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Lincoln Land for lovers
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courtesy SCVB
Bart Simpson and Honest Abe in the same town? Don’t have a cow, man. It ain’t gonna happen.
In the summer of 2007, Springfield, Illinois was narrowly edged out by Vermont’s Springfield in the online poll competition among 14 U.S. cities named Springfield for the right to host the premiere of “The Simpson’s Movie.” But why would the people of Springfield, Illinois need a Simpson cartoon character when they’ve already got the Great Emancipator?
History buffs clearly adore Springfield. But you’d be surprised at how Lincoln’s Hometown can put you in the mood for love. You can wow your sweetheart at the Treasures Gallery of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum , knowing that her heart is beating faster while gazing at all the authentic documents (including a Gettysburg Address in Lincoln’s own hand), and the personal items that belonged to the Lincoln family. You can fill her full of that great local delicacy, the humble horseshoe filled with gooey goodness, while she’s staring at you adoringly. What next? What else can you do to impress a girl in Illinois’ capital city?
On Valentine’s Day (or any other day), women’s thoughts often turn to…shopping. So if you’re both not too stuffed to move, shopping is another great Springfield pastime. In addition to White Oaks Mall (the largest central Illinois indoor shopping facility) on the west side of town, the historical downtown area is brimming with interesting, unique specialty stores (like Tinsley Dry Goods, Del’s Popcorn Shop, The Cardologist, Pease’s Candy, Prairie Archives Antiquarian Booksellers, and Recycled Records), antique shops (like Widow at Windsor), bakeries (like Incredibly Delicious), art galleries (like Prairie Art Alliance), and upscale boutiques (like Iris & Ivy).
When you’ve shopped until you dropped, you’ll never find a nicer place to drop than The Feed Store, right downtown on the Old Capitol Plaza, which offers a lunch menu filled with healthy alternatives to the horseshoe. The Feed Store offers some of the best homemade soups I’ve ever tasted in my life.
If you’re in the mood for fine dining, Bella Milano serves delicious Italian food with a flair, and is located close to the Mall. Bella Milano’s blend of mood lighting, romantic music, brick wall décor, intimate seating, and extensive wine list will make you both feel pampered.
And where does romance best bloom in Springfield lodgings? My own personal favorites are The State House Inn (a Clarion Collection Hotel), which features free in-room DSL, a free hot breakfast each morning, and the convenience of being right across from the new State Capitol; the 30-story, newly-remodeled Hilton Springfield (opt for a higher floor to enjoy marvelous views of downtown Springfield); the Inn at 835, a quaint, yet very hospitable B&B with ten guest rooms and seven suites; and Comfort Suites, with its relaxing whirlpool bathtubs. If you stay at the Baymont Inn & Suites, be sure to opt for one of the Jacuzzi Suites, which will definitely dazzle your honey.
So, with all that Springfield has to offer both history buffs and lovers, who needs a foul-mouthed brat? Bart Simpson can just cool his jets.
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