AUTUMNAS IT’SMEANTTO BE

VisitCape.com/GreatOutdoors

MORNINGStart your first day in town with a little exploring. After settling in, head to CYCLEWERX to rent a bike. Then ride along the LaCroix Recreation Trail. This six-mile paved surface, with plenty of places to stop and rest, runs through town, so you’ll be able to soak up the local vibe.

If you’re anxious to check out the Mississippi, ride along the Riverfront Trail for stunning views of the water, Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge and Mississippi River Tales Mural.

■ Location: Start at CYCLEWERX - 1407 N. Kingshighway■ Cost: Varies – around $30 per day■ Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 am-6 pm■ Info: cyclewerx.biz

AFTERNOONOnce you’ve finished cycling, you’ll likely crave some relaxation. Cape Girardeau’s wineries are the premier places to be. Savor time spent overlooking gorgeous vineyards while sipping flavors made from grapes that once rescued the French wine industry. From fruity to earthy, our wines are the perfect complement to whatever brings you to town – a romantic weekend, girls’ trip or just a break.

■ Location: Six options – Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery; Hemman Winery; Hunter Valley Winery; River Ridge Winery; Steele Crest Winery; The Barrens Winery ■ Cost: Varies■ Hours: Varies■ Info: VisitCape.com/ComePlay

DAY 1 DAY 2EARLY MORNINGBegin your day with a cup of artisan-roasted coffee to go from one of our downtown coffeehouses. Then snag a spot overlooking the Mississippi River and enjoy the serenity of a town just waking up. It’s quiet, peaceful, the perfect time to relax and reflect.

One of the best river views is at Old Bridge Overlook Park. The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge creates a stunning backdrop as barges head up and down the Mississippi.

■ Location: Old Bridge Overlook Park – Intersection of Morgan Oak St. and S. Spanish St.■ Cost: Free■ Hours: Dawn-dusk■ Info: VisitCape.com/ Discover/Parks

LATE MORNINGTo go deeper in nature, start your journey at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. With freshwater aquariums, a wildlife viewing area and an indoor beehive, you can observe local plants and animals up close. Just outside the center, the two-mile White Oak Trace offers a hike across rolling hills and hollows – complete with ravines perfect for exploring.

■ Location: Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center - 2289 County Park Drive■ Cost: Free■ Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8 am-5 pm■ Info: nature.mdc.mo.gov/ discover-nature/places/ cape-girardeau- conservation-nature-center

AFTERNOONIt likely comes as no surprise that fishing is a favorite activity in this river town – and an absolute must for any fan of the great outdoors. Lake Boutin, located in Trail of Tears State Park, is stocked with twenty acres of catfish, perch and carp. Pick a spot on the bank, cast a line and wait for a bite while soaking up some sun and serenity. There’s no telling what you’ll reel in.

■ Location: Trail of Tears State Park - 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson■ Cost: Free■ Hours: 7 am-dusk■ Info: mostateparks.com/ park/trail-tears-state-park

1. LaCroix Trail; 2. Cape Girardeau Winery; 3. Old Bridge Overlook Park;4. White Oak Trace; 5. Trail of Tears State Park Overlook.

Fall mornings are prettiest on the Mississippi River – where bright leaves frame lightly rippling waves. Crisp weather beckons you to the vast outdoors, igniting the excitement you felt as a kid jumping in a pile of leaves.

Cape Girardeau offers a variety of ways to enjoy autumn – from great views to rich coffee. So grab a sweater and get cozy.

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IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a place to spend the night, VisitCape.com/Stay has a list of suggestions. To rough it in the great outdoors, Trail of Tears State Park

offers everything from basic tent sites to full RV hookups.

Savor delicious meals

at local eateries. Check out

VisitCape.com/Eat to see

all the options. The paddle

wheel icon denotes original

Cape Girardeau flavors.