Guest Column: Cape's business variety, friendliness make positive impression

Many years ago I had the opportunity to visit your city for the first time. I arrived via the American Queen as a scheduled stop. I remember then thinking what a great place it was with so many friendly people and that I would like to make a return visit.

I had the opportunity to return last week to attend the Missouri Main Street Managers Meeting. Marla Mills, director of Old Town Cape, along with Dr. Steven Hoffman, director of the Historic Preservation Program at Southeast Missouri State University, gave us a walking tour of downtown and driving tour of your beautiful city.

I was impressed by the many friendly downtown business owners as well as the many unique stores and restaurants. The downtown district was very clean and inviting. It is evident of the abundance of community pride in Cape Girardeau. I am a 26-year veteran of downtown revitalization and have visited many historic downtowns. Not many have the great mix of viable businesses that I saw in Cape Girardeau.

We were shown the many historic homes and buildings throughout the community. I was impressed with the number that have been restored. We also toured parts of the university and were shown the restoration projects currently in progress. I couldn't help but think how vibrant and alive Cape Girardeau is and what a great job Marla, Steven and others have done to make this community what it is today.

As I was leaving to head back to Warrensburg I thought I would like to make a return visit to Cape Girardeau sometime soon to once again experience the many friendly and unique businesses in your downtown.

Congratulations and thank you!

Julie Turnipseed is the executive director of Warrensburg Main Street in Warrensburg, Mo.