304983 Tue Jun 27 13:24:11 -0700 2006 5 13 New England 0 1714396 I'm planning an outing to look at Springfield - never been in the downtown part. I'd like a few recs on interesting local places for lunch, snacks, etc. Are there any good bakeries, ethnic food shops, Chowish stuff that we just shouldn't miss? TIA Tue Jun 27 13:24:11 -0700 2006 11146 EllenMM 1 2064175 Do not - repeat- do not miss Frigos. 90 William Street. Great deli, prepared foods, etc... NEVER leave there without buying their home made sopresata. Good Italian bread too. Italian market mecca. Go there. www.frigofoods.com Sat Dec 02 17:04:13 -0800 2006 1714396 57139 Ringo33 1 2064990 I don't live in Springfield, but I do read the Springfield Republican newspaper daily. I wouldn't be venturing around Springfield after dark. It has a high crime rate for a small city. I'm not a great sports fan, but the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, off of I-91, is a real delight for all ages. You usually can find discounted tickets on the web. http://www.hoophall.com/ They have a well-respected restaurant: Max's Tavern http://www.maxrestaurantgroup.com/locations/tav_index.php Sun Dec 03 00:31:49 -0800 2006 1714396 54748 OverTheHill 1 2065930 I agree with the Frigos comment. I used to get food from them quite often when I worked in Springfield. Take a look at this other board, which has quite a few comments on Spfld restaurants... http://www.chowhound.com/topics/164180 Also, Gus n Paul's is a great Jewish deli right in downtown Spfld in Tower Square. Sun Dec 03 16:31:16 -0800 2006 1714396 46666 sryder 1 2066386 I live about 75 miles north of Springfield, MA in Vermont, and travel there just to get German food at the Student Prince. I highly recommend it. Sun Dec 03 20:21:54 -0800 2006 1714396 57350 wsluring 2 2066393 My wife and I have made trips from Boston to Springfield exclusively to eat at the Student Prince on several occasions. It's been one of her family's favorite restaurants for decades. Sun Dec 03 20:25:09 -0800 2006 2066386 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps