We are in the dog days of summer. During this time it is a wonderful opportunity to take a hike on one of the great trail systems in Cape County Park or the Trail of Tears. There you will find that the temperature may be 15 degrees cooler than on the paved parking lot in the middle of town. Keep in mind the theory of cement vs gravel. You know that there has never been a day that you could fry an egg on that flat rock in the woods. Be sure to make your way to the Cape Riverfront Market, time is

It’s back-to-school time, and I can hear sighs of relief coming from parents all across town. It also means things are about to get busier, with sports in full swing, including a local favorite – Cape Central football! Keep your eye on the high school sports schedules to find out when to cheer on the Tigers. Be sure to mark your calendars for the Central vs Jackson rivalry. The team that wants to win must earn it with sweat, determination and heart! This is always a great game from the fans to

The Mississippi is bustling this month, with boats and barges passing by our community. Cape Girardeau and the river have both played a major role in the transportation of goods and people since before the town’s founding. Take part in a Cape tradition by welcoming the boats docking in town this month. On August 14, the paddlewheeler America will drop anchor here. Living up to its name, the America was built in the U.S. and proudly flies several American flags as it travels along the river. Only

There’s actual music in the air as Tunes at Twilight returns for its fall series on August tenth. We’re gathering in Ivers Square near the courthouse at six thirty each Friday night for the next six weeks to mingle and sway along to a variety of sounds and styles. We’re kicking off with the warm, raspy country vocals of Baylor Wilson on August 10, followed by contemporary folk and acoustic blues musician Kraig Kenning on August 17. North Carolina native Karla Davis brings country music on August

You may not have noticed the beautiful Magnolia trees near our historic Old St. Vincent’s Church but they are blooming and have a refreshing aroma. When you see the excitement that the trees bring to visitors of the area it takes on a whole new appreciation. There are times when we need that little bit of inspiration mid-week and we have just the thing. The Cape Girardeau Municipal Band fills the air with music at the Capaha Park Dan Cotner Amphitheater. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and get

The fields and courts throughout Cape Girardeau are hopping this month with everything from the crack of the bat to the swish of a ball through a net, not to mention the roar of the crowd. If you’re suffering from basketball withdrawal now that the NBA finals are over, make plans to stop by the Cape Girardeau Sportsplex on July 28 and 29th for the Midwest Youth Basketball Tournament. It’s the perfect opportunity to see some talented basketball players from the age of 8 to 18 play on the hardwood

Car enthusiasts and fans of classic cars are sure to be interested in the Smith Summer Classic Car Auction, coming to the Show Me Center on July 20th and 21. Vehicles on the auction block range from a 1929 Ford Model a Phaeton to a 1988 Jaguar XJS – with lots of retro vehicles in between. You’ll even have the opportunity to get eastbound and down with a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, similar to the one Burt Reynolds drove in “Smokey and the Bandit.” Even if you’re not in the market for a classic car,

If you love an adrenaline rush, Cape Splash is tailor-made for you. Barrel down the 259 foot triple drop slide or, if you’ve got the courage take on the 265 free fall slide. If you’re more interested in getting a tan bask in the sun while the kids enjoy the lazy River and Pirate Ship Playground. Cape Splash is open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily all summer long. For quieter fun in the sun, check out one of Cape Girardeau’s many parks for everything from fishing to biking and even flowers. Reel

History buffs, we have the perfect opportunity to interact with the past. Fort D , Built under the direction of John Wesley Powell in 1861 the earthen walls still standing will be buzzing on the fourth of July. Visit with reenactors who are descendants of men who served in Powell’s Battery F, Second Illinois Light Artillery. Take a moment to read the interpretive signs on the grounds and if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! Wear your red, white, and blue and enjoy the celebration

Why are trails showing up in all of our towns and cities? A key step in the development and ensuring a vibrant future for a community is making a place welcoming, beautiful and usable for the community while also creating an attractive setting for new business investments. There is evidence that creating access to high quality multi-use recreation trails is one tool that has been shown to be a powerful economic engine. Trail based economic development capitalizes on trails as a community amenity