12 Places that Every Springfieldian Would Know

Posted on March 29, 2017

Whether you were born and raised in Springfield, MA or you are a Western Mass local, these establishments are sure to bring back some nostalgia.

1. Mattoon Street – Many years ago, Mattoon Street was a broken down block of row houses ready to fall apart. At that time you could buy a house for $1. You had to rehab it and then live in it for five years. The houses were all sold, rehabbed and lived in by many families. Now, it is quite the street. Every fall they have a street-wide Arts Festival with all kinds of vendors. For two days, the street is closed and the tents are up for this art show. It is really fun to go to and buy things from handmade soaps to pottery, paintings and photographs. And don’t forget to get something to eat while you are there. http://mattoonfestival.org/
2. Springfield Armory – Nestled on the grounds of Springfield Technical Community College, the Springfield Armory National History Site has an amazing historical display of guns. It is well worth visiting. A little known fact about the Armory is that they still do research and development for Springfield. https://www.nps.gov/spar/index.htm
3. Stearns Square – In the summer, Thursday night at Stearns Square is Bike Night. There are usually hundreds of motorcycles parked on the streets all around Stearns Square, with hundreds of bikers, biker wannabes, and non-bikers milling around, getting food and drinks, and listening to the music. The Stearns Square Concert Series has by default become Bike Night. It is a real hoot! http://springfielddowntown.com/cityblock/
4. Springfield Symphony Hall and City Stage – Two landmark buildings just a couple of blocks away from one another showcase local talent and bring in world-class performances. Show goers can expect to see acts ranging from bands and stand-up comics to local theater performances and off-Broadway touring productions at both venues. http://www.symphonyhall.com/
5. The Bing Arts Center – For almost 50 years, the Bing was a movie theater until it was taken over by the city of Springfield for non-payment of taxes. Now, the actual theater space is no longer usable but the lobby hosts live music, art exhibits, youth programs, and can even be set up to show movies on a portable screen (with fresh-made movie theater popcorn). http://bingartscenter.org/.
6. Forest Park – Enriched with history dating back from 1884, this park has many attractions such as the Forest Park Zoo, Duck Pond, Barney Estate, Barney Mausoleum, Porter Lake Ice Skating Rink and so much more. Oh, and we can’t forget that Bright Nights, which is known as the Northeast’s premier lighting experience, comes back year after year during the holiday season. https://www.springfield-ma.gov/park/
7.  The Dr. Seuss House – Literary icon, Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in Springfield, MA, on March 2, 1904. In his lifetime, he wrote and illustrated 44 books. In 2015, the Springfield Museums purchased his childhood home on 74 Fairview Street for $185,000. The Springfield Museums intend to preserve the home, but have not yet shared what the plans are as of yet. http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/04/dr_seuss_childhood_home_in_spr.html
8. Quadrangle Museums – Now simply known as the Springfield Museums, has five buildings: George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Springfield Science Museum, Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss, and the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. Stop by for the day and take in all that the arts have to offer. https://springfieldmuseums.org/
9. Good Eats: Ask any local and they will give raving reviews about each of these iconic hot spots!

• Student Prince: (a.k.a. The Fort because of its location on Fort Street.) This restaurant has offered German-inspired cuisine and beers since 1935. Also a fun fact, it has one of the largest collections of beer steins in the U.S. http://www.studentprince.com/
• Theodore’s Blues, Booze and BBQ: Known for their barbeque fare and hip live entertainment, locals have reported spotting some paranormal activity. They even had the SciFi Channel TV series Ghost Hunters investigate the reports! http://theodoresbbq.com/booze/  http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/08/ghost_hunters_set_sights_on_th.html
• Red Rose: Guests can enjoy the same delicious pizza recipe from when Red Rose first opened their doors back in 1963. Watch the cooks toss your pizza dough up in the air and prepare your meals through their observation windows to their kitchen. Winning “Best in the Valley” several times and featured on Phantom Gourmet, you can see why this is a Springfield favorite. http://www.redrosepizzeria.com/

10. Stacy Building – The first-ever American-built,gasoline-powered car was built in 1893 in the Stacy Building, located downtown on Taylor Street. Today it is home to several local businesses.
11. Steiger’s Department Store – The flagship department store was based inSpringfield, MA. From dresses to draperies and glassware, Steiger’s had it all. And for all of you who shopped there around the holiday season, does anyone have memories of the 3rd floor talking Christmas tree?
12. Johnson’s Bookstore – Saving the best for last, Johnson’s Bookstore, which operated from 1893 to 1998, was a haven for all book lovers. Not to mention they had a great inventory of office/art supplies, stationery, toys and other tchotchkes.

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Tags: and BBQ, Booze, Bright Nights, City Stage, Dr. Seuss, Forest Park, Johnson's Bookstore, MA, Mattoon Street Arts Festival, Pioneer Valley, Quadrangle Museums, Red Rose Pizza, Springfield, Springfield Armory, Springfield Museums, Springfield Symphony Hall, Springfield Technical College, Stacy Building, STCC, Steiger's, Student Prince, The Bing Arts Center, The Fort, Theodore's Blues, West Mass, Western Mass