4 Winter Weather Driving Tips

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Posted in Car Safety

If you’ve ever been stuck in severe winter weather you know how intimidating and dangerous it can be for automobile travel. Drivers should be extra careful on the roads and be well prepared to deal with any winter road emergencies. Green Kia gently reminds our customers to be cautious while driving in adverse weather conditions because your health and happiness is our top priority. These are four winter weather driving tips.

De-Icing Your Windshield

Whatever you do, don’t use hot water unless you want to deal with a bunch of shattered glass. The first thing to do is to start your car and then turn on your front and rear defrosters. This will help melt the ice and snow and also warm up the inside of your car. When you’re ready to scrape the ice off, use a plastic ice scraper because plastic scrapers won’t damage or scratch the glass surface. Don’t use your windshield wipers until after you’ve completely removed the snow and ice from the windshield. Also, make sure your car has enough windshield washer fluid before you head out.

How to Get Unstuck

If you find yourself stuck in the snow or ice, try to avoid the temptation to spin your wheels. This will just dig you into a deeper hole. Instead, safely get out of your vehicle and look for the path of least resistance between your car and clear ground. Then, try to clear the snow behind your wheels and in front of them as well. If you can, generously pour kitty litter or sand around your tires. Also, keep in mind that the more your front wheels are turned, the more resistance you will have in movement in any direction, so try to keep your front tires as straight as possible.

How to Handle a Skid

If your car begins to slide, keep calm and follow these simple steps. First of all, don’t allow yourself to panic. Take a deep breath and refrain from slamming on the brakes. Remove your foot from the gas pedal and steer your car in the direction you want to go. Wait for the car to stop skidding and to slow down so you can recover control. The best thing to do is to prepare ahead of time for handling a skid by practicing in an open parking lot.

Winter Road Essentials

You should always pack some wintertime essentials in your vehicle so you’ll be prepared in the event of an emergency. First start with car essentials, such as flares, a jack, a spare tire, driving chains and a windshield scraper. Next, get together some things that will help keep you safe and comfortable if you get stuck out in the cold. This includes an extra coat, gloves, a warm hat, a blanket or two, hand and feet warmers, bottled water, an extra power pack and charging cord for your cell phone, a lighter, flashlight, and snacks.

Winter can be a stressful time, especially for driving. So make sure you are well prepared with plenty of rest and everything you need to keep you and your family safe on the road.

Wintertime Performances You Can’t Miss in Springfield

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Posted in Local Springfield Area

Sometimes it’s hard to adjust to wintertime. The days get a lot shorter and it gets cold outside. Unfortunately, we often have no choice but to stay indoors, but you can only watch so many movies before you feel restless. It might be time for you to kick the winter blues by heading out with family or friends to enjoy a wintertime performance. Whether it’s a holiday concert, show, or ballet, your spirit will feel refreshed. We at Green Kia want our customers to be happy, so we’re pleased to suggest these wintertime performances you can’t miss in Springfield.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The Hoogland Center of the arts on South Sixth Street is a perfect place to catch a concert. The Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus brings us “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” It’s a heartwarming holiday show with comforting barbershop harmonies that will undoubtedly get you into the holiday spirit!

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Everyone’s favorite underdog is Charlie Brown. There’s something about him that makes us smile on the inside and want to be better humans. The old holiday classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will surely entertain kids of all ages. Presented by the Hoogland Education Department, the classic television show comes to life in this perfectly performed stage adaptation. Join Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang as they’re reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Nutcracker

The Springfield Ballet Company brings to Springfield its 43rd annual performance of “The Nutcracker.” This family-friendly tradition is a timeless holiday classic that can’t be missed. It follows young Clara and her Nutcracker as they journey through an extravagant Christmas party to a ferocious battle with the evil Mouse King, and then on to a magical visit to the Land of Snow. The show features a cast of more than 120 performers, including local actors from our community, as well as professional guest artists. “The Nutcracker” is the perfect combination of culture, fantasy, and holiday magic.

Holiday Pops in the Heartland

Make your holidays more memorable by attending the Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops in the Heartland. This festive holiday music is truly a community affair, as it features the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony, Springfield Youth Performance in Springfield, Springfield Ballet Company, along with the Bloomington-Normal Symphony Orchestra and the Twin Cities School of Dance. Guest Conductor Thomas Heuser does an outstanding job of bringing it all together in a spectacular fashion that will leave you begging for an encore.

By now you’re probably flipping through your calendar looking for available dates so you can treat yourself or someone you love to one of these amazing wintertime performances. Why not make a whole night of it? Get a little dressed up and head out for a special night on the town. Start with a drive through some holiday lights, enjoy a delicious dinner, or go out for dessert and drinks after the show.

4 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Springfield

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Posted in Local Springfield Area

It’s official: the holidays are here. Time to decorate the tree, string the lights, throw a party, or light the menorah. The holidays are a special time to reconnect with old friends and celebrate with your family. It’s a time of tradition, like holiday baking, wrapping gifts, and enjoying a special meal with the ones you love. Springfield is a wonderful city, and Green Kia is pleased to suggest these four great ways to celebrate the holidays in Springfield.

Holidays at the White House

If you have a fascination with American history, this exhibit is for you. First families celebrate the holidays in their own unique ways, and this exhibit gives us an idea of how some of our Presidents and their families enjoyed the holidays at the White House. This Holidays at the White House exhibit features items and photos from the Eisenhower, Kennedy, Clinton, and George W. Bush eras. Treasured things from presidential collections give us a historical and intimate look into what it’s like to celebrate the holidays with America’s first families. It’s located at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Nov. 17 to Jan. 7.

Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights

Elaborate holiday light displays are part of our American holiday tradition, and no one does it better than our friends at Springfield Park District and the Henson Robinson Zoo. This year will be better than ever with an all-new Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights extravaganza.

Winterland has recently partnered with a national company to bring us the most spectacular sparkling holiday light display ever. So bundle up, grab some friends, and head out for a colorful walking tour through the zoo lights for a night you’ll always remember. Located at Henson Robinson Zoo from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23.

Manheim Steamroller Christmas

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis is the ultimate in holiday traditions. For over 30 years, Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has been treating fans to this classic holiday show featuring a fine selection of compositions from his famous Fresh Aire series, which brought the unique Mannheim sound to America.

The program is always captivating with inspiring music and breathtaking multimedia effects. Experience the spirit of the season for yourself with a show that somehow perfectly presents the magic of the holidays. Prepare the family for a special night, and don’t forget to pick up one of Manheim Steamroller’s holiday CDs while you’re at the show.

Sit with Santa

If your list of holiday traditions includes a visit to downtown Springfield, make sure you stop and get the kids’ picture taken with Santa Claus at the Old State Capitol building. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa, enjoy arts, crafts, and face painting, and receive a candy cane from Santa’s better half, Mrs. Claus.

The holidays are a busy time with long to-do lists for just about everyone but don’t forget to relax and enjoy the magic of the season. There is something about the combination of holiday traditions and time with loved ones that makes the holidays a special time of year, filled with joy and laughter.

Why You’ll Love the 2018 Kia Soul

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Posted in Kia Vehicles

Let’s just admit it, the Kia Soul with its fresh and funky personality is the ultimate in driving fun. Add a spacious interior, stylish cabin, and lengthy list of sought-after features, and the Soul crossover wagon delivers big in every area that matters. The fact that the Soul earns top marks from consumer reporting groups year after year makes it is easy to see why you’re going to fall in love with the 2018 Kia Soul.

Premium Interior

With room for five adults or a ton of cargo, the groovy Soul touts a six-way adjustable driver’s seat. With SiriusXM satellite radio, listen to all your favorite music through four rich, dynamic speakers and two crisp, clear tweeters without having to flip your playlist. Some cool features like lighted speaker rings, adjustable mood lighting, and soft-touch materials all over, make the Kia Soul standout.

Head-Turning Style

The Kia Soul compact wagon is an attractive choice for drivers who love a hatchback with a big, bold style. The 2018 Soul gains an optional Primo Package with HID headlights that are up to three times brighter than halogen lights and they last up to 2000 hours. Also available this year is a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade and a flashy Wild Orange paint job. Spiffy, large 17-inch alloy wheels, outside-mirror turn signals, and additional fender trim complement the Soul’s head-turning exterior package.

Award Winning Kia

For three years in a row, the Soul has earned Consumer Guide Automotive’s Best Buy Award in the subcompact class for its excellent value and practicality, making the 2018 model a perfect fit for almost every lifestyle. J.D. Power gave the Soul five out of five stars for overall quality, comfort, style and design, ranking the Soul top among cars in its class.

Performance

An available 106-liter turbocharged engine is the most powerful and fuel-efficient Soul to date, topping out at 201 horsepower with the upper-level trim. With the new Soul, you have choices when it comes to your transmission. From the standard baseline 6-speed manual to the impressive Sportmatic that offers the feeling of control you don’t get from a traditional automatic. The Soul delivers an whooping estimated combined fuel economy of 27 miles-per-gallon, and it is 10-year/100,000-mile warranty smokes its in-class competition.

Kia UVO3 Technology

The Kia UVO3 subscription-free information system comes standard with the 2018 Soul. With UVO’s advanced voice-recognition technology, it’s easy to make hands-free calls and manage your music library, and it does not stop there. With the Soul’s innovative connectivity, enjoy rich features like GPS navigation, a rear-camera display, and emergency roadside assistance. My Car Zone send alters when your Soul is out past curfew, is speeding through town or leaves a pre-set geographic area. Your Kia’s UVO3 system can even run diagnostic checks and will help schedule a service appointment, if needed.

With so much to offer, what’s not to love about the new 2018 Kia Soul? Get your totally transformed Soul today at your local Kia dealership starting at just $16,100.

Discover the 2017 Kia K900

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Posted in Kia Vehicles

The Kia K900 is where luxury meets value, without sacrificing either. This perfect midpoint of an upper-level Kia sedan is well worth a test drive if it fits into your budget. Read on to see what you’ve been missing.

Generous Standard Equipment

The Kia K900 starts off with a generous collection of features, like a 14-speaker premium sound system (upgradable to an even better Lexicon system), leather seating and upholstery (upgradable to Nappa leather), and much more. Best of all is the new 2017 model, in which blind spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and lane change assist were all added standard. You don’t have to splurge on the top-tier models if you want advanced collision prevention technology.

Parking and Driveway Assistance

In addition to the more fundamental safety features included, the K900 also has some parking assistance features that make life a lot simpler. Parking sensors are standard, while higher models and packages include front and rear parking cameras, as well as a 360-degree-view system composed of little cameras all over the K900’s perimeter.

Comfort and Convenience

Most 2017 K900 models come with heated and ventilated seats, tri-zone climate control, and push-button ignition with keyless entry. Then there’s the power-operated smart trunk, which is easily opened, closed, or locked from the driver’s seat. Meanwhile, the driver has the option to get 16-way power-adjustable seats throughout, plus reclining and ventilating outboard rear seats.

Handy UVO System

All 2017 K900 models come with the Kia UVO infotainment system with an impressive 9.2-inch touch screen. This system is perfect for checking the weather in your area, making or taking calls, and controlling your music. What’s more, the system includes full navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, features that even some higher-priced luxury cars will hide away in the higher trims or packages.

Stylish Exterior Look

The K900 has a balanced exterior appearance that’s at once upscale but welcoming. It looks right at home among other luxury cars, and in some cases beats them objectively in appearance features. The 18-inch wheels with 19-inch alloy alternatives available certainly don’t hurt, nor do the HID headlights, which can be switched out with powerful LED replacements. Automatic windshield wipers and a panoramic sunroof also help improve the K900’s first impressions.

Engaging Powertrain

Finally, we have the K900’s 3.8-liter V6 engine to tie it all together. The 2017 K900 gets 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque and is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Among rear-wheel-drive luxury cars, the K900 stands out for being powerful without losing efficiency. For those interested in maximum power, the top-level trim includes a 5.0-liter V8 engine instead, with 420 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque and also sporting an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of driving style, the K900 excels are brisk acceleration and deceleration.

The Kia K900 sends a clear message to the luxury car world: more reasonably priced cars can offer the same quality and range of features. If the latest K900 sounds like a good fit for you, contact us anytime to discuss models in our inventory and options.

Illinois’ Top 5 Scenic Byways

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Posted in Travel

Nicknamed “The Prairie State,” Illinois is known for its abundant farmland and agricultural prosperity, though it’s also home to numerous state parks, historical landmarks, and majestic rivers that offer plenty of picturesque views. As you plan your next road trip, you can make the most of your journey with these top five scenic byways in Illinois.

Peoria Grandview Drive and Park

For a nice glimpse at the Illinois River Valley, historic Soderstrom Castle, and surrounding seasonal flora, Peoria Grandview Drive deserves a spot on your list. This scenic road spans 2.52 miles, and its adjacent park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Grandview Drive even managed to impress President Theodore Roosevelt, declaring it the “world’s most beautiful drive” following his 1910 visit.

Great River Road

Taking you through the heart of America is Great River Road, a 550-mile scenic byway along the state’s western border. It offers pleasant views of the Mississippi River, rolling hills and grasslands, shaded forests, agricultural and farming areas, and local wildlife. You’ll have the chance to explore various historic sites too, including an 18th-century French fort in Prairie Du Rocher, a 90-foot tall Dutch windmill in Fulton, and a prehistoric Native American settlement near Collinsville.

Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway

Considered “the best scenic drive in America,” the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway spans 33 miles across Great River Road. As you journey past, take note of the colorful foliage, wildlife areas, and river towns surrounding you. Pay a visit to the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford or stop by the 8,050-acre Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton. However, the real fun happens in Alton, where the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers meet, making for a perfect photo op.

Historic Route 66

This iconic highway has been featured in various films, novels, and works of art, and for good reason. Its construction began in 1926, and today it still offers an ideal scenic route from the American Midwest to the West Coast. Along Historic Route 66, you’ll venture past the Original Brick Road, a 1.4-mile stretch of land in Auburn comprised of hand-laid bricks. You can also stop by Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside where Chicago mob boss Al Capone’s gravesite resides.

Ohio River Scenic Byway

The Ohio River Scenic Byway encompasses 188 miles of rolling farmland, roadside flowers, charming landscapes, and recreational areas that border the Ohio River Valley in southern Illinois. This scenic byway ends in Cairo, Illinois, where the Ohio and Mississippi rivers meet and offers plenty of interesting sights along the way.

Head toward Shawnee National Forest for a truly adventurous experience. Here you can check out the Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area, take in the various pathways and sandstone rock formations at the Garden of the Gods, or hike the 90-foot-long Pomona Natural Bridge, great for all ages.

No matter which scenic routes you settle for, there are plenty of unique stops and natural wonders to explore in Illinois. Keep these five destinations in mind when planning your travel itinerary.

What Is the Kia Stonic?

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Posted in New Kia Vehicles

Kia has the market buzzing – what is the Kia Stonic? This uniquely named vehicle has caused a stir. It is a slick-looking subcompact crossover that packs a big punch. Since early in 2017, there have been rumors and innuendos about the Kia Stonic. Now that Kia has finally announced its third quarter review, let’s separate fact from fiction.

The Kia Stonic Rumors

The industry was buzzing so long about the Stonic, that it seemed like an eternity before Kia finally announced its launch. The car paparazzi first snuck the first glimpse of this slick subcompact while it was going through a series of test drives in Sweden. Of course, this increased the rumors. Here are some of them:

  • The vehicle’s exquisite prototype design far outclassed its subcompact class.
  • The Stonic would compete in the same class with crossovers like the Honda HR-V, its Hyundai cousin also under design, and the Chevrolet Trax.
  • Its funny name derived from the words “speed” and “tonic.”
  • The Stonic would hit the market in the second half of 2017.
  • The Stonic would pack a 4-cylinder engine and carry cutting-edge safety features.

The Kia Stonic Innuendos

Rumors are usually followed with innuendos and the Kia Stonic rumors follow suit. Since most prototypes tend to exaggerate the actual car, car experts have their own thoughts about the final product. One, for instance, insinuated the actual body design would be a watered-down version of the prototype. The interior seemingly aligns with a more realistic presentation of what Kia usually delivers.

The Kia Stonic Facts

The Kia Stonic buzz led to rumors and innuendos, now there are facts. Kia has announced the Kia Stonic will be available in the European market for third quarter 2017. There is still uncertainty whether it will be available in the US market since it is in the same class with the US Kia Soul.

The Stonic is only available as a front wheel drive with the following engine options and as suspected, they have a turbo engine in the mix:

  • 1.0-liter T-GDi
  • 1.25 and 1.4 -liter naturally aspirated engine
  • 1.6-liter diesel engine

This subcompact vehicle has plenty of space for its size.  Its above-the-class interior space makes riding in it fun and comfortable. It also comes equipped with the latest infotainment technology and includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Enjoy a long ride with good music and lots of space and comfort. The roomy Stonic comes with heated front seats for those cold winter days, cruise control, and keyless entry. Lastly, buyers have the choice of 20 color combinations that make the eye-catching Stonic even more appealing.

The Kia Stonic lives up to much of the hype that preceded its debut. Its speed, technology, style, and roomy interior will make competitors and fans pay attention alike. Its European appeal has the market anxiously awaiting its market debut. There have been no announcements whether this car will hit the US market — but you can best believe the streets are talking!

The 2018 Kia Sorento Is Awesome

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Posted in New Kia Vehicles

The 2018 Kia Sorento enters its junior year as a carry-over with the same great style it had the year before.  All trims, except for the base trim level, are available in both FWD and AWD. The 2018  trim changes were more about package reconfiguration than new features. There are a couple of improvement across all trims:

  • A better headlamp performance
  • A front headrest redesign

As you walk through additions to the Sorento standard packages by trim, you will see the amount of functionality added to the higher level trims is impressive.

Kia Sorento L

The L trim is the Sorento’s base model. Drivers now enjoy more safety amenities in the standard package.

  • The rear-camera display acts as a second pair of eyes to drivers, allowing them to reverse more safely.
  • The auto on/off headlights adjust to the outdoor light, minimizing driver distraction.

Kia Sorento LX 2.4

The LX 2.4 now includes the cool and connected package as well as third-row seats in its standard package. The cool and connected package includes the:

  • UVO link Infotainment System with 7″ touchscreen display
  • Android Auto™,
  • Apple CarPlay™

Kia Sorento EX 2.0T

The EX 2.0T, which packs a powerful punch with its 2.0 liter turbo-charged engine, received a boost to its standard package as well.

  • The Smart-Power Liftgate® acts as a personal concierge with functionality that automatically opens the Liftgate® when it senses someone in front of it.
  • The Power-Folding Side Mirrors allow drivers more leverage to park in tight spots.
  • The Auto-Dimming Mirror with HomeLink® offers safety and convenience from harsh reflective lights and the ability to control home amenities such as your car garage.
  • The Power Windows with Driver & Passenger One-Touch Auto-Up/Down and the Power Windows with 2nd-Row One-Touch Auto-Up/Down add the one-touch up/down functionality to the front and back passenger windows.
  • Supervision Meter Cluster w/ 7″ Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Color LCD Display provides the information the drivers need in style.

Kia Sorento EX V6

The EX  V6, like its turbo counterpart, now includes the automatic Liftgate®, folding side mirror, and the one-touch up/down windows feature on the front and rear passenger in its standard package. Additionally, the standard package includes the cool and connected package the LX boasts. The Advanced Touring Package makes the EX V6 the trim that packs punch to its package with the following features:

  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Forward collision warning system
  • Lane departure warning system
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • ED interior light
  • 110-volt power inverter

Kia Sorento ESX V6

THe ESX VS bests all the other trims. It has all the same features as the EX V6, and it includes rain-sensing wipers. Additionally, its Advanced Touring Package gets a boost with:

  • A heated steering wheel
  • HID headlights with auto-leveling and dynamic bending light
  • Ventilated front seats

The 2019 Kia Sorento is expected to get a facelift and perhaps that explains why there aren’t so many noticeable changes. However, the standard upgrades, especially to the EX V6 and the ESX V6, explains why the Kia 2018 is awesome!

Enjoy the Outdoors at These 4 Springfield, IL Parks

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Posted in Local Springfield Area

While Springfield, Illinois, is more popular for what happens behind the doors of its various government buildings, the capital city has a number of lovely parks that are ideal for spending some time outdoors. You’ll always find something to do at one of these green spots, whether it’s playing competitive sports, entertaining the kids, or having a picnic. The next time you want to get some fresh air, make sure to check out a few of these Springfield parks.

1. Southwind Park

With over 80 acres of green space, Southwind Park is one of the largest parks in Springfield. However, it’s not the size that makes this park special. It’s actually a national model for eco-friendly city parks. Solar panels and wind turbines dot the landscape of the park to power many of its pavilions and other powered sites. In addition, everything in the park meets or exceeds the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The park also has over 2.5 miles of trails, several playgrounds, and the Great Lawn, which is ideal for playing frisbee, flying a kite, or cloud watching. The centerpiece is Erin’s Pavilion, which is a 15,000-square foot entertainment center that’s earned platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status from the U.S. Green Building Council for sustainability.

2. Washington Park

Founded in 1901, Washington Park is 150 acres of pristine green space, featuring amazing landscape design, a botanical garden, and turn-of-the-century pavilions and buildings. Together, these structures and grounds make Washington Park the only Springfield park to find its way on to the National Register of Historic Places.

Tennis courts, paddle tennis courts, and a tennis pro shop are in the middle of the park, and remain Washington’s only non-passive type of recreation. If you aren’t a tennis fanatic, take a walk along the miles of wooded trails or have some fun on one of the park’s many playgrounds.

3. Rotary Park

Situated on the southwest side of Springfield, Rotary Park is the premier park for competitive team sports or pickup games if you can find the time. The park contains soccer fields, football fields, a basketball court, tennis courts, and three baseball fields that are also used for softball. There are also 4,000 feet of trails and two pavilions for people looking to hang out or go for a walk. Arrive early if you’re playing a game, as the parking lot fills up quickly.

4. Lincoln Park

Developed in 1905 to accommodate the trolley line in Springfield, Lincoln Park is as much historic as it is beautiful. It has the most diverse array of sporting facilities in Springfield, making it a sportsman’s paradise. This includes biking and hiking trails, 21 horseshoe pits, three shuffleboard courts, six ball diamonds, and a soccer field. The Nelson Recreation Center bolsters the park’s unique attributes with a swimming pool and two indoor ice rinks.

With so much green space throughout the city, it’s surprising that Springfield’s parks aren’t more popular throughout the state. Now that you know about them, you’re free to explore them all yourself. There’s no doubt you’ll have an awesome time.

5 Amazing Eats in Springfield You Have to Try

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Posted in Local Springfield Area

If you love Springfield and would like to spend a great time with your family eating out after a long road trip around the area, there are plenty of quality menus offered by unique restaurants. No matter if you like traditional bar food or new flavors, Springfield has amazing eats for everyone.

1. Dew Chilli Parlour

Established in 1909, this restaurant has been serving those hitting Route 66 for over a hundred years. You will find great all-American traditional cuisine, fantastic entertainment, and locally produced quality beef. You can choose from different sides, such as the Walking Taco, cornbread, or chips, and opt for extra shredded cheese or sour cream. If you need a break after a long trip on the Route 66, why not try your luck at the gaming parlour.

2. Cozy Dog Drive In

On the historic Route 66, this traditional café and restaurant has many quick bites to offer for tired travelers. Established in 1949, the drive-in is famous for its BBQ and bacon and egg sandwiches, as well as the chilli cheese hot dog. The Cozy Dog Drive In is open Monday to Saturday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m and serves breakfast until 11 a.m. You can pick up a family basket of fries and Cozy Dogs for only $10.50.

3. Boone’s Saloon

This traditional American bar is open between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. and offers a great choice of salads, quick bites, and specialty horseshoes. A horseshoe is made of grilled sourdough, topped with fries and your choice of meat. If you are more of a burger person, you can choose specialty saloon-style creations such as the Miner 49er and The Gobbler. Breakfast is served on Saturdays and Sundays between 8 a.m. and noon.

4. American Harvest Eatery

If you are looking for a relaxing place to have a Sunday brunch, you must visit this eatery in Springfield. You will find only local, quality, fresh ingredients in the food prepared by famous chefs. The menu is constantly changing, depending on the availability of local produce. The brunch menu offers homemade pies, breakfast salads made of fresh produce, and omelets. Try the delicious apple burgers for lunch, or sample the sticky toffee date cake.

5. Little Saigon

For the fans of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, this authentic-quality restaurant offers friendly service and great prices. If you are hungry and would like to get a quick bite, you can try one of the Vermicelli noodle dishes, or fill up with a delicious wok creation. The restaurant has Vietnamese and Thai lunch specials Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Whether you are seeking the traditional dishes of Route 66 or would like to sample local produce, you have plenty of options to choose from in Springfield. Stop for a fast bite or try a delicious chilli, have a lazy morning and get a tasty Sunday brunch. You will not be disappointed in the selection of eats offered by Springfield’s best restaurants.