Shop hopping, penguins, and pewter

The region's events are ramping back up in a big way.

If you're still in hibernation mode, no shame. Cuddle your fuzzy blankets while you still can. But if your cozy winter grip on the hermit lifestyle is loosening...we've got the goods.

Day Tripping (Shop Hopping) in Ste. Genevieve, MO.

Little pig, little pig, let me in. You should visit Sainte Ginny Gen Gen.

My very lazy research is saying the population in Ste. Genevieve, MO is around 5,000 folks. (I asked Google and believed what popped up in the AI overview.)

How is it that a town whose population would fit in the Show Me Center (with 2,000 seats to spare, mind you) has so much going on?: Boutiques, museums, dining, cafes, bars, antiquing, trails, a ferry, a NATIONAL PARK, a state park, wineries, lodging, events, a theater, candy shops, *takes deep breath to keep going*, ice cream, a day spa, art galleries, and who knows what else I'm forgetting...

How the heck am I supposed to recommend a one-day day trip with all those options? I'm gonna have to pick a theme. And the theme is shop hopping:

Start at Common Grounds. Coffee is fuel. You'll need your energy. Also, can you say exposed brick? Every HGTV show, ever, has told me that's a thing to appreciate.
Go to the National Historical Park Welcome Center for a town map with points of interest, at which point you'll probably ignore everything else I say because, um, hello, the park rangers will sing their siren song of historic sites, and who can resist? You must obey the brown hat.
Walk across the street to European Entitlements, a specialty shop packed with little luxuries all imported from Europe. It smells amazing in there, and you get to pretend you're high-brow shopping in the Alps.
Cross the tracks to the massive Antique Mall. The theme is penguins. There is a mural of Missouri artists. The employee of the month is the owner's dog. It used to be a washing machine factory. And there's a bar. Even if you don't love antique shops, visit the bar. That way, you can say you visited a penguin-themed bar in an antique mall. Get a little tipsy and take a selfie with a 6-foot penguin statue. Quintessential midwestern quirky good time.
Eat! There are so many enticing dining options. We tried the Old Brick House: the oldest brick building west of the Mississippi. I'm a sucker for factoid bragging rights. It's that comfort food that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, with a buffet option.
Entertain your inner child (and your adult sweet tooth) at Lovegoods Candy & Toys and at Sweet Things Sweet Shop. How are there so many tasty, funky goodies in existence that never make their way into the grocery stores and gas stations? In addition to colorful assortments of glorious sugar, these shops have other fun items to browse.
Visit Asl Pewter. It's worth it for the novelty alone. It's a working pewter studio/shop where traditional metal casting techniques are still practiced by hand. And the security guards are Savannah cats.

And all of these are in walking distance of each other! Park the gas guzzler and skip carefree about town.

And that’s barely scratching the French colonial surface. We didn’t even make it to the wineries, the ferry, the theater, or a quarter of the museums. You don’t have to see it all in one day. You can't. You'll have to go and let the brown hats, brick walls, penguins, pewter, and sugar highs guide you. Then plan an excuse to head back soon. You can definitely expect more Ste. Gen day trips coming out of the Backroad Weekly machine in the future.

Worth a Visit

If you haven’t been to Myah yet (it stands for Make Yourself at Home), here’s its deal: scratch made comfort food with a rotating lineup that keeps things fresh in Cape Girardeau, MO. Owner Craig leans into what he calls “comfort fusion”. It's not your grandma's Cracker Barrel. Remove the rocking chairs and add better music. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in and split a dessert, or order a cocktail (yes, there’s a bar), and relax. If you’re craving something warm, filling, and familiar, but also somehow youthful and modern...Myah is worth a downtown stop. Also, sometimes you just want to get away from the interstate side of Cape to hang with the historic brick and riverbanks.

Made Around Here

The Small Town, Big Scenes, First Fridays Art Walk is happening in Piedmont on the first Friday of each month, and local businesses along Main, Elm, Fir, and Green streets are opening their doors to host artists and artisans. It’s free to attend, which means you can wander, meet makers, and pop in and out of shops you might not usually go in, without it feeling weird.

If you’re an artist who’s tired of circling the same vendor fairs, they’re looking for new creatives. New walls. New customers. New town. Contact Denise Shoemaker 573-776-0403, Janet Jackson 573-576-7051, or Jessica McMahan 573-444-1004 to get involved.

Go get in on the Piedmont glow up. It’s the UFO capital of Missouri. It’s the gateway to Clearwater Lake. It’s near Lon Sanders Conservation Area (hidden gem). It’s summer-lake-town energy with quirky small-town MO charm.

A Little Early on Purpose

VisitCape wants to make sure you’ve got a jump on a couple of big things happening next weekend. So, this is your official “don’t accidentally double-book yourself” notice. Clear some space, not this weekend, but the next.

Carpe Diem - A Night Under the Stars

Friday, February 28. 6-9 PM. SEMO Rec Center. Cape Girardeau.

SEMO’s annual cultural celebration is taking you around the world, and you don't even need to let TSA violate you in airport security. You'll experience interactive booths, global snacks, music, dance performances, and a global fashion show, brought to you by international SEMO students who are proud to share a piece of their homes with the community where they study.

And

Armstrong Outdoor Fest

February 27-March 1. Osage Center. Cape Girardeau

Three days. Boats, RVs, fishing, camping, vendors, live music.

Special guests include Mountain Man, Turtleman, Diamond Jim, and Swamp Man. If your concept of a good time involves a tree stand, you might think about checking it out.

To add an event to a future issue, click here, and select 'Event Ad'.

This Weekend’s Happenings

Fri, Feb 20

Singo Remixed, Cape Girardeau, MO - An adults-only Singo at Scout Hall. Six rounds of music bingo plus lip sync battles, dance-offs, trivia, specialty cocktails, and prizes. Doors 6pm. Show 7pm. 21+.

Cape Home & Outdoor Living Show, Cape Girardeau, MO - Browse local vendors, home improvement ideas, outdoor living inspo, and exhibits at the Show Me Center. Enter for a chance to win giveaways. Gotta at least try, right? $5.

Mix Tape Music Bingo, Scott City, MO - Free night of music bingo at The Riverhouse with prizes up for grabs. Registration required. If time allows, karaoke will follow. No idea if that's a promise or a threat. 6-8pm.

4C Free Barrel Clinic with Amanda Brooks & Steve Jordan, Burfordville, MO - A free barrel racing clinic at 4C Arena open to horse riders of all levels. 6-8pm. Free.

Board & Brush Workshop at Authentic Arts Gallery, Dexter, MO - Cape's beloved Board & Brush is taking it on the road. This is a DIY workshop where you’ll create a custom wood sign with step-by-step instruction and your choice of paint and stain colors. All materials provided. Pre-registration required. Food and drinks available for purchase. 6-8pm.

DIY Mini Terrariums, Murphysboro, IL - Take a hands-on mini gardening class at Sallie Logan Public Library. Designed for ages 13 and up. Free, but registration required. 10-11:30am. Don't know what 'mini gardening' is? Follow the link.

Sat, Feb 21

Kickstart the Season at Lawless Harley-Davidson, Scott City, MO - Our local Harley dealership is celebrating the new 2026 models with live music, a food truck, bar service, and a raffle. Go browse chrome. 12-4pm.

Brews in the Bluff, Poplar Bluff, MO - One big, beautiful booze event. An evening of craft beer, wine, bourbon, music, burgers, and brats at the Black River Coliseum. General admission 5-7pm. $35 general admission, $25 designated driver. 21+.

Spread the Love - Shop Local Event & Chocolate Walk, Fredericktown, MO - A downtown day of shopping and specials at local small businesses, plus year two of the Chocolate Walk. Explore Main St and sample sweet treats. GREAT way to get to know this town. 10am-2pm.

Sweatshirt Embroidery Class, Millersville, MO - Free Spirit Studio hosts a hands-on embroidery class. Bring a sweatshirt you’d like to embellish. Sewing supplies included. There were only 2 seats left yesterday. 10am-1pm. $40.

Show-me Dino Lab Day, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Watch a dinosaur get uncovered, bone by bone, at the Ste Gen Museum Learning Center. Interact with the scientists doing the work. A rare behind-the-scenes look at real fossil prep in action. 11am-4pm.

Master Gardener's Spring Seminar, Cape Girardeau, MO - A full day of gardening workshops at the Cape Career and Tech Center covering seed starting, native plants, propagation, plant troubleshooting, and more. Lunch included. There'll be vendors and freebies. 8:30am-3pm. $20.

2026 SEMO Contractors Networking and Trade Show, Cape Girardeau, MO - Local contractors and trade pros are invited to a free evening of networking. Dinner provided, cash bar available. 5-11pm. Start practicing your business card quick draw.

EXP Showcase, Cape Girardeau, MO - A night about songwriting, brought to you by songwriters. Doors 7pm. Show 7:30pm. $10 advance, $12 day of show. All ages.

Cape Home & Outdoor Living Show, Cape Girardeau, MO - Day 2 of the regional home and garden expo with design ideas, expert advice, plenty of inspo for spring projects, and giveaways. $5.

Missouri Running Company Grand Reopening, Cape Girardeau, MO - Celebrate the newly remodeled space with a 9am Poker Run kickoff, shoe demos from top brands, refreshments, and prize drawings. Event runs 9am-2pm. Hehe, get it? The event runs 9 to 2.

2026 Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Own Backyard Pollinator Garden, Cypress, IL - Learn about the hummingbirds found in our backyard at this free program. Includes tips on feeders and native plants that attract them. 10-11am.

Star Party at Dongola Library, Dongola, IL - Join the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois for a telescope demonstration and space-themed activities at the Dongola Public Library. 5:30pm. Fun for all ages.

February Flea Market - Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park, Belleville, IL - Browse 300-400 vendors indoors and outdoors with antiques, collectibles, handmade goods, and vintage finds. 9am-4pm. Free admission, free parking.

Carbondale Bikes! Winter Ride, Carbondale, IL - A 10-12-mile group ride launching the city’s new cycling series, featuring the Saluki Greenway and Mud Line Bike Path. Riders meet at 9:30am, roll out at 10am. Helmets required. Free.

Book Reading & Signing - "Living Off-Grid, Really" with Aur Beck, Carbondale, IL - Hear author read from his new book on off-grid living, solar energy, and simple living. Copies available for purchase and signing. Noon. Get one before the apocalypse gets you.

Rock n' Roll Revival Night, Paducah, KY - A rock-heavy lineup featuring Haas Holiday, Brother Dusty, Devin Metzger & the Cane Holler Saints, and Lovelace at Paducah Beer Werks.

Sun, Feb 22

Cape Riverfront Market Annual Vendor Meeting, Cape Girardeau, MO - Interested in selling at the region’s largest farmers market? Stop by the Port Cape Wheelhouse to learn about the application process. 2-4:30pm. Free.

Dr. Patrick Hopkins and Matt Yount - In Recital, Cape Girardeau, MO - An afternoon of cello and piano music at Shuck Music Recital Hall on the River Campus, featuring works by Boccherini, Bruch, Paganini, and more. 3pm. Free.

February Flea Market - Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park, Belleville, IL - Day 2 of the large indoor-outdoor flea market with hundreds of vendors and eclectic treasures across 600+ tables. 9am-3pm. Free admission and free parking.

Cake Pop Workshop at Read the Room, Perryville, MO - A hands-on class where you’ll learn to make, dip, and decorate your own cake pops using cake pop machines. All supplies included, and you’ll take home your creations. $5 per person. Spots limited. 12pm.

Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise

Hardwoods 8 Mile Trail Run, Poplar Bluff, MO - A challenging trail run through Mark Twain National Forest on the Ozark Trail, Victory Horse Trail section, with proceeds supporting local trail maintenance. An 8-mile course. Saturday, March 7.

Dirty South Roubaix 2026, Alto Pass, IL - One of the region’s most beloved gravel bike races returns for its 10th year. Riders can tackle the full 100K+ or opt for the “Half Dirty” shorter course. Still hilly, still scenic, still gravel-y. This one sells out fast. Sat, March 7.

Howard Aslinger 12/24-Hour Endurance Run, Cape Girardeau, MO - An endurance challenge on a flat, paved loop at Arena Park that welcomes runners of all experience levels, from a one-hour option to full 12- and 24-hour runs. Fri-Sat, March 13-14.

Illinois Master Naturalist Spring Training, Benton, IL - A 10-week hybrid training for adults interested in environmental stewardship, covering topics like ecology, wildlife, rivers and streams, forestry, and conservation through online learning and in-person sessions. Fridays, March 13 through May 22.

The Last Miner Riding, Park Hills, MO - An endurance mountain bike race at St. Joe State Park where riders tackle an ~8-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one rider remains. Sat, March 14. Proceeds benefit families and children affected by congenital heart disease.

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: FORAGING

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