I recently had the privilege of visiting Brad Pitt's hometown – Springfield, Missouri. This historic yet trendy, small city is often overlooked by its neighbor to the south, Branson. However, my media trip showed me there is much more to Springfield than meets the eye.

This post shares just a few of the unique things to do when passing through this little city.

Grab Milkshakes at Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes

Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes offers an exceptional culinary experience, boasting a diverse menu of scrumptious burgers and delicious shakes. One of their standout offerings is the banana and peanut butter shake.

It's a delightful blend, striking a perfect balance between the creamy richness of the peanut butter and the sweetness of ripe bananas (I even added rum to mine!)

Meet Captain Springfield at BookMarx

Every year, the citizens of Springfield vote for a “Captain”. And in 2023/2024, the winner of Captain Springfield is the resident cat of BookMarx. BookMarx itself is a creative bookstore with a large selection of used books. Stop by to browse their collection.

Catch a Show with Springfield Little Theater

For an entertaining night out, catch a performance at Springfield Little Theater. This community theater has been putting on high-quality productions since 1934 and offers a diverse program of shows each season. Plus, the intimate seating ensures there's not a bad seat in the house.

When I visited I saw their production of Elf, and it was just as good as many professional productions in my hometown of Chicago.

Go on a Self-Guided Mural Tour

Springfields mural scene is quite impressive. With over 40 murals scattered across the city, there's a lot to discover.

You can either plan your own route or follow one of the suggested self-guided tours provided by Springfield MO Convention & Visitors Bureau. It's a great way to explore and appreciate the city's vibrant street art.

Sip Coffee at Druff's Diner

Transport yourself to the 1970s at Druff’s Diner, a retro-style diner serving up delicious coffee, breakfast items, and comfort food classics. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff will make you feel right at home. Don't forget to take a picture in front of their iconic "Greetings from Springfield" mural.

Visit the Famous Bass Pro Shop

No trip to Springfield is complete without a visit to the famous Bass Pro Shop. This massive outdoor recreation and sporting goods store is a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast.

Explore the Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Located next to the Bass Pro Shop, the Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is an awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers. With over 35,000 live animals and a 1.5 million-gallon aquarium, it's one of the largest wildlife attractions in the world.

Get Crafty at Creative Escape Glass

I am not a crafty gal, and I was actually quite nervous about taking a glass fusion class. However, the staff at Creative Escape Glass were incredibly helpful and made the experience fun and relaxing. I left with a fun little ornament that I mailed to my mama.

Transport Yourself to the Netherlands at Van Gogh's Eeterie

How often do you find a traditional Dutch restaurant? Well, Van Gogh's Eeterie is just that. Located in a historic building, this cozy restaurant serves up traditional Dutch dishes and delicious homemade pies.