Spend the Day Away – Historic Cape Girardeau, MO

Spend the Day Away: Arts and History in Historic Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Have you ever traveled to Cape Girardeau before? Located about an hour and a half south of St. Louis, this delightful town was named after Jean Baptiste de Girardot who started a French trading post in the area in 1733. Following the French defeat in the Seven Years War in 1764, and the subsequent Louisiana Purchase, the Spanish government granted Louis Lorimier the right to establish a trading post here in 1793. This gave him trading privileges and a large tract of land surrounding his post. Lorimier was made commandant of the district and prospered from the returns on his land sales and trade with indigenous peoples.

The advent of the steamboat in 1835 and related river trade stimulated the development of Cape Girardeau as the biggest port on the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee.

The city is now known as “Cape Girardeau: Where the River Turns a Thousand Tales,” due to the history of the town and the Mississippi River. Over the past several years, a fun and eclectic art scene has blossomed amid the rich heritage of this energetic city. I’d like to highlight some of these unique arts and cultural activities in a 2-day itinerary for an art-filled weekend visit during the first week in October.

Friday, October 2

3 pm – Arrive at Neumeyer Bed and Breakfast (25 S. Lorimier St.)

Tom Neumeyer and his wife own and operate this B&B, which is located just two blocks from all of the action in Historic Downtown Cape Girardeau. Tom is a celebrated historian and photographer and can share stories with you from his book: “Then and Now”.

5 pm – “Trick – Art – Treat” at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri (32 N. Main Street)

Join local and regional artists during the monthly First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Cape Girardeau. Start your trip at the Arts Council to receive a stamp card and handout listing participants, then head to some of the 12 galleries and 20 businesses that participate in the Art Walk. October 2^nd will feature a special Halloween theme, complete with costume contest, photobooth, spooky stories, and a hayride! If you get more than 6 stamps on your card, you’ll be eligible for a Free Fall or Pumpkin beer at the Broadway Biergarten.

During the Art Walk, take some time to visit the Painted Wren Gallery inside Bilderbach’s Art Plaza. This gallery is owned by Best of Missouri Hands Juried Member Aaron Horrell and displays a variety of talented artisans ranging from jewelry and fine craft to photography and paintings.

Also at the Bilderbach’s Art Plaza is the WESTRAY Studio where Best of Missouri Hands artisan Jeanie Eddleman sets up shop. View her meticulous drawings of days-gone-by or commission a special, personalized gift for someone you know.

Dave Carter is another BOMH artist stationed in Cape Girardeau. You can view his work on display with the Visual Arts Cooperative at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri on a monthly basis.

Additional Best of Missouri Hands artisans that exhibit locally are Anne Foust, Richard Webb, Leslie Compass and Marti Hartle.

8 pm – Walk to 36 Restaurant and Bar (36 N. Main Street)

Enjoy a delicious meal at this new addition to the Cape Girardeau dinner scene.

10 pm – The Bar (117 Themis Street)

Order a nightcap at this new Cape Girardeau icon that was used in the filming of the movie “Gone Girl”.

 

Saturday

9 am – Riverfront Farmers Market (Parking Lot Across from Bel Air Grill)

Grab an amish donut and fresh coffee and peruse a great variety of vendors and producers! The market is open until the end of October, so if you haven’t had the chance to visit, you’ll get plenty more opportunities.

10 am – Tour the Downtown Rivertales Mural (Water Street)

Painted by Thomas Melvin in 2005, the Rivertales Mural remains one of the top attractions in Cape Girardeau. Take some time to view information about each panel onsite and learn something new about our great city!

11 am – Tour of Main Street and Spanish Street

While you are out walking, some of the great downtown merchants and art galleries you may have missed last night should now be open! Take this time to visit those you didn’t have a chance to see, or pick up purchases from the night before. Cape Girardeau is also home to many, many antique stores and malls. Pastimes, Somewhere in Time, Judith’s Antiques, Brick Street Gallery and Annie Laurie’s are just a few that you should take some time to view. You may find that one treasure you can’t live without!

12 am – Port Cape Girardeau (19 N. Water Street)

Grab some tasty bar b que and view the Mississippi River Tales Mural from this fabulous Cape Girardeau Staple

1 pm – 2^nd Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit (Broadway Street)

On your way out of town, take Broadway and view 7 sculptures that are part of a temporary, one-year sculpture exhibit. You can pick up a brochure at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri or the Cape Convention and Visitors Bureau!