JACKSON CHAMBER COMMENTARY: JACKSON'S TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OFTEN OVERLOOKED

While planning vacation spots, does Jackson appear at the top of your choices? Maybe not. We may tend to overlook or take for granted our local attractions while others travel some distance to enjoy the area.

Tourism is one of Missouri's top industries. The Cape Girardeau County area, with its rolling hills, beautiful countryside and many attractions, is the beneficiary of tourism dollars.

Jackson, "City of beautiful homes, churches, schools and parks," claims a wide variety of interests for day trips and weekend visits. St. Louis residents have discovered the Jackson area and make several return trips.

The St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway offers year-round excursions so passengers can experience the sights and sounds of steam-powered locomotives and ride in authentic 1920s passenger cars. Special events each week include dinner trains, murder mysteries, train robberies, performances by Coyote Creek Band, magic shows, chocoholic expresses, hobo weekends and many other theme trips.

The Brookside Park Memorial is a memorial to all veterans of all wars. Resting on terrace greens in beautiful Brookside Park, the eleven sentinel columns of the open chapel face a curved wall of black granite. On it are engraved the names of over 2,400 veterans who served in the official 10 wars of the United States.

The Old McKendree Chapel, built in 1819, is the oldest Protestant church building west of the Mississippi River. The chapel and grounds still are used for various functions.

Jackson features two bed and breakfast inns. Trisha's Bed and Breakfast at 203 Bellevue is a 1905 Victorian home with vintage lingerie collections. The Whitehouse Bed and Breakfast at 802 E. Washington is a 1908 Romanesque home on three acres.

Flickerwood Arena, a modern, indoor arena with a restaurant, hosts equestrian and rodeo events of all types. Flickerwood draws contestants and spectators from throughout the Midwest and from the East Coast.

Country music fans can choose three entertainment centers: The Little Ole Opry on Highway 34, Country Music Hall on Highway 25 and Stroder Country on Highway 72.

Antique buffs may find a drive to Jackson rewarding. There are several shops featuring fine gifts, antiques and Collectibles including Through the Years, Country Spanish Shop and The Country Hodgepodge. Seabaugh's Woodworking at 425 E. Main has a collection of refinished antique furniture, and Thurman's in downtown Jackson carries a variety of antiques.

The Oliver House, 224 East Adams, is a two-story, federal-style home restored and furnished in the late 1800s style. The home is named for Senator Robert B. Oliver and his wife Marie, who designed and made the first official state flag of Missouri.

Sports enthusiasts will find our two golf courses, bowling lanes, skate center and water sports enjoyable. Lickety Split Waterslide is enjoyable for all ages on hot summer days. Bent Creek Golf Club is a public, 18-hole championship course complete with pro-shops, driving range and clubhouse.

Other nearby attractions include Bollinger Mill, one of Missouri's remaining grist mills. It is adjacent to one of only four covered bridges left in Missouri.

Trail of Tears State Park marks the campsite the Cherokee Indians used during their forced march out of the eastern United States by the federal government. The park provides boating, camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and a visitor's center.

Capetown Safari is a 150-acre drive-through animal park with over 700 wild and exotic animals. The safari has a gift shop, petting zoo, seasonal animal rides and is located on County Road 618.

Tourism, although not considered in the same vane as manufacturing and other business, is very important to the area. When you consider the travelers' purchase of goods and services, tourism provides employment, tax revenue and expansion of the local economy.

Jackson has hosted several statewide and regional conventions, and the The Knights of Columbus will have another in a few months. The group is hosting the state horseshoe tournament Aug. 16-18, which will bring an estimated 800 contestants and 3,000 visitors.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce will provide information and brochures for Jackson and nearby attractions. Just call (314) 243-8131.

Larry Hall is president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.