Yes, I have a day trip for you, this week. I have a fun history tidbit. And I have a variety of weekend events (music, nature, races, fundraisers, crafts, etc). The usual.

But the thing I'm most excited to share with you this week is an artist, helping veterans, who made it to the Drew Barrymore Show in 2020...what?! And she lives and works right here. Read on.

Show some local pride and win a cute little thing.

Real quick before we get to the weekend adventures: We've partnered with Board & Brush Cape Girardeau to give away something adorable. We're resisting our Gollum urges to hoard it like local treasure leprechauns.

The local-pride-sign giveaway is now live on Instagram. Are you feeling lucky, Barbara? Head over to IG and follow the super easy/wholesome entry instructions:
1) Follow @BackroadWeekly​
2) Follow @BoardAndBrushCapeGirardeau​
3) Comment on the post what you love about Cape. You can also leave your comment on Facebook. I'm not picky.

That's it! The winner will be announced Monday 3/16. Prize pickup will be in Cape Girardeau.

Now back to your regularly scheduled local exploring.

Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville, Illinois

About an hour east of Cape Girardeau, tucked into the Shawnee, you get the full fantasy hike package: bluffs, creeks, caves, waterfalls, and forests. Make sure to visit after a good rain when the waterfalls are ripping. (My internal dialogue: Can I pull off the word "ripping"? Is that even a thing cool outdoorsy people say? Does it make me sound like an Australian surfer? Or an old garage-rock dad?)

Here's What We Did: The Easy 3-trail Route

There are multiple trails and many ways to enjoy this park. We had a 1-year-old in tow, so we did the family-friendly version: Plug “Big Rocky Hollow Trailhead” into Google Maps. That parking area gives you access to four trails from one spot. From that single parking lot, we knocked out three easy, scenic trails. The Big Rocky Hollow Trail (Distance: ~0.75 miles out and back) leads to the park’s main waterfall, which drops over a bluff into a huge rock shelter. Along the way you’ll pass creeks, mossy boulders, smaller waterfalls, and dramatic rock walls.

2. After the mandatory picnic-table-snack-break, hit Hawk’s Cave Trail (Distance: ~0.5-mile loop). This trail winds through the woods to a massive shelter cave carved into the bluff. When conditions are wet, misty waterfalls trickle off the top of the rock wall, creating a soothing, prehistoric Zen kind of scene. Short, easy, and very cool.

3. Top it off with the Rebman Trail. It's also short (~0.25-mile loop) and surprisingly scenic. This trail passes creeks, small waterfalls, and rock-climbing bluffs. If you're lucky, there'll be some climbers hanging ten. Ok...now I know that's definitely not the right term. What's the climber equivalent of hang ten? If you go when the water is flowing, you'll have two shallow creek crossings to complete the trail. If you think you ran out of trail, look across the creek. Wear boots.

This itinerary is perfect for families or casual hikers who want big scenery without committing to a big hike. Take the kids. Take grandma. Just wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

We navigated the park using Hiking with Shawn’s Ferne Clyffe State Park Guide, and it made planning our trip a breeze. Thank you for your service, Shawn!

For the more serious hikers, yes, there are more (longer) trails and more miles. Check out Shawn's guide for that info.

Post-Hike Food Stop: Eat Here

After hiking, we followed Shawn’s recommendation and drove five minutes into Goreville to try Whiffle Boys Pizza.​

It has that small-town hangout, styrofoam-cup feel. It's perfect for a day on the trails. You can get excellent, bring-me-back-to-life pizza without feeling out of place with muddy boots and smelling like Deep Woods Off.

A Few Quick Tips

• Go after rain (I'm sure it's great even in a dry spell. But it's magic after rain).
• Wear bug spray. The Se/MO and So/ILL mantra that I'm going to tattoo on my forearm.
• Wear your creek-crossing, mud-stomping shoes.
• Weekends are busy. You can do a hermit-y, isolation hike a different weekend. Expect some people watching when you visit Ferne Clyffe.
• It's a popular place for people to take their dogs, too.

It's worth the drive. Ferne Clyffe is one of those places that reminds you that you don’t need a plane ticket to have a great day outside. Sometimes the good stuff (the BEST stuff) is just one hour down the road.

Did You Know Elvis Played Cape Girardeau?

The next time you’re at the Arena Building (maybe for a gun show, a craft fair, or the famously spooky annual Haunted Hall) picture this instead: It's July 20, 1955. About 300 people are packed into the building, facing the stage. Tickets cost $1. And a 20-year-old Elvis Presley was on stage singing “That’s All Right.”

He was traveling the same path as so many musicians before him, Highway 61, the Blues Highway, carrying that sound north along the Mississippi River. Long before he became the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Elvis was just another young performer working small towns along the legendary road which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

And here’s the fun part: 71 years later, on July 20, 2026, a live Elvis tribute band is returning to the Arena Building for 'Elvis Returns to Highway 61', part of the Highway 61 Centennial celebration.

For one summer night, the Blues Highway brought Elvis to Cape Girardeau. This year, it’s bringing his music back.

*This local history moment is brought to you by VisitCape.​

Made Around Here: Spotlight on Local Art

Jackson artist and veteran (and guest on the Drew Barrymore Show!), Yvonne Neal, creates vibrant acrylic and mixed-media pieces. Faces emerge from layers of fabric, paper, patterns, and paint. Colors collide. Lines bend. Some pieces are joyful and electric, others quiet and reflective.

Art as an Outlet for Those Who've Served

Yvonne served 12 years in the military, and after leaving service in 2011, she turned back to art as a way to process PTSD. That personal connection led her to start art programs for other veterans, helping them find a therapeutic outlet.

In 2020, that work caught national attention: Yvonne was invited onto The Drew Barrymore Show as a featured “Wildflower” in honor of Veteran’s Day. Watch our Jackson, MO artist's television feature here.

Art for the Eyes and the Community (Anything but Storage)

Yvonne describes herself as a self-taught artist who doesn’t follow the rules, and her work reflects that freedom. Her mixed-media pieces pull from fabric, paper, layered textures, and bold acrylic paint. The result is artwork that feels accessible and human: part painting, part collage, part storybook.

Her pieces have appeared in exhibits in Missouri, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Georgia, and locally you might have seen her work at Spectrum Record Lounge, The Cape Girardeau Arts Council, and the Safe House for Women shelter.

She’s also an Arts Council member and hopes to grow more community-based art shows and nonprofit fundraising events. One idea she’s working toward: hosting monthly art shows at the Cape Eagles, bringing together multiple local artists to display and sell their work.

Yvonne's work ranges from $10 pieces to large works that come in around $3,000. The goal isn't exclusivity. To her, art isn’t meant to sit in a gallery storage room waiting for the highest bidder. It’s meant to live in homes and businesses, places where people can see it every day. That philosophy is why her work ranges widely in price, with affordable options.

See Her Work This Weekend

If you want to see Yvonne’s work in person, she’ll be showing pieces at: The Cape Eagles on March 14.​

If you'd like to follow her work (or see what she’s painting next), you can find her on Instagram: @zyraneal​

This Weekend’s Happenings

Fri, March 13

​Family Feud Night at the Riverhouse, Scott City, MO - It's a live game-show style night where teams compete to guess the top survey answers. Free to play, but registration required. 6-8pm. Steve Harvey will not be making an appearance. Sorry.

​Springfest Fundraiser, Jackson, MO - An annual fundraiser with dinner, games, auctions, and evening entertainment supporting downtown revitalization. Cash bar available.

​Jazz Festival, Park Hills, MO - The Mineral Area College Jazz Festival starts with an intimate combo set from internationally known trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and guest vocalist Sarah Politte. Tables include appetizers and soft drinks, with a cash bar available. 7pm. $25.

​Howard Aslinger 24-Hour Endurance Run, Cape Girardeau, MO - An overnight endurance race at Arena Park where runners test their limits on a flat paved loop course. Proceeds benefit the Howard L. Aslinger Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Starts 7pm Friday. These folks are AMAZING. How do they do that? Run for 24 hours?!

​Friday Night Dance with Bachata Lesson, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn the basics of Bachata, then stick around for an evening of social dancing with mixed ballroom music and a few line dances. 7-9pm. $5. Bailemos, muchachos.

​Illinois Master Naturalist Training Program, Benton, IL - A science-based, 10-week conservation training at the Rend Lake Visitor Center covering ecology, wildlife, forestry, and more. Includes classroom learning, guided hikes, and online coursework. 9am-3pm. $250. If only I had the time...

Sat, March 14

​St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Sikeston, MO - An Irish afternoon at American Legion Park with food, drinks (duh), entertainment, and a costume contest for adults and pets. 12-4pm.

​Black Light Bingo, Chaffee, MO - A bingo fundraiser supporting Scott City Schools with prizes, food, and all the small-town fellowship you can handle. Pulled pork dinners and drinks available for purchase. $35 in advance, $40 at the door.

​Bags with Beth, Scott City, MO - A hands-on sewing class at Bohemian Scrapsody where participants learn how to create their own bag with guidance, of course. Supplies included. $10 non-refundable deposit.

​Cruisin’ Uptown Jackson, Jackson, MO - Classic cars, trucks, and hot rods roll into downtown Jackson for the start of the 2026 cruise season. Stroll the streets, check out the rides, and enjoy an easygoing evening with fellow car lovers.

​Parallel Pasts Walking Tour, Ste. Genevieve, MO - A guided historic district walk exploring how different people experienced the same moments in the town’s past. 10am. Free. Spoiler, not everyone in the past was loaded.

​Jazz Festival, Park Hills, MO - The full festival concert brings Gordon to the MAC Theater alongside the Mineral Area College Kicks Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combo for a big night of live jazz. 7:30pm. $15.

​Last Miner Riding, Park Hills, MO - Riders take on the St. Joe State Park mountain bike trail in this endurance-style race where each lap has to be finished within the hour to keep going. The last rider standing wins. Proceeds benefit CHD Heart Warriors. 9am.

​Yvonne’s Art Show & Sale, Cape Girardeau, MO - A one-day art show featuring original works, prints, jewelry, tote bags, and other creative pieces by local artist Yvonne Neal (as featured on the Drew Barrymore Show!).

​4th Annual St. Punktrick’s Day, Cape Girardeau, MO - A St. Patrick’s weekend punk show at Blue Diamond Sports Bar featuring four bands and plenty of loud energy. 21+ event with live music from Isabella, PFR, The Stars Go Out, and Negative Whiplash. 8pm. $10.

​Howard Aslinger 12-Hour Day Run, Cape Girardeau, MO - A daytime endurance race at Arena Park challenging runners to see how far they can go in 12 hours on a certified loop course. Supports scholarships and grants for individuals with disabilities. 7am-7pm.

​Amphibians of the Cache River Program & Hike, Cypress, IL - A wetlands talk exploring the frogs, toads, and salamanders that live in the Cache River ecosystem. An optional guided hike follows the presentation to look for amphibians.

​Bald Eagle Kayak & Canoe Tour, Horseshoe Lake, IL - Paddle the calm waters of Horseshoe Lake with Cache Bayou Outfitters while learning about the science and lore of bald eagles. A guided wildlife outing where eagle sightings are common. BRING YOUR CAMERA.

​Havisham Winter Whiskey Fest, Alto Pass, IL - An afternoon whiskey tasting at Havisham Bourbon, Brew & Spirits featuring guided tasting stations and appetizers.

​George Rogers Clark’s Illinois Campaign - History Lecture, Hartford, IL - Historian Ray Brundege explores how George Rogers Clark’s Revolutionary War campaigns shaped Illinois and helped secure the western frontier for the United States. 2-3:30pm at Lewis & Clark State Historic Site.

​River to River Trail Society Group Hike, Shawnee National Forest, IL - Join the River to River Trail Society for a moderately difficult 4.5-mile group hike along the East Trigg Equestrian Trail. Free and open to the public. 10am.

​St. Patrick’s Pub Crawl for a Cause, Paducah, KY - A festive way to explore downtown Paducah while hopping between local bars and restaurants offering special St. Patrick’s Day menu deals. Wristbands include crawler-only food and drink specials, with proceeds benefiting Paducah-McCracken Habitat for Humanity. 12-6pm.

Sun, March 15

​Heartland Writers Guild Monthly Meeting, Cape Girardeau, MO - A welcoming gathering for writers of all kinds to connect, share ideas, agonize over the creative process, and hear from a guest speaker. Converse, encourage, gripe, and network!

​Board & Brush DIY Workshop at Hemman Winery, Brazeau, MO - A guided craft workshop where participants create a custom wood sign using paints and stains. All materials provided, with food and drinks available for purchase from the winery. 21+. Pre-registration required.

​Rooted in the HeartLands Photo Contest - Submission Deadline, Southern Illinois - Photographers of all skill levels are invited to submit images that capture the landscapes, wildlife, farms, and outdoor life of Southern Illinois. Winning photos earn local gift cards and a pat on the back. Entries close March 15 at 11:59pm.

​Ancient Fortifications - Monuments of Stone, Vienna, IL - Historian Mark Motsinger shares new discoveries from his research into the mysterious stone fort traditions of the Lower Ohio Valley. 2:30pm at the Vienna Public Library Community Room.

​A Primer to Understanding Grasses and Sedges, Makanda, IL - Botanist Chris Benda explains how to identify common grasses and sedges found across southern Illinois in this beginner-friendly plant talk. 2-3pm at Giant City State Park.

Future Fun

Plan Ahead and Get Your Tickets before They're Gone

​Randy Travis More Life Tour, Poplar Bluff, MO - Country legend Randy Travis joins his band and guest singer James Dupré for an evening of storytelling and live performances. Randy Travis will be present but will not be singing. Thursday, Mar 19, 7:30pm at Rodgers Theatre. VIP meet-and-greet options available.

​Shepherd Mountain UTV Summit Run, Ironton, MO - For one day, Shepherd Mountain Bike Park is allowing small guided UTV groups to climb to the summit via steep, rocky mining-era terrain with scenic overlook stops along the way. Sessions are capped at 10 vehicles, so reservations are required. Saturday, Mar 21. Runs at 10am and 1:30pm.

​Learn2 Climb, Middle Brook, MO - Curious about rock climbing? Missouri State Parks is hosting a beginner-friendly outdoor climbing course at Johnson’s Shut-Ins where certified instructors teach safety basics before you try real rock routes. Gear is provided, but registration is required. Saturday, Mar 21, and Sunday, Mar 22, 9am-2pm. Free.

​Overnight Paranormal Investigation at Arcadia Academy, Arcadia, MO - Paranormal investigators will lead an overnight ghost hunt through the historic Arcadia Academy, a former Civil War hospital and Ursuline girls’ school rumored to have lingering spirits. Equipment, snacks, and guided investigation included. Saturday, Mar 21, 7pm-3am.

​Lucky Leprechaun’s Rotary Ramble 5K, Poplar Bluff, MO - A festive St. Patrick’s-themed 5K run/walk benefiting Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Costumes encouraged, all ages welcome, and proceeds support youth leadership programs. Saturday, Mar 21. Check-in 9:30am, race 10am at McLane Park. $30 registration.

​Rodney Carrington Comedy Show, Poplar Bluff, MO - Stand-up comedian and country humorist Rodney Carrington brings his raunchy comedy tour to the Black River Coliseum for one night only. Saturday, Mar 21. Doors 6:30pm, show 7:30pm. 18+.

​Yoga at the Nature Center, Cape Girardeau, MO - Unplug for an hour of beginner-friendly yoga surrounded by nature at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center. Mats provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own. Wednesday, Mar 25, 6:30-7:30pm. Ages 16+.

​Murder Mystery Dinner - The Gothic Flapper, Arcadia, MO - Enjoy a four-course dinner from Thee Abbey Kitchen while a live mystery unfolds around you. Guests become suspects (or victims) in this interactive theatre experience hosted at Arcadia Academy. Friday, Mar 27, 5:30pm. $45.

​Jog Your Memory 5K Color Run, Poplar Bluff, MO - A colorful 5K benefiting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, where runners start in white and finish covered in bright powder along the course. Saturday, Mar 28, 9am at McLane Park. $30 registration.

​Watercolor Workshop with Julie Killian, Sikeston, MO - Spend a relaxing afternoon learning watercolor techniques and creating your own finished painting in this guided workshop at the Malone Park Center for the Arts. All supplies are included, so just show up ready to paint. Sunday, Mar 29, 3-5pm. $40 suggested donation.

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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WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWER: MUSHROOM

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Welp, (*slaps knees), we better get goin'. A big thank you to our sponsor.

Catch you down the road.

Caitlan Hester
Publisher, Backroad Weekly