This post is written by guest blogger, Jen Schwent, Student Worker at Old Town Cape.
Three years ago I moved from Chicago to Cape Girardeau to pursue a degree in Historic Preservation. Since then, I have lived in three different apartments in three different areas of Cape. Transitioning was tough, but now that I live downtown, I feel like I have the best of both worlds! I'm close to everything and the environment reminds me of home, while still giving me the charm of Cape.
One of the great things I enjoy about all the shops, galleries and restaurants that downtown Cape offers is how diverse they are. A lot of them also offer student discounts - score! The mall is great, but the shops that I am within walking distance of beat the mall, hands down.
Stash and
Philanthropy have the latest trends, but the clothes are unique unlike that shirt you got at the mall that everyone has. There are also a lot of antique shops where one can find special items to decorate their home with or simply find the odds and ends that you've been searching for at a great price. The restaurants downtown are just as unique as the shops. The chain restaurants along the highway are alright, but downtown Cape has so much more variety. One of my favorite things to do is to walk to the Cape Riverfront Market and then stop by
Cup N' Cork for a morning coffee. I mentioned that I'm pursuing a degree in H.P., so I can't help but mention all of the historic buildings, art galleries and museums downtown. They all offer great cultural experiences.
The environment of downtown is also amazing! There is always something going on, people to meet, etc. When I hear music and people talking from my balcony, I can feel the heartbeat of downtown and I feel like I'm a part of it.
I'm glad to call downtown Cape my home. This big city girl has finally found where she belongs in this town and I couldn't be happier. If you haven't checked out Old Town Cape and everything that it has to offer, you are certainly missing out. I know that I was.