Events, trails, shops, restaurants, museums. All an easy drive away. In your inbox, every Thursday.
Join the 2,100+ SE Missourians reading the local guide on things to do.
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Do you ever think global warming was invented by Meta and Netflix, so we'll all stay in the A/C scrolling and streaming until our eyes fall out?
Yeah, me neither. But it's fun to invent conspiracy theories, isn't it? I mean, it's so hot out, WHAT ELSE AM I GOING TO DO?
Day Tripping - Dexter, MO
Considering the heat, an outdoorsy excursion might be a hard sell this week.
So, let's keep it indoors and explore another Southeast town - Dexter, MO!
Here's Our Air-Conditioned Dexter Itinerary:
Authentic Arts Gallery - Hello cool cultural center by the railroad tracks. It's a shop, art gallery, coffee bar, workshop, and an aesthetic/comfortable place to hang out, drink your coffee, and make your art. It's neat-o. Go browse. Leave inspired.
Authentic Arts Gallery, Dexter, MO. July 2026
Boutique Shopping - Can't mislead you dear reader, I didn't get to visit these boutiques as planned. My toddler politely asked, "Dearest mother, may I ascertain as to when we will be dining?" JUST KIDDING. Her lunch demands were hostile. The PLAN was to hit up The Gallery and Bella Bean Boutique to scope cute clothes downtown. But we had to abort the mission. Please, someone who is not held hunger hostage, go check out the boutiques and tell me about all the cute summer fits I missed. Lesson learned: Always pack snacks.
Which Brings Us to Lunch - Our first impression was that Dexter has a lot of food options! In our short drive through town, we saw Mexican food, fast food, and BBQ (Hickory Log, Leon's Dexter Queen, and Dexter BBQ)...all of which hit the spot on a road trip. We gave Hickory Log a try (est. 1953).
Old Timer's Antique Mall- I saved the fan favorite for last. Don't miss this massive patchwork of antique vendor stalls. Someday, when everyone has the same beige accent chair from Amazon and Target, your friends are going to be drooling over your green vintage chaise lounge. The thrill is in the hunt, baby.
*As always, plan your itinerary and check business hours before you leave the house. Local businesses aren't quite like Wal-Mart. The employees occasionally have to go home and live a life. They often do that on Sundays.
Visit the Neighbors
Just 10-15 minutes from Dexter are Bloomfield and Aquilla. Read here about the famous Shady Oak Market, Yoder's Garden Shop, Country Pickins' Flea Market, and the Stars & Stripes National Museum.
Any of these would be a great complement to your Dexter day trip.
Scenic Drives
Let's pretend it's not 472° Fahrenheit when you're reading this. There are awesome outdoorsy destinations within a 30-minute drive of Dexter.
And, actually, even when the air feels like wet breathable lava, you can still enjoy both of these destinations from the comfort of your car. Both are great places to do a nature drive. Read previous Backroad Weekly issues with info about Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and Otter Slough Conservation Area.
Did you have any idea that Stoddard County is so packed with day trip material???
This Week at Mesta Meadows - The End of Our Spring Series
It's our last week reporting from the ranch. Our 3-month spring series has come to an end. When we started this series in May, we said we wanted to bring a little farm life to folks who don't get to experience it anymore.
Over the past three months, we met 65 lambs headed to pasture; welcomed 10 Great Pyrenees puppies into the world (and later into the workforce); watched sheep become scientists; followed the ranch to farmers' markets and petting zoos across Southeast Missouri; stocked and restocked the farm store; celebrated lamb reunions with their mamas; and even learned that ranches can double as music video sets and campgrounds.
Thanks to the crew at Mesta Meadows for letting us peek over the fence. Thank you to the Chief Ranch Hand, Ed Crowley, for sending updates each week.
And thank you readers, for reading. Be sure to follow Mesta Meadows on Facebook and Instagram for your ongoing ranch updates.
And now, a word from the Chief Ranch Hand
"It has been great getting to share “the Meadows” with all of you this summer through our good friends at Backroad Weekly. I hope you have had fun learning about our ranch, and maybe even learned a little bit! It’s been a crazy busy spring on the ranch, and it has really been fun sharing it with you. You have an open invitation to come visit the farm, and get a firsthand experience at the Meadows! And keep reading Backroad weekly, they are doing a great job of sharing our wonderful part of the country with you!"
-Ed, Chief Ranch Hand
*Sponsored by Mesta Meadows
Awwww, thanks Ed
Dainty and more well-traveled than your Uncle Greg. It's Missouri's favorite (and only nesting) hummingbird: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Spotted everywhere there's a hummingbird feeder this month.
Here's your fun fact courtesy of the MDC: Most ruby-throated hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America and fly nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico.
That's amazing. How do they afford the ticket? Ba-dum tss! 🥁
"Every Friday during NPR's Morning Edition, Backroad Weekly founder Caitlan Hester joins KRCU to share day trips, outdoor adventures, and upcoming events within easy driving distance of Southeast Missouri. From hiking trails and historic sites to festivals, museums, restaurants, and small-town attractions, these segments help local listeners find their next nearby outing."
Missouri State Parks Are on the Ballot This Tuesday, August 04
Two weeks ago, I mentioned the upcoming vote on Missouri’s Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax (Amendment 1). Judging by the Facebook comments, I realized there’s one important misunderstanding out there:
This is NOT the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) sales tax.
Missouri has two separate conservation-related sales taxes, and they are easy to confuse. I noticed several Facebook commenters assumed Amendment 1 concerned the MDC sales tax. It doesn't.
Amendment 1 (the one on the ballot this Tuesday) concerns the existing one-tenth of one percent Parks, Soils and Water Sales and Use Tax. Half of its revenue supports Missouri state parks and historic sites. The other half supports soil and water conservation efforts, including programs administered through local soil and water conservation districts. It does not fund the Missouri Department of Conservation.
A majority “yes” vote on Amendment 1 would continue the existing parks-and-soils tax for another 10 years. It is not a new tax. According to the official ballot language, the measure would not increase or decrease taxes.
The measure has drawn support over the years due to the economic impact state parks have. "A new University of Missouri study found that Missouri's 93 state parks and historic sites generate $1.5 billion in business sales, support nearly 12,000 jobs, and bring millions of dollars to local restaurants, shops, outfitters, and lodging providers every year." Read more here and here.
For readers interested in government spending and transparency, Missouri's spending records are publicly available through the Missouri Accountability Portal.
Want to share an upcoming event with 2,100+ 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, July 31
Music in the Park, Sikeston, MO - It's Sikeston's downtown summer concert series. 6-8pm. Free.
125th Seminary Picnic, Perryville, MO - "One of Perry County's favorite traditions. Live music, carnival rides & games, food, and more!"
St. Francois County Fair,Farmington, MO - Catch the dog show at 5pm and the SxS races at 7pm. $15 at the gate.
Foxy Fun Stained-Glass Workshop, Dexter, MO - All materials are included in the $60 cost for this stained-glass class. You'll go home with a customized piece in hand, made by you.
Movies in the Park, Wappapello Lake, MO - Head to the Spillway Recreation Area at dusk for a free viewing of the movie "Goat". Take a lawn chair and bug spray.
Paint & Sip, Ste. Genevieve, MO - "Paint your own copy of one of Audubon's bird illustrations" at the Museum Learning Center. 6-8pm. Tickets include paint supplies, a guide, and 2 drink tickets. 21+. $35. Must register in advance.
Coffee on the Cache, Cypress, IL - It's a monthly conversation + idea-swap + show-and-tell at the Cache River Wetlands Center. A friendly, informal way to connect with other nature lovers. 9-10am.
Show Me Showdown, Cape Girardeau, MO - Car, truck and bike show inside and outside the Cape Show-me Center with vendors, food trucks, and Power Wheel racing. $10-$20 parking fee. 10am-8pm. (sponsored)
Jeremy Short, Cape Girardeau, MO - For the live music fans, it's family-friendly, bluesy "Appalachian Space Funk" at Scout Hall. Doors 6:30pm. Show 7:30pm. $15-18.
Cape Catfish vs Jackson Rockabillys, Cape Girardeau, MO - It's fan appreciation night! Perfect night to be a baseball fan in the stands. Only $5.73 per ticket! Come cheer on one of the best teams in the prospect league.
Cape Riverfront Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - Locally grown produce, crafts, artisan goods, live music, and tasty treats.
SEMO Bookfest, Jackson, MO - Head to the Jackson Civic Center for an "all-genre book signing event with local authors." There will be door prizes, food, and face painting. Free admission.
Cowboy Shuffle, Parade, and Mutton Bustin', Sikeston, MO - Rodeo festivities begin as early as this weekend. On Saturday, participants in the Cowboy Shuffle will run the fun run. Followed by the annual rodeo parade. And the parade is followed by the first round of mutton bustin' qualifiers to see who gets to ride at the rodeo.
Downtown Farmers' Market, Sikeston, MO - "Every Saturday until October 24 from 7:30am to sellout (usually around 11am or earlier)."
St. Francois County Fair, Farmington, MO - See the antique tractors, kids' tractor pull, truck pull, the kids' livestock costume contest, live music, and fireworks. $25 at the gate.
125th Seminary Picnic, Perryville, MO - Catch some live tunes. Ride some rides. Play some carnival games. Eat some fair food. Revel in the nostalgia!
August Downtown Cruise In, Perryville, MO - Head to Perryville's downtown square 5-9pm for "an evening of classic cars, great music, local food, and community fun!" It's giving "wholesome summer evening."
Fishing from Canoes, Lake Murphysboro State Park, IL - This guided experience combines paddling and angling. All skill levels welcome. Family friendly. Angle for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. All gear provided. Call to register. Space limited (and maybe already taken - I didn't check)
Afroman, Paducah, KY - Anyone in their 30s or 40s knows this name. Catch him at the Carson Center.
Sun, Aug 02
Show Me Showdown, Cape Girardeau, MO - If you like looking at cars, trucks, motorcycles, low riders, hot rods, and lifted monsters, you'll be into this. $10-$20 parking fee. 10am-4pm. (sponsored)
Auditions for Four Sinister Bookworms, Cape Girardeau, MO - River City Players Community Theatre wants YOU to audition. If you've always wanted to try something like this, go put yourself out there! "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing" - Helen Keller. 2pm.
Klaus Park Klash, Jackson, MO - Come out and support the SEMO Mudcats mountain biking team! Youth and adult riders will compete. Sign up to ride or come out and enjoy the sport. Want to support local youth mountain biking without attending? There's a donation option in the link ❤️
125th Seminary Picnic, Perryville, MO - 125 picnics?! That's a lot of picnics. I bet they've mastered the art by now. Better go check it out. There'll be live music, carnival rides, games, food, and more!
Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise
Swampy Angling, Cape Girardeau, MO - Explore swamps. Catch some bass, sunfish, catfish, or even a bowfin. Meet other anglers. Learn something new. Ideal for anglers who have some experience and are looking to build on their skills. Tuesday, August 04.
Birds in Color: The Painted Bunting, Sikeston, MO - Learn about this beautiful migratory bird native to southern Missouri. Then, learn how to draw it using oil pastels. No experience is required, and all materials will be provided. Tuesday, August 04.
Wild Edibles: Ice Cream, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Discover how nature can add flavors and toppings to your favorite frozen treat. Attend a naturalist-led presentation and learn about safe and common wild edibles. Then, try a sample." Friday, August 07
Outdoor Preparedness - Topography, Shuttle from Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn to read topographic maps. Then, use maps to navigate the forests of Tywappity Community Lake. No experience required. Saturday, August 8.
Catalyst Mountain Bike Race, Makanda, IL - Race the professional MTB trails at SIU Touch of Nature Education Center. "One of the fastest and most flowy in all of Southern Illinois". Racing starts at 10am. Saturday, August 8
Explore the Endangered Sand Prairie, Shuttle from Cape Girardeau, MO - Visit and hike at Sand Prairie Conservation Area. Wedn, Aug. 12, 5:30-7:30pm
Intro to Wild Caving, Perryville, MO - A rare chance to learn the basics of caving and explore a real, wild cave with expert guides. These sessions only run a handful of times each year and spots are limited. No experience necessary. No squeezing through tight spaces necessary. Info session August 13. Cave exploration August 15.
Shawnee Hills Trail Races, Ozark, IL - One of the Midwest's premier trail running events returns with distances from a half marathon to 100 miles, passing through some of Southern Illinois' best scenery. August 22-23.Registration closes August 15.
City of Roses 5k & Half Marathon, Cape Girardeau, MO - "This course takes you along a paved trail through residential Cape and out into the beautiful county. Wind around paved roads, past farms, tree-filled woods, and beautiful homes." Sunday, September 27.
Tour de Cape, Cape Girardeau, MO - A charity ride that takes off from downtown Cape Girardeau, MO with 15, 30, and 60-mile routes. Saturday, October 3rd.
Devil's Toll Race, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park - A 13-mile event "across one of the most scenic & rugged landscapes Missouri's Ozark Trail has to offer" with a hike option and a run option. Proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association. Saturday, October 3rd.
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.
Welp, (*slaps knees), we better get goin'. A big thank you to our sponsors and partners.
Sending an extra shout out to Mesta Meadows for the fascinating summer segment that made us all honorary, temporary ranch hands. THANK YOU! I want to try the 'camping in a sheep pasture' experience, so see you on the ranch.
And thank you KRCU for the partnership opportunity. Thank you for helping us spread the Se/MO-is-pretty-cool gospel.
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