Tuesday marks the official beginning of fall!!!
Fall as in "autumn", and not "of civilization."
Didn't mean to scare you. You can put the padlock back on your bunker and bust out an Addams Family VHS.
Day Tripping - Six of My Fave Fall Outings
I've got a distraction to help you ignore the sun's never-ending rampage: Plan something to look forward to! It's the hang-in-there light at the end of the heatwave tunnel.
These are six of my favorite day trip-able fall excursions and events:
- The Elk Driving Tour at Peck Ranch Conservation Area - "The best time of year to play elk-y I spy is mid-September through mid-October, when fall mating season gives the animals a one-track mind. And the best times of day are early morning and dusk. This time of year, the elk also bugle, i.e., sing woodland love songs." I wrote about it twice: here and here. And shared info on KRCU Public Radio.
- Take a walk down the famous Snake Road in Southern Illinois' Shawnee National Forest - The nature of this local wildlife safari makes a lot of folks nervous. But it is COOL, man. I was nervous before my first visit, too. There are some great resources out there to prepare you for this thrilling nature walk. I shared the resources that gave me the guts to go here. If you'd rather visit this amazing place with a guide, hire a guide! Even though this opportunity is available in the spring and fall, October is the best month.
- Gaze at the Milky Way at the DarkSky Missouri Festival - Ok, so it's a little white lie to call this one of my "favorites" because I haven't been yet. Pray with me for clear, dry skies October 9 & 10 because I am going this year! If I'm going to constantly brag that Missouri's East Ozarks have some of the darkest skies in all of the Midwest, I should probably go see them. And what better time than when astronomers will be hanging out with telescopes?
- Visit the 18th century at the annual Fort Massac Encampment in Metropolis, Illinois - For one weekend of the year, Fort Massac State Park turns into the 18th century. Maybe you've been to history reenactments and historic villages before. This area has many. But I'm always surprised by the size of this one, and the fun atmosphere. This year's festival falls October 17 & 18.
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Celebrate Halloween for six weeks straight - Haunted history walking tours, historic sites after dark, jump-scare attractions, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and scary movies in theaters. This region knows how to show a ghost girl a good time. You can read last year's big, fat list of Halloween activities here. And you can bet your Reese's peanut butter buns I'll be updating the list in a future issue of Backroad Weekly coming soon. For now, you might want to consider one of these three tormented tours:
- Sip-N-Spook, Cape Girardeau, MO - See a video presentation from The American Ghost Project about Cape's historic Glenn House. Then, take a Walking Ghost Tour to The Glenn with local historian, Christy Mershon. Upon arrival, split up into small groups for two hours of investigations in the house. Tickets $31. October 2, 3, 4, and 9.
- Boos on Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO - A haunted walking tour of downtown Cape Girardeau's Broadway St. October 6 & 7. 7pm. $30 per person or $50 per couple.
- Haunted History of Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau, MO - This haunted Cape walking tour sees another side of downtown: Water, Main, and Spanish St. Different stories. Same tingling feeling up your spine. It's a city so haunted, it takes two tours. October 11, 12, and 18. 7pm. $30 per person or $50 per couple.
- Lastly, bask in the glory of shoulder season and get outside - Most of the things outdoor lovers enjoy doing are just as enjoyable (if not more enjoyable) in the fall. A cool breeze, fewer bugs, changing leaves, fewer tourists, and actually being able to enjoy sitting by a campfire. Swimming in a river is amazing. True. BUT, this is your loving reminder that you don't have to stop camping, hiking, cycling, birding, etc., just because you won't be neck deep in a creek. For inspiration on where to go this fall, browse the archive.
Hit reply to this email and tell me your favorite places in the 573 to see fall foliage.
Come Hang Out With Us!
This Saturday, we'll be at Outdoors Unleashed, an outdoor expo in Jackson, Missouri at Sappington Pro Outdoor.
We'll be spreading the Backroad Weekly word and bribing people to stop by our booth with Halloween candy. And we'll have our famous (to me, at least) Western Alligator Snapping Turtle t-shirts for sale for $30.
Admission is free. And supporting small local businesses is good for your health. (Don't fact check that).
Can't make it Saturday? Shopping online is still an option.
SIGHTING: Barn Swallow spotted with all her barn swallow friends in Benton, Missouri 1.5 weeks ago.
TRAVEL RADIO: The Elk Driving Tour at Peck Ranch Conservation Area (2-minute listen), in partnership with KRCU Public Radio.
TRAVEL VIDEO SHORT: The Elk Driving Tour at Peck Ranch Conservation Area
REVEALING MY SOURCES: One of my favorite event resources is the MDC's webpage. You can visit their events page and filter by region. I always choose "Southeast" from the region drop down to see what's going on near me.
ANNOUNCEMENT!: Dresses to Die for, Cape Girardeau, MO - Every Saturday and Sunday through October 31st, Cape Girardeau's historic Glenn House is hosting "a Victorian mourning experience" 1-4pm. Learn all about death and mourning cultures practiced during this time period right here in Southeast Missouri.
Made Around Here - Throughike Backpacking Gear
When we went to Midwest Kayak and Outdoor Company's grand opening in their new space, we met a fascinating young Southern Illinois-native slinging some serious backpacks.
Let us introduce you to Andrew Kent, owner and founder of Throughike, a backpacking gear brand.
Although Andrew grew up backpacking with his dad, inspiration waited to strike during one fateful work commute from Carbondale to St. Louis. Like all good outdoor nerds, he was looking out the window, wondering what his perfect backpack would look like when it occurred to him, he could build his own. He worked in supply chain and knew how to source the right material. And here Andrew is two years later, with people taking his packs on adventures all over the world.
You should know, dear reader, this is not sponsored content. I asked Andrew if I could write about him. It takes a lot of tenacity to get something like this done...especially when you work full time and your wife is in medical school. But not only do I think Andrew is a neat local guy, we bought a backpack and love it! For a quality pack, you cannot beat the price. Ask anyone who has ever bought an Osprey.
Give this local business some love and follow Throughike on Facebook and Instagram.
You can find his packs at Midwest Kayak and Outdoor Company in Cape Girardeau, MO.
The 6,000-Mile Boating Odyssey Passing by Our Front Porch
Did you know that Cape Girardeau sits along one of the world's most unique boating adventures?
Honestly, I didn't either until the cool folks at VisitCape told me.
It's called America's Great Loop. It's a continuous ~6,000-mile water highway that circumnavigates the eastern half of the United States. Boaters tackling the route are known as "Loopers". They spend anywhere from several months to over a year living aboard their vessels to complete the massive circuit.
Here are a few fascinating facts:
- For Cape, it's peak season: According to America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association (AGLCA), September and October are prime time for our stretch of the river. Loopers spend their summer across the northern waterways and Great Lakes, then ride the current down the inland river system with the arrival of fall foliage, working their way toward the Gulf of Mexico.
- Boats funnel out of Lake Michigan into the Illinois River, join the Mississippi River past St. Louis, cruise right past Cape Girardeau, and then cut over via Cairo and the Ohio River to connect to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway down toward Mobile, Alabama.
- Loopers are generally not in a rush. The average Looper logs only around 50 miles per cruising day, and they typically travel just one day out of every three, spending the other two days anchored, exploring nearby river towns, and waiting out weather or river conditions.
What an adventure! Don't you love how cool the Mississippi River makes us? It's like in college when you go to the cool party just because you have that one really cool friend.
If you're hanging out at Cape's riverfront and see some Loopers, give them a wave.
*Sponsored by VisitCape
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, Sept 18
Blues, Brews, & BBQ, Farmington, MO - I don't know how else to make this sound like more fun.
Doniphan Heritage Days, Doniphan, MO - "Music, living history exhibits, pioneer demonstrations, early 20th century life demonstrations, classic cars and period costumes."
SEMO District Fair, Cape Girardeau, MO - In addition to all the regular fair activities, rides, and food, Friday also offers the chance to go see mustache and beard contests. I'm sure their wives are very proud.
SEMOcon, Poplar Bluff, MO - "SEMOcon is an annual Comic-Con featuring cosplay, artists, panels, gaming, and special guests in a family-friendly atmosphere."
Book Bingo, Jackson, MO - It's book-themed Bingo for all the well-read bingo lovers. 3-4pm
Sat, Sept 19
Old Greenville Days, Greenville, MO - A festival near Lake Wappapello with art, vendors, living history demonstrations, and music.
Blues, Brews, & BBQ, Farmington, MO - Bring a lawn chair and your family for blues and BBQ, and depending on the age of your family, brews too.
Doniphan Heritage Days, Doniphan, MO - The pioneer demonstrations, and early 20th century life demonstrations including rail splitting, fiddle making, blacksmithing, quilting and other vintage crafts. On Saturday, you can also catch the Current River fiddle contest at 2pm.
SEMO District Fair, Cape Girardeau, MO - Last chance to hang out at the SEMO District Fair! In addition to all the regular fair activities, rides, and food, there'll be a demolition derby in the grandstand.
Cape Riverfront Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - Shop locally grown, homemade, and handmade goods to the tune of live music. 8am-12pm
Dueling Pianos, Cape Girardeau, MO - If you've never been to a dueling piano show, you need to experience the keys at least once. $10 cover. Non-alcoholic beverages also available. "This is the second Dueling Pianos event at The Bar and operations have been modified since the first event to create an even better experience." Woo!
SEMOcon, Poplar Bluff, MO - "A weekend of celebrities, cosplay, comics, games, and curious wonders at Poplar Bluff’s very own Comic-Con."
Fall Festival, New Madrid, MO - If you haven't made it over to New Madrid in a while, this Saturday is a good time to stop by. The fall festival will have some food, craft vendors, a car show, and if you go in the afternoon/evening, the folks from the Twisted Cat Catfish Tournament will be weighing their catches.
Outdoors Unleashed, Jackson, MO - An outdoor expo! "Explore a wide range of vendors featuring everything related to hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors! Sign up for FREE to win a Kawasaki Brute Force 300!!! Bring your family and friends for a day filled with fun, food, and adventure." No entry fee or purchase required to attend. Doors open at 9am
Apple Ridge Orchard Fall Festival, Sikeston, MO - Fun activities for the kids and tasty stuff for the adults.
Southern Illinois Honey Festival, Makanda, IL - Check out the honey contest, vendors, and artists, 10am-5pm
Alpaca Farm Days, Makanda, IL - Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch is opening the ranch so you can head out and pet an alpaca.
Sun, Sept 20
Old Greenville Days, Greenville, MO - A festival near Lake Wappapello with art, vendors, living history demonstrations, and music.
SEMOcon, Poplar Bluff, MO - "SEMOcon is an annual Comic-Con featuring cosplay, artists, panels, gaming, and special guests in a family-friendly atmosphere."
Manifolds on Main St, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Don’t miss the largest car show between St. Louis and Memphis!" Over 250 cars and trucks will be displayed along Main Street and in the downtown parking lot across from Hutson’s Big Sandy Superstore. 9am-3pm on Sunday.
Heartland Writers' Guild Monthly Meeting, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, poetry, devotionals, journalism, or you’re still finding your voice, there’s a seat for you at the table."
Alpaca Farm Days, Makanda, IL - After petting and feeding the alpacas, you can also buy alpaca fleece goodies at the store.
Plan Ahead
The Fun You Can't Improvise
Wild Edibles: Wild Teas, Cape Girardeau, MO - Prepare (and sample) herbal tea using Missouri's native wild plants. You'll fill your own teabags with your favorite tea leaves to take home, too. Only registered participants 18+ may attend. Thursday, Sept 24, 6pm.
Cake Decorating Masterclass, Cape Girardeau, MO - Super cute bonding activity for a child and parent/guardian. Friday, Sept 25
Harvest Moon Paddle, Ullin, IL - Paddle through an ancient cypress-tupelo swamp under the harvest moon. One of Southern Illinois' most unique guided tours, and it only comes around about once a month. Saturday, September 26.
City of Roses 5k & Half Marathon, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Run along a paved trail through residential Cape and into the county. Wind around paved roads, past farms, tree-filled woods, and beautiful homes." Sunday, September 27.
Sip-N-Spook, Cape Girardeau, MO - An evening of history, haunts, and investigation! See a video presentation from The American Ghost Project about Cape's historic Glenn House. Then, take a Walking Ghost Tour to The Glenn with local historian, Christy Mershon where you'll split up into small groups for two hours of investigations in the house. Tickets $31. October 2, 3, 4, and 9.
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 3.
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 3.
Mississippi River Overnight Adventure, Cape Girardeau, MO - "A relaxed overnight adventure down the Mighty Mississippi River, including a stay on the beautiful grounds of The Riverhouse!" October 3-4.
Trapping 101: Trap Prep, Puxico, MO - Learn the basics, hands-on, no experience needed. Tuesday, October 6 at 5pm.
Boos on Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO - A haunted walking tour of downtown Cape Girardeau's Broadway St. October 6 & 7. 7pm. $30 per person or $50 per couple.
Haunted History of Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau, MO - This haunted Cape walking tour sees another side of downtown: Water, Main, and Spanish St. Different stories. Same tingling feeling up your spine. It's a city so haunted, it takes two tours. October 11, 12, and 18. 7pm. $30 per person or $50 per couple.
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: FESTIVAL
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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