"I do therefor invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United Sates, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving" Abraham Lincoln 1863

As is a tradition in many homes on Thanksgiving, the team here at Visit Springfield wanted to take a moment to say what we’re thankful for this holiday season.

"I am thankful for family, friends, colleagues and community.  Also, I am grateful to our Route 66 business owners and staff for providing unique experiences to visitors traveling the Mother Road." Scott Dahl, Director

"I am thankful for all of our community service agencies doing great work in our city. I am also thankful for Westwood's Lodge and their Dill Pickle Pizza!! YUMMY!"  Amy Beadle, Marketing Manager

"I am thankful for family and my church. I am also thankful for our Lincoln Presenters and the actors/portraitists who serve during our summer History Comes Alive program.  Their passion and commitment to share our history with Springfield visitors is so appreciated." Darrin Thurman, Convention Sales

"I am thankful for being blessed with a job I love for so long, the strangers I get to help make memories. I am thankful for Route 66 as an additional destination for us and having the Route 66 Mother Road Festival. It's always great to see the enthusiasm it creates and the memories it brings back." Sheila Hunter, Administrative Clerk

"I am thankful for all my friends and family that have proudly and selflessly served our country.  I am thankful that Springfield has memorial sites (WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War) to commemorate those that made the ultimate sacrifice." Melissa Dunbar, Convention Sales

"I am thankful for my loving & supporting family and Dr. Christopher Lawrance, my cardiothoracic surgeon who performed my life-saving operation. I am also thankful for Cherry Hills Church and the pizza at Gabatoni's" Krista Grant, Account Tech

"I'm reminded daily how fortunate I am to have a job I love and an amazing group of friends.  I'm also thankful for our fantastic hotel partners in Springfield.  Working hard every day to make your stay wonderful." Paula Antonacci, Client Service Specialist

"I am thankful for Visit Springfield's partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Land Management, specifically to Justin Blandford & Troy Gilmore.  They allow us to successfully assist visitors from the historic Lincoln Herndon Law Office Visitors Center/Tinsley Dry Goods building in downtown Springfield. They are also always willing to participate in joint projects and ensure travelers have the best time while visiting! Thank you for everything you do!" Sarah Waggoner, Tourism Manager

"I am thankful for MaryFlor, I have a lot of busy days and I cannot always pack my lunch for work but I can always count on MaryFlor for quick and great service as well as cozy seating and delicious food. I am also thankful for Henson Robinson Zoo.  I love that we have a space that takes care of endangered animals and teaches the next generation of great minds.  It's a space that allows for learning but also mindful living, who doesn't enjoy watching the cute penguins, come on!" Makenley Jones, Tourism Marketing Specialist

"I'm thankful for La Piazza's Berry Salad and all the fresh delight it brings to my tummy!" Brandy Santiago, Administrative Clerk

"I am so thankful to have the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum here in Springfield.  Their world class staff helps provide an experience befitting one of the most important people in our history.  The special exhibits and endless learning opportunities make a visit new and remarkable every time.  It is truly a community treasure." Terry Truman, Sales Manager

"I am thankful for the Illinois State Fairgrounds for all of the agriculture events they host every year!" Hannah Johnson, Convention Sales

"I am thankful for my friends, family, job and the life I get to live every day; a bad day is still a blessing.  Plus, all the shopping opportunities in Springfield that make the bad days a little better, when you love shopping as much as me!"  Kaitlin Coultas, Digital Marketing Specialist

"I'm thankful for my wonderful friends & family and my amazing coworkers.  I'm also thankful for the wonderful events Springfield provides.  Board game nights at Buzz Bomb, Lucky Horseshoes games, & movies under the stars at the Route 66 Twin Drive-In are some of my favorite things to do." Mike Riefler, Data Coordinator

As a group, we want to thank all the businesses, attractions, & vendors that work so hard to make Springfield a world-class destination.  And we also want to thank you, the visitors, for coming to see us.  We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to seeing you in 2023!