The Galloway neighborhood in Springfield, Mo. is located approximately one-half mile north of the James River Freeway and U.S. Route 65 interchange and one mile south of Sequiota Park. The neighborhood is known for iconic Galloway Street, which is where a lot of the fun is to be had. As I drove down Galloway Street, I couldn’t help but feel at home. The vibrant colors and warm feelings I got from the architecture made even a wintry day seem inviting.

In Galloway, most Saturday afternoons are spent on a trail at Sequiota Park engaging with all that nature has to offer. The park serves as a retreat for those in the city that need some fresh air in the urban landscape. Not only are bikers and joggers prevalent at Sequiota Park, but the park is also home to the famous Sequiota Cave. Here in the cave, you may find the rare and endangered gray bat that makes the cave walls its bed. The park is also home to the first trail in Missouri to become a National Recreation Trail, in which it became in 2003 by the National Park Service and American Trails.

After completing their morning walks and jogs, most will head directly across the street to Black Lab Coffee Co. to get some caffeine before the day truly begins. I spoke with one of the residents of Galloway, Camdyn Mackey, on the importance of Black Lab to the area. “Black Lab is a must have,” said Mackey. “There is something different about this coffee and it is the perfect start to the day.”

When the day is over, make sure to hit up the Galloway Grill, a fun and relaxed environment with some great food to boot. The Galloway Grill has everything from edamame to nachos to one of the best burgers you will eat. Another local, Chris Talburt, said that he loves heading down to the Galloway Grill. “I enjoy taking the family and I down there because they have something for all of us,” Talburt said.

While this is surely not everything to do in Galloway, these are some of the most popular hangouts and the not-so-hidden gems of the area. These are the stand-bys that everyone in the area is proud to say come from Galloway. Make sure you Get Down to Galloway to give it all a try!