Reader feedback: Springfield, Ill.

Have your own suggestions for visiting Springfield, Ill.? Share your tips with other readers.

You missed the famous "Cozy Dog" that's been around for over 50 years and "Steak and Shake", another landmark that's been around that long.

Lisa Marquis wrote:

You missed the famous "Cozy Dog" that's been around for over 50 years and "Steak and Shake", another landmark that's been around that long.

Actually, he mentioned Cozy Dog in item 5, and Steak and Shake is a slowly spreading chain that you can stop by in Mt. Prospect, Rockford and a few other Chicagoland places (although if you're going for cheese fries, the sauce in Springfield is way better, thanks to the horseshoe -- less nacho-cheesey and more sweet).

I'd highly recommend stopping in at Bernie's and Betty's for a bacon-and-tomato horseshoe (actually, you're probably better to go with a ponyshoe -- those shoes are huge!)-- it's a bar/diner about half a mile away from the governor's mansion, and they make the best shoes in town! I lived in Springfield till I was 18, and it's where we always went ... I still have to stop by on any return visit!

Also, for a great sub, try Monty's out north, and while you're out there, head to the Museum of Funeral Customs. It's one of only two of its kind in the country, and it's super interesting. Since it's off the beaten path, there's never a huge crowd to contend with either, like at many of the Lincoln sites.

I lived in Springfield for 4 years and have to I say to from the bottom of my heart, Downstaters do not like Chicagoans. My advice skip Springfield and continue down I-55 to St. Louis the it’s a nice second tier city, Gateway arch is nice to visit, its easy to drive around and you can get a great Italian Meal in the section of St. Louis know as The Hill.

Eh, can't really agree with that (being a Downstater but a native of Evanston), though there are always exceptions. If going to Springpatch, stay at the State House Inn near the Capitol, and make sure to stop at Cafe Brio downtown. The Feed Store is a nice place for a lunch stop, at the Old State Capital Plaza.

Be sure to visit the present State Capitol Building...newly restored, beautiful interior. More at www.ilstatehouse.com .

Chicago Tribune Moderator wrote:

Have your own suggestions for visiting Springfield, Ill.? Share your tips with other readers.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas house is a jewel of his Prairie style with many original furnishings.

The Illinois State Museum is the best museum in the city and is part of the Capitol Complex. The (award-winning) restored train station will also appeal to architecture buffs. Camp Lincoln has a very interesting museum of militaria; limited hours. Hoogland Center for the Arts usually has an interesting lineup of things going on; multiple theaters within the bldg (not movie theaters). McCormick's Smokehouse for BBQ.

Chicago Tribune Moderator wrote:

Have your own suggestions for visiting Springfield, Ill.? Share your tips with other readers.

I lived in Springfield for 17 years and saw many changes in that time. The downtown area is worth visitng. Dell's popcorn has the best kettle corn I have ever tasted and the artisan shops showcasing local talent are places you can get nice gifts for low prices.

You missed the Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site.

wendy wrote:

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas house is a jewel of his Prairie style with many original furnishings.

Forgot this one, and Wendy is absolutely right -- this is a must for the Wrighteous.

Tony wrote:

I lived in Springfield for 4 years and have to I say to from the bottom of my heart, Downstaters do not like Chicagoans. My advice skip Springfield and continue down I-55 to St. Louis the it’s a nice second tier city, Gateway arch is nice to visit, its easy to drive around and you can get a great Italian Meal in the section of St. Louis know as The Hill.

Sad but very true they dislike anyone from north of 80 and east of 39 but don't forget the State Fair its worth a visit!

Take a tour of the Governor's mansion, Springfield also has a small zoo and then there is the State Fair extravaganza in August.

While Chicagoland has a lock on deep-dish pizza, Springfield has some of the best thin crust pie around: Vic's and Gabatoni's are at the top of my list. As for other places, you've got to try the D&J Cafe or Charlie Parker's for breakfast. Enjoy!

The Museum of Mortuary Science in the Oak Ridge Cemetery is rockin.

Eat at The Feed Store, Maldeners, Maid Rite, Luca Pizza and Magic Kitchen.
Visit The Dana-Thomas House.
Go to the Old State Capitol Fair.
Shop at Penny Lane.

Oops, the Old State Capitol Art Fair.

Tony wrote:

I lived in Springfield for 4 years and have to I say to from the bottom of my heart, Downstaters do not like Chicagoans. My advice skip Springfield and continue down I-55 to St. Louis the it’s a nice second tier city, Gateway arch is nice to visit, its easy to drive around and you can get a great Italian Meal in the section of St. Louis know as The Hill.

You are so right. I currently live in Springfield, unfortunately, and when I mnetion I'm from Chicago I get the evil eye. Personally, I don't care because it does s#ck to live here anyway.

But, there is Head West Sub Shop. There's three locations: Jefferson, Robbins, and I believe on Adams which is downtown. They have the best sweet bread. Very good...

oops, that should say mention.

the Dana-Thomas (Wright) House is a must and hey..since the state owns it - its your! Also tour the Gov's mansion - he's never there so you won't be disturbing anyone. Then engage a local in spirited conversation over (a) the best place for a Horseshoe and (b) best Pizza - Vic's or Gabatoni's.