What's uuuuuuuuuuppp, pumpkin nuts?!
It's October! The month of events, events, and events. We got fall events comin' out the rump-kin 🎃 this Saturday. More than you can shake a rake at. To make space, we've omitted some sections this week.
Get Outside
Here's a great local spot to take a break from letting opinionated weirdos online ruin your day: General Watkins Conservation Area, located only 15 miles south of Cape Girardeau.
What can you do here?: Mountain biking, hiking, trail running, birdwatching, pup walkin', foraging, camping, fishing, boating, hunting, outdoor photography, and cemetery walkabout-ing.
You know I'm all about that day hike, so let's highlight (hikelight?) the trails: The Schlossor Loop Trail is about 1.55 miles long, and the Cemetery Ridge Trail (sooooo appropriate for Halloween. It's almost as if I did that on purpose)...it is an out-and-back trail, about 1.69 miles one way, so ~3.4 miles total.
General Watkins Conservation Area has many access points and parking lots. It's easy to get confused. Take a map. Print the PDF or go pick one up at the Cape Conservation Nature Center.
Here's something I wish someone had told me: There is a fork in the Cemetery Ridge Trail that is not on the map. I've drawn it in blue. Don't want anyone to get lost. I can see the headlines now, "Hikers spend night in Scott County wilderness and blame a local newsletter."
*Caution - Hunting is permitted here. If you choose to hike in hunting areas during hunting season, follow the Missouri Department of Conservation's safety tips. Hope you look good in fluorescent orange.
Didja know?
It's time again, time to close "Snake Road" for the great snake movement of Larue Pine Hills in the Shawnee Forest. Did you know this is the only road in the world that closes every year, twice a year (for over 50 years!) to let scaley cuties cross??? The road sits between the snakes' winter condos in the cliffs and their summer beach resorts in the swamp.
Here's the fun part: the 2.5-mile road is closed to everything BUT foot traffic. Do you see where I'm going with this? Time to take a walk. According to Outside Magazine (yes, that Outside magazine), thousands of serpent superfans arrive from all over to experience the natural phenomenon. Visitors may see over 20 species of snakes while walking Snake Road, including the famous timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads.
October is the best month for this slithery safari experience. And this unique nature walk is just a ~35-minute drive from the Cape area.
The next time you think this area is dull, ask Outside Magazine and National Geographic what they think.
If you prefer to explore this area from your armchair, check out the Facebook group where wildlife enthusiasts share photos from their Snake Road adventure.
If you're so stoked you already got one boot on, read these resources before you go: Snake Road Guide and Safely Enjoying Snake Road. The resources do a great job of addressing any safety concerns you might have and helping you prepare for an ethical outing that is not damaging to the snakes or their home.
*Full disclosure, I haven't done this one yet. Would love to make it out this month.
In the spirit of October, let's get creepy with it. We're taking our local history section and adding in a bit of local lore.
Historic Old Lorimier Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, MO
The founder of Cape & Bollinger Counties, Louis Lorimier, also founded the Old Lorimier Cemetery in 1808 upon the death of his wife. Over time, the cemetery became the resting place for a large share of the city’s earliest settlers and traders from Germany, Canada, England, Wales, France, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and the West Indies — alongside African-American burials, soldiers, and victims of epidemics. Over 6,500 people are believed to be interred there (mostly unmarked).
The local legend of the Tapping Ghost claims that an unseen presence might tap you softly on the shoulder or tug at your clothes as you wander among the 200-year-old tombstones. But turn around and no one’s there. Women have reported their hair being lightly tugged by invisible fingers in broad daylight.
The City of Cape Girardeau's website says, "Please contact the Cemetery Office at 573.334.1917 to schedule an appointment to visit." Otherwise, you will be staring at a locked gate.
*I haven't been here, either! But I just wanted to include something ghostly in the spirit of the season. I would love to hear from readers who have visited this impressive, open-air record of the town’s pioneer-era legacy.
More Fun Than Your Grocery Run*
You don’t have to know a spark plug from a sprocket to enjoy walking through a showroom full of shiny UTVs and ATVs. I love wandering around showrooms and getting a buzz off that tire smell. Chronic window shoppers, you know what I'm talking about. It’s like getting into a car show for free, but this one has more mud potential.
Self-care doesn't have to be a haircut and hitting the gym. The next time you're out running errands, turn your errands into a field trip: swing by Sappington Pro Outdoor in Jackson. Wander the aisles and daydream a little about tearing up the trails before getting back to your to-do list.
🔗 sappingtonprooutdoor.com / Facebook / Instagram
*Sponsored content
Find Your People
Maybe you’ve got an oboe in the attic, a didgeridoo in the closet, or some cymbals that've been collecting cobwebs since the age of cargo pants. Has your instrument been calling to you from its dusty resting place?
The Bootheel River Symphony wants you to come play, no matter how many sour notes you have to hit while you get back in the swing of things. Beginner, rusty, uncommon instrument? Doesn’t matter. This is music for the people, by the people.
The group’s goal is simple but powerful: bring Southeast Missourians together, make joyful noise, and share it with the community. They’re already popping up at local events (catch them this Saturday at Oktoberfest in Sikeston), and they’ve got bigger plans, like becoming a free music resource for non-profits who want live tunes at their events.
Follow along, join in, or book them for your next community event:
Facebook | Instagram | (573) 620-2662 | bootheelriversymphony@gmail.com
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.
This Weekend’s Happenings
Fri, Oct 3
Liberty Days, Bloomfield, MO - The last 200+ years of U.S. history brought to life with reenactments, weapons demonstrations, and presentations.
Bollinger County Fall Festival, Marble Hill, MO - In the fall, we ball.
Madison County Fair, Fredericktown, MO - Just when you thought the fair fun was almost over, and the fall festivals were going to take over, Fredericktown kicked down the door and said, "Don't forget about us".
Uptown Jackson Oktoberfest, Jackson, MO - The Jackson vs. Cape game will be streamed live on the big screen on Friday. Even if the game means nichts to you, you can still partake in the food, drink, and German joy. See the attractions and timeline of events here.
Bare Bones Ghost Tour, Cape Girardeau, MO - I love their description from Facebook: "Just you, a small group, and the echoing halls of The Glenn House. Step inside and hear the haunted history that has made this Victorian home infamous. By the light of a single guide, you’ll wander through shadowy rooms and creaking staircases, listening for whispers of the past." Haunted fun for $10 per person.
Black Forest Haunted Ghost Town Opening Night, Cape Girardeau, MO - It's the first night of their last season. "Located in the middle of the woods, the Black Forest Haunted Ghost Town features 30 minutes of fear with elaborate scenes, terrifying detail, dizzying mazes, and dozens of actors ready for your screams."
Free Community Yard Sale Days, Benton, MO - Free to be a shopper, free to be a vendor. Buy something. Sell something. You don't even have to register to be a vendor. Almost sounds like a trap, like aliens are luring you in to harvest your organs. I'm sure you'll be fine, though.
Sat, Oct 4
Liberty Days, Bloomfield, MO - Museums are great, but touring history in 3-D through a living history village is next-level nerd fun.
Fall Festival at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, Burfordville, MO - What a beautiful backdrop for a fall festival! BBQ, mini donuts, bluegrass music, and self-guided tours of the famous Bollinger Mill. I don't know whose idea the mini donuts were, but give them a raise.
Bollinger County Fall Festival, Marble Hill, MO - Live music. Kettle beef. Parade. Kiddie tractor pull. Sounds like some good ol' down-home, wholesome fun.
River Jam & Fall Festival, Van Buren, MO - In case you were looking for another fall festival, but at the foot of the Ozarks, along the beautiful Current River...and with monster trucks. You're in luck.
Ste. Genevieve Fall Fest, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Head out to the fairgrounds for the usual fall fest suspects + a beer garden.
Parallel Pasts Walking Tour, Ste. Genevieve, MO - It's a walking tour of historic Ste. Genevieve, but told from multiple perspectives. You'll learn how people from different backgrounds experienced the past in different ways. *I did not check if there is still space this Saturday. 3 more tour dates are coming up, though.
Oktoberfest at Charleville, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Dig your lederhosen out of the bottom of the drawer for games, prizes, trivia, music, food, and beer.
Uptown Jackson Oktoberfest, Jackson, MO - A pet parade, stein holding, a German band, wiener dog races, German games, and....🥁🥁drumroll🥁🥁...beer! Our steins runneth over. See the attractions and timeline of events here.
Oktoberfest, Sikeston, MO - This is a one-cost, all-inclusive Oktoberfest. $40 (presale) or $50 (at the gate) gets you all the beer, food, and entertainment your little wannabe-German heart desires. Maybe check with your doctor before you eat 6 bratwursts.
Madison County Fair, Fredericktown, MO - There'll be a greased pig contest. Just gonna leave it at that.
SxS Trail Ride to Benefit the Miracle-Ear Foundation, Scott City, MO - Family-friendly SxS ride for a good cause on paved and gravel county roads through Scott City, Commerce, Oran, Kelso, Chaffee, Rockview, and New Hamburg.
Avenue of Flags Benefit SxS Ride, Grassy, MO - "Support VFW Post 3838 and the Avenue of Flags at Twin Bridges Campground, Castor River to raise money and honor the memory of those who have served!"
Ride for Life Dice Run, Advance, MO - This one is for the UTV-ers AND Jeepers. Adventure AND supporting mental health efforts in Southeast Missouri.
Bike with the Blue, Sikeston, MO - A family-friendly bike ride with police officers along Sikeston's rail trail. I'm not going to make any jokes in case I go to Oktoberfest and get too wild. I need to be on good terms.
Horseback Trail Ride, Glen Allen, MO - Finally, some organized action for the horseback riders! Join the fun for unique obstacles and amazing scenery.
Bootheel Harvest Riders Run for the Son Bike Show, Kennett, MO - Food vendors, craft vendors, a silent auction, and a motorcycle swap meet! Who will take home best in show???
Grape Stomp Festival, Brazeau, MO - As if you need an excuse to go to a winery, I have three: 1) New life experience. 2.) Live your Lucille Ball grape stomping fantasy. 3) The proceeds from your fun go to St. Jude's. The Millennials — the internet OGs— will remember one of the first videos to ever go viral at the birth of YouTube, 'Grape Lady Falls'. Just be careful stompin'.
Comic Invasion Live at Roost, Cape Girardeau, MO - Stand up comedy makes its way back to Cape!
Shawnee Sasquatch Festival, Harrisburg, IL - Annnnd Southern Illinois comes in swinging. With FREE admission and FREE rides, live music, vendors, and food trucks. The activities on the roster that caught my eye, though, are the Sasquatch expert roundtable and the Sasquatch calling contest. And they say the Midwest has no culture...
Big Muddy Monster Brewfest, Murphysboro, IL - I did not know that fall is also the season to celebrate the Squatch. Cross the Bill Emerson for a day of music, craft beers, local folklore, & community.
Explore the Southern Illinois Outdoors Expo, Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL - For just 3 hours, there will be informational booths set up at the park's visitors center where professionals and local nature enthusiasts will share ways to get outside and enjoy the outdoors in So/Ill.
Sangria Festival, Alto Pass, IL - While everybody's over here getting cozy with fall festivals, Oktoberfests, and Halloween scare-nanigans, Alto Vineyards is hanging on to warm summer vibes. Expect food, Latin dancing, music, and sangria.
Kentucky Lake Fall Paddle Up, Calvert City, KY - Kayakers, I see you. I keep my eyes peeled. You got two options: The leisure paddle - A relaxed, self-paced float, or the exploratory geology paddle - float with a local geology enthusiast for info about visible rock formations and fossils along the Kentucky Lake shoreline.
Sun, Date
Madison County Fair, Fredericktown, MO - The highlight of the Madison County Fair: the Horse Show.
Shepherd Mountain Bike Park Poker Run, Ironton, MO - Mountain bike riders: "Here's the deal: Draw a card the end of every shuttle trip up the mountain. Best hand at the end takes home prizes + bragging rights. Ride hard, collect cards, and let’s see who has the best luck out on the trails."
Tours at the Jackson Oliver House Museum, Jackson, MO - Stop wondering what life was like in Jackson in the 1800s, and just go see.
*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.
We live to please, sire. *bows humbly in my best medieval serf. Help us improve the newsletter by taking a brief survey - Only 2 questions.
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Welp, (*slaps knees), we better get goin'. Catch you down the road.
Caitlan Hester
Publisher, Backroad Weekly
