Springfield , General info:
10/10

Springfield is the capital of the U.S. state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County. The city of Springfield is dotted with sites centered around U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who started his political career in Springfield. These include: the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, a National Historical Park that includes the preserved surrounding neighborhood, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Near the village of Petersburg, is New Salem State Park, a restored hamlet of log cabins, recreating the town where Lincoln lived as a young man.

Springfield , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Cheapest and most delicious Cozy Dog.

Springfield , Different stuff:
8/10

Springfield has long had an affiliation with food. The corn dog on a stick was invented in the city under the name “Cozy Dog,” although there is some debate to the actual origin of the popular snack. The horseshoe sandwich, not well-known outside of the city, also originated in Springfield. Springfield was also once home to the Reisch Beer brewery.

The alleged first U.S. drive-thru window is still in operation in Springfield at the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop.

Springfield , Don't miss:
9/10

Although not born in Springfield, Abraham Lincoln is the city's most famous resident. He lived here for 17 years.[6] The only home he ever owned is open to the public, seven days a week, free of charge, and operated by the National Park Service.

Springfield , Food:
9/10

From infamous, one-of-kind "horseshoe" sandwich to the ever popular Cozy Dog - you'll find a delicious selection of dining opportunities in Springfield, Illinois. Along with neighborhood fare, you"ll also find four-star restaurants, quaint cafés, fast-food and more.

Springfield , Hotels:
9/10

Springfield lodging, with 4,000-plus rooms, ranges from bed and breakfasts and inns to economy and luxury hotels. You will find everything you need.

Springfield , Safety:
10/10

Very safe and friendly city.

St. Louis , General info:
9/10

St. Louis is an independent city in the U.S. state of Missouri. It is bordered by the Mississippi River on the east and by St. Louis County on the north, south, and west. St. Louis is the largest metropolitan area in Missouri. Sometimes written as Saint Louis, the city is named for King Louis IX of France. St. Louis is known for its French and German heritage and Victorian past. Two events at the beginning of the 20th century, the 1904 World's Fair and 1904 Olympic Games (the first ever held in the United States) are of particular pride to St. Louisans. In the 21st century, St. Louis has transformed from a manufacturing and industrial economy into a globally known focus for research in medicine, biotechnology, and other science. St. Louis is also called "Gateway to the West" on behalf the many people who moved west through St. Louis.

St. Louis , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Anheuser-Busch Brewery, a Free tour (with free beer samples for those of legal age) of one of the world's largest breweries and bottling factories. The Clydesdales and their historic truck and stables are one of the biggest attractions on the tour, as are the brew house and packaging facility.

St. Louis , Different stuff:
7/10

The Gateway Arch, Riverfront, designed by Eero Saarinen, it's the world's tallest national monument, built to be a symbolic gateway to the west. The icon of the city, the Arch is located in the Jefferson Expansion National Memorial Park by the Riverfront. You can ride a unique elevator - essentially it's a cross between a cable railway and a ferris wheel - up to the top. There is also an innovative historical museum under the Arch. Don't miss the movie, "Monument to the Dream," about the building of the Arch--it is an exceptionally well-made and memorable tribute to how a vision was made tangible. The Arch was designed as a parabola scaled from 21 inches of string held 7 inches apart. Its foundation is anchored 60 feet underground.

St. Louis , Don't miss:
9/10

The Saint Louis Zoological Park, one of the oldest and largest free-admission zoos in the country, is home to an Insectarium and the Prairie Village. The St. Louis Zoo is the most visited zoo in the United States, having surpassed the San Diego Zoo in popularity. It boasts many exhibits with animal-friendly habitats. The zoo is located in Forest Park, adjacent to the St. Louis Art Museum.

St. Louis , Food:
9/10

Try St. Louis original foods - *Barbequed Pork Steaks, St. Louis Style Boston Butt sliced into steaks, basted with Maull's Barbecue sauce.

*Gooey butter Cake, a type of coffee cake with a bottom layer of buttery yellow cake and a top layer of either egg and cream cheese, or butter and sugar.

*Gus's Pretzels, great hot large pretzels about 1' long and 1" diameter.

Maull's Barbecue Sauce, a spicy, semi-sweet tomato-based sauce unusual for containing pepper pulp and anchovies. Eight varieties.

*Provel Cheese, a soft, white processed cheese made from cheddar, swiss and provolone. Mainly found on the pizzas at local favorite Imo's Pizza.

*St. Louis Style Pizza, made with Provel cheese on a super thin crust.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Something that every St. Louis resident has had. Ted Drewes has two locations in St. Louis, and features dozens of flavors of its famous frozen custard.

*Toasted Ravioli, or really, breaded and deep-fried. Is found on the menu of most St. Louis restaurants, including several upscale ones.

St. Louis , Hotels:
9/10

St. Louis does have the host of usual Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Inn, and the like, chains. One great thing about the city is an abundance of hotel rooms, convention and meeting space, and amenities for travelers. Since the city boast a low cost of living, even for the Midwest, you might find even the most expensive hotels relatively affordable; rooms at even the Ritz-Carlton start in the mid $200s per night.

St. Louis , Safety:
10/10

St. Louis' recent designation as the Most Dangerous City in America should not deter the potential visitor. Areas most often visited by tourists are no more dangerous than any other large American city. The more popular and most-visited areas in the city, such as Clayton, Downtown, the Central West End, and Forest Park have very low crime rates, even for the Midwest. Caution is warranted in other locales, particularly the North Side. . East St. Louis, in Illinois, is also noted for a higher crime rate than the Missouri side. Most tourists, however, will have little reason to visit these places, so it should not present reason for much concern. Some Metrolink stations are located in areas some may find questionable after dark as well, but most downtown areas around Busch Stadium, Union Station, St. Louis University area, and commuter lots near the airport are generally safe and patrolled.