Fitchburg, September 3, 2025
News Summary
A new recreational hub named Hill City has opened on Lunenburg Street in Fitchburg, providing a unique blend of mini-golf, craft sandwiches, and dense, high-flavor ice cream. The venue aims to attract families, couples, and casual golfers, all under the slogan ‘Eat, Drink, and Putt.’ Operated by Rob and Courtney Lamoureaux, Hill City boasts a welcoming atmosphere with diverse flavors of ice cream, including seasonal delights and a special focus on a community-centered experience.
Fitchburg: New Hill City Puts a Fresh Spin on Mini-Golf, Sandwiches and Dense, Craft Ice Cream
Quick tee shot: what popped up on Lunenburg Street
A new pocket of summertime fun opened in late May 2025 at 299 Lunenburg St. in Fitchburg, and it’s already pulling families, date-night duos, and weekend golfers who like their short game with a side of craft ice cream. The spot bills itself under the playful banner Eat, Drink, and Putt and was launched by owners Rob and Courtney Lamoureaux. Think of it as a neighborhood putting loop wrapped around a beer garden, sandwiches made in-house, free cornhole, and dense, high-flavor ice cream that plays like a heavy putter — steady, satisfying, and built for feel.
Course play for short-game lovers
The mini-golf course is designed to welcome a mixed field: parents steering toddlers, couples sizing up a playful competitive match, and golfers who want to work on pace and green reading without the fuss of a full course. The layout encourages strategic putts and creative approaches, so it’s a neat warm-up for on-course practice or a relaxed post-round hangout. Playing here is less about scorecards and more about line, speed, and the small joys of a good lag putt — elements every golf fan appreciates.
The scoop on the ice cream — literal scoop
Ice cream at Hill City isn’t an afterthought. The Lamoureaux family tracked down a Wisconsin creamery after extensive research to produce what they call a low-overrun ice cream. That means more milkfat and less air. A striking way to measure that density: three gallons of Hill City ice cream weigh about 25 lbs, a heft noticeably greater than typical supermarket tubs. The result is a scoop that feels substantial in the cup and rich on the palate.
Nearly two dozen flavors rotate through the lineup. Current standouts include Apple Cider Donut — a seasonal special built from apple cider ice cream with donut pieces and a cinnamon sugar swirl — along with Zanzibar Chocolate, Cookie Dough, and a salted caramel juggernaut named This Just Got Serious that pairs salted caramel ice cream with sea salt fudge and salted cashews. A future experimental flavor to watch is Exhausted Parent, a bourbon-spiked espresso base swirled with bittersweet chocolate chunks, which should appeal to anyone who understands caffeine-fueled survival tactics.
Hours, season and the neighborhood vibe
Playing hours are week-friendly and weekend-friendly: Monday through Thursday from 4–8 PM, Friday 4–9 PM, Saturday 10 AM–9 PM, and Sunday 10 AM–8 PM. Hill City plans to stay open through late October 2025, giving golfers and families a comfortable window to fit rounds around daylight and fall colors.
In short order, Hill City has become a favorite low-pressure recreation stop. Families find it welcoming; couples find it playful; golf fans find it useful for practicing putt routines. The beer garden keeps the adult mood casual without turning the place into a rowdy bar scene, so it remains family-friendly.
Regional ice cream context and nearby flavors
Nationally, plain vanilla holds the top spot as a go-to flavor and hot fudge ranks highest among toppings according to a nationwide survey. But New England tastes march to their own drum. States in the region display loyalty to distinctive flavors — in Vermont, the local beloved treat is the Maple Creemee, a soft-serve made from carefully chosen grades of maple syrup blended for a nuanced finish. A producer from Jericho, Vermont called Palmer Lane Maple pivoted from maple candy-making to producing Creemees in 2012 and helped popularize that regional standard.
Nearby, a complementary arrival on the local food scene is El Gran Taco Gato, which opened March 7, 2025. It mixes tacos with ice cream service, serving 16 different flavors alongside an array of Mexican dishes. The place draws attention with colorful graphics and cat-themed napkin dispensers, underlining how sweet-and-savory combos are a growing local trend. Hill City and El Gran Taco Gato both add texture to Fitchburg’s casual dining and recreation landscape.
Why golfers should care
Mini-golf at Hill City offers a low-barrier, high-reward way for golf enthusiasts to hone green-reading and stroke control while enjoying community company. The heavier, low-overrun ice cream is a dessert treat built for savoring between rounds, and the overall setup encourages brief, repeat visits — the same way a favorite putting green does. For local players, it’s a place to unwind, compare lines on quirky holes, and celebrate a well-executed lag putt with a scoop that feels like a victory.
FAQ
What is Hill City’s address and hours?
Hill City is located at 299 Lunenburg St., Fitchburg. Open Monday–Thursday 4–8 PM, Friday 4–9 PM, Saturday 10 AM–9 PM, and Sunday 10 AM–8 PM.
What features does Hill City offer?
Mini-golf course, homemade sandwiches, a beer garden, free cornhole, and dense craft ice cream with nearly two dozen flavors including seasonal specials.
How is the ice cream different?
It’s produced with less overrun, making it denser. Three gallons weigh roughly 25 lbs, heavier than typical supermarket ice cream.
When does Hill City close for the season?
Hill City will remain open through late October 2025.
Is the mini-golf family-friendly?
Yes. The course is aimed at families, couples, and casual golfers looking to practice putting in a relaxed setting.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 299 Lunenburg St., Fitchburg |
| Owners | Rob and Courtney Lamoureaux |
| Slogan | Eat, Drink, and Putt |
| Open | Late May 2025 through late October 2025 |
| Hours | Mon–Thu 4–8 PM, Fri 4–9 PM, Sat 10 AM–9 PM, Sun 10 AM–8 PM |
| Ice cream style | Low-overrun, dense — 3 gallons ≈ 25 lbs |
| Notable flavors | Apple Cider Donut, Zanzibar Chocolate, This Just Got Serious, Cookie Dough, upcoming Exhausted Parent |
| Nearby spot | El Gran Taco Gato — opened March 7, 2025; tacos and 16 ice cream flavors |
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Additional Resources
- Lowell Sun: Family Recipe Box Hill City Hits the Spot
- Madison365: El Gran Taco Gato Officially Opens in Fitchburg
- Channel3000: Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to Host Fundraiser for ALCS Families
- Patch: Shortage of Salt and Ice Melt in Massachusetts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice Cream
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