As Em gets older, our summers will change. She’ll be driving and making plans with friends that don’t include mom anymore. So, I squeezed as much “together” and adventure that I could out of this summer. I wanted to end our exciting summer with one more adventure, but couldn’t figure out what.

Then the idea for the perfect finish came in an email from Angela at Visit Springfield, STAYCATION!

First stop, Custom Cup Coffee. I’ve had coffee and pastries here before, but this was the first time I had eaten from their breakfast sandwich menu. It’s designed to allow you to customize your perfect sandwich. Basic or fancy, they’ve got you covered. I had bacon, egg, and gouda on a cheddar bagel with an iced coffee featuring their house made brown sugar + cardamom syrup. Em had bacon and red pepper jam on a plain bagel with a fresh lemonade. The perfect start!

Next, the Springfield Visitor’s Center in the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office. It was a quick stop, but I want to go back and explore the available exhibits and information. I was surprised to find that there are several museums and attractions in town that I didn’t even know existed.

From there, we headed to the Route History Museum & Souvenir Shop. The museum’s star is a Virtual Reality trip down Route 66 with a family, showing the highlights and challenges they face, including their experiences with the Green Book. I learned so much during our visit and Em thinks everything should be taught via VR now! The museum team actually traveled along Route 66 in Illinois, collecting oral histories to create the exhibit. This is a must-see!

Next, we took a walk and ate at Jerk Shop Go. Em ordered Jerk Chicken fries and I had a pick 3 combo. The Jerk Egg Rolls were awesome and my quesadilla was great in the restaurant and still delicious when I reheated the leftovers. If you like spicy fusion food with generous portion sizes you should give Jerk Shop Go a try.

After pre registering at the Wyndham and changing clothes, we went to Adams Street where the shops are adorable, the snacks are delicious and the artwork is joy-inspiring! A stop on the Route 66 Mural Trail is nestled between the Kidzeum and Buzz Bomb Brewing and down the block is Whimsy Tea Company. This was my first visit, but it won’t be my last. I tried a rose tea blend from a Victorian blend recipe! They’ve also got loose leaf tea, sandwiches and other beverages. I HIGHLY recommend a trip to Whimsy.

After a break at the hotel, we headed to one of the newest restaurants in town: Aunt Lou’s Soul Food. From the crisp, juicy wings to the flaky, fried fish filet, each item is perfectly cooked. The service was attentive and friendly and the family that owns and runs the restaurant is dedicated to giving the best experience. We left stuffed and happy. Do not miss this new gem!

We finished our night with a visit to The Wakery, a non-alcoholic bar and coffee house. It’s a great spot to continue an evening without the usual bar scene, and families are welcome. We enjoyed live music, tried a few drinks, and had a pastry from their menu. It’s a great way to spend time with your teen or friends.

After wandering a bit more we had a nighttime selfie shoot under the lights on the square before getting cozy in our room. The Wyndham really knows what they’re doing with those pillows!

The next morning, we explored some of the hotel before checking out and heading to Lulu’s Diner for brunch. The owners are some of the kindest people around. Besides nailing the diner concept and making some of the best cinnamon rolls, they always do what they can for the local community. Speedy service, a varied menu, and reasonable pricing makes this a great option.

Before returning to our regular lives, we checked out two more mural trail spots nearby. One on the back of Lon’s Tire Shop has a retro vibe with vibrant neon colors and the other is on the side of the SFPD building. This unique artwork gave us lots of photos to remember our staycation!

I’m so glad we took this little break from our routine to find a new way to enjoy our city and I encourage everyone to give it a try. I’m excited to do it again in the future!

Erin Davis is a mom and blogger with thickfitmom.com