Shop 'til you drop, relax in a Springfield hotel, and save a little cash in the process. The Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau is starting a radio ad campaign for the Springfield Sneakaway.

"It's kind of a fun ad, a little different approach, a gentleman with a French accent, suggesting that Springfield is a good place to come shopping," said Susan Wade of the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The CVB does most of its advertising in the spring and summer but the $75,000 ad campaign that begins Monday will be heard from Topeka to Tulsa, Joplin to Jefferson City and more. Thirteen Springfield hotels are participating, including the Sleep Inn.

"I think it's a great idea. This is typically a slower time for the economy in general, and tourism and travel in particular," said Sleep Inn General Manager Scott Warren.

"We decided to see if we could do something about that," said Wade.

Springfield has seen about a 7-percent drop in overnight stays this year, not bad compared to the national average of 15 percent. Some good deals could help the city do even better.

"I think it'll pay for itself and more," said Warren.

Those who sneak away and spend two nights at a hotel in Springfield get that second night at half price, or they can pay for two nights and get the third night free.

While they're staying in town, visitors will get 50 Downtown Dollars to spend. They'll get gift certificates to dine at Springfield Brewing Company or check out downtown stores.

"There's a lot of people who are looking for independent retail, and downtown, center city, are really the home for independent retail, and this is a way to spotlight those," said Rusty Worley, executive director of the Urban Districts Alliance.

"I think they've been proactive in their approach to at least hold onto our share of the pie," said Warren.

To take advantage of the incentives, visitors need to go to the Springfield Sneakaway