We stopped in Springfield on our way back from Wisconsin. My husband is a history buff so he was really wanting to stop and see the Lincoln Monument and tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. We also discovered a food that is unique to Springfield that is absolutely delicious!
Oak Ridge Cemetery
This is a big cemetery that is very hilly. If you have someone in your group that has difficulty walking then I would suggest trying to park as close to Lincoln’s tomb as possible. There were several people exploring his monument and tomb while we were there, but it was not overly crowded. You can walk inside the tomb if you would like. Everything was very beautiful. It was a great experience to see something so magnificent and historical in person. I am not a big history buff, but I did enjoy it. Apparently, it is good luck to rub Lincoln’s nose on his statue, so there was a short line to get to the statue. Overall, it was a unique experience that I think everyone can appreciate.
War Memorial
Very close to Oak Ridge Cemetery was several war memorials. My husband is an Army veteran, so I knew we had to go check it out. Walking around and seeing all the names of those that served our country was a very humbling experience. There was a World War II Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and a Korean War Memorial. If you are ever in Springfield, then I highly suggest you stop and experience it. It will be something that stays with you for the rest of your life.
Darcy’s Pint
After exploring, we went to eat at Darcy’s Pint. While checking out our menu, our waitress informed us about something called a “horseshoe.” She told us that it is unique to Springfield and that we would not find them anywhere else. I always like to try foods that are unique to certain places or that the restaurant is known for, so I knew that would be what I would order.
We started off with an appetizer of Irish Style Oak Smoked Salmon with capers, red onion, horseradish sauce, cream cheese and lemon, and toasted pita wedges. I have never had smoked salmon, so this was a new experience for me. It came out beautifully plated and made you want to dig in immediately. The salmon just had too much of a ‘fishy’ taste to me. My husband enjoyed it, though.
They had several different horseshoe combinations that you could try. A horseshoe has meat or veggies served on top of Texas Toast and topped with fries that are covered with a homemade cheese sauce. I chose the Chili Cheeseburger Horseshoe that had a hamburger patty on top of Texas Toast topped with the fries, chili, and cheese sauce. It was so good!
My husband chose the Supreme Horseshoe. This was seasoned ground beef on top of Texas Toast covered with fries, spicy cheese sauce, diced tomatoes, bacon, and a side of hot sauce. He loved it. I tried it and it was very good!
I think these would be the perfect hangover food. It was a very heavy meal that I probably wouldn’t normally order, but I am glad we experienced a food unique to Springfield together. I think everyone should try one at least once. You could probably even share one since it is so much food. Other horseshoes include the Deluxe, which had ground beef, grilled onion, and bacon bits; Chili Cheese Dog, with an all-beef hot dog with chili and cheese sauce; and Irish Cheesesteak, which had tender sirloin with mushrooms, onions, peppers, and melted cheese.
Have you ever been experienced a Springfield Horseshoe? Is there another unique food that you enjoy? Share it with me in the comments!