If you're a shopping fanatic like myself, you know this weekend marks the start of the holiday shopping season. And while you're probably familiar with the shopping frenzy induced by Black Friday, Small Business Saturday gives customers a different take on the retail experience.

On November 30, people across the country will pledge to shop local for the holidays and make their purchases at small businesses instead of heading to the mall or big box stores. American Express believes that when we shop small, the impacts are huge - the money stays within our local economy by way of retail sales tax, which in turn funds city services like public safety, parks and recreation, etc. It's a win-win for everyone. And that's the sole reason American Express started the Small Business Saturday initiative back in 2010. It wasn't until 2011 that the U.S. Senate officially recognized the holiday, but since then the estimated consumer spending amount on that day has grown to $5.5 billion!

Old Town Cape is home to more than 50 locally owned retail shops that all have their own unique identity. So whether you are looking for a vintage gift, a new pair of shoes, dazzling jewelry or even a toy for your four-legged furry friend, it can be found in downtown Cape. Many of the stores are having in-store specials (a list can be found here), so I challenge you to visit these small businesses to get some of your holiday shopping done - I know I will be!

As an extra, Old Town Cape is giving shoppers a special treat this holiday season. The first ten people to comment on this post and mention what downtown small business they will be shopping at on November 30 will receive a free Small Business Saturday reusable shopping bag.

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

This post is written by guest blogger, Julie Turnipseed, Executive Director of Warresnburg Main Street.

Many years ago I had the opportunity to visit Old Town Cape for the first time. I arrived via the American Queen on a scheduled stop. I remember then thinking what a great place it was and how friendly the people were and that I would like to make a return visit.

I had the opportunity to return last week to attend the Missouri Main Street Manager's Meeting. Marla Mills, Executive Director of Old Town Cape, and Steven Hoffman, Director of the Historic Preservation Program at Southeast Missouri State University, gave us a walking tour of downtown and driving tour of the 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 downtown Cape.

We were shown the many historic homes and buildings throughout the community and I was impressed with the number that have been restored. We also toured parts of the University and were shown the restoration projects that are currently in progress. I couldn't help but think how vibrant and alive downtown 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 to myself that I would like to make a return visit to Cape Girardeau sometime soon to once again experience the many friendly and unique businesses downtown.

Congratulations and thank you for the opportunity to visit downtown Cape!

This post is written by guest blogger, Laurie Everett, owner of Annie Laurie's Antiques and downtown resident.

Living downtown is a culture within itself. The riverfront, the nightlife, and the restaurants are all part of the excitement. This is my business, but it is also where we live. My shop is Annie Laurie's Antiques and I share the loft dwelling with my husband, our son and our two pets.

We live on Broadway and often times eat, sleep and breathe downtown. We could very easily not have to leave the downtown for days at a time. This is our dog, Lex, and we can often be found walking around with various parts of downtown. This picture was taken at a historic building across from the Federal Building. When in bloom, there are many green areas on our leisurely strolls.


Have I mentioned that there is some amazing art downtown? I love the metal midcentury piece on the outside of this building.


I also enjoy a good parade and many of them travel down Broadway. Here are some pictures from the past two Southeast Homecoming parades. They are so much fun!


One of my favorite shops is The Plant Lady. Her shop is loaded with all types of plants for all seasons. You never know what surprises you may find.


My absolute favorite part of living downtown is the Cape Riverfront Market. There is a great satisfaction that comes with eating fresh local food. I could easily do all of my grocery shopping there during the market season. Here are some items that I picked up this summer.


I often use the backdrop of the downtown for various photo shoots for the shop. This picture was taken in the fountain by the courthouse.


Our family pictures were even taken by the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.


I love a great auction. I attended one recently that was held at The Salvation Army right here in downtown. It doesn't get much better than that.


Right across the street is Baisch and Skinner where I get a lot of flowers and greenery for the shop. It is only open to dealers, but it is so great to have them four blocks from where I live. They are a great resource for my design jobs and events.


If I'm having one of my many allergies or just need to get a prescription filled, I always go to Broadway Prescription Shop. They do deliver, but I'm only one block away.


Most recently I attended a CASA Speakeasy Soiree at the Port Cape Girardeau Yacht Club. It is the perfect place for a worthy cause.


So, if you ever ask me what there is to do in downtown Cape, my question back to you will be what's not to do in downtown Cape? See you there!

Take your cap off and salute our troops! When I was younger I always looked forward to Veterans Day because I knew that it meant I got to have a 3-day weekend. Okay, so maybe I still look forward to it for that perk but as I have gotten older I have learned to appreciate those who have served and honored our country more.

In downtown Cape, there is no lack of men and women who have fought to protect our freedom. What's more exciting is that the veterans that I interviewed served in different branches of the military. Allow me to introduce you to a few of them.

Dru Reeves, owner of Horizon Screen Printing, has served in the U.S. Army Reserves and Missouri National Guard since 1987 and is still active today. Reeves is a Sergeant First Class (E-7) and he has held three positions during those 26 years including a 54B Nuclear Biological Chemical Specialist, a 12B Combat Engineer, a 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist and his current job is a Petroleum Supply Instructor. He says that serving in the military has given him both the ability to train others and develop employee and customer relationships, both of which are important in running a small business.

Laurie Everett from Annie Laurie's Antiques took away different skills from her job as Military Police in the U.S. Army from 1999 to 2003 that have aided her in being a small business owner. She learned that you have to push yourself beyond any possible limit. Everett said that "being a business owner is often about endurance and perseverance and that is often what you are up against when you own your own business - you work long, hard hours and in spite of obstacles and setbacks, you never give up."

Tom Meyer learned a different lesson by serving as a Seabee, Engineer and Equipment Operator in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972. The Seabee's motto was "Can Do" and he was trained to adapt to what he has on hand and not what is always available. At his business, Exit Realty, he is always adapting to the business environment.

Cathy Davis of Reruns served in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1977. She attended 91B Basic Combat Medical Training and went on to be a 91D Operating Room Specialist. She said that the most important skills that she learned from serving are discipline and organization. Davis said "I now believe that you can do anything you set your mind to - mainly because if you couldn't do something in the Army, you had to find a way to do it or change jobs." She credits these skills to her success as a small business owner today.

How do you spend Veterans Day? With family and friends? Having a special dinner? Remembering those who have served? The veterans that I spoke with mainly just look at is as another day. Although a couple of them do catch up with old friends or participate in Veterans Day events. No matter how you spend it, be sure to thank a veteran for their service to our country - not only on this day but every day.