The five senses of Southeast Missouri: Fun ways to explore all our area has to offer

WHAT TO SEE ...

Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery has several surprising residents: Peacocks. They've been kept there for more than 30 years, and folks are welcome to admire and feed them. Feed is 25 cents, and the birds can be viewed during daylight hours seven days a week.

As the leaves fall from trees in autumn and winter, it becomes easier to spot bald eagles at area parks. The birds are especially fond of the river bluffs at Magnolia Hollow in Ste. Genevieve County and Trail of Tears State Park in Cape Girardeau County.

Machinery buffs will enjoy viewing the Southeast Missouri Agricultural Museum in Sikeston, which boasts the largest collection of antique farm machinery in Missouri. The museum displays the region's rich agricultural heritage through its showcase of 6,000-plus pieces of farm equipment housed in an indoor museum and five outer buildings.

Enjoy a show at the River Campus south of downtown Cape Girardeau. Southeast Missouri State University's arts campus offers gallery exhibits, student productions and big-name traveling performances.

Tower Rock in Perry County is a majestic landmark of limestone rock that towers more than 90 feet above the Mississippi River bed. The water is turbulent as it passes around the rock, which has prompted centuries of legends and the respect and fear of rivermen. When the water level is low, visitors can trek across the rocky bottoms and explore Tower Rock itself.

WHAT TO HEAR ...

Hear that? It's the sound of silence, save for the turning of pages or a muted whisper or giggle between patrons at your local public library. Today's libraries are more than a place to check in and check out -- they're a destination for children's story time, book clubs for teens and adults, workshops and educational talks, movie and game nights and more. Visit Cape Girardeau Public Library, Sikeston Public Library, Keller Public Library in Dexter, Bollinger County Library in Marble Hill, Ozark Regional Library in Ste. Genevieve or Riverside Regional Library locations in Jackson, Scott City, Benton, Oran, Altenburg and Perryville, Missouri.

The sound of cheering fans can be heard at many a sporting event in Southeast Missouri. Watch football or basketball this season at Southeast Missouri State University, or cheer on the high school athletes in your hometown.

Wineries abound throughout Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois, and many of them host live music performances on the weekends. Good food, wine, friends and entertainment -- what more could you want?

WHAT TO SMELL ...

You can see, and smell, all types and colors of roses at the Capaha Park Rose Garden in Cape Girardeau. The garden was started in 1954 and is maintained by volunteers. It's even been certified as a Rose Test Garden by the All-American Rose Selections and is one of only 10 to earn this honor nationwide.

Nothing says "Christmas shopping" quite like the aroma of roasted nuts at the holiday craft shows in Cape Girardeau. Grab a bag or two to make your weekend of shopping even sweeter!

WHAT TO FEEL ...

The Discovery Playhouse on Broadway in Cape Girardeau is all about fun, hands-on learning for children of all ages. Mix things up by also visiting the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden.

Touch someone's life and get the feeling of "warm fuzzies" by volunteering in your community. Places such as the American Red Cross, area senior centers, hospitals and nursing homes, animal shelters, the United Way of Southeast Missouri and local parks and recreation departments are always looking for volunteers throughout Southeast Missouri. Think about a cause or issue that you're passionate about and ask how you can lend a hand.

To relax, spend a weekend at one of the many bed-and-breakfasts in the area. Options range from historic homes in the village of Ste. Genevieve to cozy houses near downtown Cape Girardeau to rustic cabins in the woods of Southern Illinois. Some have special amenities and packages, whether you're interested in the local wineries or a spa day.

Bologna burger at Schindler's Tavern (photo by Laura Simon)

WHAT TO TASTE ...

The bologna burger at Schindler's Tavern in New Hamburg is legendary in Southeast Missouri. In 2010, USA Today dubbed the burger the best in all of Missouri. The half-pound, handmade burger is topped with a slice of fried bologna and smothered with grilled onions.

You can't really call yourself a true Southeast Missourian until you've caught a roll at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston. The world-famous restaurant also has locations in Ozark, Missouri, and Foley, Alabama, but the original is right here in Sikeston. Lambert's is also known for its all-you-can-eat pass arounds, including fried potatoes and onions, black-eyed peas, macaroni and tomatoes and fried okra.

Ste. Genevieve may be known for its French heritage, but it also has German roots -- and that's where the infamous liver dumplings come in. The original recipe calls for a pound of ground liver, an onion, 1/2 cup flour, two eggs and a teaspoon of salt cooked in a meat broth. If you're not too brave in the kitchen, historic restaurants like The Old Brick House and The Anvil are known to include liver dumplings on their menus.

Southeast Missouri cooks up its share of tasty fried foods. Among the local favorites are Jay's Krispy Fried Chicken in Sikeston, the fried catfish at Sandy's Place at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, and the potato skins and pig skins at BG's Old Tyme Deli in Cape Girardeau.

In Altenburg, visitors can order the Mudburger: A 1/3-pound burger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches in place of a bun, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, bacon, fried cheese sticks, onion rings, fried mushrooms, pizza rolls and jalapeno poppers, all held together with a steak knife. Whew! At nearby Nickie's Cafe & Sweets, pizzas are on the menu, with sauerkraut on the list of available toppings.