Welcome back, SEMO sightseers!

This week, we're asking you to don your tourist goggles in a town that is not quite up there with Barcelona as a tourism hotspot. Close, but not quite.

And, spoiler, I went a little paranormal in the history section again this week. Whoops! I promise I'll get serious soon, with all that "War of 18-whatever" business and whatnot.

Get Outside

Two years ago, an aunt casually dropped, "Pickle Springs is cool". But her face was like this:😐. So I went on with my life, as one does after flat-faced recommendations.

I recently hiked the "Trail through Time" at Pickle Springs Natural Area, and I'm back to say, do not trust Denise's face. Undersell of the century.

Just outside of Farmington, the 2-mile trail packs in natural springs, canyons, a scenic overlook, and a DOUBLE ARCH (not McDonald's, you chowhound. The rare [in MO] rock formation), and if you go after some rain, you can go chasin' waterfalls #TLC4Life.

Now *cracks knuckles — fun fact time. The Trail through Time is a time capsule, offering a tiny glimpse into what Missouri forests looked like long ago. The shady, moist canyons at Pickle Springs have kept “glacial relicts” alive. That means plants that thrived here during the last Ice Age, when Missouri was cooler and wetter, are still hanging on. Ferns, orchids, lichens, and mosses you’d normally find up north are tucked into these sandstone walls. Pickle Springs is the only spot in Missouri where some of these Ice Age holdouts survive! So as you hike, you’re seeing some of the same greenery that mastodons once saw when they were in Missouri for a Cards game.

Here's the cool clincher — Pickle Springs is also home to a tiny amphipod crustacean that scientists have found nowhere else on Earth. Commonly known as the Pickle Springs amphipod. It's like a translucent, shrimp-like bug that's only a few millimeters long. Sexy AF. This rare little creature makes Pickle Springs not just a local treasure, but a global one.

Pickle Springs is officially a National Natural Landmark, but for some weird reason, pictures of this place look like they were taken with a potato. Don't trust the photos online. This is one of those ya-just-gotta-go situations. Lace up and load up.

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Picture It

Speaking of crappy pictures, one fun outdoor hobby that we haven't talked about yet is outdoor photography. Your Facebook friends may not appreciate your artistic vision. The background is out of focus ON PURPOSE, UNCLE GREG. But the judges of amateur photo competitions might. Info in the links. Good luck! I'll be wishing you an inspiring victory that leads to quitting your corporate job to pursue a career in the arts... or a ribbon. A ribbon would be cool, too.

• ​The 12th Annual Missouri Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest​
• ​Terrain Magazine's 8th Annual Photo Contest

Day Tripping

Scott City, MO?!?!

My friends from Scott City (and some who aren't) are shaking their heads…but I’m about to prove you can spend a full, FUN day here. Because this is the very ethos of Backroad Weekly—digging up places most people speed right past and enjoying them in all their quirky, small-town glory.

Here’s how I’d do it:

Morning

• ​Coffee 'N' More - Start with breakfast at this adorable cafe. Just not on a Sunday. It'll be closed.
• City Park Trail - The park's half-mile loop trail is peaceful and just hilly enough to wake up your calves and digest your donut without hating life. There's an 18-hole disc golf course, so you might run into Andy Bernard.
• Scott City Historical Museum - There's some interesting history behind these low-key places. If you're a history junkie who's always down to hit a museum or a visitor center—no matter how small—wave your brochures in the air like you just don't care. And then hit reply and say, "I feel seen, Queen. I'm also addicted to grainy, black and white photos." Museum only open on Saturdays.

Afternoon

• Lunch at The Riverhouse - A riverside restaurant with a patio and a view. Soak in the Scott-City-is-better-than-I-expected feels.
• ​Yule Log Cabin - Christmas in August! This festive cabin tucked in the woods is opening for the season this Saturday (Aug. 23). Packed with 185 decorated Christmas trees, it's a charming, unexpected, and oddly delightful summer detour fit for Michael Bublé. You can pretend, for a moment, that your face didn't just melt off outside.
• ​River Ridge Winery - Christmas in August kind of sounds like something a drunk person would do anyway. Politely ask your DD to head down the winding country roads, where you can sip a glass of wine under the shade. Can you hear the live music drifting through the vineyard air?

Evening

• ​Lawless Harley-Davidson - You don't have to ride a motorcycle to visit a Harley-Davidson showroom, just like you don't need a classic car to enjoy a car show. Just walk in, drink in gleaming chrome, and pretend you look good in leather. Check the calendar on their website to catch one of their events.
• ​Pilot House at the Airport - The Pilot House, on its own, is a local legend... BBQ, we bow to you. And it's kind of fun to get the airport vibes without the traveler's stress.

And there you have it. An enjoyable day in Scott City, MO. It's not quite Barcelona, but it's historic, scenic, delicious, a little weird, and much more affordable than flying to España. Hey-oh!

Between February and April of 1973, more than 500 UFO sightings were reported around Clearwater Lake, just outside Piedmont, drawing national media attention.

If you're not a believer, just let the rest of us have a little fun, will ya? Just kidding, that's not what I was going to say...

Even if you're not a believer, there is no denying that this many reports, whatever they were, is an interesting event in Southeast Missouri's history. Piedmont and Wayne County have since been dubbed the "UFO Capitals of Missouri". And a little green legacy lives on in April’s annual UFO Fest.

Local road trip idea for the would-be alien wranglers: Park a blanket near Clearwater Lake under the stars, and watch for silent lights darting across the sky.

Worth a Visit 🎨🎵

Did you know there is a local center for the arts throwing open its doors and making the arts accessible to everyone?

If you find yourself in or near Sikeston, MO, make sure to check out the Malone Park Center for the Arts (MPCA), where they offer a growing list of no-charge and low-cost programs for kids and adults.

That's the best part. All children’s programming is of no charge to children or their families, and adult classes are available at a subsidized rate. Breakin'👏down👏freakin'👏barriers👏 y'all👏

I contacted MPCA last week about featuring an oil painting class, and I received the WARMEST, most enthusiastic response, leading to this partnership. These folks love what they're doing for their community. That's a great sign.

Some of this year’s highlights have included:

• A traveling Smithsonian exhibit (yes, that Smithsonian!)
• A fun-filled Summer Arts Camp for kids
• Beginner Sign Language classes

And there’s still more coming down the pipe.

Art clears your head, sparks new ideas, and connects people. That’s not a luxury. It’s something we should all have access to, even when we're on a budget.

To learn more and stay updated on upcoming programs, follow the Malone Park Center for the Arts on Facebook or give them a call at 573-621-8729...or just stop by!

Sponsored by MPCA

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Second-Hand Scores

​Rummage Sale, Kelso, MO - The lower level of the Kelso Knights of Columbus Hall will be packed wall-to-wall with furniture, appliances, books, antiques, baby gear, seasonal decor, clothes, plants, and, LORD... who knows what else. While you're heeeeere, you can do some of the fun stuff on the Scott City day trip list. Details in the link.

​Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, Cape Girardeau, MO - Even when you don't need stuff, you need books. Hardcovers are a buck, paperbacks are fifty cents. Take your patience with you. You're going to need it while you wait for someone to thumb through the boxes you want to thumb through. Tip: The more disgusting your cough, the more people move out of the way. Just kidding. The real tip is: Everything gets picked through quickly. I'm not saying you have to camp outside the door, but the early bird gets the (book)worm.

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Made Around Here

​Meet the Author & Book Signing, Carbondale, IL - Support local author Mike Shepherd. This former SIU student served as an Air Force radio reporter during the Vietnam War, interviewing soldiers from the DMZ to the Mekong Delta. You can catch him at a book-signing at Confluence Books in Carbondale this Sunday, Aug. 24, where he’ll read, answer questions, and sign copies of Like Another Lifetime in Another World and Days of Rage.

Find Your People

​Bohemian Scrapsody Quilt Shop, Scott City, MO - Surprise, cuties! It's Scott City, again. Mwhahaha. This offbeat little shop with probably the best name in SE Missouri also offers regular quilting workshops like Knitted Blooms with Betty, for example. Workshopping is a great way to learn something new and meet some nice, creative people in a cozy space. Find the workshop schedule on their Facebook events page.

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Help Out & Pitch In

​Southeast Missouri Pets is overcrowded...overcatted?... They're crawling in cats. Felines of all shapes and sizes are $15 for adoption through Monday. That means you get a cat that has been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped for $15! But wait, there's meow. It's a BOGO adoption deal. Dos gatos with the works for $15! If you've been thinking about adopting, now is the time to pull the kitty trigger. Browse for furry BFFs at Southeast Missouri Pets, Petco, PetSmart, or Pet Supplies Plus in Cape Girardeau. Call for any info: 573-334-5837.

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, Aug 22

​SEMO Strong Benefit Show, Cape Girardeau, MO - Hip-hop beats, psych rock, doom metal, and post-punk rock. And you have a good reason to ditch your non-rocker/uncool friends: The festival benefits victims of the 2025 tornado in Delta.

​Duquoin State Fair (Day 1), Duquoin, IL - Free parking tonight! The fair kicks off with the Twilight Parade. There will also be live music, a vintage market, blacksmith demos, stilt walkers, and a petting zoo. But I had you at free parking.

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Sat, Aug 23

​Music Under the Stars with East End Blend, Brazeau, MO - The event name sorta says it all.

​Arts, Crafts + Music Festival, Jackson, MO - Local makers, food trucks, and live music. Hosted by the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society. Admission is free, so splurge on those crafted goodies!

​1st Annual Oran Cruise-In, Oran, MO - Classic rides, live music, and food trucks. What more could you want on a summer night? Roll in, grab a bite, look around, and boogie a little. Free to attend, family-friendly, and full of small-town charm.

​Home Grown Farm Tour, Potosi, MO - Here’s your chance to play farm tourist for a day. It's like an open house for farms. With a list of agro-destinations in hand, you hop in your car and visit a lineup of farms, vineyards, and sanctuaries, all open to the public for one afternoon. Meet mustangs at a rescue sanctuary, feed alpacas, explore organic gardens, or browse a heritage homestead. The day starts with the Harvest & Home Marketplace, where you can stock up on jams before hitting the road.

​Roller Derby Bout, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape Roller Derby vs. Prairieland Punishers at AC Brase Arena. Shoulder checks and speed. Just pretty girl things.

​Saturday Night Thunder Circle Track Race, Benton, MO - Another race night in Benton. Catch sprint cars, stock cars, and even the “Kid Modz” tearing up the track under the lights.

​Duquoin State Fair (Day 2), Duquoin IL - MORE FAIR! Livestock shows, chainsaw carving, rodeo action, and more. Motorsports fans, catch the Sizemore MX Race. 80s hair metal fans, catch David Lee Roth on the Grandstand Stage.

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Sun, Aug 24

​Duquoin State Fair (Day 3), Duquoin IL - Another packed schedule of contests and shows. There'll be a firefighter waterball competition, kids’ contests, and a rodeo. The night’s Grandstand headliner is the Little River Band. Add in MX racing, and plenty of food and shopping. As usual, check the link for the day's detailed schedule.

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Plan Ahead

The Fun You Can't Improvise

​Adult MTB Training Day at Shepherd Mountain, Ironton, MO - This isn’t a casual cruise. It's hands-on training with pro coaching, in a small group, for beginner to intermediate mountain bike riders.

​15th Annual Winefest, Sikeston, MO - Historic Downtown Sikeston is rolling out its premier wine tasting event with live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a souvenir glass to take home.

​Learn 2 Paddle at St. Joe State Park, Park Hills, MO - MO State Parks brings you "kayaking for beginners". Always wanted to try kayaking, but don’t know where to start? Don't splurge on a kayak until you're sure you love it. $5 gets you on the water with all the gear provided, plus expert instruction. It’s the perfect low-cost way to dip your toes (literally) into a new hobby.

​Monster Mud Run - Obstacle Course, Murphysboro, IL - A 5K obstacle course featuring mud pits, foam, ropes, slides, and more. Runners get a medal, swag, and a shower. Stick around for the live music and food-filled after party.

​Birds & Brew, Puxico, MO - A cup of coffee and then a guided birding hike at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. After a quick, caffeine-filled birding basics session, you’ll hit the 1-mile Swampwalk boardwalk to spot local species. Binoculars are provided if you need them. Free to join, but registration is required.

​Learn to Fish Black Bass, Virtual - Learn all about Missouri’s black bass—largemouth, smallmouth, spotted—in this free virtual program. Get insider tips and tricks for reeling in one of the state’s most popular sport fish. Registration required.

​MidAmerica Rehab 5K Rally Run, Perryville, MO - This 5K has a stroller category! Which is why I will not be going. It would not be good for my self-esteem if I were trying my little heart out, only for someone to blow past me, pushing a stroller with a 25-lb kid in it. I can even imagine the kid pointing and laughing.

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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.

In honor of photo competitions

What kind of outdoor photography do you enjoy the most? Either when you're behind the lens, or just browsing a coffee table book. Landscapes and Waterscapes (scenery, sunsets, wide-open spaces) Wildlife (animals, birds, critters in the wild) Astrophotography (stars, galaxies, night skies) Adventure/Sports (action shots in the great outdoors) Botanical and Macro Nature (flowers, bugs, plants, gardens, textures up close) Street/Travel/Cityscapes (people, markets, festivals, architecture, culture)

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Refer a Floodplain Friend

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WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWER: CORNFIELD

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Welp, (*slaps knees), we better get goin'. Catch you down the road.

Caitlan Hester
Publisher, Backroad Weekly
​The Southeast Missouri Cheerleader No One Asked for