If that story successfully convinces you that anyone can take an easy breezy level one skills lesson, don't wait for the next open session next year. Get your girls together and contact Coach Cody Jones at Wheels Up to schedule your private clinic.
As usual, I tried it first, so you'll know what to expect.
Get Outside - Pomona Natural Bridge
Down in a ravine in the Shawnee National Forest, there's a 90-foot stone bridge that was not built by human hands.
The Pomona Natural Bridge is a sandstone arch formed by millions of years of erosion. Brave visitors can walk across the top and descend into the valley, lined with steep-sided bluffs, to stand beneath the bridge and bask in the size of it.
The Legend
Legend says that in ancient times, the bridge was constructed by dwarves that lived deep underground, the master stonemasons of the forests. Just kidding. But you KNOW that if we were Nordic, we'd have some kind of mythical tale for it.
The Facts
The walk from the trailhead to the sandstone arch clocks in at around 0.3 miles. During holiday season, you probably walk further from your car at the back of the lot to Wal-Mart's sliding doors.
*Important*: You don't have to walk across the bridge. If you're scared of heights like moi, it's a little freaky, and after some rain, it's dangerous. Please practice precaution. You can visit without walking across by hanging left when you get to the fork in the trail.
Make It a Day Trip - Rendleman Orchards & Alto Pass
It's a good thing a Pomona Natural Bridge visit doesn't take up much time because there's a lot more to experience nearby.
Rendleman Orchards
Last weekend, we finally visited Rendleman Orchards, a peach, nectarine, and apple orchard in Alto Pass that has been plucking goodness from trees since 1873!
Fall is the season to try their famous apple cider slushies and apple cider donuts from the farm store. If "donut connoisseur" were a thing, the greats would travel from Paris to Southern Illinois to study the famous apple cider donut perfected by five generations of family orchardists. I regret not buying 5 dozen.
Right now, is also the season to enjoy their pumpkin patch and take a leisurely stroll through the flower fields, where many colorful flowers are still hanging on. Entrance is free and photo opportunities are plentiful. You only pay for what you buy.
Other Alto Pass Favorites
No town with a population of under 500 has any business having this much to do.
Grab lunch - Maybe you don't consider that apple cider donut "lunch". (You think you're better than me?) Allow me to suggest Alto Vineyards - Southern Illinois' oldest winery. Its calls its menu 'snacks & light meals'. But they have pizza... soooo...five stars.
Get a stiff drink in a classy joint - Havisham House and Bourbon Bar- This is an upscale experience that you might avoid if you're packing sticky-apple-cider-finger toddlers who smell like sweat and bug spray. But if it's an adult day out, go grab a drink and an appetizer at this swanky bar in a 19th century flour mill.
Take in a view - At this point, your head is still swimming from the natural bridge. There's a pumpkin in your trunk. And your belly is full of apple donuts, pizza, and a little bourbon. You're not looking to run a half-marathon. You want to finish your day with a drive-able attraction. Take a drive up toBald Knob Cross to enjoy the panoramic views of fall foliage.
Alto Pass? How about you Alto pass me my car keys.
All October, we're running local lore for your unearthly enjoyment.
Shadows Roam Fort Davidson in Pilot Knob, Missouri
First, the history:
On September 27, 1864, Arcadia Valley erupted into one of Missouri's bloodiest Civil War clashes: the Battle of Pilot Knob. On his way to St. Louis, Confederate Major General Sterling Price decided to take a detour and lead his 8,000 men to attack the roughly 1,400 men holding Fort Davidson.
Although the odds were stacked against the men at Fort Davidson, the confederates attacked them in poorly timed waves of smaller infantry assaults. This allowed the Union soldiers at Fort Davidson to fire heavily on each attacking brigade. In twenty minutes, they had killed up to 1,000 of their attackers and held the fort. Still facing 7,000 men, they knew they would not get so lucky the next day and slipped away under the cover of a rainy night, but they left some men behind to detonate a powder magazine, ensuring the enemy could not loot their supplies. The land still has a crater from this massive explosion.
Now for the Spooky Part
1,000 men dead in 20 minutes...Local folklore says this explosion of violence left a deep mark on the land. Civil War reenactors and early-morning walkers have long reported phantom voices, cannon fire, the sound of gun shots, and shadow figures of soldiers running across the open field. Near the crater of the explosion, visitors have reported cold spots and an unsettling presence.
SIGHTING: Tiny little woodpecker wearing a red cap. Spotted flitting around the Big Spring campground a week and a half ago: The downy woodpecker.
TRAVEL RADIO: The Devil's Honeycomb is site so good it deserves a spot on KRCU Public Radio: Hughes Mountain Natural Area.
VIDEO SHORT: Often overlooked by its more popular neighbor, Elephant Rocks State Park, you can see why Hughes Mountain is also a geologic wonder in this short video.
REVEALING MY SOURCES: St. Louis-based outdoor adventure magazine Terrain! Terrain specializes in Midwest adventure, with STL as their home base. With many of the places and events they cover within day trip distance from Southeast Missouri, I pull a lot of inspiration from Terrain. Sign up to the newsletter, read each edition for free online, pick up a physical copy at your local outdoor adventure store or bike shop, and follow them on social! FB & IG.
The Fall Ball to Rule Them All: Cape's Riverfront Fall Festival
Over the last five years, Cape's Riverfront Fall Festival has turned into a favorite local tradition. The lot in front of the Missouri Wall of Fame in historic downtown Cape Girardeau transforms into a cozy autumn festival of music, a biergarten, food trucks, craft vendors, and kids' zones. Make it part of your family October traditions. I can smell the haybales, scarecrows, pumpkin spice, and jack-o-lanterns from here already.
Want to share an upcoming event with 2,300+ Southeast Missourians looking for things to do? Read more about how to add an event to Backroad Weekly's 'This Weekend's Happenings'.
This Weekend’s Happenings
Fri, Oct 23
Broadway Blues, Cape Girardeau, MO - As the blues rose from the U.S. south into the north, blues musicians stopped in Cape Girardeau to play. VisitCape is honoring that tradition by hosting a Blues on Broadway series this year with Scout Hall, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the blues highway. Music fans, don't miss this week's band. $18 (sponsored)
SEMO Symphony Orchestra: The Romantics, Cape Girardeau, MO - "The Southeast Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra opens its season with three pillars of the Romantic orchestral repertoire." Must have a ticket to attend
Spirits of the Parkland, Park Hills, MO - an evening of local folklore, eerie history, and unexplained tales. This is a fundraiser for Cemetery Preservation efforts in St. Francois County. $12. 7pm.
Free Winery Tour, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Walk through the vineyards at Chateau Sainte Genevieve, where you can see the winemaking process up close and sample wines along the way. Scenic, relaxed pace, and no wine knowledge required. 21+
The Witching Hour, Ste. Genevieve, MO - One of our favorite antique malls is hosting a Halloween-themed celebration inside the antique mall complete with live music and drinks from the bar. A bar in an antique mall? Genius.
The Pumpkin Glow, Carbondale, IL - A magical nighttime hike! You'll stroll through the woods down a trail, lit up by over 1,000 jack-o-lanterns!!! Family friendly. No jump scares.
River City Ghost Tours, Paducah, KY - "Unmask the chilling tales that lie beneath the surface of this historic land."
Sat, Oct 24
Riverfront Fall Festival, Cape Girardeau, MO - A cozy autumn festival of music, a biergarten, food trucks, craft vendors, and kids' zones. 11am-6pm. Free. (sponsored)
Cape Riverfront Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - Shop locally grown, homemade, and handmade goods. 8am-12pm. Go at 11 and pair this with your visit to the Riverfront Fall Festival!
Dresses to Die For, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn the customs and traditions of the Victorian-era funeral and mourning experience at Cape's historic Glenn House. $5 donation recommended. 1-4pm.
Pets & Petals Boo Bash, Cape Girardeau, MO - All things pets and all things plants! Weiner dog race at 11am, costume contest at 1:30pm, trick or treating, games, vendors, and food 10am-4pm at the Show-Me Center. $5
Fall Local Author Fair, Cape Girardeau, MO - Get to know local authors and their books and learn about the writing process.
Mystic Market of SEMO, Cape Girardeau, MO - A metaphysical and spiritual vendor market. "It's roots run deep in the mystical, oddities, fairy, witchy, and spiritual worlds."
Oktoberfest, Sikeston, MO - "Your ticket unlocks an all-inclusive, all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink evening packed with incredible food, cold drinks, live music, and classic Bavarian competitions."
Deja Vu Spirit Reunion, Ste. Genevieve, MO - "Explore Missouri's oldest cemetery (European descent) and experience the stories of early pioneers of Ste. Genevieve by lantern light." Less spooky. More educational. $5-10.4:30-7pm.
Rural Heritage Day, Ste. Genevieve, MO - "This annual event celebrates the rural traditions of Ste. Genevieve and Ste. Genevieve County from the mid-1700s to the mid-1900s. Through live demonstrations and hands-on activities, guests will discover the importance of rural crafts, trades and entertainment."
Free Harvest Season Winery Tour, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Walk through the vineyards at Chateau Sainte Genevieve, where you can see the winemaking process up close and sample wines along the way. Scenic, relaxed pace, and no wine knowledge required. 21+
First Ascent Day: Discover Climbing with the EMCA, French Village, MO - "This is designed for total beginners, families, local businesses, and anyone curious about climbing. Free. Experienced climbers can help you take your first steps on real rock. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. 11am"
Night Sky Viewing, Van Buren, MO - Catch the tail end of the Orionid Meteor Shower and get your mind blown by a nearly full moon in one of Missouri's darkest sky locations. 7:30pm. Free. Don't forget you can camp at Big Spring!
Apple Butter Festival, Kimmswick, MO - The streets close to traffic and open to apple butter lovers. Enjoy vendors, crafts, live music, and kid-friendly activities like a petting zoo and pony rides. 10am-5pm. Rain or shine.
Halloweenie Dash, Holcomb, MO - Dachshund derby races! Doggy costume contest. Music, drinks, vendors, and food. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Kennett Humane Department of Kennett, MO
Full Moon Kayaking & Canoeing - Hunter's Moon, Ullin, IL - Paddle through an ancient cypress-tupelo swamp by moonlight. One of Southern Illinois' most unique guided tours. Last moonlight tour of the season. $65.
The Pumpkin Glow, Carbondale, IL - A magical nighttime hike! You'll stroll through the woods down a trail, lit up by over 1,000 jack-o-lanterns!!! Family friendly. No jump scares.
The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race, Carbondale, IL - People build racecars out of pumpkins and race! Cheaters are met with the mallet-o-justice.
Ye Olde Arts N Crap Fantasy Faire, Carbondale, IL - "Let's us take you back in time to a mystical era of enchantment through our village of artisans and curators of cool crap while live music and free activities fill your soul before your bountiful feast from local wagon merchants."
Fall Colors at the Cross, Alto Pass, IL - Bald Knob Cross is expecting many visitors to view the fall colors from their overlook. This weekend, they'll have food trucks and vendors.
River City Ghost Tours, Paducah, KY - "Venture, if you dare, into the shadowy heart of Paducah"
Wickliffe Mounds Community Appreciation Day, Wickliffe, KY - Free admission all day! Check out the park updates, museum and welcome center. There'll be activities, crafts, games, and guided tours of the museum.
Sun, Oct 25
Southeast Symphony Chamber Music, Cape Girardeau, MO - "An afternoon of Romantic chamber music featuring pianist Alexandra Joan. The program includes solo piano works by Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, showcasing the beauty, poetry, and brilliance of the Romantic tradition." Ticket required.
Dresses to Die For, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn the customs and traditions of the Victorian-era funeral and mourning experience at Cape's historic Glenn House. $5 donation recommended. 1-4pm.
Apple Butter Festival, Kimmswick, MO - The streets close to traffic and open to apple butter lovers. Enjoy vendors, crafts, live music, and kid-friendly activities like a petting zoo and pony rides. 10am-5pm. Rain or shine.
Fall Colors at the Cross, Alto Pass, IL - Bald Knob Cross is expecting many visitors to view the fall colors from their overlook. This weekend, they'll have food trucks and vendors.
Haunted Hollow, Makanda, IL - Festivities include: a haunted hayride, a haunted cabin, food, nature walks, a portable climbing wall, family games for kids, and some creepy crawlers at SIU's Touch of Nature.
Plan Ahead The Fun You Can't Improvise
Pucker up for Persimmons, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn how to identify persimmon trees and harvest the fruit. Finish off with a taste test! Oct 27, 6-7:30pm.
Practical Magic, Cape Girardeau, MO - The Subterranean Film Society selected a supernatural Sandra Bullock for this month's viewing. Oct. 28
Paint it Black, Cape Girardeau, MO - Part of the "Pour Decisions" series put on by SEMO's Continuing Education. Choose a spooky scene to paint by numbers. No experience required. Includes all supplies, a glass of wine or mocktail, and light appetizers. $49. 6-8:30pm. Thursday, Oct 29.
Witches' Night Out in Uptown Jackson,Jackson, MO - Dress in your best witchy getup and enjoy an evening of shopping, treats, and exclusive deals. October 29. 5-8pm.
A Spooky Little Night Hike, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Join us at the Cape Nature Center for a night hike around our trails with headlamps and learn about nocturnal creatures... Participants can expect a 1-2-mile hike on gravel trails with areas of steep up and downhill sections. Participants must be 18+ years old. 7:30pm. Must register to attend. Only two seats remaining. Event is Friday, Oct 30.
Run South Cape 5K Run & Walk, Cape Girardeau, MO - Slap on your costume and get active for a good cause. Oct 31.
Tunnel Hill 100/50, Vienna IL - Maybe you're not an ultrarunner but you're fascinated by the women and men of steel who run ultras, and you want to volunteer to witness the spectacle. This race, right across the bridge from us is the home of 5 world records! Nov 14
The Meandering Turkey, Jackson, MO - ~5.5 miles of hilly, rooty single track. $45 if you sign up before Oct. 31. Limited to 100 runners and fills up fast! Nov 22. 1:30pm.
The Frozen Chosin Challenge, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park - I'm going to quote Terrain Magazine's description of this one, "The Challenge consists of 3 events: A 3-day, 40-mile ruck; a 2-day, 17-mile hike; or a family-friendly 4-mile course." This endurance event honors Korean War veterans and today's service members. December 4-6.
For each event, you’ll find more info at the link. *Because these events are upcoming, they have not been vetted. That would require a time machine, and we don't have the funds. Party at your own discretion.