One of my favorite parts of living in Springfield is all of the awesome experiences that come along with it. I love to share those with friends, family and smiling strangers. This Christmas I decided to modernize my own twelve days of Christmas - Springfield style. Check out all these gifts and experiences that don't take a full twelve days, a true love or a time machine back to 1780 to share. Share your twelve Springfield gift ideas and let's keep the spirit alive all year around.
On the 12 days of Christmas my true love gave to me . . .
Learn to Fly Fish at Mountain Springs Trout Park.
12 Fishers Fishing.
A trip Mountain Springs Trout Park is unlike any gift you could give or receive. When you drive up, you are greeted by some of the kindest people around who will help teach you how to fly fish for live trout. After you haul in your catch they will even prep the fish for you.
Create your own masterpiece with Springfield Hot Glass.
11 Glass Blowers-a-Blowing.
Springfield Hot Glass has the full experience. You can buy festive ornaments for the holidays or purchase original art work. One of my favorite things about this place is the experience. You can sign up for classes and learn the craft for yourself, or just watch live demonstrations by skilled artists.
Taste the original Springfield Style Cashew Chicken with Leong's Asian Diner.
10 Cashew Chickens.
Springfield Style Cashew Chicken. Need I say more? Springfield is the birthplace of this national favorite. Leong's Asian Diner is the original, patient zero of some of the greatest Asian-American cuisine you will ever have. Best of all, they sell gift cards perfect for the holidays.
Learn to waltz with Dance With Me at the Savoy Ballroom.
9 Ladies Dancing.
Dance With Me has the largest social dance studio in the state of Missouri. With classes for all skill levels and a variety of styles, this is a gift as unique as the location. The Savoy Ballroom is located on Commercial Street, one of the most eclectic and historic streets in Springfield. Well worth a stroll to stretch out those dancing shoes.
Get hoppy for the holidays with Mother's Brewing Company
8 Mothers Brewing.
Mother's Brewing Company is a Springfield staple with community events, brewery tours and, of course, everyone's favorite Midwest Coast IPA. A tour through the brewery comes with a stop at the tasting room. If you are thinking seasonal, Winter's Grind can't be beat.
Take up scuba diving in the winter with DiVentures.
7 Divers Diving.
Year-round scuba and swim classes, plus trips to top diving destinations around the world. DiVentures is a wondeful way to beat the winter blues. It's hard to be cold when you are diving in beautiful coastal waters.
Have a shockingly good time with The Discovery Center.
6 Kids-a-Playing.
The Discovery Center is basically every fun thing you did in science class on a giant scale. Imagine, create, have fun and learn with hundreds of exhibits that explore physics, chemistry, energy, health and culture all in an environmentally friendly building.
Give back by shopping at 5 Pound Apparel.
5 Pound Apparel.
Tis the season for giving, right? You can shop here without guilt because everything you buy gives back. Everything in the store gives back to someone, somewhere. For every shirt sold, 5 Pound Apparel donates five pounds of nutritional peanut butter to fight malnutrition. This is also the only place to snag a "Springfield, MO Where Dreams Come True" shirt.
Enjoy crepes and mimosas with Aviary Cafe and Creperie.
4 Crepey Birds.
The Aviary Cafe and Creperie is a fun fusion of personality and plate. One of the most warm and welcoming places to eat in Springfield. You'll quickly learn that crepes are not just for breakfast and that any time is mimosa time.
Perk up with Brick & Mortar Coffee.
3 Fresh Presses.
Why just sip coffee when you can experience it? Brick & Mortar Coffee offers the complete process from roasting the beans all the way to the fresh pour. Definitely a gift worth experiencing. If you have ever been to a brewery, picture that, but with coffee. The best part is the free gift of going to Brick & Mortar - you leave smelling like coffee.
Enjoy Paresian inspried pastries with Elle's Patisserie.
2 Macarons.
Elle's Patisserie is a bright purple beacon of Parisian pastries in downtown Springfield. Some of the city's best treats are made year-round and make spectacular sinfully sweet gifts for the holidays.
Have a holiday stroll in Springfield.
. . . and a stroll in my favorite city - Springfield, Missouri.
Springfield has a lot to do, but being able to time to spend quality time with your loved ones is one of the best parts of the holidays. Downtown has two beautiful displays of Christmas lights on the Square and just a few blocks awayat Jordan Valley Park. You can check out more Springfield themed gift ideas here.
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. Make sure to share your Twelve Days of a Springfield Christmas, and have a happy New Year!
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