I recently spent a weekend in Springfield, Missouri—and WOW-- I didn’t expect to fall in love with this city as quickly as I did. Springfield is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and ideal place to make unforgettable memories with friends. From outdoor trails to local eats, Springfield really surprised me in all of the best ways possible.
My friend and I stayed at Moxy Hotel, which was stylish, super comfy, and right in the heart of downtown, making it incredibly easy to get around. After checking in, we kicked off the trip with a visit to one of Springfield’s most iconic spots: Bass Pro Shops. Even if you’re not a die-hard outdoors person, it’s a must-see. It's part store, part museum, part aquarium. It honestly feels like an adventure of its own and I can see why it’s one of the city’s big attractions. You could easily spend hours browsing the aisles and taking in wildlife displays.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was getting outside and exploring Busiek State Forest. We hiked the Yellow Trail, which was the perfect balance of challenge paired with wonderfully scenic views. The fresh air, peaceful vibes, and beautiful nature, made it such a great escape from the usual hustle and bustle of a city.
Of course, no trip is complete without a little underground magic, so we just had to hit up Fantastic Caverns. Let me tell you, this place definitely lives up to the name. It’s one of the only ride-through caves in the U.S., and it was such a cool and unique experience. Definitely something I’ll be talking about for a while though be sure to pack a light jacket as it can get a little cool in the cave.
When it comes to food, Springfield does not disappoint. We grabbed late night bites at Kai After Dark, and it was the vibe. We gorged ourselves on the delicious sushi, great energy, and we both agreed that it is a solid way to wind down after a busy day.
The next day we made a stop near Nathaniel Greene/Close Memorial Park, which is absolutely beautiful and the perfect place to take a walk or chill on the grass.
But do you want to know the real highlight of the trip? Getting to celebrate my bestie's birthday at Bear Creek Winery! The views, the wine, the cozy atmosphere- it was the perfect spot for a low-key celebration. We laughed a lot, shared stories, and soaked in the moment surrounded by gorgeous scenery.
All in all, Springfield gave us everything we were looking for and more! We loved meeting all of the friendly locals, basking in the beautiful nature, and enjoying the great vibes all weekend long. I’m already planning my next visit.
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