It's Thursday! And we're back! Back to body-slammin' the "There's nothing to do around here" myth.

Get Outside

The Missouri Department of Conservation recently issued a press release on Cape Girardeau County's Apple Creek Conservation Area, reminding us that it exists and that there's quite a bit to do out there: Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, misidentifying birds, shooting at the shooting range, questioning your life choices, horseback riding, picnicking, and seasonal hunting.

There are two loop trails that, when combined, offer about 8 miles of moderate-difficulty hiking. We got confused because we passed the "everyone" trailhead and parked at the equestrian trailhead. Just know, if you do the same, you'll pull up in a small parking lot with yellow signs that say, "Horse Trail," and you'll think, "this can't possibly be the right place,"... But you're fine. Giddy up.

The southernmost loop follows an old gravel road along a shooting range at the beginning and end of your hike. Ahhh, the sweet serenade of gunshots... When you turn off the gravel bit onto the more primitive trail, it can get muddy and steep in some spots. Them's the fun parts. But...lean in close for this top secret hiking hack... You can turn around whenever you want. 🤯 We had the baby, so we only did a mile in and a mile out of the southernmost loop.

Check out this ~4-mile bit (the southernmost loop) that's mapped and rated on AllTrails.

*Type "Apple Creek Conservation Area Trailhead" into Maps, or you'll wind up at a boat ramp.

Apple Creek is a hunting area. If you hike during hunting season, wear orange, stick to the trail, and avoid dawn/dusk. Some folks (me, I'm "some folks") prefer to skip it entirely during firearms deer season. Here's the MDC map.

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Didja know?

You may have learned this at the SEMO District Fair this year: Perry County is a BIG deal. I get tired of bragging (pssst...no I don't), but Southeast Missouri is
💫✨🪄AmAzInG🪄✨💫

There are over 700 KNOWN caves in Perry County. OVER. SEVEN. HUNDRED. JUST in Perry County. That we know of... and four of Missouri's five longest known caves call Perry County home, including Crevice Cave, the state’s longest.

These are not commercial show-caves with paved walkways, handrails, and a gift shop. They're wet, muddy, and reachable only by those willing to squeeze through tight spaces with headlamps, boots, and a heaping bowlful of guts.

As a kid, did you entertain Lara Croft daydreams of bushwacking the Amazon and discovering a lost city? Then, as you got older, did you resign yourself to the idea that everything had been explored except for outer space or the ocean depths? Same, dude. But it turns out, there remains a wild frontier for daring modern-day Magellans, and it is right next door.

If you're interested in caving, you're gonna have to get social. Never cave alone. To scratch your dark, muddy adventure itch, you need to join a local club, called a grotto. You can find the grotto nearest you here. If you're in the SEMO area, that's likely to be SEMO Grotto. Check out their Facebook group. If you're serious, this group will point you in the right direction.

They're also a great resource if you have a cave on your land that needs some pioneerin'.

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Local Road-Trip Maven

There's a Cape Girardeau resident on a one-woman mission to visit every county in the state of Missouri. (KFVS12 are you listening? I smell a human interest piece.) Meet Cheryl. What makes her mission even more fascinating is that her extensive Missouri travels are documented and uploaded online, making MO travel more accessible for the rest of us. Cheryl's local media empire is called My Corner Online.

Two of my favorite My Corner Online resources are:

• The massive 'places-to-go' lists that she has compiled. When you click, scroll down to the Southeast Missouri region list.
• The Google Map where she has pinned her destinations. This only works on desktop, sorry! You have to believe me, it's worth it to open your laptop.

Lots of great inspiration in there for local day trips. For more information on Cheryl's vast body of work (and miles of MO travel), visit her website. There you will find links to her Substack, YouTube channel, social media, and more.

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Happy (SxS) Trails

For those of you looking to put some miles on your UTV, don't forget about...*does my best Vanna White impersonation... Turkey Bay OHV Area at Land Between the Lakes, KY, located about two hours southeast of the Cape Girardeau area. Expect wooded paths and lake views. This spot pinged on my radar when I popped in on our sponsor, Sappington Pro Outdoor. I asked the Sappington team where they like to send riders. And one of their top picks was Turkey Bay.

Full disclosure: Backroad Weekly has not scouted Turkey Bay. This recommendation comes from a trustworthy source. Please double-check the Land Between the Lakes website for permit details, rules, and current conditions. And always follow the rhyming rule for riding: Call before you haul.

Day Tripping

Confession corner: I hit a local classic for the first time ever two weeks ago. If that makes me some kinda newbie boob, I can live with that. I have to talk about it in case there is anyone else who has never been:

​The Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods in Herod, Illinois.

If you love Elephant Rocks State Park, you'll love Garden of the Gods. It's about 2.5 hours northeast of the Cape Girardeau area. It's a short-distance and low-difficulty hike for all skill levels (not stroller-friendly, though. I learned that while watching a couple try to push their elderly wiener dog through the park in one.)

Why drive so far for such a short hike? Because you can easily spend 1-2 hours taking photos, scrambling around the rocks, enjoying the panoramic views of the Shawnee Forest, sunbathing like a lizard, and taking in the prime people watching. Case in point: wiener dog in a stroller. It's a popular place, and it will be people-y. But there are other, less people-y trails in the park if you want to get more miles in.

For lunch, you gotta hit Garden of the Gods Outpost. The first time we drove by, we thought it was a Deliverance shack. After our hike, we were hungry and willing to risk it. Fortunately, it was a cute little combo ice cream parlor/gift shop overflowing with Bigfoot fan merch, nachos, and milkshakes.

I don't want to dampen the road trip spirit, but this deserves to be said: there have been tragic accidents at Garden of the Gods, many of which could likely have been prevented with certain precautions. Please keep a safe distance from cliff edges, and make sure children are always supervised. Find Hiking with Shawn's safety tips here.

If Cahokia and the Semo mound towns caught your curiosity last week, I should apologize. I left you up a museum creek without an exhibit. With the Cahokia museum temporarily closed, you had nowhere to go to get your ceramics fix.

Allow me to make it right: Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Wickliffe Mounds - a Mississippian-culture site (A.D. 1100 and 1350) perched on a bluff where the Ohio meets the Mississippi River in Ballard County, Kentucky.

Today, Wickliffe Mounds is a state historic site and one of the best places to learn about this period in our region's indigenous peoples' past. Visit the museum and welcome center, see the earthen mounds, and learn how the Mississippian communities that inhabited our corner of the Heartland might have lived.

Drive time: Just 50 minutes southeast of the Cape area.

Outdoor Spotlight: Sappington Pro Outdoor

What you might not know about Sappington Pro Outdoor is that it has been a family business for nearly 70 years, started by the Sappingtons' grandparents, and now run by the 3rd generation.

What began in 1955 as a Case IH dealership has grown into lawn & garden equipment and powersports—ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and motorcycles. Over the years, they’ve added names such as Cub Cadet, Hustler, Kawasaki, Polaris, Toro, and Grasshopper, earning them a reputation as the local HQ for yardwork and adventure.

I first met the team when I nervously walked into their showroom recently. I was asking if a little, unknown local newsletter, just 7 weeks old, could have a booth at their Outdoor & Hunting Expo this Saturday. Instead of brushing me off, they pulled up a chair and made room for me.

So whether you’re looking for a sharp lawn or wooded trails, Sappington Pro Outdoor has the tools and toys to kick some grass. And they're backed by the kind of service (and community support) only a local business can offer.

📍 4700 E Jackson Blvd, Jackson, MO
☎️ (573) 243-1975
🔗 sappingtonprooutdoor.com​

*This is sponsored content. It's also an honest testimonial based on my experience.

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Try This

Not far away from your Apple Creek adventure, you can eat in a tree at the Tree Top Saloon.

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Made Around Here

Earlier this month, I did the September session of Perry Park Center's Intro to Wild Caving program. (The above cave rant makes sense now, right?). One of my caving colleagues was a lovely local nature photographer (and international award winner) Darlene Spell. We bonded over our shared insanity that was sending us underground.

But you don't have to plunge into the earth's crevices to like Darlene or her work. If you're into nature photography, find her on Facebook, Instagram, or her website.

While We're on the Topic...

If you have neat pictures sitting around, and you think one of them is good enough to win you $250, why not submit it? The Great River Road is hosting a photo contest. The way I understand the rules, your photo only needs to have been taken in any county that borders the Mississippi River.

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Second-Hand Scores

​Magpie Market Days - A Vintage Market of Southern Illinois, Marion, IL

Over 120 vendors from all over the US are bringing the vintage goods, antiques, home decor, furniture, mobile boutiques, and more. And somehow, it all perfectly fits the fall aesthetic.

Help Out & Pitch In

Want to make a difference for local kids without running a marathon or buying cookies? Well, maybe the cookies thing isn't so bad...but there ARE other ways.

​Junior Achievement in Southeast Missouri teaches students life skills like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. It’s about helping young people see career possibilities they didn’t even know existed, and believing they can step into those roles. Whether you're sharing career advice in classrooms or helping with an event, anyone can help inspire the next generation. JA will provide you with training!

Teachers, did you know you can get JA presenters in your classroom?

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.

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This Weekend’s Happenings

Fri, Sept 26

​Cotton Carnival, Sikeston, MO - On top of all the regular carnival revelry, Friday events include the Throwed-Roll Throwdown.

​Grease: The Musical, Cape Girardeau, MO - Hear your favorite hits performed live at the River Campus. Get tickets here.

​Brookwood Drive Halloween Display Opening Day, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape's famous drive-thru Halloween display is back!!!

​WWII-era Ship Tour, Cape Girardeau, MO - Go see one of the last surviving tank landing ships from World War II.

​Delta Fair, Kennett, MO - I couldn't find a fair schedule. The weather has probably been moving things around. You'll have to play fair roulette. What's the worst that could happen? Fair food?

​BBQ on the River, Paducah, KY - Western Kentucky's largest and longest-standing food festival & community fundraiser. Music starts at 5pm on Friday.

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Sat, Sept 27

​Outdoors Unleashed, Jackson, MO - Sappington Pro Outdoor is hosting a hunting & outdoor expo with 20 vendors, live demos, expert hunting tips, event-only deals, activities for kids, and giveaways! Scan the QR code at the link to enter to win a Polaris Sportsman 450 ATV! (Or don't...to improve my chances.) I will be there! Come find me, say hi, and tell me about all the typos you've found.

​Jackson Backyard BBQ, Jackson, MO - General admission gets you sample tasting rights.

​WWII-era Ship Tour, Cape Girardeau, MO - This ship was built to carry troops, vehicles, and supplies onto enemy shores. Now it's blowing history tourists' socks off all along the Mississippi.

​National Alpaca Farm Days, Cape Girardeau, MO - Ever wanted to tour an alpaca farm? Bet you do now.

​Grease: The Musical, Cape Girardeau, MO - Have you got chills? Are they...increasin'? That's how the song goes, right? If they're the ones that you want, get tickets here.

​Recovery Fest, Cape Girardeau, MO - A free event for all ages that's kickin' the stigma around substance use disorder, and celebrating recovery.

​Dunlap Pumpkin Farm Opening Day, Poplar Bluff, MO - "It's the Great Pumpkin, Poplar Bluff." Name the reference!

​Begg's Family Farm Opening Day, Sikeston, MO - I swear this place gets bigger every year. Someday, it's going to be a fall-themed Six Flags.

​Cotton Carnival, Sikeston, MO - Parade at 10am!

​Apple Ridge Orchard Fall Festival, Sikeston, MO - More fall fun than we can shake a rake at.

​Marquand Pioneer Days, Marquand, MO - If you've never been to Marquand Historic Park, this Saturday is as good a time as ever.

​Delta Fair, Kennett, MO - My fair readers, the fair insanity continues.

​Lawless Harley Davidson's Bubba Run, Scott City, MO - Ride for fun. Ride for a cause. Eat some chicken. Test ride a bike... see where the day takes you.

​St. Jude's SxS Ride, Marble Hill, MO - Registration starts at 9am, ride leaves at 11.

​Ewing's Retreat Auto Tour, Pilot Knob, MO - "Follow interpreters along the route taken by the retreating Union forces at the Battle of Pilot Knob. Learn about the retreat and several points of interest along the way."

​Southern Illinois Star Party, Carbondale, IL - Free public astronomy observation at SIU University's Astronomy Observation Area. Do you think they'll be reading horoscopes? 😂 Jk, jk.

​BBQ on the River, Paducah, KY - Over 100 vendors lined up along the river, serving you that sweet, sweet BBQ.

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Sun, Sept 28

​WWII-era Ship Tour, Cape Girardeau, MO - It's a floating, fully-operational MUSEUM. Even if you don't tour the inside, you gotta go stand beside it and see the size of this thing.

​Grease: The Musical, Cape Girardeau, MO - Hope it cools down, so you can wear your leather jacket to the show. Get tickets here.

​Apple Ridge Orchard Fall Festival, Sikeston, MO - I can taste the cider already.

​Raddle the Bottoms Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Jacob, IL - "All the money raised goes to Sandra's Comfort Inc., who help patients with their financial burden due to cancer and helps fund pancreatic cancer research."

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Plan Ahead

The Fun You Can't Improvise

​Women's Hiking & Rock Climbing Retreat, Giant City State Park, IL - Learn rock climbing basics on day 1 and sharpen your skills on day 2. There are also options for more advanced climbers.

​Camp Manitowa Women's Retreat, Benton, IL - Hiking, yoga, sound baths, kayaking, arts & crafts, etc., etc. It's camp! For women! All neatly packed into one weekend. 'Cause you've got $h!t to do.

​Deer Hunting for the Beginner (virtual) - For anyone who wants to start preparing their apocalypse survival skills, but they're not sure how/where to start.

​Introductory Ukulele, Sikeston, MO - Rock and/or roll🤘

​Fishing Lessons, Cape Girardeau, MO - Fishing is relaxing, addictive, and fun for the whole family. This will also come in handy when AI becomes sentient and we have to retreat to the hills.

​Furry 5K, Cape Girardeau, MO - You don't have to run with your dog, but it's more fun that way.

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*With so much going on, we can’t include everything. We hand-select picks that match the mission, and include events from all over the area to encourage you to explore towns you don’t usually visit. If you’re looking for more in Cape or Carbondale, here are some more sources: The Southeast Missourian, the Missouri Department of Conservation, The Scout, KFVS12, Southern Illinois Tourism, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Southernmostillinois.com.

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Guess-the-grainy-image Answer: BOOMLAND

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Welp, (*slaps knees), we better get goin'.

Thanks again to Sappington Pro Outdoor! Hope to see you this Saturday.

Catch you down the road.

Caitlan Hester
Publisher, Backroad Weekly

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