Clarissa Pohlman’s Perfect Saturday in Springfield, Missouri

Clarissa Pohlman has called the Springfield area home for most of her life.

Originally from Strafford, Missouri, Pohlman grew up on a dairy farm before her family moved to Springfield when she was in middle school. She attended Ozarks Technical Community College before transferring to Missouri State University. Initially, Pohlman majored in early childhood education to become a kindergarten teacher. While attending Missouri State, she studied abroad in Colima, Mexico, where she immersed herself in the language and culture.

“I really wanted to study Spanish in a place where I could use it every day,” she said.

Her experience abroad inspired her to change her major to Spanish, and although she wasn't planning to start teaching immediately after college, her first opportunity came in Mexico, Missouri.

“It was such a great experience. I love being able to teach Spanish to young people in my community.”

After teaching for a year at Camdenton High School, Pohlman accepted a position at Pershing Middle School in Springfield, where she's now entering her 17th year in education and her 14th year at Pershing, where she also just won Teacher of the Year.

Here’s how Clarissa loves to spend a relaxing Saturday in Springfield.

Breakfast at El Cafecito

Pohlman starts her day at El Cafecito, Springfield’s tiny coffee shop off of South Campbell Avenue.

“It is amazing. It's hard to find authentic dishes in Springfield, and everything there is so good. It's so cute inside. I want my classroom to look just like it.”

Her go-to order is the Huevos Divorciados, a classic Mexican breakfast dish with eggs covered in two freshly made salsas, and served with beans, avocado, and three corn tortillas.

Address: 2462 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield

Browse the Farmers Market of the Ozarks at Farmers Park

After breakfast, Pohlman enjoys taking her time strolling through the Farmers Market of the Ozarks at Farmers Park.

One of her favorite stops is Sweet Pieces, a food truck that also visits Pershing Middle School for Spanish class events. She also makes a point to stop by a vendor selling dried fruit, a favorite treat for her 5-year-old son.

“I love moseying around, looking at the flowers, and seeing what's new. The last time I was there, I even bought a natural perfume that smelled amazing.”

Address: 2144 E. Republic Road, Springfield

Spend the Afternoon at Southern Hills Pool

When the weather is warm, Pohlman loves spending time at Southern Hills Pool with her family. 

“It gives me Sandlot vibes. It's such a great neighborhood pool.” Her favorite part is watching her son spend the afternoon doing “endless amounts of cannonballs.”

Lunch at Beth's Bake Shoppe

Beth's Bake Shoppe holds a special place in Pohlman's heart.

“I'm a little biased,” she laughed. “I worked there in high school and college.”

She remembers spending evenings baking cakes, calling it one of the most therapeutic and enjoyable jobs she's ever had.

Today, she still loves stopping in for a house salad with a ginger peach iced tea, while her husband always orders the Hot Italian sandwich. No visit can be complete without a slice of coconut cream pie for dessert.

Address: 1645 W. Republic Road Unit D, Springfield

Visit Fassnight Farm and Wickman's Garden Village

The afternoon includes a stop at Fassnight Farm before heading over to nearby Wickman's Garden Village.

Pohlman enjoys visiting Farmer Dan, who she discovered is also from Strafford.

“He's just the nicest. He lets my son get on the tractor and explore the river. My husband loves browsing the plant and flower selections. We all just get something out of it.”

The area is especially meaningful as they even took their engagement photos at Wickman's on a rainy day.

Address: 1366 S. Fort Ave., Springfield

Address: 1345 S. Fort Ave., Springfield

Dinner at Nakato Japanese Steakhouse

When it's time to celebrate, Pohlman and her family head to Nakato Japanese Steakhouse. Whether it's a birthday or another special occasion, Nakato is always their first choice.

“And we always have to get the Hope Rolls.”

Address: 2615 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield

Dessert at Pineapple Whip

To end the perfect Saturday, Pohlman heads to Pineapple Whip on East Sunshine.

“When they have special flavors, I'm getting a twist cone every time.”

Address: 2902 E. Sunshine St., Springfield