'''Springfield''' is a city in the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts, USA.

Get in

Springfield is a major railroad junction, serving trains from all directions. Springfield is also the home of Peter Pan Bus Lines, one of the major bus services in New England.

Bus & Train

From the South

Springfield is one of two northern terminals for Amtrak's ''Regional Service'', connecting Springfield through Connecticut down to Virginia. The ''Vermonter'' also travels through Springfield, beginning in Washington, D.C. and terminating in Vermont.

From the North

One of two stops in Massachusetts for the ''Vermonter'' is in Springfield (the other in nearby Amherst). These fares are reasonably priced and it is by far the most relaxing way to enter Springfield from the north.

From the East

Amtrak canceled the ''Bay State'' (AKA ''Overland Route'') in 2004, limiting rail travel from Boston to one train per day, the ''Lake Shore Limited''. Amtrak generally charges $15 for the hour and forty-five minute one way trip, Peter Pan Bus charges around $20-$25 for a dirty, hot (in winter the heat is turned up too high and in summer airconditioning is nonexsistant on older busses), crowded trip and can often run into traffic on the Mass Pike (Interstate 90), however service from Boston is frequent.

From the West

The Lake Shore Limited begins in Chicago, Illinois and terminates in Boston, stopping in Albany, New York and picturesque Pittsfield, Massachusetts and has one stop per day in Springfield. Bus service is limited and schedules may change, check before you go.

By plane

  • ''' Bradley International Airport''', [http://www.bradleyairport.com/], which is 20 minutes away in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
  • By car

    Springfield is accessible via Interstates 90, 91, and 291.

    Get around

    Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) [http://www.pvta.com/public/] offers service throughout Pioneer Valley with it's main terminal in Springfield. Many in the city get around by taxi as the city is small and distances are reasonably short.

    Be advised, crime is high in Springfield and although walking through Springfield in the day is safe enough, night time walking is sometimes dangerous. Use caution.

    See

    '''The Basketball Hall of Fame''', West Columbus Av., Phone: ''+1'' 877-446-6752, [http://www.hoophall.com/]. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-5PM. Along the Connecticut River, in a stunning (and quirky) steel structure. Adults $17, Seniors $14, Ages 5-5 $12.

    '''The Springfield Armory''' is the site that George Washington hand-selected for Revolutionary America's first arms depot, and where the famous Springfield Rifle was made for several centuries. Located on the (reasonably) scenic campus of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) on State Street, just up the hill from the Quadrangle.

    '''The Quadrangle''', 220 State St., is a grouping of several excellent museums and the city library. The fine arts museum features a fine and varied collection, particularly renowned for Impressionist works. The classical arts museum features a collection of Japanese antiques. The science museum boasts a gigantic life-sized (albeit outdated) model of a Tyrannosaurus rex.

    '''The Indian Motorcycle Museum''', 33 Hendee Street. Mar-Nov 10AM-4PM, Dec-Feb 1PM-4PM. Where America's first motorcycle manufacturer produced vehicles for many years.

    Do

    ''' Six Flags New England''', 1623 Main St., Phone: ''+1'' 877-474-9352, [http://www.sixflags.com/parks/newengland/index.asp] The largest theme park in New England, located in nearby Agawam, Massachusetts.

    '''The Eastern States Exposition - "The Big E"''', 1305 Memorial Av., West Springfield, Phone: ''+1'' 413-737-2446, [http://www.thebige.com]. The largest (and arguably the most entertaining) fair in New England, located in the neighboring city of West Springfield, just across the Connecticut River from Springfield proper. It runs from September 15 to October 1.

    Buy

    Eat

  • '''The Munich Haus''', 13 Center Street (downtown Chicopee), Phone: ''+1 413'' 594-8788, [http://www.munichhaus.com/]. Excellent German food and a good selection of German beer.
  • '''Family Kitchen''', 19 St. James Av. (''off State Street''), Phone: ''+1 413'' 732-9417. Daily 6AM-7PM. Come for a full breakfast (includes grits). Ask for the chicken & waffles.
  • '''The Student Prince''', 8 Fort Street (''off Main Street''). German food, locally famous. Make sure you get a good look at the truly massive collection of steins on the walls.
  • '''Max's Tavern''', In the Basketball Hall of Fame. Serving exceptional American fare.
  • '''Red Rose''', Main Street. A springfield classic, Great Pizza and Pasta, former secretary of state Albright claimed had the best meat balls in the world
  • Drink

    Sleep

  • Holiday Inn. 11 Dwight St. 1 413 781-0900. ttp://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/spfma.
  • Springfield Marriott. Boland Way. 1 413 781-7111. 1 413 731-8932. ttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bdlma-springfield-marriott/.

    Get out