Girl through and through) what would a teenage boy do in Springfield or even a surrounding area. I will be driving so we will have the car....

 

[iggbees]

If you head up that way there is also Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Garden. www.magicwings.com

ohh this is one of my favorite places to visit! i love it there.

the bb hall of fame is probably a good place if your son likes bb. if you're willing to drive up to northampton (about 35 min north of springfield), there's a lot of good restaurants up there as well as a bowling alley.

http://www.northamptonma.gov/

there is a small zoo in ludlow, ma: http://www.lupazoo.org/ but from what i've heard this zoo is more of a wild animal conservation park.

http://www.visit-massachusetts.com/...on=3-1&page_region=berkshiresandpioneervalley

there's also a skating rink in westfield, ma, which is close to springfield.

http://www.ameliapark.org/index.htm