My wife, Patty, and I trekked back to Fairfield, Iowa, last week for our first visit in six years. I grew up there, we both graduated from high school there and we began raising our sons there.
Still, we have no relatives left in Fairfield, or in all of Iowa, for that matter. And much has changed since we moved away 22 years ago. The oddest thing about the populace of 10,000 is the number of people who still live there, yet are married to different spouses who also lived there — but with another mate.
The landscape is a lot different from my childhood, of course, but there are many other changes from the last stay in 2006. Then, the town square had vacant storefronts in about half the buildings. Now, thanks to shops owned by transcendental meditators, business is booming. There are several healthy grocery stores, restaurants and natural supplement shops dotting the downtown area that contain restored 19th century wooden floors, brick walls and tin ceiling architecture. Flowerbeds and brick crosswalks add a nice touch of outdoor beautification.
There also is a bike and walking trail around the entire perimeter of Fairfield. In addition to being able to see water birds and other creatures, the paths feature picnic tables, benches and even a gazebo.
An impressive arts and convention center has been built that contains a 522-seat theater. TMers such as Donovan and Mike Love have performed there.
And where else can you visit a farmer’s market featuring wares from Amish, transcendental meditators from Ethiopia and longtime Iowa farmers?
My wife, Patty, and I trekked back to Fairfield, Iowa, last week for our first visit in six years. I grew up there, we both graduated from high school there and we began raising our sons there.
Still, we have no relatives left in Fairfield, or in all of Iowa, for that matter. And much has changed since we moved away 22 years ago. The oddest thing about the populace of 10,000 is the number of people who still live there, yet are married to different spouses who also lived there — but with another mate.
The landscape is a lot different from my childhood, of course, but there are many other changes from the last stay in 2006. Then, the town square had vacant storefronts in about half the buildings. Now, thanks to shops owned by transcendental meditators, business is booming. There are several healthy grocery stores, restaurants and natural supplement shops dotting the downtown area that contain restored 19th century wooden floors, brick walls and tin ceiling architecture. Flowerbeds and brick crosswalks add a nice touch of outdoor beautification.
There also is a bike and walking trail around the entire perimeter of Fairfield. In addition to being able to see water birds and other creatures, the paths feature picnic tables, benches and even a gazebo.
An impressive arts and convention center has been built that contains a 522-seat theater. TMers such as Donovan and Mike Love have performed there.
And where else can you visit a farmer’s market featuring wares from Amish, transcendental meditators from Ethiopia and longtime Iowa farmers?
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