Cache River, a glass gar, and local love for Valentine's Day
Day Trips for Southeast Missourians
Events, trails, shops, restaurants, museums. All an easy drive away. In your inbox, every Thursday.
Join the 1,000+ SE Missourians reading the local guide on things to do.
SHARE
Temps are warming. The trails are thawing. And your lovers are wondering what kind of last-minute magic date you're going to whip together for el día del amor.
Procrastinators, take a deep breath. That's what we're here for: helping you have a good time without going far, breaking the bank, or Google searching too hard. If you don't love any of the wild ideas in this issue, browse the archives. I think every issue, always, that I've ever written has perfect date ideas. But I might be biased. Just ignore that. ❤️
Cache River State Natural Area
Not to be too cliche or anything, but have you thought about whisking your cutie away to an ancient swamp in Southern Illinois this Valentine's weekend? Boardwalks aren't just by the beach, you know.
In case you're not up to date on regional wetland news, I'll give you the scoop: The Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center has re-opened! It's only about a 50-minute drive east of Cape Girardeau, MO, and you should check it out.
This is exciting for nature lovers who dig:
Programs like guided hikes, bird walks, kids camps, workshops
Exhibits about local wildlife, plants, ecosystems, and regional history
Trail maps, trail guidance, and insider trail info
Seasonal events and conservation talks for adults and kids!
Research and habitat restoration projects
Volunteer opportunities
Buying nature-themed goodies for good causes (I bought red-bellied woodpecker earrings. Serving rural runway all day.)
Cache River State Natural Area has trails for days. Trails for hiking, biking, and kayaking. If you go into the nature center, a lovely natural resources specialist will share their recommendations based on your preferences and take all the guesswork out of it.
Follow Cache River State Natural Area for events announcements. Just another neat thing nearby we can enjoy on the weekends. Hashtag blessed.
Made Around Here
Local stained-glass artist, Anna Mae Zembsch, shines a light on (or through?) Southeast Missouri's unique creatures, from gar to cicadas. She draws on years of field work experience, leading educational programs at Trail of Tears State Park.
Our compliments to Anna Mae for the photo of her latest piece.
This gar haunts my dreams. The most powerful thing, to me, is that Anna Mae is making work that’s rooted right here. Instead of borrowing imagery from somewhere more “exotic” or fashionable, she focuses on the species that live alongside us. It's a decision to embrace this place and recognize our local wildlife as something distinctive worth celebrating.
Each stained-glass piece is either made from an existing pattern or created as a custom commission, with prices that can range from $100 to $300 depending on size, complexity, and glass selection.
If you’re interested in commissioning a piece or just want to follow along and see what critters she turns into glass next, you can find her on Instagram: @annamaez.
The neat thing about this write-up is that it doubles as an elaborate (and direct) hint for my husband when it's time for an anniversary present.
To add an event to a future issue, click here, and select 'Event Ad'.
This Weekend’s Happenings
Fri, Feb 13
Clark Terry Jazz Festival Evening Gala Concert, Cape Girardeau, MO - Spend the evening at Bedell Performance Hall with the SEMO Jazz Ensembles and a guest trumpet player, Jay Webb, who has quite the resume: "Yamaha Performing Artist w/ Cory Wong, Lake Street Dive, Shakira, Queen Latifah, Ed Sheeran, 8bit Big Band, The NSO, John Legend, The Roots, Broadway." 7:30pm. $15. Check him out on IG and FB. (Sponsored)
Cape Ballroom Valentine Dance with Lesson, Cape Girardeau, MO - You'll start with a 30-minute lesson, so you don’t have to know what you’re doing to show up. Sigh. of. relief. Bring a date, bring friends, or come solo. 7-9pm. $5 per person. Cash only. No bills larger than $20. Doors open 6:45pm. No smokin', no boozin'. (Sponsored)
DOOM - The Documentary Screening, Cape Girardeau, MO - Scout Hall hosts a screening of DOOM - The Documentary, a film following one of the Ozarks' toughest bikepacking races. Show up and support adventure and endurance sports close to home. Doors 6pm. Show 7pm. Watch the trailer.
A Seat at the Table Movie Night, Cape Girardeau, MO - Graceful Opportunities is showing The Imitation Game, followed by a conversation by Dr. Lesley Barker, exploring Alan Turing’s life and the neurodiverse experience. Free admission. 6-9pm.
Mardi Gras on N. Main, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Downtown Ste. Gen leans into Mardi Gras with live music, Cajun and creole food, mask making, outdoor games, and late-night shopping. The ATV lighted parade rolls out at 7pm, followed by a costume contest, and after party at 8pm behind Two Rivers Gallery. If you’re looking for something a little louder and looser than dinner reservations, this might be your scene.
Valentine’s Dance Couples Class, Park Hills, MO - More V-day dancing. Learn to waltz, cha cha, and tango. No experience required. Snacks & drinks included. Ages 16+. 6-8:30pm. $35 per couple with pre-registration. $40 at the door.
Bonafide Ozark Pie Supper and Chili Cookoff, Doniphan, MO - A community fundraiser featuring a chili cookoff, pie supper, and a handful of quirky competitions like longest beard and prettiest apron. 5pm-9:30pm.
Underground Jazz ft. Jay Webb, Cape Girardeau, MO - New York trumpeter Jay Webb (Yamaha Performing Artist w/ Cory Wong, Lake Street Dive, Shakira, Queen Latifah, Ed Sheeran, 8bit Big Band, The NSO, John Legend, The Roots, Broadway) will be tearing it up at Scout Hall. You'll get classic jazz, nods to big band tradition, and contemporary. Doors 7pm. Show 7:30pm. All ages. Indoor. Seated. (Sponsored)
Chocolate Walk, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Wander historic downtown Ste. Gen and sample chocolate treats at participating shops. Your ticket gets you a map and bag, and from there it’s a self-guided stroll through local businesses with sweets at each stop. Event runs 10am-4pm. $15 advance. $20 day of (if still available.)
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Herrin, IL - Enjoy a sit-down meal while live actors unfold a mystery around you, complete with a little audience participation.
Black Business Expo, Carbondale, IL - The fifth annual expo hosted by the Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois brings local businesses, networking opportunities, and community resources together. Shop local and meet people who are building up the region. 10am-3pm.
Dueling Pianos - Concert for a Cause, Harrisburg, IL - Your ticket includes dinner prepared by Chef Michael Intravaia, with live dueling pianos. Doors open at 5:30pm at the Joseph C. Deaton Gym. $40 single. $75 couple. Feb 14.
Sun, Feb 15
59th Annual Indoor & Outdoor Swap Meet, Cape Girardeau, MO - The Arena Building hosts a longtime regional swap meet featuring antique and classic car, truck, and tractor parts. If you’re restoring something old or just enjoy digging through rows of mechanical history, plan to get there early. 6:30am-5pm. Free.
Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise
Master Gardener Spring Seminar, Cape Girardeau, MO - Breakout sessions cover everything from seed starting and container fruit to permaculture, native plants, deer, and season extension. If you’re already dreaming about spring dirt under your nails, go get inspired. Sat, Feb 21. 8am-3pm. $20.
Sweatshirt Embroidery Class, Cape Girardeau, MO - Free Spirit Studio hosts a hands-on embroidery class. Bring a sweatshirt you’d like to embellish - sewing supplies included. Space is limited to 10 people. 10am-1pm. $40. Sat, Feb 21.
OT Hike & Float Challenge, Round Spring, MO - A 3-day adventure supporting the Ozark Trail Association that combines a 4-mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff with a 9-mile float on the Current River. Participants commit to raising $800 to support trail maintenance and protection. Camping is at Round Spring Group Campground and meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast are included. May 15-17.
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.
