Spring in the Ozarks is one of the best times to get out and enjoy everything around you. The weather is finally nice, everything feels a little more alive, and there are just more reasons to leave the house. This is a simple weekend plan that mixes a few local go-to spots with a couple seasonal things like berry picking and walking trails for the perfect weather. Nothing is too far, nothing is overplanned, and it works whether you’re planning something with friends, your spouse, or just want a weekend reset close to home. If making plans can feel overwhelming, use this as a guide for an easy and enjoyable weekend in the Ozarks!
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re not local, turning this into a full weekend stay makes it even better. There are some really cute Airbnbs around Springfield that put you right near everything, including spots in some of the most loved neighborhoods like Rountree and central Springfield areas that are close to coffee, trails, and downtown. I’ve rounded up a few good ones to check out— all simple, well-located options that make it easy to follow this exact itinerary.
FRIDAY NIGHT: DINNER + WONDERS OF WILDLIFE
Dinner
- Start at Civil Kitchen or The Table
Civil Kitchen is one of my favorite easy downtown spot that has something on the menu everyone will love. It’s located on the square, so depending on how much time you have it’s conveincently located next to shops and attractions and sights of downtown Springfield, so take a stroll around while you wait or after dinner! If you are on more of a time crunch and don’t want to venture downtown, The Table is a newer Springfield spot everyone is loving, and it’s atmosphere is hard to beat!
After dinner
- Head to Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
Plan a couple of hours here. It’s one of those places that feels worth it every time – it’s genuinely breathtaking for whatever crowd you’re with! Family, friends, or as a date night.
SATURDAY: COFFEE, BERRY PICKING, SHOPPING + DINNER
Morning: Coffee + a walk (Galloway area)
- Start at Cassidy Coffee Company
A small detail I love about this coffee shop is that their coffees and drinks come in cans, which is SO fun! - There’s also a small shop below it where you can browse after you grab your coffee, and a paved walking path around the area for a quick walk if you want to explore around the Galloway area.
Late Morning: Berry Picking (Republic area)
A few solid options:
- Gardner’s Orchard & Bakery
- Millsap Farms
This is simple, seasonal, and perfect to do in the spring.
INSIDER TIP: Go early. Strawberry picking fills up fast on weekends.
Lunch (Springfield)
Pick what sounds good:
- The Safe Spoon
- Brown Derby Deli
- Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Cafe
- JW’s
All easy, dependable lunch spots locals go back to often. You truly can’t go wrong with any of these!
Afternoon: Shopping OR something active
If you want to shop
- Finnic Boutique
- The Market
- Uptown Boutique
- STAXX Boutique
- Shafitzel’s florals
- Plus lots of thrifting and antiquing around town, some of my favorites being Freakin’ Antiquing and The Thicket
OR if you want something to do
- Play pickleball at Phelps Grove Park
- Or mini golf at Getaway Golf
This part works for a weekend with your spouse, a girls weekend, or your whole family
Dinner (Springfield or Ozark)
- Hinode Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
- Luna Modern Mexican Kitchen
- Finley Farms
INSIDER TIP: A few of these have really great patios, so it’s worth sitting outside if the weather’s nice.
SUNDAY MORNING: COFFEE + BRUNCH
Start with coffee- duh!
- Go to Kingdom Coffee on Lone Pine- it’s one of my favorites!
- It’s located conveniently on the Galloway Creek Greenway- which makes it perfect to grab your coffee and walk the trail nearby for a slow start to your morning.
INSIDER TIP: My go-to order at Kingdom is an iced caramel latte or a vanilla iced matcha. You can’t go wrong with either!
If you want a full brunch after,
- Head to Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe downtown or The Aviary for a bite to eat to end your Ozarks weekend trip.
After brunch, have a slow, easy, pack-up-and-head-home kind of mornings. You’re not rushing anywhere, just finishing out the weekend feeling like you did so many fun things but still had time to relax. Whether you’re heading back across town or driving out of Springfield, I hope you enjoyed your restful weekend enjoying all the Ozarks has to offer!
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