Things To Do In Springfield MO | Blog | University Plaza Hotel

Stroll The Springfield Botanical Gardens

The peaceful tranquility of nature is something that all of us yearn for from time to time. The 7.5-acre Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at the Springfield Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to relax and calm your soul with a casual walk.

Located just 15 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel, the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is home to a moon bridge, meditation garden, koi lake, tea house, and traditional Japanese garden landscaping. Imagine walking hand in hand with the one you love as you make your way around the koi lake, stopping to look at the majestic fish as they swim. Think about the serenity you will feel when you allow your thoughts to drift as you admire the landscape and plant life that surrounds you. The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in all of Springfield and in fact, the entire state.

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Prepare for the Fair

There is just something special about the sights, smells, and sounds of the annual county fair. Every year, new memories are made as families enjoy the live entertainment, activities, and food and drink that are synonymous with fair fun.

There is just something special about the sights, smells, and sounds of the annual county fair. Every year, new memories are made as families enjoy the live entertainment, activities, and food and drink that are synonymous with fair fun. At the 6th Annual Corndog Kickoff, you can enjoy some of that delicious fair food a little early. Taking place only about 10 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel, the Corndog Kickoff allows visitors the opportunity to sample endless fair food and beverages while enjoying some live music. Additionally, you will get some early information about the live music lineup for the 84th Anniversary of the Ozark Empire Fair. Just imagine those delicious hot dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, hamburgers, and, of course, corndogs that you can sample at this unique pre-fair experience. If you really enjoy all of the delicious treats, you can make your plans to attend the actual Ozark Empire Fair that will take place from July 30- August 8, 2020.

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Rock and Roll All Nite

In 1973, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley came together to form one of the greatest rock bands in the history of the world.

Of course, that band is KISS. Now KISS is back on the road for one final tour called “The End of the Road World Tour.” The makeup covered and leather-clad rockers will be stopping by the JQH Arena at Missouri State University on February 18. The incredible venue, perfect for a face-melting rock show, is only half a mile from the University Plaza Hotel. The band is sure to bring out all the hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Love Gun,” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” as well as some deep cuts that long time fans are sure to appreciate. This will most likely be your last chance to catch KISS live in concert, so you will want to get your tickets as soon as possible.

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Hoop Dreams

Even though 2020 just started, it is already time for NCAA basketball teams to start getting into position for deep postseason runs during March Madness.

The Missouri State Bears are one such team. They hope to find their stride as a team as the Missouri Valley Conference tournament approaches, with an ultimate goal of an NCAA tournament appearance. You can watch as they complete their final fine-tuning in home games against Northern Iowa, Bradley, Valparaiso, Illinois State, and Indiana State in the next month alone. The Bears’ home court, JQH Arena, is only about half a mile from the University Plaza Hotel, so you could even walk to the game. Coach Dana Ford has a highly motivated team featuring star players like Jared Ridder, Lamont West, and Tyrik Dixon. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a college basketball game, especially when the postseason is just around the corner.

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Soon It Will Be Christmas Day

As 2019 comes to a close, there will be all kinds of holiday events that you and your family will want to enjoy.

If you are looking for something that brings together the people of Springfield and really kicks off the holiday season, then you will want to attend the 2019 Downtown Christmas Parade. The theme this year is "Silver Bells: It’s Christmas Time in the City," and just like the famous Bing Crosby song, the parade is a great reminder that soon it will be Christmas Day. The parade is on Saturday, December 14 this year, and it starts at 2 pm. This is your opportunity to visit all of the fine shopping establishments in Downtown Springfield, pick out those perfect gifts for all the special people in your life, and stick around for one of the most popular traditions in the city. In addition to floats demonstrating their creativity with the aforementioned theme, there will also be an appearance by Santa Claus himself!

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It's a Beaut, Clark

As we approach the holiday season, it is time to start breaking out all of your favorite holiday movies. One that appears on just about everyone’s list is the 1989 Chevy Chase classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

This incredibly quotable film has become synonymous with Christmas and the holiday season. On November 29, The Historic Gillioz Theatre will be presenting a special screening of the film. The beautiful event space is located only about half a mile from the University Plaza Hotel, so you will not want to miss your chance to take your family to the show. In addition to the screening, there will be a costume contest, a raffle, and lots of fun giveaways. This annual event is perfect for everyone in the family from your own Cousin Eddie to Aunt Bethany. So throw on your Santa Hat, grab a glass of eggnog, and join all of the fun at the Gillioz Theatre to kick off your holiday season.

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Get in the Halloween Spirit

After a seemingly endless summer, the temperatures have finally started to drop. At the same time, people are starting to prepare for a fun and spooky Halloween.

If you prefer your Halloween season to be filled with scares, then you will want to visit two of Springfield’s most popular and oldest haunted houses. The first, Hotel of Terror, opened in 1978 and has been a Springfield favorite ever since. The highlight of the Hotel of Terror is the 96-foot slide that has made the place famous. The newest attraction, Dungeons of Doom, has been developing quite the reputation as well. No matter which of the haunted houses you are able to visit, you are sure to be delighted by thrilling exhibits, frightening monsters, and even some of your favorite Halloween creatures from film and television. Both of these incredible haunted houses are only about 10 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel.

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College Football is Back

With a history that can be traced back all the way to 1909, the Missouri State Bears have playing winning football for over 100 years.

Now that the college football season has begun, you can take in a game and root for the Bears as they try to capture a Missouri Valley Conference Championship. Missouri State plays its games at the beautiful Robert W. Plaster Stadium, just 5 minutes from University Plaza Hotel. The next couple months of football include home games against Kennesaw State, South Dakota, Northern Iowa, South Dakota State, and Indiana State. College sports is where young men and women get to live out their dreams, so you will not want to miss your chance to enjoy a Missouri State football game this season. You will be able to say that you are now a part of the storied history of the college’s football program.

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A Strong Impression

Ventriloquist, actor, singer, and comedian Terry Fator burst onto the scene when he won the top prize on the television program America’s Got Talent in 2007.

Since then, he has been delighting audiences all across the country with his uncanny impressions and impressive vocal range. On Sunday, August 18, Terry Fator will be bringing his talents to the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, just half a mile away from the University Plaza Hotel. Throughout his show, you will be amazed as Terry perfectly imitates famous artists and celebrities like Gnarls Barkley, Garth Brooks, Maroon 5, Kermit the Frog, Etta James, Louis Armstrong, and many more with the help of his puppets Cowboy Walter, Emma Taylor, and Winston the Impersonating Turtle. If you are looking for a night full of laughs and one of a kind entertainment, then you do not want to miss your chance to experience all of the wonder and excitement that Terry Fator provides on a nightly basis.

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Movies in the Park

There is just something special about watching a movie outdoors on the big screen. When a large group of people get together under the stars to watch a popular film, the movie watching experience is just a little more fun.

All summer long, there will be family movies played at Founders Park, just one mile away from University Plaza Hotel. On July 5, the film will be Smallfoot, followed by Second Act the next day. The weekend after that features The Goonies and Jurassic Park on July 12 and July 13 respectively. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World will be playing on July 19, and Crazy Rich Asians will be featured on July 20. The month wraps up with Incredibles 2 on July 26 and Solo: A Star Wars Story on July 27. Each weekend offers films for the younger kids on one night and something for the older members of your family on the other night. Concessions will be available at each show, so come hungry and ready to enjoy the film!

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The Candy Man Can

Since 2007, Askinosie Chocolate has been whipping delicious treats that are so impressive that it has been called one of the “25 Best Small Companies in America” by Forbes magazine.

Now, you have the opportunity to tour the factory for a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate making process every Tuesday at 3:30 pm. Tours last about 45 minutes, and they, of course, include plenty of samples along the way. After the tour, you get a 10% discount in the chocolate shop where you can purchase all your favorite sweets. Askinosie Chocolate is located less than 10 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel, so this is one experience you will not want to miss. If you have always wanted to know what it is like visiting Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, minus the danger and songs, then a tour of the Askinosie Chocolate Factory is the perfect afternoon outing for you and your family.

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Indulge Your Creative Side

Just about everyone has dreamed of performing on stage in front of a live audience and wowing everyone in the crowd with their musical prowess.

Have you ever wanted to have your own Lady Gaga moment from A Star is Born where the unsuspecting crowd is shocked by your unbelievable natural ability? If so, you will want to hone your skills at Ozarks Writer’s Night at Friends Karaoke Pub. Located only about 15 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel, Friends Karaoke Pub is the best spot in all of Springfield for karaoke and live music. At Ozarks Writer’s Night, musicians of all sorts come together to jam, work on lyrics, and collaborate with the many talented people that live in the area. Bring your favorite guitar, and show the world what you have to offer. Ozarks Writer’s Night occurs every Wednesday night, and it is one of the most popular regular live music events in Springfield.

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Namaste

Yoga is truly is for everyone, and it helps you increase flexibility, reduce your weight, maintain a balanced metabolism, improve athletic ability, and basically improves your overall health.

Every Sunday, there are weekly yoga classes in Phelps Grove Park at 6 PM. This beautiful park, one of the prettiest in all of Springfield, is only about 5 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel. These yoga classes are suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. The sessions are led by registered yoga instructors from the Springfield area, and they only ask for a small donation. All you need to bring is a positive attitude, a smile, and your yoga mat. If this is your first experience with yoga, you are sure to develop a love for a style of exercise that you can continue for the rest of your life. If you are a veteran, you will find the beautiful scenery inspiring and the local instructors quite knowledgeable.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and the 39th Annual Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the perfect place to celebrate the emerald holiday.

The parade, which takes place Saturday 3/16, is great fun for the whole family, and the route is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel. All throughout the parade, you and your family will be treated to traditional Irish dancing, live music, and plenty of festive costumes. At the conclusion of the parade, you will want to stick around for Irish themed food and drink from nearby restaurants. The green beer will be flowing, and the corned beef and cabbage are some of the best that you will ever taste in your life. Additionally, there will local merchants selling St. Patrick’s Day themed trinkets and mementos all day long. The event is free, but donations are welcomed to help keep this wonderful tradition going for many years to come.

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Warm Up at the Winter Market

The Farmers Market of the Ozarks Winter Market allows you to have the opportunity to support local businesses all year long.

From now until March 16, the Winter Market will have special hours from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday. The market includes a heated pavilion and is located just 15 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel. The Farmers Market of the Ozarks features a variety of goods from local farmers, bakers, artisans, and crafters. In addition to delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables, there will also be plenty of handcrafted jewelry and other handmade gifts available. Whether you are looking for honey, jams, or even salsa, you are sure to find just what you need at the Winter Market. Even though the temperatures have been pretty low so far this year, the turnout at the Farmers Market of the Ozarks is always high due to the quality of produce and crafts sold there.

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Take in a Show

When Cabaret in 1966 on Broadway, it immediately became a smash hit. Subsequent runs all across the world proved to be so popular that the stage show was adapted to a successful film in 1972.

From January 17- February 3, you can experience the magic and beauty of Cabaret at Nathan P. Murphy’s Theater. This incredible venue is less than a mile from The University Plaza Hotel, which is only about a 5-minute drive. Cabaret tells the tale of the Kit Kat Klub in Germany just before Hitler’s rise to power. This classic production provides insight into the lives of ordinary Germans of the period and the simultaneous rise of the Nazi party. With classic songs like “Willkommen,” “Maybe This Time,” “Don’t Tell Mama,” and “Cabaret,” this performance is guaranteed to entertain audiences night after night. You will not want to miss your chance to catch this winner of 8 Tony Awards in person.

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Stroll The Springfield Botanical Gardens

Prepare for the Fair

Rock and Roll All Nite

Hoop Dreams

Soon It Will Be Christmas Day

It's a Beaut, Clark

Get in the Halloween Spirit

College Football is Back

A Strong Impression

Movies in the Park

The Candy Man Can

Indulge Your Creative Side

Namaste

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Warm Up at the Winter Market

Take in a Show