Simply Simpsons

 

Three years ago we had the good fortune to spend over two months exploring Oregon. I loved every moment we spent on the coast and in the mountains. This year’s goal is to spend a large amount of time exploring Washington. With that in mind we find ourselves just passing through one of my favorite landscapes. But instead of lamenting about all the things we are going to miss seeing in Oregon I’d like to highlight, for my 12 year old grandson, Henry, one important thing we haven’t missed.

We are camping at The Willamettans, a private resort outside Springfield, Oregon. Springfield just happens to be the Springfield that the beloved cartoon “The Simpsons” was modeled after; according to the show’s creator, Matt Groening. Groening signed a plaque that hangs proudly in City Hall and designates the city as the “real” Springfield. There’s also an official mural that was installed downtown, in 2014, in collaboration with 20th Century Fox and Groening himself. At the murals dedication, the voice of Lisa, Yeardly Smith, presided over the event.

Since then, unofficial street art has appeared in alleys and along side streets celebrating Springfield’s fictional alter-ego. There are now over 26 tribute pieces to the Simpsons hidden around the city. We only found three of them but did discover another reason for a longer stay next time we’re in this beautiful state.