So, we are packing up and leaving the Midwest--heading east to Pittsburgh, PA. Not to be confused with Pittsburg, KS.
Now that we've got that cleared up, are we excited to move? Uh, try ecstatic! We’ve been wanting to get the heck outta here for awhile now. But, whyyyyyy? you ask. I don’t want to get into all the reasons, because Springfield hasn’t been completely horrible to us. We went to college here. We met good friends here. We had many a fun time here. However, “here” is no longer where we belong. We’ve known for quite awhile that we wanted to live in a bigger city. So, opportunity knocked, and off we go!
That said, there are places in Springfield I am going to miss dearly. I know, I know…I’ll find new things and places to love in Pittsburgh, but I’m sure some things will never be quite the same. So, I’ve made our “Springfield Bucket List”--a collection of all the things I’d like to experience once more before we say buh-bye to the Queen City of the Ozarks. Cause who knows when we’ll be back!
1. “Go see a movie at the Moxie.” Oh, Moxie…how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! The Moxie is one of my favorite places…in the entire world. It’s a great independent cinema located downtown. They get all those foreign and indie films that you’d never get a chance to see on the big screen otherwise. I’ve been a fan since they opened and have seen some really amazing films there. It will be hard to say good-bye. DONE! Saw "Like Crazy".
2. “Eat cupcakes at The Cup.” Best. Cupcakes. In. The. World. ‘Nuff said. DONE. They were delicious!
3. “Eat the shrimp & crab dip at the Mudlounge.” Ahh, the Mudlounge. My favorite bar in Springfield. I just love it. It's fun and funky and has always been smoke-free. And their seafood dip is to DIE FOR. We are always discussing our love for it. DONE!
4. “Eat crab cakes at Brew Co.” So what? I like crab, okay? I’ve sampled the crab cakes at several eateries across Springfield, and these are the best. The BEST!! (At least in Pittsburgh, fresh seafood is not such a rarity, so I’ll be in heaven.) DONE! No longer on the menu...had to cry a little, but got them :)
5. “Eat an ‘Oh My God’ roll at Kai.” It comes to your table on fire. Literally. Plus, Kai is just so chic. Not a lot of places in Springfield are. Besides, I’ll take any excuse to eat sushi. (Side note: I’m so going to miss Sushi-a-Go-Go at Ocean Zen. Half-price rolls. Amazing.) DONE!
6. “Get a Chai Banana smoothie from the Mudhouse.” Another Springfield classic—the Mudhouse. When I was in college, I practically lived there. It was like “Cheers.” You always saw someone you knew. And the Chai Banana smoothie is a keeper. (Though, I’ll probably have to go back to get a coffee, as well. Drat!) DONE! Also stopped by a few days later to grab a Honey Almond Latte, in case you were wondering :)
7. “Go to the Piano Bar.” It’s actually named Ernie Biggs, but does anyone call it that? I always loved that place, but stopped going because it was always unbearably smoky inside. Since Springfield is now smoke-free, I’d like to go back. One last time! DONE!
8. “See the Christmas lights at Cornerstone Church.” We actually live next to this place. We got married there. Every December I say, “I want to go see the Christmas display this year!” and we never go. This year, my friend. This year. DONE! Sadly, it was kind of lame. Totally lame, that is.
9. “Have Imo’s Pizza.” Dear lord, when will I get to eat St. Louis-style pizza again? We rarely eat it as is, but at least it’s always an option. Not for much longer! So, gotta have it before we leave. DONE! That stuff is addictive!
Alright, those are the “must-dos”. I really hope I'm not forgetting something! Sure, there are other “if we have the chance, would like to-dos,” but I won’t mention those. And of course, there are the inevitable “it’s too late to-dos,” like visit the Japanese Stroll Garden, or go to Art Walk one last time.
Well, we don’t have much time left, just a week and a half, so we’ve got to get moving if we’re really going to hit all these places. I'm getting all nostalgic, too. Wish us luck!
