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CommentsOld-Fashioned Fun
Old-school games and hangouts are sometimes just the low-fi break you need. Here are the best throwback places to kick back.
RESOURCE GUIDE
Best old-school hangout
1984 arcade
The downtown arcade is an exuberant celebration of all things ’80s (and ’70s) and is introducing a Halo generation to the simple glories of Dig Dug, Asteroids and Gauntlet. The price ($5 all-you-can-play) is right, too.
Best old-school game
Ski-Ball
It’s so simple it’s almost laughable, ski-ball. But there’s something addicting about throwing a wooden ball up a ramp with just the right amount of force to make it land in a narrow tube of plastic pipe. We don’t know what it is, either. Where to play: Incredible Pizza Company
Best old-school sport
Roller-derby
The quintessential ’70s made-for-TV sport is a devil of a time, with some of Springfield’s most… ah… impressive ladies throwing their bodies all over the place just for the fun of it. They play their home matches at Skateport, so if you’re interested in watching or playing (laaaadies), stop by and check it out.
Best old-school cool-down
Gillioz Theatre
While Moxie Cinema is decidedly vintage, Gillioz is certified ancient, and this summer they’ve been showing classic baseball movies and Westerns starring the likes of Robert Redford and John Wayne, two golden-oldies in their own right.
Best old-school game (outdoor)
Fun Acre
The lo-fi mini golf course on South Campbell Avenue has giant concrete animals, putters that Ben Hogan might have used, and “obstacles” that haven’t changed since the Carter administration. And that’s cool, ‘cause the $2 price tag is equally retro.
Best old-school game (indoor)
Bowling at Sunshine Lanes
There are a number of bowling alleys in Springfield, but this gets our vote because of strange layout (alleys on either side, not all along the back wall) and west side location. West Springfield was made for bowling alleys.
Best old-school musical act
Arzo Tureaud
Whether you’re catching him at MudLounge or Big Momma’s, Arzo’s smooth brand of jazz and the sound of Little Hoover’s Big Band make the ’40s surprisingly relevant. You really don’t have to have words with everything, you know.
