[SeMissourian.com] Fair ~ 56°F  
River stage: 32.79 ft. Rising
Friday, May 24, 2013
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We asked readers capture their communities of Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Perry, Scott counties for The Bridge magazine. Take a look at how they responded. >>

Community
Winemaking a growing industry in Southeast Missouri (04/30/12)
Some vintners do it full-time; for others it's a weekend venture. Some are new to the business; others are carrying on a family tradition. Some specialize in dry wines, while others tout their fruity dessert wines. There are just over 100 wineries in Missouri, and a good chunk of them are in Southeast Missouri. ...
Tradition of worship: A look at some of the historic churches in Southeast Missouri (04/30/12)
A look at some of the historic churches in Southeast Missouri
On the trail: Explore the area by foot, wheel or hoof (04/30/12)
There's a lot of nature to explore in Southeast Missouri and its neighboring areas. Here's a look at just a few of the trails suitable for avid hikers, bikers and horse riders: Hiking Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing stroll or an invigorating trek, there's a trail for you in Southeast Missouri and the surrounding area...
County roads, take me home: Go out of your way to enjoy these scenic routes (04/30/12)
Cape Girardeau and Jackson have been growing rapidly during the last few decades, but this growth has a downside: Scenic drives along the outskirts of both towns have been vanishing. The Ten Mile Rose Garden is long gone, Snake Hill is now defanged and Bloomfield Road is being transformed section by section into a concrete thoroughfare...
Feeling festive: 7 fairs and festivals to put on your calendar (04/30/12)
Most communities in Southeast Missouri have at least one celebration a year with carnival rides, fair food and good times with friends and family. Each offers something that makes it special, especially to the town's residents. You can read more about those in the calendar on Page 51...
Shopping main street: Local stores provide sense of community, continuity (04/30/12)
With the advent of big-box retailers decades ago, many mom-and-pop stores in a town's major shopping area shut their doors. But in towns big and small, more business owners are opening stores selling everything from furniture to wedding gowns and arts to antiques...
Call of the wild: Five places for nature lovers to explore (04/30/12)
Whether you want to relax on a river, hike cross country or just observe wildlife in its natural habitat, Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois are loaded with opportunities. The Missouri Department of Conservation has nearly 50 conservation areas spread among Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry, Scott, Stoddard and Ste. ...
Fair fare: A look at some festivals famous for their food (04/30/12)
Pete Poe, president of the SEMO District Fair Board, knows what he's talking about when it comes to fair food. "When we talk about things like fair food, that's a treat," Poe says. "We could get most of those things throughout the year, but when it's all together in one setting, prepared in a mobile kitchen, there's something special about it."...
Get in the swing of things: A guide to public golf courses in Southeast Missouri (04/30/12)
A guide to public golf courses in Southeast Missouri
A great place to ... Locals tell us what they love about their community (04/30/12)
Locals tell us what they love about their community
Business & Industry
Winemaking a growing industry in Southeast Missouri (04/30/12)
Some vintners do it full-time; for others it's a weekend venture. Some are new to the business; others are carrying on a family tradition. Some specialize in dry wines, while others tout their fruity dessert wines. There are just over 100 wineries in Missouri, and a good chunk of them are in Southeast Missouri. ...
Shopping main street: Local stores provide sense of community, continuity (04/30/12)
With the advent of big-box retailers decades ago, many mom-and-pop stores in a town's major shopping area shut their doors. But in towns big and small, more business owners are opening stores selling everything from furniture to wedding gowns and arts to antiques...
Entertainment
List of wineries in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois (05/11/12)
Head to one of the numerous wineries in Southeast Missouri or Southern Illinois for a relaxing afternoon.
Fair fare: A look at some festivals famous for their food (04/30/12)
Pete Poe, president of the SEMO District Fair Board, knows what he's talking about when it comes to fair food. "When we talk about things like fair food, that's a treat," Poe says. "We could get most of those things throughout the year, but when it's all together in one setting, prepared in a mobile kitchen, there's something special about it."...

Resources
Guide to area schools
In addition to its many public schools, Southeast Missouri has a large number of acclaimed private schools, most of a religious nature. Get important information on public school performance and private school characteristics.
Higher education: A look at the colleges and universities in Southeast Missouri
The Southeast Missouri area features one four-year university with several satellite campuses as well as several community colleges.
Places of worship in Southeast Missouri
Southeast Missouri is known as a very religion-friendly area that boasts a multitude of churches in many denominations. Find out some basic information about them.
Facts about Cape Girardeau County
Cape Girardeau County boasts the area's largest population at more than 75,000 and the largest city, Cape Girardeau, which serves as a economic and services center for much of the surrounding area.
Facts about Bollinger County
Bollinger County is great for those looking for a bit slower pace and beautiful natural surroundings. With a population of a little over 12,000, it's the most rural of the area's counties.
Facts about Scott County
Few counties in the state represent Missouri's farm economy more than Scott County. The rolling hills in the county's north and the flat plains south of Benton are usually filled with wheat, corn, soybeans and other crops year-round.
Facts about Perry County
The rolling hills of Perry County are home to a strong German Lutheran and Catholic heritage the goes back centuries. This heritage is on display in small towns like Altenburg and Brazeau.
Support groups and resources in Southeast Missouri
For those needing help coping with a variety of medical and life issues, there are several support groups in Southeast Missouri.