15 Ways Springfield, Missouri Takes The Cake Over All Other Springfields.

Just over a year ago, I took a job in Springfield, Missouri. When I told people I was moving to Springfield, the most common thing I heard in reply was, "Which one?". Though there are over 40 homonymous cities, I'm here to say that Springfield, Missouri is the only Springfield you will ever need.

1. First Things First - Come Hungry

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The "Show-Me" Springfield has so many different restaurants, nearly 1,000! Each eatery has just as much charm as the people who run it. Heads up - it's probably local.

2. Did I mention Seconds?

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I already mentioned food, but this Springfield literally invented Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken. Deep-fried southern goodness with an oriental twist. You will never eat Chinese food the same again.

3. Getting Things Started

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Cashew Chicken isn't the only thing to get its start in Springfield, MO. National chains including the #1 tourist destination in Missouri: Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World® have origins in this Midwestern city.

4. Speaking of the Outdoors

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The MO stands for "MO-Parks". There are over 100 parks within and around the city. You can enjoy drinks downtown and wrap up with a stroll through one of the prettiest parks in Springfield - Jordan Valley Park.

5. Then There's Downtown

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Active, Walkable, Engaging, Scenic, Odd (Only Slightly), Memorable and Energetic . . . In short, downtown Springfield is AWESOME!

6. The People

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Part of what makes this place so awesome are the people. The entire community treats you like you're part of the family (which you very well might be).

7. An Active Community

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The people who like to eat and party also like to burn it off. There are always tons of ways to get active in a bike-able city, 5Ks and an entire week long festival devoted to fitness.

8. Springfield Cardinals.

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The Springfield Cardinals, Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, roost right here. Some may disagree, but there is little on this earth more American than a minor league baseball game. All of the excitement of the majors with more fun and fan-fare than you're ready for.

9. Artistically Original Ozarks

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Community theatre, ballet, artists, filmmakers, craftsmen and more. The art culture is not just alive in Springfield, it's also thriving.

10. We Don't Stop the Music

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The Ozark's Jubilee started in Springfield in 1955 and the music hasn't stopped since. Street performers, concerts ballrooms and the only place I'm qualified (or allowed) to perform - karaoke!

11. #FarmFresh

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It always comes back to food for me. Thankfully Springfield keeps it fresh with year-round farmers markets. Complete with all the hashtags #Organic #Traceable #FarmFresh

12. "Midwest Coast" Brewing

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Ever had a Midwest Coast IPA? Mother's Brewing Company is right here in the superior Springfield bringing the most 'hoppy'ness.

13. There is a Castle

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Have a seat down fellow Springfields. This is Pythian Castle. Potentially haunted, fantastically historic and you read that right, a castle.

14. A Place People Love

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When a vibrant place meets a grateful community, it really is no wonder so many people #LoveSpringfield

15. Springfield, Missouri - the best Springfield in Missouri.

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I'm sure all the others are wonderful too, but Missouri's Springfield has ruined them for me. Living here, being a part of the community and eating all the food . . . you will just have to see for yourself how Springfield, Missouri takes the cake.

Taking the Cake.

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Springfield, MO takes the cake. With this fork. The World's Largest Fork. Stick a fork in it other Springfields. #DONE