Out on the town

CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY: A great place to have a picnic

The Cape Girardeau riverfront is an ideal place for travel blogger and freelance writer Becky Davenport to relax -- and for her two children, 4-year-old Dillard and 9-year-old Celeste, to run off their never-ending supply of energy. After school or on weekends, Becky likes to load up the kids' scooters and bubbles, pack a few snacks in the picnic basket, and spread out a blanket under the old beech tree at the River Campus.

"There's lots of shade. Watching the boats is one of our favorite, favorite things to do as they come in on the river," says Becky. "It's peaceful because there is no playground, so there are no distractions."

BOLLINGER COUNTY: A great place to kick back and relax

Martha Peters, director of the Marble Hill Senior Center, moved to Bollinger County in 1967, and her husband Januar has lived there his whole life: 77 years.

Shirley and Bob Pelker enjoy the view from their Lake Perry home. (Laura Simon)

"I like the fact that it's kind of laid back and slow. It's a nice little country town where you know pretty much everybody you meet on the street," says Martha. The couple enjoy going out to dinner and relaxing in Magnolia Park, especially when there's a music festival going on. The brand-new park was built after a recent flood, and the bandstand is a popular venue for local country western, gospel and bluegrass groups. And, of course, the park serves as another place to meet up with friends.

"I've said many times, don't go to the grocery store if you're in a hurry, because you'll run into all the neighbors you haven't seen on the street for six months -- but if you go to the grocery store, you're sure to meet up with them. Everybody's friendly," says Martha.

PERRY COUNTY: A great place to go to the lake

Living in Perry County is like a breath of fresh air for Shirley and Bob Pelker.

"It's the country to me. When I think about going home, I think about going to the country," says Shirley, who grew up on a farm in Perry County but spent her working years as a teacher and counselor in St. Louis. "About 22 years ago we built a cabin on Lake Perry, and we went there on weekends with the kids. Six years ago we retired there -- for me it was like going home,

Becky Davenport and her children Celeste and Dillon have a picnic near the old Mississippi River bridge overlook in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

and for (Bob) it was going to a place that he loved like home."

Shirley enjoys tending to her flower gardens, sitting by the lake on misty mornings and volunteering with the local recycling center. Bob likes to fish and volunteer with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and their 11 grandchildren always beg to spend weekends on the lake with them.

"The lake community is comfortable; we always have friends available," says Shirley. "It's a pretty relaxed atmosphere."

SCOTT COUNTY: A great place to experience small-town flavor

Paul Schock has lived and worked all over the world, but he settled in Scott City for its small-town charm. He's particularly fond of the historic buildings in the Ilmo area: He opened Schock's Pub on the first floor of one building and leases apartments on the second level. Other renovations are in progress down the street, including a former bakery-come-disco that Schock is turning into apartments.

Martha Peters, director of the senior center in Marble Hill, stands on the stage at Magnolia Park in Marble Hill. (Fred Lynch)

"People are really accessible to work with each other and help with the community. They're very supportive of the community," says Schock, a local artist who's also taken leadership in community fundraisers and events and the Scott City Interactive Parks Program. "There are a lot of little treasures in Scott County that people don't take a chance to look at in a small town, but there's a lot of flavor in Scott County."

STE. GENEVIEVE COUNTY: A great place to explore the great outdoors

Dallas natives Jan and Cathy Brans moved to Ste. Genevieve nine years ago in search of a career change. They now own Inn St. Gemme -- the oldest continuously operated bed-and-breakfast in Missouri, dating back to 1848 -- and Dr. Hertich's House. As innkeepers, the Brans often double as tour consultants, telling guests about all there is to do in Ste. Genevieve County. Visiting the wineries, checking out colonial buildings and exploring the surrounding natural areas always top their list of recommendations.

"Even if you don't drink alcohol and it's raining, go to a winery and enjoy the views," says Jan.

Weekends are busy in the bed-and-breakfast business, but the Brans like to hike at Magnolia Hollow, Pickle Springs and Hawn State Park during the week.

Paul Schock sits on the steps leading to the stage inside Schock's Pub in Scott City, Mo. (Laura Simon)

"We fell in love with the area and never regretted it," says Jan. "We love the Midwest -- the people are wonderful and we enjoy the forests, hills and nature."

STODDARD COUNTY: A great place to go hunting

Mark Reed is responsible for the conservation areas in Stoddard County as part of his job with the Missouri Department of Conservation -- but these are some of his favorite places off the job, too. An avid hunter since he was 8 years old, Mark now has a 9-year-old son who likes to hunt with him.

"There's a diversity of habitat types: agriculture, timber, wooded areas, wetlands for waterfowl and wet spots for ducks," says Mark. "Anything you want to hunt in Missouri is available in Stoddard County. We have a little bit of everything."

Mark lives in Bloomfield, where he has easy access to the Otter Slough and Duck Creek conservation areas and Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. These areas are also popular with hunters from surrounding counties who are looking to hunt deer, doves, teal, turkeys, ducks and more.