Friday, April 6, 2012

Springfield, MO

About a half mile off the interstate, on the way to our RV Park in Springfield, MO on Wednesday I saw my first Dogwood tree in many decades...and they are in full bloom! I have childhood memories of Dogwood trees and Mom's love of them. For some reason, they all died in my hometown many, many years ago and I don't remember seeing any in Illinois since. Seeing them again...touched me. The one pictured below, taken on the grounds of Pythian Castle later in the evening, is unusually tall and dense...perfection!


Rich and I have passed through Springfield several times but never stayed a day to explore until now. After setting up the RV and doing some major cleaning, we set out to do just that.


The Jefferson Avenue Footbridge in downtown Springfield was built in 1902 and renovated in 2002.


Rich is on the ascent to the bridge deck.



On the bridge there is a great view of the rail yard and the thirteen sets of tracks spanned by the footbridge. It was originally constructed to provide safe pedestrian passage over the downtown rails.




Spanning 562 feet this is one of the longest footbridges in the United States as well as one of the oldest rail yard crossing bridges.

Following recommendations of "when in Springfield eat at Doe's Eat Place" we decided to heed that advice. We had been told that it was a bit pricey but the steaks are great so we kind of expected more of a mid-20th century steakhouse, not a converted commercial garage with little parking...barely converted at that! After enjoying their signature appetizer, tamales with chili, we were treated to some of the best beef either of us have ever tasted! Rich ordered a sirloin and I a filet...they were perfectly prepared, richly flavored steaks.





As we continued our drive around the city after dinner, I shot this photo of Hammons Field, home of the AA Springfield Cardinals. This is the farm team of your beloved St. Louis Cardinals, Wayne. By the way...we'll see you and your lovely wife in just a few hours!!!!


There will more about Springfield in the next post...more dogwood photos too!

Lovin' Life ~~ Exploring Springfield, MO

1 comment:

  1. Hi Bev, Gina just sent me this link, I lived in Springfield for about 3 years and I really enjoyed it. Hope you have a great time! If you decide to get out for a drink, check out the Midnight Rodeo on Sunshine and Glenstone (I believe) for a look at an almost authentic shit kicker cowboy bar. :)

    Duane

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