This post is written by Caitlin Schlichting, Interactive Marketing Specialist & Web Developer for The Bank of Missouri.

As a sponsor for Old Town Cape, we at The Bank of Missouri feel that it is important to support downtown and all that the staff does to revitalize it. We understand that everyone can't give financially, which is why we've come up with a way that you can help us help downtown Cape.

ICBA (Independence Community Bankers of America) is currently hosting a Main Street Holiday photo contest as part of their shop local campaign. They invited community bankers from across the country to submit a photo of the downtown in their community and received hundreds of entries.

The photo that we submitted of downtown Cape was taken by bank associate Chad Johnson and portrays a night time view of Main Street decorated for the holidays with the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge in the background - sounds pretty neat, huh? We were thrilled to find out that the photo made it all the way to the Top 5 finalists, but now we need your help in making in #1.

Please vote by liking the photo in the ICBA "Main Street Holidays Top 5 Photo Entries" photo album on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/1bURvgl). You have to be sure to open the photo and click "like" underneath the caption for the vote to count. Voting ends at 8 a.m. on Friday, December 20 and the photo with the most "likes" will win $300. If the photo of downtown Cape wins, we will of course donate it to Old Town Cape. So we need your vote to show everyone that Cape Girardeau has the best downtown - hands down!

The Bank of Missouri is proud to support local businesses and is grateful for this opportunity to draw national attention to Old Town Cape. Happy voting!

"I would do anything for lunch, but I won't do that" - Meet Loaf

Meet Burrito-Ville: A restaurant that sits on Broadway in Cape Girardeau at a location that's practically a gateway to downtown. The Meet Loaf quote, just one of many tag lines of unique prose that have appeared on the establishment's very visible and now infamous sign. It's an advertising gimmick of sorts that has become the eatery's trademark known for quirky, comical, and borderline satirical announcements and puns.

Without flashing lights or grand size, the simple white sign with manually positioned black letters has supplied sufficient allure with witty humor to make thousands of drivers "stop in the name of lunch."

Indeed I've personally busted out laughing, honestly almost rear-ended the delivery truck in front of me, and pulled over to post my reaction to one of the latest sign slogans on Facebook. I am not alone "Want to say thank you to Burrito-Ville and their awesome sign today," wrote Cari Williams on her Facebook page. She said that it made her drive to work worth it.

"I'm definitely aware of the popularity and social media has helped us," said owner, Justin Denton. "The signs are not me," said Denton. "Now a days it's manager Kris Baronovic. I don't know what inspires him. The twerkin' sign is one of my favorites." Like all brilliant writers, Denton and others are left to assume part of Baronovic's brain is simply wired with a genius like recipe for creating signs that bring a burrito-sized magnetism.

Denton says of course ultimately it's about the food. Burritos, staple Mexican concoctions and numerous other B-Ville taste bud tantalizing chow is the main ingredient that keeps patrons coming back for another big spicy mouth full. The sign may win friends - but you're belly can't read. It's the craving that is the kicker.

"I think we've made it this far because of good, fresh food, friendly employees, a clean atmosphere, and value," said Denton. "And then maybe none of the above. Maybe it's just good ol' luck?: Either way our own cynical, eclectic, and free spirited spice day Mexicana almost with in sight of the Mississippi River is thriving and even renovating.

The recent face lift started in July of this year. There's new told throughout, a new counter, new menus, and Denton said that he is considering outdoor seating. For now, when Mother Nature makes it hard to get out of the car, there's always the drive thru. That's a little gift from the old business, a Dairy Queen franchise that many current Southeast Missouri State University students and Cape Girardeau newbies probably don't recall.

No doubt, the location is the well known home of B-Ville now. So on your way to Old Town Cape as your drive on by, they triple dog dare you to try and not read their sign. "Jalapeno only knows what will be next."

I have never intentionally watched a sunrise. I told some friends this over frozen yogurt this summer, and they were all astonished. Apparently it’s a must, and shameful to have not participated in this activity after twenty-seven years of inhabiting the Earth. So we went on bantering about how we would all watch one together soon.

Well… life as it does, passed by quickly and plans were never made; that is until yesterday when I had the bright idea to watch my first sunrise in the deep cold of winter. I convinced my friend, Jessica, to get up with me this morning, and when she agreed I told her she just earned the Friend of the Year Award.

I picked Jessica up at 6:15 this morning. She met me at my car with two thermoses full of fresh hot tea called “Comfort & Joy”. How cute (and needed for 7 degree weather)! We drove towards downtown, so we could watch the sunrise come up over the Mississippi River and decided the top of the county courthouse stairs would be perfect. We hopped out of the car around 6:20, and the freezing began.
 
At first I was so excited to be outside waiting for the sun. There was a line of orange on the horizon, but aside from that it was still a dark, blue-black outside and all of the streetlights were still twinkling. As minutes passed, the sky became lighter and brighter, but still no sun. After 15 minutes the truth set in: 7 degree weather is COLD. Our spirits were still high though. We ran around to stay warm and enjoyed the sounds of a band practicing for the Slapowitz party in a bar below for a KFVS12 Breakfast Show segment.

Come 7:00 we were ready for the sun. I was yelling, “Come out sun” with some serious authority and almost thought it would listen. Our fingers were starting to hurt from the cold, and when 7:03 passed (the time Google said the sun would come up) we decided to go watch the sunrise from the car.

As soon as the decision was made we started sprinting for the car – frozen fingers and all. On the way, Jess dropped her phone and when she picked it up she accidentally pressed something and her phone began playing, “Your Love is a Song” by Switchfoot. We turned around a couple of seconds later (before we reached my car), and the sun was rising. We rushed back to our original spot to get photos, and Jess let the song play on through the sunrise. At the time, I thought she played it on purpose because it was so perfect, but later she told me it was a total accident.

We scurried around, listening to the perfect song on accident and captured some beautiful photos from the tippy top of downtown. It was the perfect way to start the morning, and the perfect place to do so. We stood with a courthouse that had seen many beautiful sunrises, and for the first time I enjoyed one with it.

Looking for a unique gift for that special woman in your life but have a set price range? Have no fear, shop downtown this year! I've gathered ten gift ideas each under $50 that are available at various downtown businesses. So whether you're in search of a scarf for her to wear with that new winter coat or a one-of-a-kind candle for her to burn while she's all cozy on the couch, I've got you covered. Here's what I found and pictures are included below:

1. Rewined candle (available at Sweet Designs Boutique) - repurposed wine bottle candles with scents that mimic the tasting notes of wine; $25 each

2. Vintage bracelet (available at Sloan + Themis) - eco friendly bracelet made of vintage brass chain circa 1930 with sterling silver toggle clasp; $39 each

3. Scarves (available at Stash) - variety of scarves made from wool, silk, cotton, etc.; $16-24 each

4. Stonewall Kitchen Gingerbread Cupcake Mix (available at Annie Em's at Home); $12.50 each

5. Cute and cozy wine bottle huggies (available at Pastimes Antiques) - the perfect accessory for wine bottles; $6 each

6. Country Living Sweet Pepper Glaze (available at Merci) - this makes a great topping for cream cheese and bread; $8 each

7. Holiday decor tables (available at Shoppe La La) - comes in snowman, wreath, or Santa Clause; $10 each

8. Hypo-allergenic earrings (available at Jayson Jewelers) - available in ruby, emerald, pearl, and sapphire; $35 each

9. Fuzzy heart slippers (available at Renaissance) - sizes small, medium, and large; $30 each

10. Ugg purse (available at Reruns) - small crossbody purse with one pocket; $45 each

This post is written by guest blogger, Jen Schwent, Student Worker at Old Town Cape.

It's that time of the year again and Christmas is upon us. Last year, I was fortunate enough to be able to take my son to Old Town Cape's Downtown Christmas Open House, and it was a Christmas memory I will forever remember.

James was six months old at the time, so I wasn't sure how meeting Santa for the first time was going to go. However, I was surprised to find out that he loved Santa, especially playing with his soft beard. He was able to get a free picture taken with Santa and was also there in time to see the one and only 6 foot elf! We had plans to ride in the carriage pulled by horses, but he fell asleep right before we got in line so I didn't wake him.

It was cold last year, but we were bundled up and got to enjoy all of the sites and shops. We both loved different pieces of it. My son liked the cookies and snacks that were offered at some of the downtown businesses along with the carolers along Main Street. One group even dressed up in clothing from the early twentieth century - it was so cool! And I enjoyed getting all of my Christmas shopping done. Many of the businesses offered specials and since I don't do "Black Friday," it was nice to still get deals. The gifts that I purchased were so unique and had more character than if I would've shopped at big box stores.

My little guy was too young last year to enjoy the crafts at Santa's Workshop, so I'm looking forward to taking him to enjoy those this year, and of course ride in the carriage. The Downtown Christmas Open House was great and it has become a tradition for our family. If you haven't ever been, I strongly encourage you to head downtown to the Riverfront area next Friday (Dec. 13) between 5 and 9 p.m. to enjoy the free event!

One of the coolest places downtown is a small studio located on Main Street, The Artist Studio. Owner and artist, Judy Barks-Westrich, has designed a simple and elegant gallery that is very down to earth. I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with my friend and neighbor to get the inside scoop on how to bring art into our every day lives.

Claire: Thank you Judy for sitting down with me. So first question: Why did you open The Artist Studio?

Judy: When I was teaching, parents would comment "wish I had art class like this when I was in high school"...thus, in March 2005 I opened The Artist Studio. One of my goals - workshops geared towards adults with little or not training in the arts to experience creative pleasure.

Claire: It is a good point that you can learn to paint or draw at any age. Why do you feel that it is important for people to have art in their lives?

Judy: Art is important for people because it fulfills simple pleasure. Art entertains, enlightens and educated! It also affects your health, mood and emotion. There is no language barrier in art - it is universal. People don't have to necessarily like art; that is the aesthetic taste and the beauty of art because there are so many different styles. But awareness of art gives people visibility into the imagination and it is inspiring.

Claire: One of my favorite things here are your mini abstract paintings. For folks who don't know about them, why do they make such a great gift?

Judy: The minis make a perfect give because of their convenient size, lower price-point and appealing design to young and old. The minis are miniature fine acrylic paintings and they are totally abstract but give the illusion of landscapes - they're colorful, textural and dramatic. Each is beautifully honored with a custom frame just waiting for a new home. They are great accents for anyone's décor! As a gift, the mini may add to one's original fine art collection or actually help them start one.

Claire: So now that folks are inspired how can they get involved in creating art? Can people schedule a workshop or take a class?

Judy: Yes, workshops are available and the best way to get involved is for people to simply talk to me...whether that's by visiting the studio's Facebook page or calling me at 573-450-2816. Appreciations starts with awareness!