SEMO ORGANIZES 6TH ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY SCENIC DRIVE

Guests from all across the country will be able to experience the small communities of the Mississippi River Valley April 27-28 during the sixth annul Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive.

Southeast Missouri State University's Center for Regional History is sponsoring the event. Dr. Frank Nickell, director of the Center for Regional History, said the drive gives people a chance to experience Southeast Missouri's spring, historical areas, and special community events all in one weekend.

The scenic drive passes though many of the picturesque villages and towns of Southeast Missouri. A typical route might begin at Perryville, this year's northern entrance to the drive, where people can visit the historic Faherty House, built in 1831 and walk through the Perry County Museum.

The approximately 150-mile scenic drive route will take visitors through the Saxon Hills to Brazeau, Altenburg and Frohna, with a side trip to Wittenburg, site of an 1839 German settlement.

Trail of Tears State Park and Museum, which commemorates the tragic relocation of the Cherokee Indians, is also on the route, as is the Missouri Conservation Center just outside Cape Girardeau. While in the area, visitors can examine the Old Hanover Lutheran Church and take a side trip to Black Forest Villages, where they can see traditional craft demonstrations like blacksmithing, leathersmithing, loom weaving and quilting. There will also be arts and crafts shows and an old-time sawmill demonstration.

Drivers traveling west of Jackson will want to visit the Little Old Opry; the Bollinger Mill and the Burfordville Covered Bridge, both on the Whitewater River in Burfordville; and Marble Hill's variety of antique shops, historic buildings and gift shops.

Trips to Old Appleton, Friedhiem, Tower Rock, Scopus and Pocahontas are marked on the scenic drive map, as is a "long-cut" side trip from Longtown to Brazeau, where travelers will be able to see Missouri spring beauty at its finest.

Also featured on the route will be the St. Louis Iron Mountain Railway, a working steam train; historic houses, and the Memorial to the Veterans of All Wars in Jackson, and prominent sites in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Visitors to Rocky Holler will be able to enjoy a wagon ride, pan for gold, and even do a little fishing. And in many areas along the route, travelers will be able to take advantage of exhibit centers, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Throughout the weekend, communities and restaurants will be serving up a tempting variety of foods few travelers will be able to pass up. Restaurants marked on the map include Tric's Family Restaurant in Altenburg and the Lizard Lick Diner in Oak Ridge. Hungry visitors should also keep their eyes open for numerous bakesales along the route.

For more information about the scenic drive or for a booklet containing complete information about the communities and events on the route, contact the Center for Regional History at 1-800-777-0068 or 651-2555.