What about Springfield?

Travel Info
More specifically Springfield, IL. Are there any better Springfields?

Any others that you have been to or know that exist?

Did you know that all the Springfields are going to compete for the best Simpsons Springfield contest to host the premiere of the movie? Which do you think will win and why?

If you know ANY information about Springfield, IL please tell me as much as you can because I plan to visit in early June. Any hotel recomendations? Any places I should visit? It will be just a 1 full day stop then heading south. Anything south of there of interest? Any help is very much appreciated.

Thank You in advance.

Travel Tips

16 of the 32 Springfields in the US are currently competing to host the event. It is rumored the closest contenders are MA., IL, and OR. MA and IL for its similarities to the show and OR b/c it is very close to Matt Groening's childhood home in Portland. Personally, I hope it is OH since I live in a surrounding city but I doubt I would be that lucky!
Others

How many Springfields have the Mother Road...rt 66? 1...the one in Illinois. IL also has the most nuclear plants...Homer's jobsite. Abe Lincoln's home.

You must see Lincoln's Museum and Library while there. It's state of the art displays and presentations are a "must" for all Illinoisians.

Have lunch at Cozy Dog on old rt 66....home of the first corndog....another plus for the Simpson vote?

Hotels are not cheap but affordable because of the state politicians and Abe Lincoln attractions.

Other places of interest to the south:

Effingham...MY Garage Museum & Retail Store...part of MidAmerica Corvette:

http://www.madvet.com/shop?category=1.19...

Shawnee Nat'l Forest:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee/...

Metropolis...home of Superman:

http://www.metropolischamber.com/metropo...

Cave-In-Rock State Park:

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/par...