Postcards from Springfield, MA, USA

We spent a wonderful weekend in Springfield in mid-June 2019 and were delighted with all we experienced.

Where to Stay

MGM Springfield, MA, USA

MGM Springfield

We stayed at the upscale 252-room and suite hotel, the MGM Springfield with top-of-the-line amenities, fine dining and casual restaurants, a spa, fitness center, pool, salon, shops, entertainment, and even a casino, making it a perfect fun getaway no matter the time of year or the weather.

Our large room featured a king bed with a tweed upholstered headboard and frame dressed in pristine ivory linens and a fun art pillow. An oval table was placed in front of the floor to ceiling windows flanked by two tufted corner chairs with decorative pillows. Wide crown molding added visual appeal to the charcoal gray accent wall graced with eclectic artwork and a decorative gold faucet as a nod to Springfield’s historic past. A nightstand held an iHome, phone, and interesting lamp, and a large flatscreen television also provided hotel information.

Guest Room

The bathroom featured a vanity with raised sink, historic mirror and sconces, and a magnified shaving mirror, and separate enclosed toilet. The large walk-in glass shower had white subway tiles, a large rain shower head, and an assortment of Kūer by MGM Resorts amenities. In-room amenities included an iron and ironing board, laptop size in-room safe, connectivity panel for laptops, DVD players, gaming consoles, and MP3 players, and resort wide 10MB Wi-Fi.

For more information on the MGM Springfield hotel, please visit the website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/hotel.html

Read more about the MGM Springfield in the Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Chefs’ Recipes, and Spas sections.

MGM Springfield
One MGM Way
Springfield, Massachusetts
United States
Telephone: +1-413-273-5000
Website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/hotel.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGMSpringfield/
Instagram: @mgmspringfield
Twitter: @mgmspringfield

What to Do – Area Attractions

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Springfield, Massachusetts is "the birth placeof basketball" created by Canadian Physical Education Instructor Dr. James Naismith in 1891, so a visit to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was a must for us.

Dr. James Naismith

Established in 1959, the 40,000 square foot museum is a treasure trove of information told through the stories of its hall of fame wall of 400 inductees, memorabilia, and interactive stations where you can shoot hoops on the floor, measure your "wing span" against one of basketball’s greats, see how high you can jump, experience what it is like to be an on-camera announcer, and so much more. Whether you are a player or an armchair fan, the museum is fun for all ages. Plan on spending several hours there. The good news is that there is food on-site and a gift shop.

Debra "Hoops" Argen slamming one down

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is open Sunday through Friday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm during the Summer months from July 1 until September 1. Check their website for all hours and holiday closings. Admission: Adults: $25 (ages16 – 64), Seniors: $20 (65 and above), Youth: $16 (ages 5 – 15), Children: Free (ages 4 and under)

Edward "B-Ball" Nesta practicing his shot

For more information on the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, please visit the website: www.hoophall.com

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hallof Fame
1000 Hall of Fame Avenue
Springfield, Massachusetts 01105
United States
Telephone: +1-877-4HOOPLA
Website: www.hoophall.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BBHOF

Springfield Museums

Welcome to the Springfield Museums

Culture abounds in Springfield and we visited the Springfield Museums, an amazingly wonderful and diverse collection of 5 museums (for the price of one ticket) in one quadrangle. We visited all 5 and had a fabulous time exploring them.

Springfield Science Museum

The main entrance of the Springfield Science Museum is where it all begins in their Welcome Center where tickets are sold. We took a step back in time by visiting Tyrannosaurus Rex and his friends and seeing the vast collection. The museum also is home to the Seymour Planetarium.

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum

The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is architecturally stunning housed in an Italian palazzo-style building with Tiffany stained glass windows built in 1896. The museum is home to the collection of George Walter Vincent Smith (1832-1923) who together with his wife, Belle Townsley Smith (1845-1928) travelled the world amassing

The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts

The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts is another architecturally interesting building designed in the Art Deco style. The museum features a large collection of paintings and sculptures, as well as furniture, textiles, glass, and ceramics. Currier & Ives collectors will appreciate that it has the largest collection of lithographs in the country.

The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History

The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History is fun for both children and adults. The first flooris a fantasy of toys including the floor keyboard made popular by the movie "Big," the car from the game "Monopoly" perfect for "selfies," board games, GIJoe and Barbies, Hot Wheels, as well as Etch-A-Sketch, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, arcade games, and more of which you play. The second floor houses the largest collection of Indian Motorcycles (which were made in Springfield from 1901 until 1953) and memorabilia in the world, the largest collection of Smith & Wesson guns (the headquarters is in Springfield) in the world, as well asassorted automobiles. The museum also is a resource for local history research.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum dedicated to Springfield native Theodor Geisel aka "Dr. Seuss" and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

Dr. Seuss and The Cat in the Hat Sculpture

Springfield was home to Theodor Geisel aka "Dr. Seuss" and the museum and sculpture garden is fun for old and new friends of the popular children’s books. Memorable characters include"The Cat in the Hat" in his signature red and white striped top hat, "Horton the Elephant," "The Grinch," "Yertle the Turtle" and so many more. We had a blast reliving our childhood with "Dr. Seuss." Interesting to note is that Theodor Geisel’s stepdaughter Lark Grey Diamond-Cates created the sculptures.

Horton the Elephant

There is an on-site restaurant, the Blake House Café, where we had a lovely lunch outdoors under a "Dr. Seuss" red and striped tent.

The Springfield Museums are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. They are closed on Monday. Admission (1 Ticket for 5 Museums): Adults $25, Seniors (60+): $16.50, College Students: $16.50, Youths: $13 (ages3 – 17), Children: Free (under 3 years of age), Springfield Residents (with valid ID): Free, Youth included.

For more information on the Springfield Museums, please visit the website: www.springfieldmuseums.org

Springfield Museums
21 Edwards Street
Springfield, Massachusetts 01103
United States
Telephone: +1-413-263-6800
Email: Info@springfieldmuseums.org
Website: www.springfieldmuseums.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpringfieldMuseums

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center

Mikey – Poitou Donkey

The Zoo in Forest Park & EducationCenter is perfect for families as well as for the young at heart. We spent a perfect morning there where the sound of laughter rang joyfully throughout the park as children and adults "met" the various animals. A few ofthe many highlights of our visit included feeding Max, a gentle giant Dromedary camel (one hump) and his alpaca friends, meeting Cherry a sweet Opossum, Mikey, a Poitou Donkey, and seeing the baby goats, which were so adorable. Celebratingits 125^th anniversary in 2019, their focus is on education, as well as to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide "forever homes" for older animals that other zoos can no longer keep.

Cherry – Opossum

Max – Dromedary Camel

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is open daily from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm weather permitting. Please check their website or Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding hours of operation. Admission: Adults: $10, Seniors/Military: $7, Children: $5 (ages 1 – 12), Children: Free (under 1 year).

I Love the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center!

For more information on the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center please visitthe website: www.forestparkzoo.org

Read more about the Zoo in the Adventures section.

Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
293 Sumner Avenue
Springfield, Massachusetts 01109
Telephone: +1-413-733-2251
Website: www.forestparkzoo.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thezooinforestpark

The Spa Experience at MGM Springfield

The Spa at MGM Springfield

One of the highlights of the hotel is their Spa, Fitness Center, and Pool for the ultimate in relaxation. The Spa offers a diverse menu of massage services, skincare treatments, waxing, scrubs, and wraps. We indulged in a pampering Couples Massages during our stay and left the Spa feeling relaxed and stress-free. Use of the Fitness Center and the Pool are complimentary to hotel guests.

Couples Massage

The Spa at MGM Springfield is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm; it closed Sunday and Monday.

For more information on The Spa at MGM Springfield, please visit the website:

https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/amenities/spa-and-fitness-center.html

Telephone:+1-413-273-5232

Read more about the MGM Springfield in the Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Chefs’ Recipes, and Spas sections.

MGM Springfield
One MGM Way
Springfield, Massachusetts
United States
Telephone: +1-413-273-5000
Website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/hotel.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGMSpringfield/
Instagram: @mgmspringfield
Twitter: @mgmspringfield

Where to Dine

The Chandler Steakhouse

The Chandler Steakhouse

We had an excellent dinner at their fine dining restaurant, The Chandler Steakhouse, where Executive Chef Kyle Beausoleil is the talent in the kitchen. Elegant, traditional steakhouse décor and attentive service by the professional team were the perfect complement to Chef Kyle’s delectable cuisine.

Caramelized Scallops

The restaurant has a creative and inspired cocktail menu, an excellent selection of wines by the glass, as well as an extensive wine list. Two of the many highlights of our dinner included appetizers of Roasted Bone Marrow served with Cippolini Onion-Bacon Jam, Herb Salad accompanied by thinly sliced grilled bread, and Executive Chef Kyle Beausoleil’s new menu creation, Lobster Cake with Avocado Jalapeno Cream. The Chandler Steakhouse prides itself on exceptional service and their Tableside Caesar Salad for Two was expertly prepared and delicious. Our entrées were also sensational, Caramelized Scallops with Cauliflower Cream and fried pickle garnish, and a 14-ounce Prime New York Strip Steak served with a balsamic roasted head of garlic.

Prime New York Strip Steak

The Chandler Steakhouse is open for Dinner Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm until 11:00pm. The restaurant is closed on Tuesday.

Read more about The Chandler Steakhouse in the Restaurants section.

For more information on The Chandler Steakhouse, please visit the website:

https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/the-chandler-steakhouse.html#

TAP Sports Bar and Bowling

TAP Sports Bar

We had a fun and tasty lunch at the TAP Sports Bar. Inside the décor is a sports enthusiast’s fantasy with walls lined with memorabilia from the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Celtics, and many other teams as well. Large televisions over the enormous bar keep patrons up-to-the-minute on their favorite sports teams. Bowling lanes, shuffleboard, arcade games, and a pool table, add to the fun. Interesting to note is that the ceiling in the bar was from the floor of the home of Springfield-native Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss).

Open Face Steak Sandwich

As it was a beautiful sunny day, we opted to have lunch outside sitting at a wood table with a wood bench under ablack, market umbrella. We had a lobster roll on a New England style brioche toasted roll (sides cut off) with onion rings that were crisp and gorgeous, and the Steak sandwich which was an open face sandwich with the steak generously topped with pepper jack cheese, mushrooms, fried onions and chimichurri sauce,and accompanied by sweet potato fries. For drinks we enjoyed the Tap Bloody Mary made with Grey Goose, house made Bloody Mary mix, and garnished with lemon, lime, celery and three colossal olives, and a Guinness.

Lobster Roll

TAP Sports Bar is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a, until 12:45 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am until 11:00pm.

Read more about TAP Sports Bar in the Hotels and Resorts section.

For more information on the TAP Sports Bar, please visit the website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/tap-sports-bar.html

Kringle Emporium

Kringle Emporium

The Kringle Emporium was once a church and is an architectural treasure. The building was moved to its present site to become part of the MGM Springfield complex and was the perfect place for amid-afternoon snack, followed by candle and chocolate shopping.

Mixing the perfect Spiked Milkshake
Jonathan Wilburn and Elisha Velez

In addition to offering a selection of delectable sweets, coffees and teas, cocktails, and liquors, they also offer a selection of Spiked Milkshakes! In lieu of dessert, we ordered decadent Spiked Milkshakes, the Boston Road made with Irish Cream, Irish Whiskey, and Coffee Ice Cream, and the Peanut Butter Cup made with Frangelico, Irish Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream, which were garnished with a generous moundof whipped cream, miniature donuts, chocolates, and drizzled with chocolate syrup. Fabulously delightfully and sinfully rich and tasty.

Making the Kringle Emporium warm and welcoming
Anabel Dalmau and Jimmy Hidalgo Jr.

The Kringle Emporium is open Monday through Thursday, and on Sunday from 10:00 a, until 9:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm.

Spiked Milkshakes

Read more about Kringle Emporium in the Hotels and Resorts section.

For more information on Kringle Emporium, please visit the website:

https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/kringle-emporium.html#/Menu

Entertainment and Nightlife

The Lobby Bar

The Lobby Bar

We enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails at The Lobby Bar, which has a library ambience anda creative cocktail menu with literary references, i.e. "Tequila Mockingbird" a nod to author Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, "Catcher in the Rye Whiskey" for author J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, and "Gone with the Gin" referencing Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind, to name but a few. We had the "Catcher in the Rye Whiskey" and "Tequila Mockingbird" and enjoyed the presentations as well as the delectable cocktails.

Debra Argen enjoying the "Tequila Mockingbird"

Every Friday Night, The Lobby at MGM Springfield features eclectic entertainment at 6:00 pm. Every Saturday Night they feature late night live music and craftcocktails beginning at 8:00 pm.

The Lobby Bar is open Monday through Thursday, and Sunday from 3:00 pm until 11:00pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm.

For more information on The Lobby Bar, please visit the website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/nightlife/lobby-bar.html

Commonwealth Bar and Lounge

Commonwealth Bar and Lounge

The Commonwealth Bar and Lounge was buzzing with music and dancing as we had a late-night cocktail to culminate our evening. The Commonwealth Bar and Lounge is located on the casino floor and is open Monday through Sunday from 1:00 pmuntil 2:00 am.

Entertainment

The MGM Springfield has diverse entertainment throughout the year. Check out their website for upcoming shows, including Aerosmith coming in August 2019.

See you at the MGM Springfield

Entertainment Website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment.html

Read more about the MGM Springfield in the Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Chefs’ Recipes, and Spas sections.

MGM Springfield
One MGM Way
Springfield, Massachusetts
UnitedStates
Telephone: +1-413-273-5000
Website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/hotel.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGMSpringfield/
Instagram:@mgmspringfield
Twitter: @mgmspringfield

Read more about Springfield, Massachusetts in the Adventures sections.

Important Travel Information:

Springfield is conveniently located (see driving distances below) making it a perfect day trip, weekend trip, or anytime getaway.

Driving distances:

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Springfield, Massachusetts and sharing its many wonderful experiences with you.

Until our next destination, keep enjoying traveling with Luxury Experience!

For more information on the Springfield, Massachusetts area please visit the WesternMass Tourism Website: https://explorewesternmass.com/or call them at: 1-413-787-1548.

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