FRIDAY 3PM
It ’ s time to head out and explore downtown Springfield . As you follow the gently-curving banks of the Black River towards the center of town on Route 11 , you will pass a row of distinctive and imposing brick mill buildings . These storied structures once housed the factories that brought Springfield prosperity and international fame during the apex of its industrial peak . In the late 19th century , Springfield was more than just a thriving manufacturing hub – it was also a nucleus of groundbreaking innovation . The mechanical engineers who came to work at Springfield ’ s factories invented a vast assortment of ingenious products , including clothespins , hay cutters , guitar cases , steam shovels , mop wringers , and sheep-shearing machines .
Today , the same spirit of innovation that defined Springfield ’ s prosperous industrial age is carried on through the Black River Innovation Campus ( BRIC ) on Park Street . As a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging the growth of the local digital economy , BRIC is creating a state-of-theart digital co-working space that will offer direct support to technological entrepreneurs , as well as career coaching and mentorship services . Their entrepreneurship center will provide much-needed funding and training to local business owners interested in furthering their career goals . It will also offer access to crucial innovation resources through fruitful collaborations with nearby Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and Linkedin founder Reid Hoffman .
BRIC also plans to help facilitate the implementation of a full spectrum of robotics , computer science , and computer thinking initiative programs at schools in the Springfield School District . Highlights of the fledgling educational program will include robotics club competitions , internships , and classes that focus on the intersection between technology and personal interests . BRIC is currently raising funds for an ambitious renovation project at the historic Park Street School building . Once complete , the Park Street School complex will house modern loft living spaces for 20 people , as well as a cutting-edge auditorium that will host presentations , artistic performances , and large events . In addition , BRIC will work closely with several leading nonprofit organizations ( such as the Vermont-based Center on Rural Innovation ) to secure the future of Vermont ’ s digital economy . ( For more on the Center on Rural Innovation , see page 48 )
After arriving in Downtown Springfield , park your car on Main Street and head north towards Comtu Cascade Park on River Street . Constructed at the former site of the Cobb-Derby Mill , the park provides wonderful views of the Black River Falls , framed by gorgeous brick industrial buildings that provide an atmosphere of nostalgic grandeur . The outdoor park features patio seating , native stonework , and an outdoor performance space . After basking in the beauty of the Black River , head down to Springfield Cinemas 3 on Main Street to catch an afternoon matinee at the theater that once served as the site for the 2007 premiere of The Simpsons Movie . In the months leading up to the theatrical release , the film ’ s creators launched a contest inviting all of the towns named Springfield across America to submit a video pitch for why they thought their town should host the premiere . Springfield , Vermont submitted a film that showed a Burlington-based talk show host dressed up in a Homer Simpson costume chasing a giant pink donut through town . After amassing over 15,000 votes on the contest website , Springfield , Vermont managed to clinch the premiere by a narrow margin . The film was later premiered at the downtown Springfield theatre and was accompanied by massive fanfare .
7PM
After your cinematic interlude , stop in at The Copper Fox on Main Street for dinner and drinks . Their culinary program is headed by native Springfieldian Nick Matush , who first got his start in the hospitality industry by washing dishes at the Morning Star Café when it was still open on Main Street . After Matush completed his studies at the New England Culinary Institute ’ s satellite campus in Tortola , he trained under the tutelage of several accomplished chefs , and became well-versed in Caribbean , Italian , Peruvian and Cuban Cuisine . Matush then returned to his hometown , where he created a remarkable epicurean dining experience . Their Potato Gnocchi with melted leeks , gorgonzola cream and summer squash pairs nicely with their Castelfeder Pinot Grigio , and their Boneless Pork Chop with cheese grits , tomato gravy and sautéed swiss chard , is nicely complemented by their Lawson ’ s Sip of Sunshine DIPA . For dessert ? Try their Copper Fox Creemee with candied walnuts . Available in maple , chocolate , or maple chocolate twist , this classic Vermont dessert is the perfect way to start your weekend in Springfield off on the sweeter side .
SATURDAY 8AM
Rise and shine with a delicious cup of coffee , espresso or tea at Flying Crow Coffee Co . on Main Street . Boasting a broad array of organic Fair Trade Certified coffees that are roasted on-premises , this hip and lively shop also offers subscription delivery services for caffeinated connoisseurs seeking to sample the best beans that the world has to offer . Make sure to take some delicious baked goods with you for the road ahead .
9AM
Get ready to stretch your legs and embark on a fabulous Springfield expedition !
Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in a trip to one of Springfield ’ s treasured natural sites . On Fairground Road , the North Springfield Bog features a boardwalk that runs through the site . The raised walkway offers views of a wide variety of fascinating flora , such as remarkably large pitcher plants .
At the Muckross State Park on Paddock Road , a small network of roads and foot trails wind through the former estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former Vermont Senator Edgar May , who bequeathed the land to the State of Vermont . There are several outcroppings with glorious views of the Connecticut River and the Black River downstream from a dammed pond , and an 80-foot waterfall , as well . Due to the fact that the trails are not maintained and developed , this park is recommended for very experienced hikers .
At Hartness State Park , you will find wide walking trails and a picnic area . Open clearings provide scenic views of the downtown area and the former site of the Springfield Ski Jump , and the park features several different trails for hikers of varying skill levels . Interested in a short and easy hike ? Start at the Dell Road entrance , then take the Lena ’ s Landing trail to signpost 11 . Turn left on Hillard ’ s Trail to signpost 14 , and then take the Double Creek Trail back to Dell Road . For a more challenging hike , take the Double Creek Trail from the Dell Road entrance to the Woodbury Road entrance , then turn right on the Governor ’ s Trail , and turn left on the Outer Loop at
VTMAG . COM FALL 2021 61