A drive for the scenery: The Mississippi River Scenic Drive celebrates its 25th year next weekend

From pies to azaleas to lawn mower races, the Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive has something for everyone.

Organizer Estelee Wood admits the event's name is a mouthful, but in honor of its 25th anniversary, she couldn't bear to change it just yet -- but maybe in the future, she said.

The weekend long excursion has expanded this year to three days instead of two, from April 24 to 26. With more than 30 locations listed, Wood said she hopes everyone will find something to enjoy, especially because "there are no rules," she said.

The drive, which participants can explore at their own pace, extends through four counties from Farrar, Missouri, all the way South to Commerce.

Since organizing her first tour, Wood said many helpers have died or retired, and now the process is a "one-woman operation," but she still remembers the original goal of the tour.

"I was directing more to the historical part of our area, sort of more of a learning and educational drive, and to re-appreciate what we have so that maybe we won't lose anymore of it," she said.

Points on the map

Museums in Perryville, Cape Girardeau, Altenburg, Jackson and Marble Hill are scattered across the map, amidst the various wineries and stores.

Each year new locations are added, such as The Mustard Seed Boutique in Marble Hill or the Perry County Military History Museum in Perryville; along with some classics, like the Bollinger Mill or Pinecrest Azalea Garden.

It's flower time

Linda Penzel and her husband, Gene, own the azalea garden and have participated in the drive since its inception. She said the timing is perfect to see the azaleas in bloom.

Penzel estimated the garden has about 1 million plants, with 500,000 in jonquils and daffodils alone. She said along one valley and hillside, the entire surface is covered in azaleas.

Beginning in 1963, Gene and Linda were the second generation to maintain the garden, which Linda said they inherited from Gene's parents in 2001.

"They [Gene's parents, Carl and Mettie Penzel] always felt like they had been blessed in this life and they wanted to give something back," Penzel said. "So they just allowed people to come and they wanted them to enjoy it."

The garden is open from the beginning of March to the middle of May, from sunup to sundown, with no admission charge. Penzel said one of her favorite things about living in the countryside is getting to talk with thousands of visitors every year.

Gene's passion for gardening is indisputable, and Linda laughs as she explains her husband's tenacity. While they have a house in town in Jackson, she said Gene never leaves the garden anymore.

"He has always helped his dad," Penzel explained. "They had done cuttings, and in the nursery part of it they would go out and get cuttings off an azalea and take it up here to this little old greenhouse, and they would grow their own plants. And Gene would help him with all that."

While constant maintenance is needed, Penzel said things aren't as strenuous as they once were. Raising azalea sprigs is a tedious job, but Penzel said with acres of azaleas they have more than enough plants blooming now. By April 24 she's sure the garden will be beautiful for visitors.

A family event

As Wood explained the map -- available at all the businesses listed on it -- she couldn't get far without skipping to the next destination.

"What we're trying to do is make it a family event, something for children, something in the museum and things they can do together, with friends, and hopefully come back with a re-appreciation of what we have to offer," Wood said.

Some locations and events require reservations, or a fee depending on the event, and hours vary. Wood encouraged patrons pick up a map before beginning their journey, but from there, guests are free to explore.

"It was starting to become stagnant, but over the past three year's it's really picked up. Not only am I enthusiastic -- it's contagious. I've got a lot of the newer people saying, 'Oh great, this will be fun!' Now they're calling me."

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

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The following lists the towns on the tour and stops within each town. (Hours vary)

• Altenburg

Lutheran Heritage Center & Museum - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Brazeau

Hemman Winery - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Historic Town and Church - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Burfordville

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Cape Girardeau

Cape River Heritage Museum - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Conservation Nature Center - Friday and Saturday

Trail of Tears State Park - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Commerce

Rover Ridge Winery - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Farrar

Eggers & Co. General Store B&B - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Frohna

Saxony Lutheran Memorial- Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Friedheim

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Jackson

The Byrd House - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Cape Girardeau County History Center - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

St. Louis Iron Mountain Railroad - Saturday *reservation required

• Marble Hill

Bollinger Co. Museum of Natural History - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

The Mustard Seed Boutique - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Massey Log House - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

The Mayfield Cultural Center - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Whippoorwill Lake - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Oak Ridge

Pinecrest Azalea Gardens - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Old Appleton

Historic Bridge - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Appleton Mercantile Co. - Saturday and Sunday

• Patton

Lawn Mower Racing - Saturday

• Perryville

Perry County Museum - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

National Shrine Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Perry County Military History Museum - Friday and Saturday

• Pocahontas

Apple Creek Presbyterian Church - Sunday

The Pie Safe - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

St. Johns Lutheran Church - Saturday

• Tilsit

St. James United Church of Christ - Saturday and Sunday

• Uniontown

Country Store Emporium - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Wash House - Friday, Saturday and Sunday