With the wide green spaces, architectural beauty and attractions like Basketball Hall of Fame and Springfield Museums, Springfield definitely deserves a spot on your travel list. It is worth visiting any time of the year. Whether you prefer history or outdoors, Springfield has it all. This 24-hours itinerary guide blends a bit of both and more! From satisfying your palate to satiating the shopper in you to the night on the tiles, we’ve got you covered.
Image By John Phelan (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Breakfast at Felixs Breakfast & Sandwich at 9:00am!
Fill your belly with a hearty breakfast for the day ahead. Grab delectable deli breakfast at the Felixs Breakfast & Sandwich. The breakfast menu is fulfilling and simple. It includes omelets, eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers and wraps. The portions are huge and the price is reasonable. It has something for every taste bud. Fuel yourself plenty so that you have energy to begin an action and fun packed day in Springfield!
Address: 67 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States
Phone: 1 413-306-6010
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 6:30am-3:00pm; Saturday: 7:00am-2:00pm; Sunday: 8:00am-1:00-pm
Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden at 10:00am!
Are you the fan of The Grinch who stole the Christmas or Cat in the Hat? Then, Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is your spot that is located at the center of the Quadrangle! It features an ensemble of 5 huge bronze sculptures of the beloved characters from the Dr. Seuss’s books. Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel was born here and his books have inspired and fascinated many. Stroll through the sculpture garden and marvel at the bronze sculptures. This garden honors Dr. Seuss’s works and contribution. You’ll see huge sculptures of characters like Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, The Grinch who stole Christmas, The Lorax and Yertle the Turtle. These are designed by Dr. Seuss step-daughter –Lark Grey Dimond Cates and created by artist and sculptor Ron Henson.
Address: 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States
Phone: 1 413-263-6800
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Distance and Time from Felixs Breakfast & Sandwich: 1.0mile or 4minutes drive via Dwight Street
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame at 11:00am!
Then head over to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame that will take you on a journey into basketball history, from its innovation in Springfield in 1891 to its popularity and the people associated with the sport. James A. Naismith invented the sport in Springfield and it is the second most popular sport in the world. This place features hands-on exhibits on the sport, mini games and several shows where visitors can show their shooting skills and even challenge others. The hall of Fame offers a glimpse of the game heroes and their bright careers. Also, it houses a basketball megaplex spanning 40,000 sq foot that features over 70 interactive displays with video and audio items on the game and the people associated with it. Look back into the history of the sport and peek into the sparkling careers of the players, coaches and others associated with it.
Address: 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105, United States
Phone: 1 877-446-6752
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Distance and Time from Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden: 1.0miles or 6minutes drive via W Columbus Avenue
Springfield Armory National Historic Site at 12:00pm!
Catch a glimpse of the Springfield Armory and its role in American history and US Armed Forces at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. This site illustrates the nearly 200 years of American history. It features an array of fascinating displays, activities and collections. It served as a major site for manufacturing the firearms for U.S. military from 1777 until 1968. In 1794, muskets were produced. Today, it has the largest collection of American vintage military weapons in the world, spanning over two centuries, like the Firearms donated by President Roosevelt, Kennedy, Wilson, and Eisenhower; the M-1 rifle of WWII and M-14 rifle. Peruse the museum and see the wide collections of historic firearms and also know about technological advancements that had taken place in the Springfield armory.
Address: 1 Armory Square #2, Springfield, MA 01105, United States
Phone: 1 413-734-8551
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Distance and Time from Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: 2.0miles or 9minutes drive via Union Street
Lunch at 1:00pm!
Refuel yourself for the afternoon sightseeing and fun!
Craving for Pizza or other Italian delights, swing by Red Rose Pizzeria (1060 Main St). For Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine, step into Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill (1390 Main St). Sink your teeth into delicious barbecue at Theodore’s (201 Worthington St). In mood for Italian cuisine, head to Adolfo’s Italian Restaurant (254 Worthington St Ste 11).
Springfield Museums at 2:00pm!
Grab some art, history and culture of Springfield! The Quadrangle is home to four museums, a library, a park and a cathedral, all just minutes away from one another. It is definitely touristy! It is chockablock with stunning art deco architecture, history and art from across the world.
The Quadrangle includes George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Springfield Science Museum, Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, and Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.
The Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts feature an extensive collection of Dutch Renaissance and Impressionist, along with European and American works of art. It includes works by Harding, Whistler, Monet, Gauguin, Degas, Pissarro, O’ Keeffe, Picasso, Bellows and several other great artists. Highlights include the Currier & Ives lithograph collection, the European art collection and the American paintings.
The Springfield Science Museum is home to the America’s first planetarium, exotic ecosystems replicas, a life-size dinosaur exhibit and a slew of exhibits on physical science, anthropology and natural science. It has Seymour Planetarium that houses the oldest star projector in America- Korkosz Star ball. Also, there is a live animal center, a dinosaur hall with life-size dinosaur models, a telegraphone recorder of the 1910s, and an African Hall that shows the Savannah ecosystem.
The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is known all around the world for its huge collection of Chinese cloisonne outside of China, Middle-Eastern carpets; Japanese arms and armor; ancient Chinese bronzes and ceramics; nineteenth century Italian watercolors, Roman and Greek antiquities, plaster cast collection; and several American and European paintings. The museum has a collection of beautiful pieces from different eras and locations collected by George Walter Vincent Smith and his wife, Belly Townsley Smith. Pieces from Middle East, Japan, China and several other locations are on display here.
The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History feature the story of the “City of Firsts” through interactive exhibits and displays. It features 19th and 20th century Springfield history. There are permanent as well as temporary exhibits to browse. See the extensive collection of Indian Motorcycles that date back to 1901. If you’re inclined towards classic and vintage military hardware, this museum holds a largest collection of Smith & Wesson pistols and revolvers. Other highlights are Granville brother’s aircraft, Civil War exhibits, and Automobile collection that includes Rolls-Royce roadster of 1925 and 1928, Crestmobile 1901 and Knox 1899. It also has a Springfield History Library and Archives that features historical documents and papers.
You’ll be amazed to the contribution made by Springfield to the modern culture and community.
Address: 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am-5:00pm
Shopping at 5:00pm!
It’s time for a little retail therapy!
All the antique lovers must head to A1 Antiques that houses an extensive collection of vintage items and antiques. It specializes in vintage items from different eras. You’ll find housewares, artworks, books and curiosities. Browse the racks of the shop and find a unique piece for your home or yourself. A perfect spot to shop for classic and vintage items!
Address: 435 White Street, Springfield, MA 01108, United States
Phone: 1 413-739-2190
Distance and Time from Springfield Museums: 2.7miles or 10 minutes drive via Walnut Street and White Street
Next, shop for snazzy apparels, accessories, beauty items, shoes and much more at the Century Shopping Center. It houses several national and regional stores like T.J. Maxx, Rainbow Clothing, Pretty Women, Modell’s, Stop & Shop and Sports Park, to name a few. It has just about anything shoppers need. Shop to your heart’s content!
Address: 219 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089, United States
Phone: 413.785.1981
Distance and Time from A1 Antiques: 4.3miles or 10 minutes drive via US 5-N and Sumner Avenue
Dinner & Drinks at 7:00pm!
You are probably tired after a long day of Springfield sightseeing. Now, treat yourself to tasty drinks and delicious food!
If you’re into barbecue, look no further than Theodore’s BBQ. They serve dishes that are accurately charred and exploding with juicy and seducing flavors. A wide range of fresh and aged steaks, prime rib, chicken, pork and chops is served here. Wash it all down with a cocktail of your choice. For entertainment, there is live music from Tuesday through Saturday. Local and national blue acts are hosted here. A perfect place for dinner and drinks!
Address: 201 Worthington Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States
Phone: 1 413-736-6000
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11:00am-2:00am; Saturday & Sunday: 5:00pm-2:00am
Distance and Time from Century Shopping Center: 0.9miles or 3minutes drive via Memorial bridge
Or stop by Max's Tavern, a sports fans haven. Nestled at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the Max’s Tavern boasts a trendy yet comfy atmosphere. It has banquettes, leather chairs, bright and shining woods that create a chic setting. The food menu is packed with contemporary American food that will please all the senses. The drink menu is tempting and tasty, too. It includes extensive wine list that is offered by glass and a wide craft beer selection to complement your meal. There is always something interesting and fun going on here, like wine tasting, Sunday Jazz, etc.
Address: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 W Columbus Ave, Springfield, MA 01105, United States
Phone: 1 413-746-6299
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am-11:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-12:00am; Sunday: 11:00am-10:00pm
Distance and Time from Century Shopping Center: 1.1miles or 4minutes drive via Memorial Bridge
In mood for authentic German food along with German beer, stop by Student Prince Cafe & The Fort Dining Room. Though the ambience alone here is the reason to dine, but the food and drinks are extremely good, too. It is a German-style family-run restaurant that has serving the people of Springfield since 1935. It serves German food with a twist and German beers on tap and steins. It has a pre fixe menu that is the major crowd-puller and receives the most rave reviews.
Address: 8 Fort Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States
Phone: 1 413-734-7475
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 11:00am-9:00pm; Thursday: 11:00am-10:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-11:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am-8:00pm
Distance and Time from Century Shopping Center: 0.9miles or 4minutes drive via Memorial Bridge
Night on the town at 10:00pm!
In mood for Irish drinks along with some awesome live music, pop into McCaffrey’s Public House. McCaffrey’s Public House boasts suave and dark decor, surreal atmosphere, Irish classic food, Irish beers and a slew of televisions to keep you entertained and makes your night a memorable one. Give yourself to the live music and treat your taste buds with delicious bar grub and Irish drinks while enjoying your fave sport on the TV.
Address: 1171 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, United States
Phone: 1 413-787-9990
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11:30am-2:00am; Saturday: 3:00pm-2:00am; Sunday: 12:00pm-2:00am
Or
If you’re looking for a happening and hopping place, step into Samuel’s, a sports bar with 37 flat-screen Televisions, pints, a jumbo-tron, pub grub and dance space. Watch the big game on one of many TVs strewn around the bar and enjoy a beer. If you’re not in mood to watch TV, head to dance floor and get your groove on.
Address: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 W Columbus Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105, United States
Phone: 1 413-731-7267
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00am-2:00am
24 Hours in Springfield Map Guide
