Life's pressures of finding a balance between work and fun can be overwhelming at times. We are encouraged to stay active, join gyms, and embrace a walking lifestyle as much as we can. Meanwhile, we simply want to enjoy a few good episodes of "The Simpsons" on our couch. The opening credits, featuring the parting clouds and view of Springfield, are iconic to generations.
Well, it just so happens that Springfield, Oregon, is the city that inspired Matt Groening for his hit show, and it's just a 10-minute
drive east of Eugene. Should you be a resident or a visitor to The Beaver State, you can lace up your Nike sneakers (another local invention) and head out for a truly walkable experience in this hidden gem packed with fun activities. From Portland — the city where you can order the best coffee in America — Springfield is a comfortable two-hour ride south on Interstate 5 and is also accessible by intercity buses. You can also take more scenic, yet longer routes through the countryside or the Pacific coast.
Your adventure through Springfield's downtown can begin by scouting for the cartoon's recognizable landmarks. After that, sample some of the local, praiseworthy vinos in a local wine bar. As the sun begins to roll west, head to the outskirts and finish off the day with panoramic views from one of the surrounding hiking trails. Truly, Springfield, Oregon, offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of any metropolis that you need a break from.
Read more: The Most Charming Cobblestone Streets In America That Will Take You Back In Time
Art, Treasures, And Wine In Springfield
As you hum the famous tune of the show on your way to Springfield, your best place to start exploring is in the city's core: Main Street. Spanning the entire downtown area from west to east, this walkable 5-mile stretch is home to local galleries, breweries, and must-see landmarks such as "The Simpsons" mural. Inaugurated in 2014 by Yeardley Smith, who voiced Lisa Simpson, it's conveniently located at the Emerald Art Center, a local hub that is also worth a visit. If you're a big fan of the show, you can begin your tour at the famous Springfield Horseman Statue and make your way east into the city.
With the winding Willamette River serving as the rough border between the neighboring city of Eugene, Springfield held a rugged blue-collar reputation for being the city from the "other side of the tracks." However, it is in those lesser-traveled corners where one can stumble upon unique finds, if not treasures. Springfield boasts some of the most impressive antique markets in the state, and The Vintage Industry, as well as Time Travelers' Antique Mall, are a must-see. Within their mazes, you can expect to find a cornucopia of vintage toys, typewriters, furniture, and unique objet d'art collections.
It's no secret that the movie-famous state of California to the south is home to many of the best Napa vineyards; yet, Oregon holds its own with many award-winning grape varieties. Main Street is home to several excellent establishments for you to take a break from the heat and cool down with a local vintage. Some reputable recommendations in the area include Iris Vineyards Wine Bar, known for its award-winning pinot varieties, as well as McKenzie Crest Wines, with vineyards that yield excellent Marechal Foch grapes right outside the city.
Outdoor Fun Is A Stone's Throw Away
You've polished your shoes' soles off the pavement of Springfield long enough and now find yourself drawn to some greenery. What a pleasant convenience it is that Mount Pisgah Arboretum, a living tree museum park and home to an annual mushroom festival, is just a 10-minute drive south of downtown Springfield. Trail-running sneakers or light hiking boots in tow, you can enjoy the stunningly diverse ecosystem that this carefully curated reservoir of nature has to offer. With beautiful views of the surrounding area on the peak of Mount Pisgah at 1,536 feet of elevation, it would take you just over an hour to reach the summit. It is accessible year-round, with a day pass available for purchase at a nominal price of $4, as of the time of this writing.
Springfield's wide range of activities merits an overnight stay, and the city offers a fair amount of hotels and B&Bs to choose from, such as the reputable McKenzie Orchards Bed and Breakfast Inn, located on the scenic banks of the McKenzie River. If you are planning to spend a weekend in Springfield, consider adding a scenic drive through Oregon between Eugene and Portland to your itinerary. The West Cascades Scenic Byway belongs on your bucket list: a stunning, underrated route with around five hours of drive time and views of forests, rivers, and mountains all along the way. With a full day or perhaps a weekend of activities in Springfield behind you, you are certain to return home refreshed, grounded, and content with a new local adventure discovered.
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Read the original article on Islands.
