Southeast Missouri's tucked-away treasures

~Annual scenic tour slated for this weekend with 28 stops throughout the area.

The 17th annual Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive begins Saturday and continues Sunday at locations in towns and cities throughout Southeast Missouri: Altenburg, Brazeau, Burfordville, Cape Girardeau, Commerce, Frohna, Jackson, Marble Hill, Marquand, Patton, Pocahontas and Scott City.

The tour, which began as a way to promote the history and natural beauty of the area, features 28 sites in and around those cities and towns -- wineries, historic villages and churches, museums and shops, among others.

There is no set route on the tour. Motorists are expected to determine their own routes, visiting the sites they want to see most. To make your choices a little easier, the Southeast Missourian has highlighted some of the key stops along the way.

Jonathan Wahlers, owner of Tower Rock Winery, walked through the vineyard along Route A at Altenburg, Mo. (Diane L. Wilson)

Tower Rock Winery

Tower Rock Winery features several varieties of dry to semi-dry white and red wines, and a friendly, cozy atmosphere provided by Bob and Cheryl Breuer, along with a few acres of grapevines. This weekend the winery will also offer musical entertainment -- Steppin' Out on Saturday and Lindsey Bowerman on Sunday, both from 2 to 6 p.m. For more information call the winery at (573) 824-5479 or visit www.tower-rock-winery.com.

Brazeau, Mo.

This historic Perry County town was settled by Germans in 1797, with several historic sites and tours open to the public on both days. A town with a population of 52, Brazeau attracts about 2,000 to 2,500 visitors over the scenic drive weekend. Among the attraction are traditional dinners served Saturday and Sunday -- ham and beans and stew, respectively. Sites include a museum, blacksmith shop, an historic church and the Hemman Winery, offering sweet and semi-sweet wines. Live musical entertainment will be offered both days, as well. For more information call (573) 824-5630.

Burfordville

Burfordville is home to one of the most famous historic sites in the Southeast Missouri region -- Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, with its mill and covered bridge. The site was dedicated in 1981, and since has attracted and inspired artists and casual visitors who want a glimpse of the area's past. Guided tours are available.

The river gauge at Commerce, Mo. kept track of the falling level of the Mississippi River on May 21, 2002. (Fred Lynch)

For more information on events and activities at the mill this weekend, call 243-6102.

Commerce, Mo.

Nothing holds the Mississippi River back in the little town of Commerce, which has one of the area's best, unobstructed views of the Mississippi River. The nearby River Ridge Winery offers food and a variety of table wines. For more information on Commerce call 264-3900.

Rocky Holler, near Jackson

The site caters to families, with pony and wagon rides and arts and crafts. For more information call Rocky Holler at 243-6440.

Fittings and nails used on cargo ships that once navigated Missouri's waterways are just a few of the displays at the Bollinger County Museum in Marble Hill, Mo. (Southeast Missourian file)

Marble Hill, Mo

Marble Hill in Bollinger County goes all out for the scenic drive every year, putting on a host of events and opening up several attractions for visitors. Sites include the Bollinger County Museum of Natural History, featuring historic displays and Missouri's state dinosaur, Neosaurus missouriensis. The Marble Hill Senior Center puts on a chicken and dumpling dinner on Saturday, while the Cat Ranch Art Guild hosts an arts and crafts show with live music. Other sites include the Massey Log House and the historic Wisecarvers Store.

These lavender azaleas are among the blooming varieties at the Pinecrest Azalea Farm near Oak Ridge. (Fred Lynch)

Pinecrest Azalea Garden

With spring comes flowers, and the Pinecrest Azalea Garden has plenty -- over 200,000 plants including jonquils, azaleas, rhododendrons and hollies. For more information call (573) 979-1112.

Trail of Tears State Park

This 3,415-acre park provides opportunities for camping, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking and horse-riding, with a great view provided by the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. For more information on the park call 334-1171.

~ For more complete information on all the scenic drive sites contact the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068. The scenic drive is also offering a new feature this year -- people who visit 10 sites and get a "pass-port" stamped at each site can enter for prize drawings the week after the event.