A Summer in Springfield is set in Springfield, Ohio, and I used many of the local businesses and people in the story. Some names were changed, but if you live here or know Springfield, you can probably guess many of the places mentioned in the book. Here are some of the places and people that inspired scenes in A Summer in Springfield.
Mighty Mustard, where Lisa is an intern for the summer, is based off Springfield’s own Woeber’s Mustard. Their mustard is delicious and is found all over the state. They do have an annual mustard festival that features an eating competition and a weiner dog race.
One of Springfield’s favorite spots to meet up is the local brewery. Mother Stewart’s Brewing is located on the edge of downtown and features a lot of space to sit inside and a courtyard to sit outside. It’s named after one of Springfield’s historic leaders who supported Prohibition. Food trucks can often be found there
Young’s Jersey Dairy is a favorite spot in Clark County, where Springfield is located. They have deep-fried cheese curds, ice cream, food, goats to feed, a carousel, putt-putt golf, a driving range, batting cages and a tall slide. It’s always a good place to take out-of-town guests.
Fireworks and 4th of July parades are a thing around Springfield. It is true that fireworks happen almost every night the week before and after the actual holiday. Parades are often in the smaller surrounding towns. Springfield is known for its Memorial Day parade.
There are many places to go kayaking around Springfield. My family has used Mad River Adventures since we don’t own kayaks. Those who own them sometimes go to the Buck Creek Dam or local lakes in addition to the Mad River.
Springfield, Ohio, does have a university – Wittenberg University. It’s a great option for young adults who want to go to school locally and it’s has a great athletic program.
Myer’s Market is Springfield’s coworking building that has many great restaurants in it. It’s a renovated building that was Springfield’s original city market.
Sushi by Thomas is the restaurant Thomas opens in The Cookie Connection, so I had to put it in A Summer in Springfield as a nod to the original Rose City Romance!
To learn more about Springfield, Ohio, visit their Web site.