Cynthia - Click to enlarge Edition #51, 28 September 2009

Hello, my name is Cynthia, a mermaid from the cool waters of New England. Thank you for visiting my collection of articles on New England. Please tell your friends and family about this web site.

Look for other articles in this series on the home page.

Springfield, Massachusetts

The city of Springfield is located along the Connecticut River in southwestern Massachusetts. It is the third largest city in the state, and the fourth largest in New England. Springfield was settled in 1636, and incorporated in 1852. It is the county seat of Hampden County. Springfield is well known as the birthplace of basketball, invented in 1891 by James Naismith. Here is a map of Springfield.

The Basketball Hall of Fame is located at 1000 W Columbus Avenue. From its origin in 1891 to the present, all aspects of the game are presented. This is a must-see for any basketball fan. Admission is $16.99 for adults, $13.99 for seniors, and $11.99 for youth ages 5-15. Check the web site for hours of operation.

Children of all ages will enjoy the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden at The Quadrangle in Springfield. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) was born in Springfield in 1904, and these bronze sculptures were created by his step-daughter, Lark Grey Dimond-Cates.

Dr. Seuss Memorial Bright Nights of Springfield is New England's largest holiday lighting display. Dates for 2009 are Wednesday to Sunday, November 25th through December 6th, and nightly from December 9th to January 2nd. Prices are $15 per vehicle Monday to Thursday, and $18 Friday to Sunday and holidays. Bright Nights is held at Forest Park off of Sumner Avenue.

Located at 1305 Memorial Avenue in West Springfield, the Eastern States Exposition began on September 18, and will run through October 4th. This is the largest fair in the northeast, and the perfect place to celebrate autumn. There is plenty of live music, great things to eat, a Mardi Gras parade, and much more!

History fans will enjoy a visit to the Springfield Armory at One Armory Square. Here at this national historic site, firearms for the US military were manufactured from 1794 to 1968. The Armory has the largest collection of small weapons in the country.

Springfield is home to Springfield College, Western New England College, American International College, and Springfield Technical Community College.

Everyone is raving about the Red Rose Pizzeria at 1060 Main Street. The portions are generous and the food is delicious. Try the eggplant parmesan, sandwiches, pizza, or salads. You will not leave hungry.

Folks are calling Tung Hai Chinese Restaurant, "Simply the best". Located at 1301 Liberty Street, Tung Hai is known for their high quality and fast service. Be sure to try the chicken wings!

For those that prefer a great Bed & Breakfast over the usual hotel room, may I suggest Lathrop House B&B? Guests are talking about the fine hospitality, architecture, photography, and cats! Two cats make their home there, and help keep the guests company if they wish. You will also find comfortable rooms and spacious bathrooms. Lathrop House is located at 188 Sumner Avenue. Be sure to tell the cats that you know a mermaid!

Learn more about Springfield at www.springfieldmass.com and www.springfieldcityhall.com. If you see me in the water, be sure to wave!

Contact me

Write to me at to share your comments and questions. I would love to hear from you!

If your business would like to sponsor a past or future article, please visit my Resources page for information.

Help Keep Oceans Clean, for my world, and for yours!

Return to the Home Page


Photo Credits:
Cynthia at Sunrise: DSI Photo
Dr. Seuss Memorial: Webshots/dobsonaxx

©2009 Gold Mermaid