A panoramic of the glorious Springfield Plaza can be viewed here.
Springfield Plaza doesn't seem close to pretty much anything, tucked away as it is on the north side of Springfield, just below Chicopee. But this strange end of the universe bears fruits for the bargain hunter of a certain stripe, not to mention lovers of odd urban collisions. The whole place seems to have grown up willy-nilly around a strip mall anchored by a central edifice of several floors rising inexplicably behind the many storefronts. The curious architecture of that edifice lies somewhere between 1970s concrete drab and a continental Bauhaus austerity.
On one end of the strip lies the tremendous thrift heaven that is Savers, stuffed chock full of old clothes, ancient skis and stereo consoles of unknown provenance. Next to it lurks a remarkably good Greek restaurant called Mykonos, offering very friendly service and a fine selection of Greek favorites. You can pop next door from there to the Koffee Kup Bakery, where, despite the two Ks, a raft of sensibly priced treats awaits.
The rest of the place is a hodgepodge of discount retailers (some of which offer excellent and ever-changing finds), all tucked behind a giant Super Stop and Shop. If you're anxious for a bit of entertainment, you'll find that nearby, too, with a movie theater and a place to pursue the quintessential sport of Big Lebowski slackers everywhere, bowling. It may rise out of nowhere, but Springfield Plaza is a destination all its own.
