Springfield

Creative Escape Glass has developed a unique niche in Springfield, Missouri. Over the past few years there has been a resurgence of places offering visitors a chance to create their own art. Most of these have involved painting of some sort. It seems to have started with shops that allowed customers to paint ceramics. Lately, there has been an increase in the number of places that have paint parties, which involve wine and canvas.   Unique Projects When we first heard of this place, we weren't sure what to expect. We have been to many glassblower shops and demonstrations. Neither of us were thinking this [...]

Fantastic Caverns is one of fifteen caves that visitors can tour in Missouri. This number is small in comparison to the approximately 6500 known caves in the state. Because of it's immense size, Fantastic Caverns has the unique distinction to offer guests a ride-thru experience. The cave is located just north of Springfield, Missouri at the end of a scenic side road. We want to thank Fantastic Caverns for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. Fantastic Caverns History Although the cave was formed ages ago, it was only discovered around the start of the Civil War. The land owner did not [...]

Families visiting Springfield, Missouri will be happy to know that Discovery Center offers tons of hands-on exhibits. Here is a great place for kids of all ages to learn about a wide range of topics. Be prepared to be there for a while, as they are packed with four floors of exhibits. We want to thank the Discovery Center for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. Play an over-sized game of Operation. Discovering the Discovery Center Our itinerary, for the day we visited Discovery Center, was focused around the entire Center City area. We had parked at the center, but [...]

Black Sheep Burger is a prime example of why Springfield, Missouri is a food lovers destination. This city has an amazingly wide variety of dining options. We were told that many restaurateurs will use this city as a testing market for new ideas. That means diners have first shot at some of the best foods around. Blues Brothers Burger Why Black Sheep Burger? The name of the restaurant has an interesting story. The owners have two other restaurants in Springfield. Both are more of the upscale dining venue style. When the opportunity presented itself to start a burger joint, the name [...]

The story behind Askinosie Chocolate, in Springfield, Missouri, is as complex as the flavors of the products. The small batch bean-to-bar chocolate factory has raised an eyebrow of the chocolate making industry. Owner Shawn Askinosie has brought an interesting twist to his relationship with customers and suppliers. Time for a Change We once visited a gentleman in Wyoming who was nicknamed 'The Cowboy Chocolatier". He picked up this moniker, because he retired from bronc riding to make truffles. He knew that if he stayed in his previous profession it would possibly shorten his lifespan. His story piqued our interest enough to make sure to add [...]

Fun Acre is one of the old time miniature golf courses that were so popular in the 60’s and 70’s. The kind that featured lots of hand crafted statues dotting the various holes of play. Most have been removed, and only remain in pictures and memories. Every once in a while you happen across one, and it can be extra special. […]

The Dickerson Park Zoo, in Springfield, Missouri, faces the same struggles that many zoological parks are facing these days. With the number and variety of competing attractions increasing, the travelers options become larger. Zoos, as well as many museums, face stiff competition for tourism dollars. This doesn't mean that smaller market zoos don't still have the desire to make groundbreaking improvements. They simply have to temper their desire with reality, and get the best bang for their buck. We want to thank the Dickerson Park Zoo for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.  Perfect Timing When we planned our research [...]

Cafe Cusco is not what we would normally pick for dinner. When I was researching options that are local hot spots, this one kept popping up on my radar. I finally decided that it was time for us to taste what the Peruvian cuisine has to offer. The restaurant is located on Commercial Street in Springfield, Missouri. This historic northern section of the city was once the leading region, because of the nearby railroad. As time passed, the railroad became less concentrated in the city, and the interest in this area waned. Historic C-Street on the Rise Cafe Cusco is housed in a building [...]