19th Springfield Stop -- The Pythian Castle

I know the Pythian Castle (1451 E. Pythian St.) can't open to the public right now (thanks to the City). However, it is a one-of-a-kind hidden Springfield gem built in 1913 as an orphanage. It is massive and has an interesting history. Hopefully, it will be open for tours again soon. Until then, drive by and take a look. I took the photo above when our office took a tour a few years ago.

7th Springfield Stop -- Julie's Chewies

These cookies are amazing! Buy them by the dozen and they put them in a lovely box and tissue paper. Julie's Chewies is located at 1325 S. Glenstone and they also deliver.

5th Springfield Stop -- Tea Bar & Bites

Tea Bar & Bites (612 S. Pickwick) is the perfect place to take a date or your mother or grandmother or a group of friends. It is cozy and homey and the food is wonderful and comforting. The lemonade is the best I've had (and you can have many refills of it based on experience).

If you go on a warm day, you can also sit in the beautiful courtyard. It's almost as if you are at a cafe' in Italy. They also have theme nights so you can really pretend like you are in another country. The owner, Colleen Smith, told me that they have been open for five years.

I didn't capture the cool of the place when I took my photos. So, I am using this photo that I took of their bell tower. If you haven't been there, you just need to go and you will know what I'm talking about.

3rd Springfield Stop -- The Pizza House

The Pizza House (312 E. Commercial St.) is a wonderful place to get thin crust pizza and a great salad -- get the big one. It has been around for 50 years so they know what they are doing.

2nd Springfield Stop -- Kick the K-man

Move Springfield's metal monster on a beautiful day at Jordan Valley Park. It's great exercise for you and he really seems to enjoy it also.