1) Have fun with your brother. I hear there is some really good shopping in Springfield, ie Dane's Discount.

2) Hi Boys...Have fun and don't forget to call your mommy!

3) Have breakfast at Charlie Parker's, lunch at Cafe Brio and dinner at the Pizza Machine.

Also make sure he has a horseshoe. It doesn't matter from where; they're all pretty much the same. That's probably blasphemous for a native Springfielder to say, but whatever. It's just bread, meat, fries and cheese sauce everywhere you go.

4) Yeah, so take him out for a Stag because all beer is just water, barley, hops and yeast - NOT! All horseshoes are NOT created equal! Now, Wayne's Red Coach Inn used to have the best horseshoe in Springfield, but alas, they no longer exist. Fritz's Wagon Wheel is pretty good, but the BEST is at Darcy's Pint: www.darcyspintonline.com

Also, Cafe Brio isn't the most "original" place on earth, but there used to be a little hole-in-the-wall joint downtown [on Capitol] called Norb Andy's--now, that's unique and the food is tasty. You'll also get a good beer there vs. that Stag crap.

If Scott is as interested in history as he is in mathematics, you could also visit Lincoln's Home and/or drive out towards Petersburg to see Lincoln's New Salem. Oh, and don't forget Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana Thomas House: www.dana-thomas.org

Now, for REALLY offbeat stuff, look up these places: Pearson's Museum, Lincoln's Lucky Nose and Museum of Funeral Customs - Casket Replicas of the Presidents. Have fun!

5) PS. Don't forget to take Scott's picture with the Pink Elephant and the Lauterbach Muffler Man!

6) thanks for the great tips!
UPDATE:
According to Scott he is 80 miles away...just crossed into Illinois.
He says he was slowed by a large truck that had "Swift" written on it and has seen some very amusing billboards...mostly about abortion.

7) Ben, this is too obvious but nobody has mentioned it. Take him to see the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. It is awesome and you would enjoy it too if you haven't seen it. You've never seen a museum like this one.

8) Ooops, forgot that one Mom Heinzel...I guess I figured he'd take him there, if he was going to the library. I also figured they'd do all the other "Lincoln-y" stuff, too, but I mentioned it anyway.

9) the Dana-Thomas, Frank Llyod Wright House too! Did somebody already say that?

10) Yep, Sarah. That's the same place.

Ditto on Charlie Parker's for breakfast.

11) Shoot, I lived in Springfield for 18 years but have nothing to add. Maybe a tour of the Old/New State Capital?

12) Lunch at the Cozy Dog on south 6th Street. Catch up on Rte. 66 memorabilia as you munch on the world famous cozy dogs.

13) Good one Dad. I second the Cozy Dog. Fried food at its artery-hardening best.

14) I'll vote for Cozy Dog, too!! That is the first place I want to come next time I get to Springfield....then can we go to the Lincoln museum again?!?!?!

15) Sis, I can't believe you want to go to the Lincoln Museum again!!!!! But, yes, come on out and we'll go!!!!! After we go to Cozy Dog!!!!

16) I am now craving a cozy dog...I'm not sure what it is but it is fried so it must be sinful.

17) And what about getting a horseshoe? Yum!!
Are you feeling better, Sis?

18) Leslie, it's nothing more than a corn dog. Well, I shouldn't say that. It's WAY MORE than a lowly corn dog!!! It was invented in Springfield and is called the Cozy Dog. Very yummy!
Yes, Sis, thank you, I feel much better today but my poor little grandchildren were both sick puppies today. (We had them.) They were just like little statues all day. Bless their hearts. It's one thing when you're sick, but when you have to see them suffer, it's tough.

19) I'll put it on my list for my next visit to Springfield.

20) And for those who don't know....the horseshoe was also invented here in Springfield. It's toast covered with either hamburgers or ham or chicken or just about any other kind of meat you can think of covered with a mound of French fries covered with a very delicious cheese sauce. Death by horseshoe is common around Springfield.

21) UGH I love Cozy Dog. Mom Heinzel!, I am SO glad I am not the only one who thinks the Lincoln Museum is awesome!

22) Could you believe it, Betsy??!! I took my sister who has always hated history and she loved it and wanted to learn more about Lincoln and wanted to go back to the museum. It's really a treasure. I think a lot of people all over the country have heard about it because whenever I'm in their parking lot I always see license plates from all over the place. Steve and I have been five times and can't wait to go back!