Neighborhoods
" Cozy Corner" is the premiere Historic District of Forest Park Heights and is a Victorian garden district located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Developed between 1880 and 1920, it is the city's most populous neighborhood and surrounds the 735-acre Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Forest Park, for which the neighborhood is named.
The Legacy House is one of the beautiful and unique homes you will find in this "Norman Rockwell'ish" neighbor area. Legacy House was built in 1898 by coal and lumber magnate James Philip Gray, who lived in the house with his wife Julia Emma, and died in 1905. She continued to live in the home until 1930. This magnificent home is preserved with the original architecture and virgin tiger oak wood throughout with the original stain glass windows.
I purchased the house in 2012 and ever since have loved and cared for it as a steward of history. Many of these homes have been passed down through generations of families.
The Legacy House was presented with a Preservation Award from the Historic Society of Springfield in 2019.
Cozy Corner
" Cozy Corner" is the premiere Historic District of Forest Park Heights and is a Victorian garden district located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Developed between 1880 and 1920, it is the city's most populous neighborhood and surrounds the 735-acre Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Forest Park, for which the neighborhood is named.
The Legacy House is one of the beautiful and unique homes you will find in this "Norman Rockwell'ish" neighbor area. Legacy House was built in 1898 by coal and lumber magnate James Philip Gray, who lived in the house with his wife Julia Emma, and died in 1905. She continued to live in the home until 1930. This magnificent home is preserved with the original architecture and virgin tiger oak wood throughout with the original stain glass windows.
I purchased the house in 2012 and ever since have loved and cared for it as a steward of history. Many of these homes have been passed down through generations of families.
The Legacy House was presented with a Preservation Award from the Historic Society of Springfield in 2019.
Good Establishments for Dining
I have been to all of the recommendations I am adding to this section.
Excellent burgers and hand-cut fries! Full bar and friendly service. Patio dining when the weather is good.
Plan b Springfield
1000 West Columbus AvenueExcellent burgers and hand-cut fries! Full bar and friendly service. Patio dining when the weather is good.
Upscale dining and well worth it.
Beautiful interior, great food and service.
Seafood and oyster bar(when in season)
Full Bar
9 locals recommend
Max's Tavern
1000 Hall of Fame AveUpscale dining and well worth it.
Beautiful interior, great food and service.
Seafood and oyster bar(when in season)
Full Bar
Wonderful Italian pastries, tarts, cookies and more, made on the premises. Also deli and coffee available.
Great prices and customer service. There are also available imported food items for sale.
La Fiorentina Pastry Shop
236 Shaker RdWonderful Italian pastries, tarts, cookies and more, made on the premises. Also deli and coffee available.
Great prices and customer service. There are also available imported food items for sale.
Family Pizzeria Europa
715 Sumner AvenueGreat Italian Food, made to order.
Family atmosphere; good service; full bar
For that special evening. High end dining American food.
Steak House mainly. $15- $38 range
350 Grill
350 Worthington StreetFor that special evening. High end dining American food.
Steak House mainly. $15- $38 range
Great breakfast and lunch fare. Dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. Quaint and Reasonable. Local hangout for Springfield. Counter and dining room area.
Always friendly service and good cup of coffee.
Cafe Christo
513 Belmont AvenueGreat breakfast and lunch fare. Dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. Quaint and Reasonable. Local hangout for Springfield. Counter and dining room area.
Always friendly service and good cup of coffee.
Got to get here earlier to get the bagels! Fresh made each morning. All kinds of breakfast combinations as well.
And a good cup on coffee. You order at the counter.
Benson's Bagels
598-600 Sumner AveGot to get here earlier to get the bagels! Fresh made each morning. All kinds of breakfast combinations as well.
And a good cup on coffee. You order at the counter.
I love Saray! The food is fabulous Turkish food. The restaurant is comfortable and the service is great. A great variety to choose from and they are helpful in choosing something delicious for you if needed.
Always have a glass of Turkish tea! Priced well and plenty to eat.
Saray II Turkish Restaurant
1374 Allen StI love Saray! The food is fabulous Turkish food. The restaurant is comfortable and the service is great. A great variety to choose from and they are helpful in choosing something delicious for you if needed.
Always have a glass of Turkish tea! Priced well and plenty to eat.
Best Vietnamese food ever! It is a local eatery because the food is so good. Well priced. The dining room is cozy with tables and chairs. it can be noisy if you go at prime dinner time- 6-8 pm.
Pho Saigon
400 Dickinson StBest Vietnamese food ever! It is a local eatery because the food is so good. Well priced. The dining room is cozy with tables and chairs. it can be noisy if you go at prime dinner time- 6-8 pm.
Good take out. Listed as Mexican but being originally from California I am a snob about Mexican food. This is more El Salvadorian than Mexican but absolutely delicious! Large portions.
Bueno Y Sano Springfield
415 Cooley StreetGood take out. Listed as Mexican but being originally from California I am a snob about Mexican food. This is more El Salvadorian than Mexican but absolutely delicious! Large portions.
Great breakfast fare. Service is excellent, friendly and efficient.
The food is great! It is small and cozy. Definitely a place the locals go including me!
The Main Street Grill
369 Main StreetGreat breakfast fare. Service is excellent, friendly and efficient.
The food is great! It is small and cozy. Definitely a place the locals go including me!
Great food cooked by the owner Christo himself. Many of the locals frequent this establishment. Breakfast and lunch served Tuesday thru Sunday. Thursday and Friday evenings very special dinners are prepared so get there early not to miss out. Great atmosphere. Counter and table seating.
Cafe Christo
513 Belmont AvenueGreat food cooked by the owner Christo himself. Many of the locals frequent this establishment. Breakfast and lunch served Tuesday thru Sunday. Thursday and Friday evenings very special dinners are prepared so get there early not to miss out. Great atmosphere. Counter and table seating.
Food scene
Yummy Italian Food. Very versatile menu. Well priced.
Can be loud because it is popular but it is part of the atmosphere. Full bar.
13 locals recommend
Red Rose Pizzeria
1060 Main StYummy Italian Food. Very versatile menu. Well priced.
Can be loud because it is popular but it is part of the atmosphere. Full bar.
Sightseeing
The Springfield Museums, located in the heart of downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, is comprised of four world-class museums covering art, history, and science, plus the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.
3 hours is a good amount of time to dedicate to the experience. One free parking space per visitor.
Price of admission is for ALL 5 museums. $25.00-Adult;
$16.50 Senior;College Student- $16.50 3-17 yrs-$13.00;
under 3 free. Group rate for 10 or more available.
23 locals recommend
Springfield Museums
21 Edwards StThe Springfield Museums, located in the heart of downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, is comprised of four world-class museums covering art, history, and science, plus the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.
3 hours is a good amount of time to dedicate to the experience. One free parking space per visitor.
Price of admission is for ALL 5 museums. $25.00-Adult;
$16.50 Senior;College Student- $16.50 3-17 yrs-$13.00;
under 3 free. Group rate for 10 or more available.
This is where basketball began!
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts. It serves as basketball's most complete library, in addition to promoting and preserving the history of basketball.
$24 for adults ages 16 to 64, $18 for seniors ages 65 and up, $16 for youths ages 5 to 15 and free for children under age 5.
54 locals recommend
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
1000 Hall of Fame AveThis is where basketball began!
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts. It serves as basketball's most complete library, in addition to promoting and preserving the history of basketball.
$24 for adults ages 16 to 64, $18 for seniors ages 65 and up, $16 for youths ages 5 to 15 and free for children under age 5.
The Springfield Armory, located in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, was the primary center for the manufacture of United States military firearms from 1777 until its closing in 1968. It was the first federal armory and one of the first factories in the United States dedicated to the manufacture of weapons.
10 locals recommend
Springfield Armory National Historic Site
1 Armory StThe Springfield Armory, located in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, was the primary center for the manufacture of United States military firearms from 1777 until its closing in 1968. It was the first federal armory and one of the first factories in the United States dedicated to the manufacture of weapons.
Peaceful place for walks, picnics, the Forest Park Zoo and other attractions
Forest Park has a deep history in Springfield. The original acreage was donated by Everett Hosmer Barney, the inventor of the shoe skate. It now is considered one of the largest urban parks in the United States in the city's most populous neighborhood.
Forest Park also host the famous and beautiful holiday drive-through lights-cape throughout the park from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.
The Legacy House is within walking distance to the park and beautiful trails.
18 locals recommend
Forest Park
200 Trafton RdPeaceful place for walks, picnics, the Forest Park Zoo and other attractions
Forest Park has a deep history in Springfield. The original acreage was donated by Everett Hosmer Barney, the inventor of the shoe skate. It now is considered one of the largest urban parks in the United States in the city's most populous neighborhood.
Forest Park also host the famous and beautiful holiday drive-through lights-cape throughout the park from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.
The Legacy House is within walking distance to the park and beautiful trails.
Hotel details
Set in an entertainment complex, this grand hotel and casino surrounded by restaurants is a 9-minute walk from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and a 15-minute walk from Union train station.
Plush rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and rainfall showers, plus sitting areas and city views. The 1-bedroom suites offer free-standing tubs, and dining and living areas; some add patios.
Amenities include a luxe steakhouse, an Italian restaurant and 4 bars, plus a Starbucks cafe and an informal food hall. As well as the casino and a simulated golf course, there's also an outdoor pool, a gym & a spa. Parking is available.
44 locals recommend
Regal MGM Springfield 7
One MGM WyHotel details
Set in an entertainment complex, this grand hotel and casino surrounded by restaurants is a 9-minute walk from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and a 15-minute walk from Union train station.
Plush rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and rainfall showers, plus sitting areas and city views. The 1-bedroom suites offer free-standing tubs, and dining and living areas; some add patios.
Amenities include a luxe steakhouse, an Italian restaurant and 4 bars, plus a Starbucks cafe and an informal food hall. As well as the casino and a simulated golf course, there's also an outdoor pool, a gym & a spa. Parking is available.
Since its opening in 1912, the Central Library, a “center of intellectual life,” has given entrance to the State Street corridor. Solidly built of white Vermont marble with immense rooms and corridors, this library has a history of serving working people, at one time open 365 days per year! More than a collection of books and materials, it is an impressive yet inviting community-gathering space.
Springfield Central Library
220 State StSince its opening in 1912, the Central Library, a “center of intellectual life,” has given entrance to the State Street corridor. Solidly built of white Vermont marble with immense rooms and corridors, this library has a history of serving working people, at one time open 365 days per year! More than a collection of books and materials, it is an impressive yet inviting community-gathering space.
Famous candle maker- Yankee Candle. I feel the best candles out there in the world. This is the flagship store for the company and it is spectacular. Much more to see than candles.
It is a day visit to take in all that you see from candle making to Christmas rooms, fresh made fudge, all kinds of foods to purchase toys, accessories for just about everything. Also has a sandwich area. Oh, did I mention candles......
About 40 minutes from Legacy House.
71 locals recommend
Yankee Candle
25 Greenfield RdFamous candle maker- Yankee Candle. I feel the best candles out there in the world. This is the flagship store for the company and it is spectacular. Much more to see than candles.
It is a day visit to take in all that you see from candle making to Christmas rooms, fresh made fudge, all kinds of foods to purchase toys, accessories for just about everything. Also has a sandwich area. Oh, did I mention candles......
About 40 minutes from Legacy House.
Shelburne Falls
Unique geologic feature
These potholes are naturally occurring features of the melting of glaciers from the great Ice Age. Formed by hard granite swirling in ice melt waters underneath glaciers, they are unique and rare. Viewing from a safe distance, they should not be missed or underestimated. Read the plaques for information and context. About 35 minutes from Legacy House.
Glacial Potholes Historical Marker
307 Milltown RdShelburne Falls
Unique geologic feature
These potholes are naturally occurring features of the melting of glaciers from the great Ice Age. Formed by hard granite swirling in ice melt waters underneath glaciers, they are unique and rare. Viewing from a safe distance, they should not be missed or underestimated. Read the plaques for information and context. About 35 minutes from Legacy House.
Mystic Aquarium is a marine aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut. It is one of only two U.S. facilities holding Steller sea lions, and it has the only beluga whales in New England. Special exhibits include a ray and shark touch pool, an African penguin exhibit, a jelly gallery, and the "Jurassic Giants" dinosaur exhibit.
341 locals recommend
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is a marine aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut. It is one of only two U.S. facilities holding Steller sea lions, and it has the only beluga whales in New England. Special exhibits include a ray and shark touch pool, an African penguin exhibit, a jelly gallery, and the "Jurassic Giants" dinosaur exhibit.
Springfield Union Station is a train and bus station in the Metro Center area of Springfield, Massachusetts. Constructed in 1926, Springfield Union Station is the fifth busiest Amtrak station in the Commonwealth, and the busiest outside of Boston.
A large-scale $94 million renovation project restored the former station building, and it reopened in late June 2017 as a regional inter-modal transit hub. It features not only Amtrak service, but also serves as the new hub for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), along with Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound Lines, and the Hartford Line commuter rail. PVTA and intercity bus services began using the renovated station in 2017, and the Hartford Line opened in June 2018. Amtrak moved from a 1994-built structure to the renovated station in June 2019.
This is no more than 10 minutes from Legacy House.
Union Station Transportation Center
55 Frank B Murray StreetSpringfield Union Station is a train and bus station in the Metro Center area of Springfield, Massachusetts. Constructed in 1926, Springfield Union Station is the fifth busiest Amtrak station in the Commonwealth, and the busiest outside of Boston.
A large-scale $94 million renovation project restored the former station building, and it reopened in late June 2017 as a regional inter-modal transit hub. It features not only Amtrak service, but also serves as the new hub for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), along with Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound Lines, and the Hartford Line commuter rail. PVTA and intercity bus services began using the renovated station in 2017, and the Hartford Line opened in June 2018. Amtrak moved from a 1994-built structure to the renovated station in June 2019.
This is no more than 10 minutes from Legacy House.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Layers... always have enough clothes to layer.
There is an old saying in New England.."wait 5 minutes and the weather will change" and it does!
Getting around
Day Trips
Many sights to see are on two lane roads and often take more time than most people plan for . It could take 2 hours to go 70 miles depending on the road to get to it.
Planning your day trips ahead of time is a good strategy.
Getting around
Logan International Airport- Boston Massachusetts
This international airport is 2 hours away. It is easy to get to traveling on the 90 Turnpike and then I93.
Getting around
Bradley International Airport- Windsor Locks, Connecticut
This international airport is conveniently located 20 miles-20 minutes from the Legacy House.
Straight down the I91.