Springfield, Missouri, is a town in the southwest corner of the Show-Me State. It's the third largest city in Missouri. Springfield is a stop on Route 66 and is known as the "Queen City of the Ozarks." Now that I've bored you with the facts, I'll dig a little deeper for all my fellow Springfieldians. Here are the telltale signs that you've been in the 417 for a long time.
1. You have a strange passion for Chinese food.
Springfield, Missouri, invented cashew chicken. Well, at least "Springfield-style" cashew chicken (fried chicken pieces, brown gravy, cashews, and green onions.) Chinese food restaurants can be found on nearly every corner, but we all have different favorite places to eat this local delicacy.
2. You know that you cannot just rely on the forecasted weather.
The meme says it all!
3. You take credit for Bass Pro and Brad Pitt.
"Bass Pro was started in Springfield!" and "Brad Pitt grew up in Springfield!" we humbly brag.
4. When you see a new building being built, you just assume it's a new bank.
Because that's what we need in Springfield—another bank!
5. Andy's comes before everything.
What is better than two warm chocolate chip cookies topped with Andy's vanilla frozen custard and caramel sauce? Nothing. Nothing at all.
6. You have no idea why traffic is consistently terrible.
It's probably the construction. The construction that is literally everywhere.
7. You still carry a grudge against your high school rivals.
I'm talking to you, Kickapoo. Glendale Falcons forever.
8. You feel as though it is your personal right to be the first to see the new Wonders of Wildlife Museum.
FIFTEEN YEARS, PEOPLE.
9. "Driving around" is a fun hobby for you and your friends.
Luckily, the outskirts of Springfield have many long, empty country roads. Driving around with friends and jamming to music is a great way to pass the time.
10. You have a hard time explaining exactly what Pineapple Whip is.
So it's, like, pineapple ice cream. But not really ice cream. More of a sherbet. And with the texture of frozen yogurt. Ugh. Just try it, and you'll know why it's hard to explain this delicious seasonal treat.
11. You might not love baseball, but you love the Springfield Cardinals.
This St. Louis Cardinals' feeder team provides cheap entertainment on summer nights.
12. Speaking of Hammons Field, you realize that half of the city is named for John Q. Hammons.
Hammons Field, Hammons Tower, John Q. Hammons Arena... you get the picture.
13. You will wait however long it takes to see the Christmas lights house every December.
I have waited at least an hour, if not more, just to drive by the synchronized Christmas lights at Bagwell Lights. Definitely worth the wait.
14. You expect every movie theater to have reclining seats.
Thank you, Springfield 11, for creating this expectation.
15. You're a Missouri State Bears fan, even if you don't go there.
Go Bears!
16. You roll your eyes every time an outsider talks about how cool Branson is.
Silver Dollar City? I've only been there 3,000 times!
