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If you're looking for somewhere to get outside and enjoy the weather, West Springfield and the surrounding area offer a number of great outdoor spots. Check out the parks, green spaces, and more around the city this spring and summer. You may be surprised at the variety of options you can find. Robinson State Park Right outside of West Springfield you'll find Robinson State Park. The park is located at 428 North St. in Feeding Hills. Daily parking costs $8 for MA-licensed vehicles or $10 for non-MA vehicles. With over 800 acres of land, there's something for everyone at Robinson State Park. There are over 20 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Other activities in the park include fishing, canoeing, swimming, and more. With options for everyone, this is a great option for families, friends, or to visit by yourself. There are picnicking areas, so bring along a lunch to make your day even more enjoyable. more Chicopee Memorial State Park Another beautiful outdoor spot around West Springfield is Chicopee Memorial State Park. Parking is $8 for MA vehicles or $10 for non-MA vehicles. The park features 575 acres and includes a beautiful 25-acre pond. With options for group day use, you can find something for everyone here. There are accessible beaches, biking and hiking trails, picnic spots, and swimming spots. Sometimes during the weekends or on holidays, Chicopee Memorial State Park hits their allowable capacity, so make sure if you're planning the day at the park you get here early. Balise Scion Skate Park Located off of Morton Street in West Springfield, you'll find Balise Scion Skate Park. This park opened in 2007 and was made possible by a donation from BALISE. The only wheeled devices allowed at the skate park are skateboards and in-line skates. Keep in mind that this is a non-supervised area, so it's important to skate at your own risk and wear proper protective equipment, such as helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads. Balise Scion Skate Park is open from 9 a.m. to dusk every day and is free to the public. However, skating when it is wet or rainy is prohibited. Garden Plots The West Springfield Park and Recreation Department, working alongside the Department of Public Works, offers residents 16-foot by 20-foot garden plots in Mittineague Park. Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one plot is available per person or family unit, and those not planted before June 5 will be reassigned. Garden space is $25 for the season for residents or $30 for non-residents of West Springfield. This is a great option for anyone looking to spend some time outside regularly throughout the spring and summer. Make the most of the warm months this year by exploring the beauty of the outdoor spaces around West Springfield. Whether you're heading out for a one-day adventure or you're planning a garden for the summer, these spots around the area allow you to get out and enjoy everything that nature has to offer. Image via pixabay.com

No matter what you're hungry for, you'll find something amazing to eat in Springfield. The food here is outstanding, and with a huge variety of options, you'll always have something new to try. Take some time to check out the best restaurants in the city with your family, friends, or significant other tonight. Frigo's Located at 90 William Street in Springfield, Frigo's is one of the local favorites. They are option Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. With 65 types of pasta, 25 Italian deli meats, and 75 different cheeses, Frigos has what you need to satisfy your Italian craving. With nearly 30 different sandwiches on their menu, you can get just about anything you want. They also offer prepared food that you can pick up and take home, such as chicken Franciase or eggplant parmesan. Grab some specialty cheese or olive oil while you're here, as well. more Eat If you're in the mood for some comfort food, check out Eat at 609 Page Blvd in Springfield. They are open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offer some of the best breakfast and lunch options around. For breakfast, grab a three-egg omelet, a breakfast sandwich, or Belgian waffles. The lunch menu offers options such as foot-long hot dogs, specialty sandwiches, and hamburgers. Food is all fresh and made to order, and the staff is friendly. The prices are extremely reasonable here, with entrees priced under $10. Chef Wayne's Big Mamou Head to 63 Liberty Street in Springfield for Chef Wayne's Big Mamou. This restaurant is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday 11 ..m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday noon to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You'll love the Cajun food offered here, with appetizers such as Louisiana fried oysters, Bourbon Street corn bread, and crab cakes Natchitoches. Entrees include Chicken Mississippi, shrimp-n-sausage jambalaya, and Bayou meat loaf. Don't forget dessert, such as sweet potato pie, deep dish bourbon pecan pie, or classic New Orleans bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Theodore's Booze, Blues, & BBQ If you want delicious BBQ, look no further than 201 Worthington St in Springfield. Here you'll find Theodore's Booze, Blues, & BBQ. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Start your meal with corn fritters, burnt ends, or deep fried pickle spears. Bar-b-que options include beef brisket, pulled pork, hot links, or half a chicken. Sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, collard greens, and corn bread are all available. You can also choose any of their rib combos. Whether you want comfort food or something to spice up your mouth, check out the amazing restaurants around Springfield. These delicious meals are great for any time of the year, and offer a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Whether you're heading out for a special occasion or just because, you'll love the food you find. Image via pixabay.com

Keeping your car clean and in good condition is a big job that can get expensive quickly. Although you should take your car to the dealer for a once-over and regular maintenance several times a year, there are also some money-saving tricks you can do at home to keep your vehicle in good condition. Here are some car care products you can DIY. Window Cleaner While you can always use any old window or glass cleaner on your car's windows and windshield, there are some household products you can turn into window cleaners if you don't have Windex handy. You can get rid of streaks and spots on your windshield by using cola. Just pour some over the surface, and the bubbles in the soda will work away at the grime. Just make sure to put a towel down at the base of the glass to protect the paint, and make sure to clean it thoroughly when you finish, so it doesn't leave a sticky syrup behind. more Stain Remover You can also get rid of stubborn stains on car upholstery by using household items. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and spray the concoction on the stain. Let it sit for a while, then take a wet cloth and blot it. This solution also works on your chrome rims. Just spray it on your wheels and work it in using a sponge or cloth. Make sure to give it a few minutes and then rinse it off. Repeat a few times on stubborn dirt stains. Tire Cleaner Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean your tires. Use just enough water to form a paste with the baking soda, and then work it into the tires using a scrub brush. Let it sit on the tires for a few minutes before using a hose to rinse it off. You can also use baking soda to get rid of odors inside the car. Just sprinkle some on the seats and the floor mats, and let it sit for at least a few hours or even overnight. After it has worked its magic, you can vacuum it up. Carpet Cleaner Baking soda can clean all kinds of surfaces in your vehicle. You can also mix it with vinegar and water to form a paste that will get tough stains out of the carpets. Use a toothbrush or scrub brush to work it into the carpet, and wait for it to dry. Once it is completely dry, just vacuum it up, and the stains will disappear. You can repeat the process if needed for tougher, ground-in stains. There is no reason to spend a bunch of money on cleaning products when you can create your own right at home. Most of the products you need are already in your closet, or they are inexpensive and easy to find at the grocery store. Image via pixabay.com

Spring is a great time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Winters in Massachusetts are cold, and many areas see not only inches but feet of snow. Most of the area parks stay open through the winter, but when the temperatures start to rise and the snow starts to melt, it's fun to head to a local park to enjoy the nice weather. Here are some of the best Springfield Parks to explore this spring. Stanley Park Stanley Park is a large park in Westfield that is open year-round and is free to the public. It covers more than 300 acres and includes beautiful gardens, fields for a variety of sports, pavilions for picnics, and walking and hiking trails. A natural spring-fed duck pond is home to ducks, fish, and swans. Sit on one of the benches along the shore, or walk around the pond to take it all in. There is also a wildlife sanctuary at Stanley Park. The managed trails feature native trees, flowers, and plant life as well as birds and other wildlife. All the trails are well-marked, and you can get a map to follow if you want to explore. more Forest Park Springfield is home to Forest Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. It has plenty of open space, a playground for the kids, and several picnic areas with outdoor grilling. Head to Forest Park to play on the soccer field, the football field, or the tennis court, or sit on the sidelines and watch a game. This is also home to the Forest Park Zoo, which has monkeys, birds, large cats, and other animals. Other fun features of Forest Park include America's first swimming pool, which originally opened in 1899, ponds to walk around, and an exhibit featuring ancient dinosaur tracks. You can get to the park by the entrance on Sumner Avenue or Trafton Road, or you can enter from Route 5 and the Longmeadow Line. The Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden If you want a different kind of park to explore, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garde n at the Springfield Museums is a great place to spend the afternoon. This garden celebrates Dr. Suess in the city where he was born. His wife partnered with the Museums to create the special garden after his death in 1991. Here, you'll find a sculpture of Dr. Seuss himself, along with some of his most memorable characters. Visit Horton Court where you'll find Sam-I-Am serving up his green eggs and ham and Horton the Elephant. Make sure to look closely at his trunk though. The clover blossom holds a tiny ball that represents Whoville. These are some of the parks and places that are fun to explore in the Springfield area in the spring. Pack a lunch and your good walking or hiking shoes, and get outside with the family to enjoy the nice New England weather. Image via pixabay.com

The Toyota Prius is the most popular alternative fuel vehicle on the market today. For more than 10 years the Prius lineup included just one vehicle, but over the past few years, Toyota has added several new versions. The Prius v and the Prius c are now part of the family. Here is some information about both so you can choose the one that suits you best. The Exterior From the outside, the Prius v and the Prius c are very different. The Prius c is the smallest vehicle in the lineup, and it comes only in a hatchback body style, but it has an edgier design. The Prius v is the model's larger version and has enough room for both passengers and cargo. The Prius v's exterior design looks different from the other models because it gets rid of the arched shape to make room in the back for the larger cargo area. The Prius v has more than 34 cubic feet of cargo space, and the Prius c has 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space. more Interior Inside the Prius v, you'll find soft and comfortable SofTex trimmed seats that are lighter than genuine leather. This model comes with an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and the Smart Key system with a push button start. The rear seats in the v have a power recline and sliding feature to maximize the amount of space in the vehicle. The Prius c features a fun two-toned fabric upholstery and the option to add a moonroof. Technology Choose the Prius c or the v for a premium Entune audio system that comes with integrated navigation. It also features app integration so you can use mobile apps such as Pandora and Open Table while on the go. Both models have a high-resolution touch-screen display, and they come with Bluetooth connectivity. The Prius c adds a touch tracer display that features a duplicate image of the steering wheel controls on the Multimedia display so you can see the buttons without having to take your eyes off the road. Safety The Prius v comes with seven air bags, and the c comes with nine. The v also adds whiplash-injury-lessening front seats. These seats have a special design that helps reduce the motion differential between the passenger's head and torso in a rear-end collision, minimizing injury during the crash. The Prius c's design includes crumple zones that help absorb energy in the event of a crash. Fuel Efficiency Both models are extremely fuel-efficient. You can get up to 48 miles per gallon on the Prius c and 43 miles per gallon in the Prius v. The biggest difference between these two vehicles is the size and the amount of cargo space. If you need more room, whether for people or gear, the Prius v is your answer. If you want a smaller footprint, then the Prius c is the one for you. Image via Dealeron

Whether you are expecting your first child and are starting to collect baby gear or you already have children and they need more stuff, you can find it in the Springfield area. The town has a good combination of local boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind items and larger stores where you can get everything you need in one stop. Here are four shops where you can find baby gear in Springfield. Once Upon A Child Once Upon A Child in West Springfield buys and sells gently used kids items. They sell all kinds of gear from name brand clothing to shoes and toys. This is a great place to go to stock up on almost anything. You'll find clothes from Gap, Old Navy, and Gymboree, and the shop carries clothes and footwear for all seasons. You can also find gear such as high chairs, booster seats, swings, bouncy chairs, and even potty seats for potty training. You'll find Once Upon A Child on Riverdale Street in West Springfield. more Hurley's Children's Cottage Located just outside Springfield on Boston Road in Wilbraham, Hurley's Children's Cottage is another store that buys and sells used children's items. Here you can find a huge selection of clothes and shoes in great condition. Everything is clean and well-organized so you can easily find what you need. Hurley's also sells toys, blankets, and gear at a fraction of the original cost. Toys R Us Head to the Toys R Us in Haymarket Square to stock up on all your baby gear. This large chain store offers everything from clothes to strollers, toys, and more. If you are just getting started in parenthood and need to buy staples such as a car seat, this is a good place to go. Toys R Us has a variety of child safety seats and booster seats, as well as other crucial items you need to keep your baby safe and happy. You can also register at Toys R Us so your friends and family can help you get what you need. Ask a store employee for information about setting up a gift registry for a baby shower. Toy Orchard Toy Orchid is a small toy store on Boston Post Road in Wilbraham. The owners are friendly and helpful. This is a great place to go when you want to find a special gift or toy for your child or a birthday present for a friend's child. You can explore two floors filled with toys and games, and when you find what you're looking for, the staff will gift wrap it for you. Browse through the shelves of plush toys, educational toys, and toys that encourage imaginative play. There is even a room in the back that you can book for birthday parties. Getting ready for a new baby is an exciting time, but it requires a lot of purchases and preparation. Stop by one of these shops to get some of your baby gear. Image via pixabay.com

As a retiree, you've already spent a lot of your life working in challenging situations. You need your car to provide a stress-free and comfortable experience that allows you to enjoy your retirement in style. Fancy technological gadgets or features are much less important than a car that is safe, comfortable, and clutter-free. If you are a retiree or senior citizen in the market for a new motor vehicle to enjoy your retirement in, keep reading to find out about four of the most helpful features you should seek out. Comfort You need to find a car that has a fully adjustable driver's seat. Comfort is of paramount importance, and you don't want to risk exacerbating existing injuries or strains due to poor posture in the car. You should look for a car that you feel comfortable sitting in, and testing any prospective vehicles out before you commit to buying them is vital. You should also make sure that the material of the driver's seat feels cushioned enough to sit on for extended periods without causing any discomfort. more Safety The list of safety features included as standard with modern cars grows with each model year, and some of them are less useful than others. Senior drivers should be searching for safety features such as a rear backup camera, which displays an image of what is lurking behind your car on a screen on the dashboard. The rear backup camera is incredibly handy in case you don't have the flexibility to constantly turn your head to check for any cars or objects behind you when driving in reverse. Clutter-free controls Modern cars tend to be manufactured with a lot of emphasis on providing a plethora of controls to drivers that can be difficult to navigate. If you're in the market for a new car as a retiree, you'll want a vehicle that minimizes clutter on the dashboard and provides larger, more accessible controls to alter settings such as air conditioning and radio stations. Changing the basic settings should not require effort; you're looking for a hassle-free driving experience and having easy access to controls plays a huge part in providing a good driving experience. Varied color choices Despite the importance of minimizing superfluous technological features and clutter inside the car, like anyone else in the market for a new car, you still want something that looks good. Modern cars should be available in a variety of different colors, so you can choose one that best suits your tastes and needs. Impaired night vision tends to affect older people frequently, so finding your car at night time in a busy parking lot can be a real challenge if you choose a dark-colored car. Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a new car as a senior citizen, the next step is to pay a visit to your local dealership, find a vehicle you like, and take it out on a test drive. Make sure you bargain for the best deal possible! Image via Dealeron

Springfield is a large city with a plethora of interesting activities and attractions to keep both locals and tourists alike busy. Hoop City— as Springfield is also known — is also the original home of basketball, one of the world's most popular sports. Whether you actually only have a day to visit Springfield, Massachusetts, or you're simply looking to inform yourself of the best attractions that this New England city has to offer, keep reading for a lowdown on the ultimate day trip in Springfield. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame There is no better way to start a day trip around Springfield than paying a visit to Hoop Hall's Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The museum contains more than 40,000 feet of basketball history for you to learn about, and you can easily pass two or three hours there. The gorgeous building is itself worth paying a visit to for its distinctive basketball-shaped design that invokes the spirit of the game upon viewing it. There are even skills challenges and shooting contests to partake in, making this place one of Springfield's premier fun-filled tourist attractions. more Forest Park After you've had your fair share of basketball-themed fun, you can make your merry way over to Forest Park on Summer Avenue to take in some exquisite natural scenery. Forest Park is perfect for a casual stroll, and if you're hungry, it is worth bringing some takeaway food and sitting down to have a picnic by the lake. The tranquility of this location and the picturesque surroundings make Forest Park one of Springfield's most enjoyable natural attractions. Make sure you dedicate at least an hour of your time to enjoy the park; it'll be worth every second. Springfield Armory National Historic Site Springfield is a great city for history buffs, and the Springfield Armory is by far the best example of the amazing historical sites to be found in the city. Now a museum, the armory was utilized by the United States Armed Forces for over 200 years as a source of precision engineered weapons and other firearms. Weapons made at Springfield Armory were used in every way from the time of the American Revolution until the Vietnam War, so there is an incredible amount of history to explore. You can find the Springfield Armory Historic Site at One Armory Square. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden Finish off your ultimate day trip in Springfield by visiting this sculpture garden on Edwards Street. The garden provides numerous great photo opportunities, and it makes for a relaxing way to unwind after a long day of taking in Springfield's other important attractions. You can spend 30 to 45 minutes at this fun garden that celebrates the quirky characters created by one of America's most famous writers and artists, who was born in the city of Springfield back in 1904. The attractions here offer a great representation of what Springfield has to offer, and combining them into a day trip will make for an exciting and satisfying snapshot of the best attractions in The City of Firsts. Image via pixabay.com

If you're looking to buy a new car, dedicating the time to take a given vehicle out on a test drive is a big commitment. You need to be sure that there's a good chance you'll love the vehicle before scheduling a test drive in it. The 2017 Toyota Camry is one such vehicle that you should definitely consider taking out on a test drive. Originally manufactured as a compact car in 1982, the Toyota Camry has developed into one of the most reliable and smart mid-size sedans on the market. Keep reading for the lowdown on the 2017 Toyota Camry and why you'll love it. Superb Performance The Toyota Camry comes with two engine options, each of which offers superb performance in what is a competitive class of cars. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. An upgrade is available that amps up the power with a V6 engine that delivers 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently every time. The less powerful engine is steady and brilliantly reliable. The more powerful V6 takes these attributes and adds a real sense of power to the vehicle. more Easy Infotainment Car manufacturers have been developing increasingly complex infotainment systems in the last few years that can be difficult to get to grips with, but the 2017 Toyota Camry's Entune system is incredibly easy to use. The 6.1-inch touchscreen is crystal clear and simple to navigate through its options. The Entune system comes with Bluetooth connectivity and, at more expensive trim levels, you can avail of features such as satellite radio and music streaming apps. There is also an available wireless charging pad for your smartphones or other devices, and a USB port is included as standard. The Toyota Camry offers that desirable combination of simplicity and in-depth features with its in-car entertainment. Comfortable Interior Even though the Toyota Camry looks good from the outside, the interior is where it shines. The Camry's interior could best be described as comfortably spacious. The large intuitive buttons and knobs that control the air conditioning and other important functions are all easy to identify and don't require much stretching to reach. A snug fabric trim is included on the seats as standard that holds up to scrutiny even on long distance trips, providing an exceptional level of comfort at all times. A classy leather trim is included in the more expensive XLE Camry for an added level of luxury. There are over 38-inches of headroom and 38.9-inches of legroom for rear seat passengers, which are best-in-class figures. There are eight cup holders on board, all within an arm's reach, meaning you can easily sip your favorite beverage without any sense of awkwardness. Overall, the effort that has gone into developing an incredibly comfortable and roomy interior is evident from the moment you first step into the car. Now that you've read about all the reasons you'll love this vehicle, the next step is to see if the experience matches this and take the 2017 Camry on a test drive. Image via Dealeron

Despite being well-known as the city that basketball was invented in and the source of weaponry for the United States Armed Forces for over 200 years, Springfield, Massachusetts, is not just for sports lovers and history buffs. There are some great spots for people who appreciate art throughout the city, but they can be hard to find out about because of the emphasis on attractions that celebrate Springfield's undeniably important traditions in sport and history. If you're an art lover in Springfield, keep reading to find out about three of the best spots in the city for you. Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts This museum was first opened over 80 years ago in 1933, and it contains a comprehensive collection of paintings, prints, watercolors, and more that will be sure to keep any art fan happy. The disparate range of exhibits on show at the museum created by artists from around America, Europe, and Asia means that there is surely something to suit all artistic tastes. The Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts is also home to the largest collection of lithographs in the nation. You can find the museum on Edwards Street in Springfield. more Art for the Soul Gallery Located in Tower Square, Springfield, Art for the Soul Gallery is a wonderful place to come if you want to check out some unique works of art from a diverse range of artists. The gallery is the brainchild of two friends who first opened it after becoming emboldened by the success of their art house parties. Different exhibits take place frequently, so the style of art you get to see when you visit is anyone's guess. Still, regardless of exactly what is on display when you visit, this is a great place to come to support serious artists who want to share their creativity with you. Bing Arts Center The Bing Arts Center on Summer Avenue hosts a plethora of different exhibits throughout the year. The idea behind the existence of the center is to make art more accessible for Springfield's residents and visitors, and the center is envisioned as a focal point for artists to showcase their creativity and imagination. There are three galleries in total in the Bing Arts Center, and exhibits solely feature pieces from qualified regional artists. The exhibits here are frequently eclectic, providing the perfect platform for you to challenge your existing conceptions of what constitutes good art. You might find that you'll expand your definition of what you like to see in a piece of art simply by visiting the Bing Arts Center. The gallery is open to view every Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. as well as being accessible during special events and performances. Now that you are aware of the different options that exist for art lovers in Springfield, you should make plans to visit some of these galleries. You'll quickly find out that Springfield is a lot more than just the home of basketball. Image via pixabay.com

Parents rely on car seats to keep their children safe and secure every day, but many are making critical mistakes that diminish the effectiveness of these products. Simply having a car seat isn't enough. You need to make sure your seat is properly placed and correctly used to really benefit from its safety features. Make sure you're following these important tips for car seat safety. Register Your Seat New car seats come with a simple registration card that helps the manufacturer keep track of customers. While filling out another piece of paperwork may seem like a hassle, this is one of the most important things you can do to ensure car seat safety. Registering your seat gives the manufacturer your name, address, and contact information. If there's a safety recall for your product, they'll be able to reach you promptly and provide a replacement. This will ensure you never miss an important announcement. more Have Your Installation Inspected Installing a car seat isn't as simple as it seems. Though you may feel that your car seat is secure, a professional inspection will often reveal that it's not nearly as tight as it should be. Fortunately, there are many places where you can get a free, professional inspection from a certified technician. Look up the nearest location in your area and head in for an inspection today. Secure the Straps Properly Many children ride around with loose car seat straps for the sake of comfort. Even if your child squirms under the secure safety straps, it's important to keep them snug. Loose straps won't keep your kids in place in the event of an accident. You should also check the manufacturer's instructions for the proper placement of the straps. Many parents have the clip that secures the straps together far too low. This shouldn't secure over the abdomen, but rather needs to sit on the chest. In cold weather, there's an extra step you should take before buckling children into car seats. Remove their jackets while they're riding. Puffy jackets and heavy clothing puts too much air between the safety straps and your child's body. That thickly-padded jacket can compress in an accident, leaving your child only loosely constrained. Turn Them Toward the Rear Keep your child's car seat rear-facing until he or she is at least two years old. This admonishment is often overlooked because children start complaining, kicking, and making a fuss over the positioning well before they should really be switched. Ignore the pushback from your child and keep the seat facing backwards until at least age two, and preferably longer. If your child doesn't meet the height and weight guidelines for a forward-facing seat by two, you should keep him in the rear-facing position even longer. Always take the time to read the directions for your particular car seat thoroughly. Every product is different, and the manufacturer knows best when it comes to installation and placement. When you're well-informed, you can take all the proper steps to keep your children safe. Image via pixabay.com

Are you a fan of live music, but a sucker for those smaller spots where you don't need a jumbotron to see who's on stage? If you're looking for intimate spaces with lesser-known performers, you're in luck. The Springfield, Massachusetts area has several hot spots where you can discover new talent and enjoy the act from a coveted seat close to the action. If you're all about the kinds of shows where you shake hands with the singer at the end, these destinations are for you. 350 Grill Steak House You may not think of a steak house as the best place to scout out new talent, but 350 Grill is actually an outstanding spot to enjoy live music along with decadent dining. Thursday through Sunday, you'll find live performers on the stage. While you listen, you can indulge in delicious mains like the Bison Burger, Grilled Chicken & Fig Panini, or Wild Mushroom Pasta. When you want to combine a sophisticated dinner with new music, this is the place to do it. more Theodore's Booze, Blues, & BBQ The name here really says it all. Though Sundays and Mondays are typically quiet in regards to the music scene, you'll find the stage fully booked Wednesday through Saturday, as well as some Tuesdays. While you're enjoying the lively tunes, you can belly up to the bar for beer, wine, or specialty drinks like the Sweet Daddy G, Bayou Punch, or Alli-gator. The food is finger-lickin' good and includes smoked meats, smothered ribs, and juicy burgers. The Harp Irish Pub Visit The Harp on Friday nights for a live Irish music session that's sure to impress. This is a welcome departure from more traditional live music, making it a top choice if you're really looking to try something new. The cozy environment makes for a wonderfully intimate atmosphere for enjoying the music. Don't miss the Irish menu featuring Guinness Beef Stew, Braised Lamb Shanks, and Beer Battered Fish and Chips. The Parlor Room If you're all about the music, head to The Parlor Room. This listening room is associated with Signature Sounds Recordings, an indie record label. Though the brick exterior is distinctly unassuming, you'll find a vibrant performance space inside where you can get close and personal with the music. The Florence Pie Bar serves treats and drinks in the back, but it's BYOB for wine and beer. This is a prime spot to discover new hits. Luthiers Co-Op Luthiers Co-Op caters to all your musical needs. You can buy and sell stringed instruments, get critical repairs for your favorite pieces, sign up for lessons, and check out live music. These performances are completely free and can take place Tuesday through Sunday. Check the calendar to see what's happening next and make sure to drop in when you spot something intriguing. With so much to explore in the Springfield area, it's time to pull out your calendar and start scouting out your favorite picks. You can easily fill the week with live tunes at these venues. Just hop in the car and get going. Image via pixabay.com