6 places in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Photograph this October.

The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge in Pink- this was shot from the Red Star Boat Launch.  During the month of October the bridge is pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.  Spectacular views can be seen from the riverfront in Downtown Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  

The Bald Knob Cross from Trail of Tears State Park lookout - on a clear day, with a good camera or a set of binoculars you can see the Bald Knob Cross from the lookout at Trail of Tears State Park.  You have to look closely or it will blend in.  

Trail of Tears State Park - rather you decide to lace of up your hiking boots or just visit the lookout the park is full of fall color.  

Cape Girardeau Nature Center has this amazing little hiking trail behind the building - few know how many fall features you can find on the trail.  

Main Street in Downtown Cape Girardeau at sunrise.  Any other time of day this place would be full of people, cars, and noise.  At sunrise you can sneak peaceful images like this! 

The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge at Sunrise - while it is worth seeing in pink it is also worth seeing with your first cup of coffee!  

Places to Swim in Southeast Missouri

In the past 2 weeks I have had about 20 messages asking me about swimming areas close by!

(I don't mind!!!) 

Here is my "Mom opinion" I do NOT like Johnson Shut-Ins for swimming - it is far too hard to handle little ones there. 

However, I love Amidon Conservation Area - also known as Castor River Shut-Ins - it is owned and operated by Missouri Department Missouri Dept. of Conservation - so it is FREE to visit.

Other places on my list include Silver Mines Recreation Area - it cost a couple of dollars to access as it is operated by the USDA - the rates on this link is for camping - I believe it is $3 to park for the day or you can buy a Migratory Duck Stamp and access all of their parks.

Marble Creek Recreation Area is also nice - it gets crowded, but is affordable and nice. Also USDA owned, so the same pay system as Silver Mines. -

I have also swam at Plantation Access off of 72 highway just outside of Jackson, Missouri - it is very secluded, but the river is clean.

On my list of paid places - I like Whippoorwill Lake, DD Hwy Campground, Castor River Ranch Campground,Castor River - and of course the local pools in Jackson, Cape Girardeau, and Fredericktown.

Of course I will answer your questions if you ask, but I know sometimes it is hard to ask!

Girls Night Out at the Isle of Capri Cape Girardeau

I am a sucker for a Girls Night Out....between juggling kids, chasing chickens, and canning veggies, I often need a reality check.

A few weeks back one of my high school gal pals text me begging me to hang out, no need to twist my arm, I was ready to go.  Our destination for the night Isle of Capri Cape Girardeau.

I am not a "huge" fan of casinos, I have been there done that in Vegas, however there are few places around here that you can go, have laughs, watch a decent band for less than $10.  Yes I know that is pathetic, but I am often on a $10 budget (must choose between fun and gas these days).

So here is my trick for making a GNO at the Casino for less than $10....don't tell them!

Leave my wallet, my debit card, and anything else at home.

A band I watched at Lone Wolf .  

Take only the "extra" cash I have to spend with me.

Soda, coffee, and tea is FREE at Isle of Capri.
FREE live entertainment at The Lone Wolf every Friday and Saturday night..I will note, most of the time the band is AWESOME!

Play the penny slots, $10 can go far when you are only spending a penny or two at a time.
When you lose $2 switch machines, go get a drink, but whatever you do don't waste your money.

Last, but not least....Laughs, catching up on the gossip, and getting out of the house is IMPORTANT and FREE.

Have a great time!

~Becky

Fun, Unique, and Really Creative.....Creative Ewe Pottery in Cape Girardeau, Mo

Creative Ewe Pottery...One of our favorite places to get a little CREATIVE.

Ten Reasons I LOVE CREATIVE EWE POTTERY:

1. Our Personality on our Pottery
2. Exploring our Artistic Side
3. Priceless Memories
4. Unique Ideas
5. Usable yet Special
6. Colorful
7. Kid Friendly
8. Affordable
9. Warm in the Winter, Cool in the Summer
10. GREAT GIFTS

Okay Moms, DADS (hint to my hubby), Grandparents this place is GREAT for personalized special gifts.  Do you need a new cookie platter, coffee mug, money jar, or about anything else if so check this place out and give your new item some personality.

The first time I was introduced to Creative Ewe Pottery was at a little friend's birthday and instantly I fell in love.  Of course I came home packing this priceless piece that now sits above my refrigerator and I admire it daily!

Creative Ewe Pottery is located at 1912 Independence Cape Girardeau, MO.  Hours of operation are Tuesday 10-5, Wednesday- Friday 10-7, and Saturday 10-5.  To confirm hours or questions you can give them a call at 573-335-0018.

See Below For more of our Creative Ewe Pottery's Photos

~B~

16 things to do this summer in Southeast Missouri

D-man Bird Watching at the
Cape Girardeau Nature Center 

Welcome to Summer Friends, I know our summer is fully running with softball games, fishing, and summer school.  Yes, I am one of those mean moms that make my kids go to summer school, with good reason of course! 

If you are like me summer means you are trying to entertain a gang on a budget, so I have created a list of a few great places that will keep you and your kiddos intrigued and busy!

Cape Girardeau Nature Center- Rather it is a quick break for the afternoon or check out all the awesome programs they are having the Cape Girardeau Nature Center is often our sanctuary from the heat. We can stop in and check out the animals, entertain ourselves with interactive exhibits, and if I am lucky, my wild ones might actually learn something. The nature center is good for all ages REALLY, even I find myself gazing at the latest artwork displayed.

Cape River Heritage Museum -- Learn the Cape Girardeau River Heritage, the history of what Cape Girardeau use to be, and just check out some awesome artifacts from the Cape Girardeau's past. This museum is good for all curious ages, but it is a museum of history, so your visit is what you make it. My kids loved the Pilot House and Fire Truck, of course who wouldn't be.

Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum -- Discovery stories of the Native Americans, the Mississippi River, the boats, the railroad, and much more. Crisp museum is a great for a short afternoon outing kids are always intrigued by the talking exhibits and you never know they may learn a bit of history.

Discovery Playhouse -- Need I say more than Discovery Playhouse, well of course I do! Discovery Playhouse is full of interactive displays, bright colors, and ways to keep those little imaginations turning. Discovery Playhouse also host weekly programs like music morning, check their website for more information. I am going to throw my Momma opinion here, Discovery Playhouse is PERFECT for my little man that is four, but my little woman who is almost 9 does tend to get bored about thirty minutes after we get there. Now do not get discouraged by that keep in mind that every child is different and if you have never visited your older kids may love it.

LeBounce -- The giant indoor bounce house also now offers Bazooka Ball. Hours of fun, leads to hours of peace and quiet....I speak from experience! Follow their facebook page as they often offer special prices and daily deals!

Southeast Missouri State Aquatics Center -- I know it is summer and we are suppose to be laying beside the pool working on our tan, well let's just face it when it is 106 outside the last thing I want to do is lay on a hot pool deck. Catch your waves inside; they even have an indoor zip line!

Creative Ewe Pottery- Express your artistic side and beat the heat. You set your price and design your own keepsake...this is perfect time to stock up on hand painted Christmas gifts for them special folks in your life.

Bollinger County Museum of Natural History -- This museum is the "little" museum that could, or at least that is what I am going to call it. BoCo Museum of Natural History also known as the Home of the Missouri Dinosaur is more than just a museum this summer, have tons of special programs happening to help you beat the heat. Check their website or facebook page for all the latest information.

Bootheel Youth Museum- This museum is a little bit bigger than Discovery Playhouse in Cape Girardeau and from a Momma's point of view a little more age diverse. Exhibits here are interactive for all ages, but seem to intrigue the older ones just as much as the little ones.

Sikeston Depot Museum and Art Gallery -- located in downtown Sikeston this 1916 depot doubles as the keeper of the area's history and culture. Did you know that Sikeston is the farthest north cotton is grown, or that the mechanical horse was invented in Sikeston? Well you can discover facts like this at the Sikeston Depot Museum.

A few New Places that I have not "adventured" at, but caught my eye in the latest Missouri Tourism Guide.

The Space Museum in Bonne Terre, MO -- Open Friday & Saturday 9 am -- 5 pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission is FREE (donations accepted) and features interactive displays on space exploration.

Stars and Stripes Museum in Bloomfield, MO -- Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 4 pm. In 1861 Stars and Stripes newspaper started here, the museum focuses on the people who produced this legendary publication over the years.

Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum in Altenburg, MO -- Open daily 10 am to 4 pm Admission is FREE (donations accepted). This museum interprets the 1838-1839 Saxon Lutheran immigration.

MO-Ark Regional Railroad Museum in Poplar Bluff, MO - Open weekends only 1 pm -- 4pm, not sure on admission call ahead at 573-785-4539. This museum preserves and displays the history of the railroad in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. Housed in the historic 1928 Frisco Depot has a 30-foot model train layout, train shop, two cabooses, and a baggage car.

Of course, there are the everyday places that we all often forget it about, or pass by and don't realize that we could hide out stealing their air conditioning and wasting our kid's precious time.

The Library- you would think I am a schoolteacher (I am not) as many times as I hound people to take their kids to library. Well my reason is it is pretty much free plus you get the rewards of educating your kids without them know it....shhhh don't tell them. All surrounding counties have a local library and most of the libraries have some awesome summer reading programs.

The Art Gallery- Depending on where you live and the age of your kiddos, but the Art Gallery can be a great stop in to enlighten those little brains. I have happily taken my kids to many of the local galleries especially ones that offer programs for youth, your best way to discover if your area has, an art gallery is check with the visitor's center or local chamber of commerce.

Happy Adventures,

Becky 

45 Reasons to Visit Missouri

The Civil War in Missouri - Discover the history of the Civil War right here in Missouri.  

Get a little creative with love of art!  (photo of Creative Ewe Cape Girardeau, MO) 

Did you know Sikeston, MO is farthest north Cotton is grown?  p.s. Sikeston is home of the "throwed rolls"

Find your moment of "glory" at Elephant Rock State Park

Who Let the Dogs Out? ...Many of Missouri State Parks welcome your pets!  

Discover the life "Underground" in Missouri Caves

Exhausted Kids Welcome - Find the perfect place for a family friendly hike in Missouri State Parks.

BARGAINS Galore on the path of the 100-mile Yard sale   

Cheers to Missouri Wine....who could disagree?  (pic:  Rothbrick Winery in Jackson, MO) 

The Missouri Department of Conservation welcomes TREE PEOPLE. (photo at Cape Girardeau Nature Center) 

Have you seen the view from the top of the Ferris wheel at the Missouri State Fair?  

From Missouri Mines to Swimming Holes....History become recreation at Silver Mines Recreation Area.  

The Great Mule Jump at the East Perry Community Fair 

Meet the Budweiser Beauties at Warm Spring Ranch. 

Have you been robbed lately?  Join the James Gang on the St Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway in Jackson, MO .

Discover your "building skills" at LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Kansas City, MO.  

Are you intrigued?  The Missouri History Museum in St Louis Missouri will get you lost in history.  

A view from the cheap seats?  Who can complain when you are cheering on the St Louis Cardinals!  

Some views just take our breath away....Boonville, MO 

Who is up for a ride?  Check out Missouri Bike Trails.  

The imagination is unstoppable at the St Louis Art Museum 

The Legends are told with the Cuba Murals.

Excessive Energy Welcome at the City Museum in St Louis, MO .  

Dress Up and step back in time with Blackwater, MO. 

Unique Fun?  Okay, how about a Black Powder Rendezvous in Old Greenville, MO.  

My tractor is bigger than yours!  Maybe, but let's meet at a Tractor Pull and find out!  

Rocky Falls....not much I can say except BREATH TAKING!  

Holy Moly...is that a Mastodon   Yest Mastodon State Park teaches you the history of this great beast!  

Gateway to the West!  The St Louis Louis Arch.  

The Missouri What?  Oh the Missouri Dinosaur at the Bollinger County Museum of Natural History 

The road to nowhere!  Annapolis, MO

What does tuberculosis have to do with Missouri?  Learn the unbelievable details at the ruins of The Welch Hospital.  

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, home to the highest point in Missouri, but at the bottom of the trail you find a waterfall!  

Swamps are made for Ogres right?  Nope they are made for ADVENTURES! Mingo Wildlife Refuge has a kid friendly (stroller friendly) walking trail right through the swamp! 

Forget Colorado!  Do some Missouri Kayaking at Mill Stream Gardens near Fredericktown, MO 

When Spring blooms it really BLOOMS at Pinecrest Azalea Farm, with over 3000 blooming beauties! 

The cave of love?   Could be, discover The Legend of Bridal Cave.  

Add a little SPLASH to your day at one of the many Missouri State Parks swimming holes!  

Catch dinner and eat it too!  The streams at Bennett Springs State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park are stocked daily!   

Cozy up at B&B like Aunt Kat's B&B in Marquand, MO

Run for Life!  Summer time is filled with many runs that give back to those in need!  

Make your own Puppet, at the Puppetry Arts Institute in Independence, MO.  

Take a Tour through the Corn during the annual Tour de Corn in East Prairie, MO 

Red Tractors Oh My!  The annual Cub-Arama in Fredericktown, Mo draws tractors from all around.  

They say Columbia is home of the Tigers, but the real reason to visit is the PIZZA at Shakespeare's Pizza!

Disclosure:  Some of our visits to these places have been sponsored.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.