Eat & Explore
Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium ($$)
Springfield is the hometown of Bass Pro Shops, which was founded here in 1972. The owner also made Springfield the location of an absolutely incredible aquarium and museum, with exhibits about conservation, fishing, and hunting around the globe. It has been selected as America's Best Zoo every year for the past five years. If you can make it, it's worth the stop. Tip: Walk-up prices are reduced after 3pm, but the facility closes at 5pm. If you want to save a little money, buy your ticket at three and see as much as you can!
Silver Dollar City ($$$)
Silver Dollar City is located in Branson, about an hour from Springfield, and is one of the best theme parks in the country. Themed around Ozark Mountain life in the 1880s, Abby and Brandon spent many weekends as kids riding rides, playing games, and eating Tater Twists. Great for thrill seekers looking to fill most of a day. Tip: The park's famous Christmas light display will begin on November 5th. It's a breathtaking amount of Christmas lights, perfect for Friday-night dates or family photos. Go before dark for the rides, stay for the lights!
Springfield Art Museum (Free)
Our first (unofficial) date was at the Springfield Art Museum in May 2016. We began our journey as art-buddies here, and return often. It's our #1 recommendation for visitors looking to save money and is famous for the yellow "French Fries" sculpture outside. Our favorite painting is Frank Owen's "Timing" - go and check it out! Tip: The Museum is right next to Phelp's Grove Park, a great place to have a picnic, hang out with friends, and play some Spikeball. It's also next to some tennis courts, if you want to try some Pickleball!
Smallin Civil War Cave ($$)
One of Brandon's favorite places in the area, Smallin Civil War Cave has some interesting history but is best for showing off the natural beauty of the Ozarks. The best way to experience the site is to imagine you've never seen or heard of it before and you're coming across it for the first time. Tip: No matter how hot or cold it is outside, it gets chilly deep in the cave! Bring a hoodie or jacket to throw on once you're inside.
Farmers Market of the Ozarks ($)
Open from 8am-1pm Saturday mornings, FMO is one of our favorite parts of the area. A mixture of fresh, local produce, and various local small businesses, it's a beautiful representation of the mixture of communities we call the Ozarks. It's great if you're looking for souvenirs, strawberries, or sandwiches. Plus, it's where Abby sells her Statement Handmade earrings! We can't recommend it highly enough. Tip: Make sure you try a concha from Sweet Pieces while you're here! It's a perfect desert after eating breakfast at the Aviary right next door.
Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes
One of our favorite restaurants, Black Sheep has delicious shakes (alcoholic/non-alcoholic) and even better burgers. Good for late nights, medium groups, or picky people (who doesn't like burgers?) They also have a downtown location (on Walnut) which is perfect for that area! Favorite items: You Are Smokin' Fries (Abby) and Chicken Bijan (Brandon)
Aviary by Lavender Falls Cafe
The Aviary is our go-to place for a tasty brunch! Great for a Sunday morning meal, Aviary has delicious, locally-sourced options. Most importantly, they have really healthy dishes (for those of us who plan on pigging out at the reception)! Favorite items: Pomme Frites (Abby) and Egg and Avocado Croissant (Brandon)
14 Mill Market
The first food hall in the Ozarks, this is one of Abby's favorite places. An indoor/outdoor venue with nine restaurants, a bar, a wine station, live music, bocce ball, and cornhole, it has pretty much everything you could want! This is a perfect spot for large groups, people with different food tastes, or Brandon's friend, Ted. Though both of us recommend it, Abby gives it *two* thumbs up. Favorite Items: Elote Fries (Abby) and Avocado Toast (Brandon).
Lambert's Café
A Missouri gem, Lambert's is famous for its bottomless passarounds, giant portions, and of course, Throwed Rolls. Just a few minutes from our houses, Lambert's is quintessential Ozark fare and a restaurant experience you won't soon forget. The less is said the better, but if you have the pleasure of visiting, heads up! Favorite items: Bread and Butter (Abby) and Fried Catfish (Brandon).
Mimi's Soulfood
The single best restaurant in Springfield, Mimi's is an incredible family-owned-and-operated soul food restaurant with unbelievable chicken, cornbread, catfish, and green beans. Perfect for someone looking to get really full but not sacrifice any quality for quantity. The wait can be a little long, but trust us - it's worth it. Favorite items: Cornbread (Abby) and Philly Cheesesteak (Brandon)
Team Taco
One of the freshest locations in the area, Team Taco is a delicious (and tiny) walk-up taco shop near Missouri State University. They not only have juicy, balanced versions of taco classics, but also have a number of rotating options for vegetarians and vegans. Plus, if you don't like what you got, they're right next to Skully's Ramen, Imo's Pizza, and Tea Bar. Favorite items: Redbird Rice Bowl (Abby) and Globetrotter Rice Bowl (Brandon)