West Columbus Ave. The Hall of Fame is open seven days a week, year-round. Then it's time for lunch at my favorite deli, Gus and Paul's, either in its original Sumner Avenue digs or its branch on Main Street. The salami and eggs, knishes, and cookies are to die for. About a decade old, the park boasts nearly 200 animals, including cougar, bear, emu, wallaby, and lemur.
Kids can feed and commune with deer, goats, and sheep.
From 1794 to 1968, the armory was a world leader in developing military small arms. Admission is free. If you're looking for a carbo-loading dinner, try the Lido on Worthington Street, a rare Italian restaurant that serves pasta and french fries. The Red Rose Pizzeria on Main Street offers excellent, reasonably priced pizza in an informal atmosphere. The venerable Student Prince on Fort Street, specializing in German cuisine, is Springfield's answer to Locke-Ober in Boston.