My Perfect Day in Springfield: Rod Hatfield, Artist and Entrepreneur

Photo: Rod Hatfield

Rod Hatfield has been all over the world, and there’s nowhere he’d rather be than Springfield. Here’s how he’d spend his perfect day in his hometown.

I’m Rod Hatfield. I’m a fourth-generation Springfield resident, born and raised — my forebears arrived in the 1920s and 30s, seeking a better life. Springfield turned out to be their promised land. 

After college, inspired by a friend’s tattered copy of Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road,” I began an odyssey of my own. In the years that followed, I globetrotted as a filmmaker and photographer, working with artists and seeing the world. 

But one New Year’s Eve, I had an epiphany about how much I loved my family and my childhood friends, and about how beautiful Springfield truly is. How architecturally rich the city is, how steeped in history it is, how sacred the ground is.

In one inspired instant, I could see so much opportunity here, so much possibility for entrepreneurial and cultural growth. And I really wanted to be part of it — to use the skills I’d honed and the experience I’d earned to contribute to Springfield’s renaissance. 

Fast forward: I now work as creative director for The Turner Foundation. I co-own Hatch New Media, LLC, the Springfield State Theatre and Hi*Hat Social. And I have a rocking art studio at Hatch Artist Studios. My heart and soul thrive here.r community.

Morning: Inspiration, Creativity and a Good Breakfast

I start each day in the bright sunshine of my home office, managing correspondence with clients, colleagues and other artists. I'll usually whip up some breakfast with my incredible wife Brittanie, who’s a pediatric charge nurse and educator at Dayton Children’s Hospital. We love to have baked goods from Torte & Iron Café or fresh eggs from On-The-Rise that we get at our local farmer’s market. 

But if we have time, we'll walk to our favorite neighborhood restaurant, the Ridgewood Café or spin on over to the new Mundy’s Bar and Grill.

Then I’m off to a scheduled photo or video shoot, often for Mercy Hospital or a local manufacturer or a school. Benjamin Steel, Wallace & Turner, Pentaflex, Champion GSE, Catholic Central High School, Emmanuel Christian Academy and Springfield City Schools are all regular clients. Afterwards, I go to the office at The Turner Foundation to check in with the team.

Afternoon: World-Class Cuisine and Creative Nourishment 

By mid-day, I set out on my weekly rounds. I go to my studio at Hatch Artist Studios, next to Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company, where I’ll have a festival or event production meeting (and a Disco Dancer IPA) with the Loftis brothers, who co-founded the place. Or I’ll swing by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House to collab on something cool with Marta Wojcik. Hartman Rock Garden is another one of my favorite haunts. 

Afterwards, I’ll pop into Un Mundo Café or Winans Chocolates & Coffees for a caffeine boost, or stop into Blended by J for a nourishing acai bowl. Then it’s back to the office, but not before dropping into Champion City Guide + Supply to see what’s new. I love to send Hucklebuck’s Springfield merch to my family out west.

Later in the day, I’ll head over to see Matt Luther at the Peanut Shoppe to pick up popcorn, chocolate covered pretzels and spicy cajun trail mix for our concession stand at the State Theatre. Then it’s off to Hi*Hat Social for a craft cocktail, a vinyl record listening session and probably the best damn smash burger I’ve ever eaten. 

Springfield is incredibly blessed to have an affordable, world class, foodie scene downtown, along with cool new retail boutiques like Firefly Boutique, Reimagine Gifts & More and Beyond Bottleshop. 

I mean, some of the yummiest food I’ve ever had is downtown: Stella Bleu Bistro, Charlo’s Provisions and Eatery, All Saints Grill, Viva La Fiesta, Chido’s Tacos and Casa Centro Modern Mexican are all incredible.

But my favorite is Hi*Hat Social. I’m biased, but Chef Clayton Horrighs throws down some of the most creative cuisine imaginable, and every bite is simply mouthwatering.

Evening: A Great Show and Great Friends 

I end every day at my favorite place in the world, the historic State Theatre. It’s almost 100 years old and one of the crown jewels in the downtown core, but it has a fresh, contemporary vibe with great programming: classic movies, live music, comedy, vaudeville, trivia. A lot of it is all ages (with an adult), and it’s usually free! 

Plus, the Theatre has some of the coolest bartenders in town. It’s just a wonderful place to share a sip and some laughs with friends while watching a favorite movie or checking out a great band. Running the State with lifelong friends is a dream come true. Springfield means so much to me and my family. Getting to work with a bunch of life-long friends, creating great events and memorable experiences for our community — it’s a mission for sure, and yeah, it can be a grind. But there are all these succulent flavors and glorious sights to behold. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. And believe me: I’ve lived everywhere else.

Build Your Perfect Day in Springfield

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