January 03, 2024

A new year always brings new goals, new hopes and — of course — new years resolutions. Whether you already have your plans set or you’re still searching for the new you — Downtown Springfield is here to help.

 

✅ Try new foods!

Downtown Springfield is full of delicious diversity for your palate. If you’re looking to eat outside your comfort zone this year, check out these amazing Downtown restaurants:

Greek Belly offers a taste of authentic Greek cuisine like gyros, dolmades and much more. You can find them on Walnut st, near Jefferson ave.

Zayka serves the finest Indian cuisine, including popular curries & tandoori dishes. You can find them on Jefferson ave., just north of Walnut st.

Rama Thai Cafe is grown in the traditions of Thailand, using the finest herbs and spices. You can find them on Historic Walnut Street, west of National ave.

Jamaican Patty Co. carries an authentic variety of freshly baked Jamaican Patties and Jamaican cuisine. You can find them on Park Central West st., a block west of Park Central Square.

 

✅ Be more active!

If you’re ready to get out and be more active, Downtown is a great place to start.

If you’re looking for a new gym with an encouraging community, ROYAL Barbell Club offers personal training, lifting bootcamps and a premiere fitness facility located on the corner of Jefferson ave. and Elm st. You can even catch a Cycle Connect 417 spin class at ROYAL Barbell Club this winter.

If a running club is more what you’re looking for, consider joining Springfield Brewing Company Athletics on their Wednesday Night Runs. All paces are welcome to join the 4mi route through downtown, Jordan Valley Park and historic Walnut Street. Post run, SBCA will provide each runner with one draft beer of choice on the house!

Those interested in yoga or more group fitness classes, check out Wellness Collective Studios. All of their classes are designed for all levels of students. Teachers will help beginners find modifications so that all students leave class feeling fulfilled and aligned mentally, physically and spiritually. The studio is located at the corner of Campbell ave. and McDaniel st., near the entrance of the McDaniel Car Park. You can find a schedule of classes at wellnesscollectivestudios.com.

You can also get in a groove with a Refit dance fitness class at The Judy on Florence ave. This one-hour class is designed to work you out head-to-toe in the most fun way with mood-boosting music.

 

✅ Learn something new!

A new year is a great time to learn a new skill! Classes of all kinds are available in Downtown Springfield:

Forming Art Studios offers multiple classes and workshops in their space at the corner of Walnut st. and South ave. Teaching a wide range of art mediums for beginner and intermediate artists, Forming is the perfect place to explore your creativity! This January, you can check out classes in watercolors and pour painting.

Learn the art of Mixology at 417 Cocktails. Mixology 101 class on January 18 is the perfect place to start for those new to the world of bartending. In this introductory course, you’ll learn the basics of mixology, including how to properly measure and mix ingredients, how to make classic cocktails and tips for creating your own signature drinks. 417 Cocktails is also offering classes in mocktail mixology and bitters this month. Find a list of all the classes at 417cocktails.com.

Food for thought is available in the Italian Kitchen’s Cooking Classes on McDaniel st. near Main ave. Master the basics, create authentic lasagna, bake your own bread or make your own pasta with an Italian-trained Chef. You can find a list of Italian Kitchen’s classes on Facebook at facebook.com/italiankitchen.SGF/events.

Springfield Little Theatre‘s classes aren’t just for the kids. Adults are invited to take the stage to learn acting, musical theatre dance, tap and ballet, with the spring semester of classes begins on January 8.

 

✅ Volunteer!

One of the best things you can do for your community is to get involved! Local nonprofits are always looking for a helping hand.

The Downtown Springfield Association plans and manages many of the classic community events, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Artsfest, Taste of SoMo food festival and more. These events are not possible without the help of volunteers. You can sign up for the DSA’s volunteer email list to be notified when volunteer opportunities arise.

Good Dads, headquartered in Downtown Springfield, is always looking for committed volunteers who are passionate about assisting them in “helping kids one dad at a time.” Volunteers can help by facilitating a Good Dads class, mentor dads in the program, be a strong schools captain or help run strong school events. Learn more about Good Dads volunteer opportunities at gooddads.com/volunteer.

For those with a love of kids, education, science — or all three, the Discovery Center is a great place to volunteer your time. Volunteers can assist the science center as a museum assistant, technology assistant, STEM-ologist assistant, or ChromoZone Assistant. Applications for these volunteer positions are available online at discoverycenter.org.

The Child Advocacy Center serves the needs of abused and neglected children in Southwest and South Central Missouri, and provides education to break abuse cycles and ultimately prevent child abuse in our region. You can support the organization as an upkeep volunteer at their headquarters, as a community engagement assistant or making blankets for the children served. Learn more at childadvocacycenter.org.