“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!” - Humbert Wolfe
Get Outside - The Shut-ins Trail at Sam A Baker State Park
I'm an adamant believer that not all trails need a big payoff...but I've picked a weird day to make that declaration because this trail offers a big payoff.
Trail Details:
- The Shut-ins Trail is a mile-long, out-and-back (so ~2 miles total). It's mixed surface: dirt, gravel, sand, and wooden stairs.
- It's marked with BLUE blazes, and intersects with another, longer trail, so make sure you follow the blue.
- The trail follows the base of Mudlick Mountain, which means boulders and bluffs to your left, and Big Creek on your right.
- At the end of the trail, after your mile march, the forest opens to a wide canyon/floodplain with hillside views, a babbling creek, and a gravel bar. Prime real estate for picnicking, fishing, sitting with a book, writing haikus, planning your Shark Tank pitch, and listening to the birds.
- Although it's a short trail, hikers must be able to tackle stairs.
- Plan on taking at least two hours to give yourself time to enjoy the scenery at the end of the trail.
- There is plenty of parking at the trailhead, which is located in the same lot as the Mudlick Mountain Grill and the Lodge.
And in case you're all like, "Why would I drive all the way over there for a two-mile hike?" My answer is: "Well then, don't! See if I care." Just kidding, my real answer is: "Because there's a lot of other stuff to do, too!"
Make It a Day Trip
At Sam A Baker State Park, there are more trails to hike, more spots to fish, and food to be dined at the Mudlick Mountain Grill.
And you must check out the Sam A Baker/Otahki Lake KOA campground, just a five-minute drive down a gravel road behind the park. They sell day passes with access to their trails, the St. Francis River, float trip outfitting, bike trails (11 miles of gravel roads), paddle boarding on the lake, more fishing, golf cart rental, and outdoor laser tag.
Make it a Weekend: Fall Cabin Fever at Otahki Lake
Above, I made the case that there's enough to do to spend a whole weekend. You might remember when we stayed in the covered wagons at Sam A. Baker/Otahki Lake KOA back in April. Well, we left a lot of unfinished business at Otahki Lake and the park. Lucky for us, the campground folks said, "You should come back and see our lakeview cabins."
Ain't No Season Like Shoulder Season...
...'Cause shoulder season don't sweat.
Fall is the best season to camp. Or better yet, get a cozy little cabin with a fire pit. Freakin' swoon. Who else is picturing themselves in a flannel with a blanket draped over your legs, staring blankly into a crackling flame with a glass of red wine the size of your office wastebasket? Then, in the morning, you have a coffee on the deck overlooking the lake before stepping onto the trails.
If you're tent-averse once the overnight temperatures dip into the 50s, the cabins solve everything: cozy, comfy, private, clean, convenient, rustic. It's lucky for my wallet that my PTO is already maxed out.
And the fam doesn't have to sacrifice Halloween
This is one of those odd situations where you can have it all. Last weekend, Otahki Lake KOA was launching pumpkins out of a medieval trebuchet and running bench-seat military Humvee tours through the hills. *Chokes back tears as I confess, "I just feel so seen."
Every weekend this month, they’re running the fall lineup:
- Hay maze & corn pit
- Pumpkin patch visits via open-air Humvee
- Trebuchet pumpkin-chunking
- Pumpkin painting
- Wine tasting
- Ghost stories & smores
- On Oct 24, a Monster Dash After Dark, a 2-mile run/walk looping the lake
- And on Halloween, trick-or-treating
You can check cabin, wagon, and campground availability here.
I do my booking over the phone like a little old lady. They're really sweet folks: (855) 568-2454.
*Sponsored. All experiences and opinions are sincere and our own.
Have you heard the one about the Ozark Howler?
Also known as the Devil Cat and Black Howler.
This cryptid is so elusive, no one can agree what it looks like. Some accounts describe it as a thick-bodied, bear-sized monster with shaggy black fur, glowing eyes, and a pair of goat-like horns sprouting straight out behind its ears. Other accounts say it has the body of a wolf, while other accounts describe a giant, pitch-black wildcat stretching four to six feet long that moves with the silent stealth of a panther.
What folks can seem to agree on is the howl: described as a deep, guttural cross between a wolf, an elk's bugle, and a woman's scream.
The roots of the Howler can be traced back to Native American storytelling, Daniel Boone, and European settler lore. It also seems to echo the Scottish myth of the Cù Sìth, a spectral hound whose three terrifying howls take souls straight to the afterlife.
According to this Vox article, one Missouri resident reported a sighting as recently as 2021. The Ozark Howler even made it to Animal Planet. The show's host came to the conclusion that the Howler was likely once a dwindling population of red wolves before they were hunted out of the state. He believes Bootleggers took the legend and ran with it to keep folks out of the woods and away from their illicit activities.
SIGHTING: Spotted on the Todd Fink Heron Pond Trail at Cache River State Natural Area on September 20: The white-eyed vireo.
TRAVEL RADIO: It's a local mini safari on foot! Take a walk down Southern Illinois' famous Snake Road. October is the best month for it.
VIDEO SHORT: Get a glimpse of what Snake Road is like in this short video.
REVEALING MY SOURCES: The Snake Road Facebook group is SO helpful. This guide and this guide gave me enough peace of mind to finally experience this mini migration.
ANNOUNCEMENT 1: The River to River Trail Society has announced their fall hiking schedule!
ANNOUNCEMENT 2: Local artists, Malone Park Center for the Arts is inviting you to showcase and sell your original 8" x 10" pieces (oil, watercolor, photography, or charcoal). Submission opens Oct 5. Exhibition is Oct 24-Dec24
Made Around Here - The Thamke Tales Collection
Work may have taken this Jackson graduate to St. Louis, but her heart, future plans, and future chickens reside in the rolling hills of Southeast Missouri's Bollinger County, where she spends her weekends.
Local roots and daydreaming about chickens are not the most interesting things about Carin Thamke though. She also authors and publishes books for young adults and early chapter readers.
She spends months researching remarkable animals and interviewing the people who knew them best, to tell their story from their perspective. Her latest book, Mother of the Meadows, is based on a real-life Bollinger County guard dog named Delilah. Carin says, "If you like Where the Red Fern Grows, you'll like Mother of the Meadows." It's filled with the beauty (as well as the raw reality) of life on the ranch - from a puppy learning how to guard, to the connections sheep dogs build with their flock, and the tragedies inherent in ranch life.
This Saturday (Oct 3), Carin will celebrate the release of Mother of the Meadows with a float in the Bollinger County Fall Festival parade in Marble Hill, MO. After the parade, stop by her vendor booth on the festival grounds and grab a copy! (Or just marvel at the powerhouse of a woman who somehow manages to write and publish books while working full-time at a big important adult job, AND mothering.)
Follow Thamke Tales on Facebook and Instagram. You can purchase her books or schedule an in-person author signing or classroom reading through ThamkeTales.com. *Sponsored
I asked VisitCape, "Out of ALLLLLLLLLL the events coming up this October, if you could highlight two, which two would you highlight?"
This was the response:
- Moonlight Over the Mississippi: It's a witches' and warlocks' night out event. What does that even mean, you ask. It's like Halloween for adults. You get to dress up in your best witchy/warlock-y gear and then run around downtown Cape Girardeau with all the other witches, visiting all the businesses participating in the event. It's a great way to visit shops, restaurants, and bars you've never been in before. And also a great excuse to visit some of your favorites. Click the link to see everything included in a ticket (one of the perks is entrance to a private witchy after party). Proceeds benefit the historic preservation of the Glenn House and SEMO Nas-V. $50. Oct 10. 3-10pm
- Revivify: Farm to Table: You've probably seen the photos of this Cape tradition. They close Spanish Street and line tables up in front of the historic courthouse downtown. Eight local chefs prepare a 4-course meal with ingredients largely supplied by farmers market vendors. There's music, a wine pull, and a silent auction. These are the flavors of Southeast Missouri's finest local producers. This is a celebration of community, sustainability, and exceptional cuisine. Proceeds support Old Town Cape's ongoing efforts. These are the folks who pour so much love into making the Riverfront Market happen. Here's an opportunity to show your support and get an awesome meal and experience out of it. Sunday, Oct 11
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 2
Uptown Jackson's Oktoberfest, Jackson, MO - Good food, tasty drinks, Live music, 6-10pm, and tons of fun street-party ambiance.
Sip-N-Spook, Cape Girardeau, MO - Take a walking ghost tour to The Glenn with a local historian. Upon arrival, split up into small groups for 2 hours of investigations in the house. Tickets $31.
Footloose, Cape Girardeau, MO - See Footloose performed live at the Bedell Performance Hall. Energetic, musical, young, and fun. Sounds like a great pick-me-up.
Underground Jazz: Gabrielle Baffoni Plays Benny Goodman, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Dr. Baffoni breathes new life into the iconic repertoire of jazz’s legendary bandleader, offering a performance that is as intellectually riveting as it is musically thrilling." 7:30pm. $15 General admission.
Fall Craft Night, Sikeston, MO - Second Story Studio is at Malone Park Center for the Arts leading a hands-on workshop, creating decorative craft pumpkins to take home. 7pm. $25. Must register.
Cotton Carnival, Sikeston, MO - We're surrounded by so many fall festivals that if you don't eat any cotton candy at least once, shame on you. Rides open at 5pm. Wristbands $30. Karaoke contest at 6pm.
Bollinger County Fall Festival, Marble Hill, MO - Go ride some rides, browse some vendors, and grab some fair food.
Delta Fair, Kennett, MO - Opens at 5pm. Gate tickets $5. Armbands $27. Tractor pull at 7pm.
Reelfoot Arts & Crafts Festival, Tiptonville, TN - Join us for one of the top voted festivals in Tennessee; with over 300 art, craft, and food vendors set up on historic Reelfoot Lake!
Sat, Oct 3
Uptown Jackson's Oktoberfest, Jackson, MO - German cuisine, stein holding, German bands, pet parade, weiner dog races, German games, competitive eating, drinks, food, fun. Jackson goes all out with this one. Prost, y'all. 10am-10pm.
Sip-N-Spook, Cape Girardeau, MO - Join a local historian and Cape's American Ghost Project on a ghost hunt through the historic Glenn House. Tickets $31.
Tour de Cape, Cape Girardeau, MO - A charity ride that takes off from downtown Cape Girardeau, MO with 15, 30, and 60-mile routes. Be there at the starting line for the excitement of all those riders taking off!
Footloose, Cape Girardeau, MO - See Footloose performed live at the Bedell Performance Hall. It's what Kevin Bacon would want for you.
Shakespeare on the Front Lawn, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Bring your chairs, blankets, picnics, and friends! It's a special outdoor performance of Merry Wives by local theatre group Stone Soup Shakespeare!" 6-8pm
Punktoberfest, Cape Girardeau, MO - Anarchy in the CG! Spanish street is going to get loud. Gates open at 4pm. Show starts at 5. Free entry. All ages welcome.
Cape Riverfront Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - Shop locally grown, homemade, and handmade goods.
Backroad Weekly Pop-up at The Bar, Cape Girardeau, MO - I'm setting up a booth at Cape's first piano bar this Saturday at 10am! A) To prove I'm a real person (not an AI bot) recommending local destinations, and B) To sell gorgeous Explore Southeast Missouri shirts! |
Bollinger Mill State Historic Site Fall Festival, Burfordville, MO - Antique tractors, free self-guided tours of the mill, crafts, BBQ, ice cream, and music!
Bollinger County Fall Festival, Marble Hill, MO - Saturday starts with a parade through Marble Hill at 9am. There will be a greased pig contest at 11am, followed by the kiddie tractor pull. Go ride some rides, browse some vendors, and grab some fair food.
Cotton Carnival, Sikeston, MO - Parade at 10am and Rides open at noon. Wristbands $30.
Floral Clay Ghost, Perryville, MO - Add your own crafty touch to spooky holiday decor. For ages 10+ at the Perryville Branch. 11:30am-12:30pm
Perryville Rocktoberfest, Perryville, MO - 3 stages of live music, classic car cruise-in, and food & craft vendors. 5-11pm. Free admission. Family friendly.
Guided Hike Through Big Spring, Van Buren, MO - Join park rangers for a hike through the park's history. 10am.
Pop's Revival on the Current, Fall Festival & Car Show, Van Buren, MO - the largest car show in the Ozarks, live music, food trucks, vendors - all set along the banks of the beautiful Current River. 10am-11pm
Swap Meet - Flea Market Weekend, Benton, MO - Browse tools, parts, antiques, collectibles, racing items, household goods, and more. Free admission. 8am - 3pm at Benton Speedway.
Liberty Days, Bloomfield, MO - It's a living history experience! Journey from the Revolutionary War into the modern era through live reenactments and period-accurate encampments. Free entry. 9am-4pm.
Delta Fair, Kennett, MO - Opens at 12pm. Gate tickets $5. Armbands $27. Karaoke contest at 1pm. Demo derby at 7pm.
The Art of Dr. Robert Ward, Poplar Bluff, MO - Opening day of the exhibit of oil landscapes and nature scenes at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum.
Wappapello Lake Woodland Expo, Wappapello, MO - Expect vendors, food trucks, and chainsaw and wood chopping competitions.
Big Muddy Monster Brew Fest, Murphysboro, IL - Craft beer, mead, cider, hard seltzers, food vendors, live music, games, and a homebrew competition. 21+ only event. Proceeds support Murphysboro improvement. $45-$50. $12-4pm
Williamson County Fair Fall Flea Market & Yard Sale, Marion IL - "Come browse yard sale finds, flea market treasures, antiques, crafts, and seasonal favorites." Free to shoppers. 8am-2pm
Vienna Fall Festival & Junque Jamboree, Vienna, IL - In addition to all the regular festival activities, there will be a car and tractor show. At the Junque Jamboree, you'll find booths with vintage furniture, antique tools, retro fashion, art, and decor. Great for pickers, DIYers, and "junk" lovers.
Shawnee Sasquatch Festival, Harrisburg, IL - Free to attend. Free rides. Free live music. Food trucks. Vendors. A car show. And more. "All centered around celebrating the world-famous elusive Sasquatch." 10am.
Reelfoot Arts & Crafts Festival, Tiptonville, TN - Join us for one of the top voted festivals in Tennessee; with over 300 art, craft, and food vendors set up on historic Reelfoot Lake!
Sun, Oct 4
Sip-N-Spook, Cape Girardeau, MO - Put that, "I ain't 'fraid of no ghosts," thing to the test and go on a ghost hunt at Cape's Victorian Glenn House. Tickets $31.
Footloose, Cape Girardeau, MO - See Footloose performed live at the Bedell Performance Hall. "Nobody puts baby in a corner!" Jk, I know that's a different movie. Did I catch you sleeping?
Fete de l'automne, Cadet, MO - Recognizing 303 years of the French in Washington County. Visit the country store. See 1800's crafts, apple butter making, traditional food, and live music. Put on by the Old Mines Area Historical Society. 11am-4pm
Williamson County Fair Fall Flea Market & Yard Sale, Marion IL - "Come browse yard sale finds, flea market treasures, antiques, crafts, and seasonal favorites." Free to shoppers. 8am-2pm
Reelfoot Arts & Crafts Festival, Tiptonville, TN - Join us for one of the top voted festivals in Tennessee; with over 300 art, craft, and food vendors set up on historic Reelfoot Lake!
Plan Ahead: The Fun You Gotta Sign Up For
Boos on Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO - A haunted walking tour of downtown Cape's Broadway Street with local historian, Christy Mershon. October 6 & 7. 7pm. $30 per person or $50 per couple.
Hayrides in Farmington, MO, every Thursday Oct 8 - Oct 29 for $13 per person. 6pm. Includes a bonfire, hotdogs, chili, and smores.
DarkSky Missouri Festival, Van Buren, MO - Join us at Big Spring (one of the darkest night skies in the Midwest!) for expert talks, guided hikes, constellation tours, and telescope viewing! Oct 9 & 10
Birds & Brew, Puxico, MO - Grab some coffee with a group of nice birders at 7am. At 7:30am, hit the mile-long boardwalk trail. Registration required. Beginner birdwatchers welcome. Binoculars can be provided for you. Saturday, Oct 10.
Hayride and pumpkin party event in Perryville on Oct 10, 1-4pm. Must register by Oct 4
Haunted History of Cape Girardeau - This walking tour sees another side of downtown: Water, Main, and Spanish Streets. October 11, 12, and 18. 7pm. $30 per person or $50 per couple.
When the River Remembers, Jackson, MO - Hear stories of local haunted history. Follow the river, early trails, and Bloomfield Road. For ages 13+. Oct 13. 6pm.
Ladies Night Out - Halloween Monster Cake, Perryville, MO - I have no idea what a monster cake is. But you can make one at the Perry Park Center. Oct 22
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. Oct 24
First Ascent Day: Discover Climbing with the EMCA, French Village, MO - "Have you ever wanted to try rock climbing but weren't sure where to start? This is designed for beginners, families, local businesses, and anyone curious about climbing. Join us for a FREE climbing event. Experienced climbers and volunteers help you take your first steps on real rock. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. Oct 24. 11am"
Deja Vu Spirit Reunion, Ste. Genevieve, MO - "Explore Missouri's oldest cemetery and experience the stories of early pioneers of Ste. Genevieve by lantern light." Less spooky. More educational. $5-10. Oct 24. 4:30-7pm.
Don't Whistle after Dark!: Dark and Supernatural Tales from Native America, Cape Girardeau, MO - Explore traditional Native American stories of spirits, mysterious beings, supernatural events, and creatures that have long been part of Indigenous storytelling traditions. October 29. 6pm.
Witches' Night Out in Uptown Jackson, MO - Dress in your best witchy getup and enjoy an evening of shopping, treats, and exclusive deals. October 29. 5-8pm.
Run South Cape 5K Run & Walk, Cape Girardeau, MO - Slap on your costume and get active for a good cause. Oct 31.
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.
WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWER: OKTOBERFEST
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Welp, (*slaps knees), we better get goin'. A big thank you to our sponsors and partners.
Catch you down the road.
Caitlan Hester
Publisher, Backroad Weekly