Sixteen Acres - Springfield, MA

At the Lymann and Merrie Wood Museum, visitors experience wonderful exhibits that detail the founding of Springfield. In 1636 William Pynchon, an English Puritan settler, originally established Springfield as a Connecticut Colony. However, after four short years the settlement aligned with the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Theodore Granger, credited with the development of the Sixteen Acres community, bought a 16-acre parcel of land in the southwestern section of the settlement, and Granger Street, is still part of the neighborhood today. Unfortunately, Granger wasn't able to create the prosperous farm he envisioned and sold off sections to family and other community members. Fortunately, his failed farm became the prosperous neighborhood of Sixteen Acres.

Check out the Bing Arts Center in Springfield to view local artists' work and take home a unique piece for your home or a gift for an eclectic friend. This hometown theater and art gallery is reminiscent of a classical opera house, presenting a regular schedule of movie nights and live plays.

Walk into Hot Table on Breckwood Boulevard to see smiles and friendly attitudes from the staff. The stonework fireplace against the back wall emits a subtle glow and creates a warm, welcoming ambiance. Enjoy building your own panini or flatbread sandwich with whatever toppings and ingredients you choose. Hot Table ranks within the top 20 restaurants in Springfield with excellent reviews from critics and customers alike.

When in the mood for Asian flavor, Ginger Blossom serves authentic Chinese and Japanese fusion cuisine and is a premier sushi destination for the neighborhood. Don't miss the chef's signature Dynamite Roll with its fresh salmon, white fish and avocado, deep-fried in batter with a spicy sauce and caviar on top. Newcomers to this popular hideaway soon turn into regulars due to the signature dishes.

The locals know that Bruno's Pizza on Wilbraham Road comes second to none. First-timers should try the sausage, meatball or chicken grinders to see how simple ingredients with true Italian flair and seasoning bring this classic cuisine to life thanks to unique and unexpected flavors. Let Bruno's cater your party and watch the guest list explode with positive RSVPs.

The nightlife in Sixteen Acres typically involves a 15-minute drive to Stearns Square in the Metro Center district of Springfield. An astonishing number of nightclubs, bars and restaurants line the streets here. Swelling vocals, slick electronic beats and deep bass drums can be heard on any corner on the weekends. This area, known as the Club Quarter, houses more than 60 hot spots for nightlife with endless possibilities. Whether you want to sample a hookah or just get your hands around some superior shawarma at Petra Hookah Lounge, Club Quarter indulges your every desire.

Theodore's Booze Blues & BBQ treats patrons live music at least four nights per week with an open mic night every Wednesday. The joint rocks until 2 a.m. every night, so arrive early to grab a good seat and spend an evening with friends listening to great bands from across the United States.

Sixteen Acres can be a dream come true for walkers, runners and bicyclists. The canopied streets are shaded in the summer and distinctly beautiful in fall.

Roads remain well maintained, and major interstate and intercity roadways are near enough that commuting does not pose much trouble at all. Framed by Interstate 91, and Routes 20, 83 and 220, Sixteen Acres never finds itself out of touch with the surrounding communities.

As a mainly residential area, Sixteen Acres has limited public transportation. Springfield on the whole, however, provides public and private cab services, long distance and local bus routes, and an Amtrak station less than 4 miles from the Western New England University in Sixteen Acres.

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority buses brings riders from Sixteen Acres to any destination along routes servicing Springfield and North Hampden County.

Sixteen Acres provides a home to numerous parks, campgrounds, golf courses and conservation sites. Veterans Golf Course, a massive 18-hole meticulously maintained course, provides a perfect place for professionals and those seeking to learn the game. The course borders Camp Wilder, a scenic park set on the shores of Bass Pond. This freshwater oasis and park combine to offer a place of relaxation for residents of all ages and their four-legged companions.

Mill Pond, Venture Pond, and many more freshwater brooks and streams leave fishermen happy. The Woodland Park Conservation Area features advanced hiking trails and covers an expansive swath of rugged to moderate terrain. Free parking and easy-to-read signs mark the entrances and exits of the park making this moderately sized forest a user friendly habitat for all.

Many young families find Sixteen Acres appealing due to the low crime rate, good local schools and a cost of living only 2.4 percent greater than that of Hartford. You can get to the center of Springfield for only $1.25 on the bus, and a cold beer averages about $3.25. Gas prices clock in at about 10 percent higher than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $750 per month.

Fresh Acres Market, a stand-alone specialty grocer, specializes in organically grown, gourmet foods and drink. The combination in-store and open air markets blend the familiarity of your neighborhood farmers market with the confidence of a major retailer.

Weddings, birthdays, graduations, all the special and memorable moments of your life can be marked with amazing displays from Flowers Flowers, where the proprietors put their heart and soul into every arrangement.

The east side of town lays claim to most of the major retailers but big name shops and supermarkets still sporadically dot the city map and are reachable in less than 10 minutes from about anywhere in town.