Springfield, Missouri. It’s the state’s third largest city, set in the foothills of the Ozarks and has the distinction of being the birthplace of Route 66. Its roots on the American frontier left Springfield with a unique blend of farmland and a vibrant downtown with freight and passenger trains intersecting at this centerfold of America, delivering people east to west. Three universities made their home in the city center and at the peak of the Gold Rush, the prominent Heer’s department store held its flagship on Springfield’s own Park Central Square.
From Portland to Brooklyn to Springfield, MO industrious souls are pulling out their laptops. Here in Springfield, the square footage is wide, the walls are brick, the wifi is free and the coffee is fair trade. The Coffee Ethic were revolutionaries with a clover machine before Starbucks patented it. They’re still pouring delicious brews to nice tunes for productivity.
Park Central Square is at the heart of Downtown Springfield and home to great shopping, cafes, and amazing bar/restaurants such as Scotch & Soda and The Golden Girl Rum Club.
Try the daiquiri!
Amazing spot for delicious cocktails and live music at night, but also an amazing brunch spot with DIY bloody marys.
For the men out there, competitive beard trimming is real. These guys also have a members only underground bar accessed through a secret door, where you can stash you personal, private booze collection in your very own cabinet.
It wouldn’t be competitive beard trimming if there were just one. #StaySharp.
Springfield’s only spirit house delivers tasty cocktails made with locally grown ingredients in locally made barrels… in an enormous space.
This craft brewery is a beloved Springfield local. At the end of summer, Mother’s hosts Oktoberfest in their own backyard, complete with live music, pretzels and lederhosen.
Bass Pro is a living natural history extravaganza store, and it’s incredible.
Grayson Home is one of the most beautiful home stores I’ve ever set foot in, with a scattering of vintage menswear, candles and artisanal soaps among their incredible furniture pieces for the home.
Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market at FarmersPark is bountiful with fresh organic produce from local farms, plus local cheese, spirits and brews, and homemade goods from candles to salsa to pizza. Live music and food trucks make this weekly event a very fun Saturday morning. While there, I love to check out what's new at 5 Pound Apparel and admire the pastries and Aviary.
What started out as a tongue and cheek graphic tee company has evolved into a full collection of witty goods, in their sleek boutique shops which also carry brands like Toms and Herschel. Locations downtown and at Farmers Park.
Self-dubbed home of the boot daddy and America’s Western store, you’ll swiftly understand why. Get yer boots here.
This is both a wine, beer and liquor shop and spot for sipping and snacking. Buy a bottle of wine and open it inside to drink by candlelight, or sit out by the fire pit.
Hotel Vandivort is a stunning boutique hotel renovated from an old theater. The hotel features sleek design and modern amenities while retaining exposed brick walls and high ceilings. You don’t need to be a guest to enjoy the bar and small restaurant whipping up delicious cocktails made with Coffee Ethic cold brew and rangoon made with goat cheese. Enjoy one of the long working tables or a glass of wine by a large fireplace in the lobby.
Commercial Street is full of great food including Peruvian and Lebanese, and another favorite cafe of mine, Eurasia Coffee & Tea.
Lots of space, delicious coffee and food, all around neat vibes.
Q Enoteca on Commercial Street is the perfect place to listen to live music, sip delicious wine and admire the artists featured on the walls.
Springfield is happening, it’s hipster, and it’ll give you a warm welcome.
Dakota
Travel + lifestyle writer. Aspirant artisan. Part-time flâneur. Full time road tripper. Scouting home and abroad for things that inspire good living. Visit me at MaidstoneButtermilk.com