This post was written by guest blogger, Cheyenne French, student at Southeast Missouri State University

Shopping for that special man in your life isn’t as difficult as you think. If you find yourself in the Downtown Cape area and have an itch to check some people off your Christmas list, you’re in luck! This area is home to some of the best cuisine, entertainment and shopping experiences around. Not to mention its historic background adding to the allure. Shopping for a man has never been easier once you see what these shops have to offer.

Start with some downtown restaurants, such as Broussard’s (for your Cajun lover) or Bella Italia (to satisfy your guy’s Italian craving), to kick-start your shopping spree off right. Port Cape (did someone say excellent BBQ?), Cup n’ Cork and Dynamite Coffee (who doesn’t need a good cup of coffee to start their day off right?), El Sol (Mexican!) and Katy O’Ferrell’s Publick House (your local Irish pub) help add to the diverse dining scene. Don’t forget Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill on Main St for the sports lover in your family. The Corner Grocery & Gourmet Chocolates is a hidden gem for the sweets lover in your life. Stop in to get him some Kentucky Bourbon Balls, homemade fudge and delicious turtles. Yum! Knock more people off your list and pick up an extra gift card or two for any food lovers you may know.

Gaming Grounds, located on Broadway, has tons of lightly used games for guys of any age. You can even rent the place out for parties or buy him an hour or two of gaming time in the store. They also sell gaming accessories for an awesome price. Gaming Grounds is a must stop for any gamer in your life.

Maybe you need a gift for the more sophisticated man; one who cherishes things from the heart. Any of the downtown antique stores would be the perfect place to start. Sure, you hear the word “antiques” and think of some old cameras or ceramics, right? Wrong! These places have TONS of treasures for guys young and old. You can find vintage watches and belts, high-quality ink pen sets and vintage tools, or trinkets to hang in their man cave.

If man cave accessories are what he’s looking for, step over to Hutson’s Fine Furniture for a selection of furnishings and décor that’s never ending. If you’ve been searching for the perfect recliner to be his easy chair, you’re in luck. Does he need a new desk for his home office? Hutson’s is the place to shop. With a wide variety of all sorts of furniture including recliners, tables, clocks, rugs, mattresses and even fireplaces, Hutson’s has you covered.

If you’re feeling extra nice, take a look inside Grass Roots BMW Motorcycle for some excellent gift ideas. A shiny new motorcycle under the tree is sure to bring a smile to his face, but if that’s a little out of your realm, they also have apparel and accessories, parts and everything your cycle lover can dream of. While in the area, stop in Lattitudes Fair Trade Store where you'll find tasty coffee blends, handmade soaps and lotions, beautiful wine racks and other furnishings, to name a few. We can't even begin to detail what it means to be 'fair trade', so stop in and see how your purchases make a difference for those in need.

All these locations are a hop, skip, and a jump away. So take advantage of the beautiful city you live in and shop locally. Keep your main street alive and well by finding the perfect gift right in your very own neighborhood. Shop local in Downtown Cape Girardeau for all of the men on your list this Christmas!

This listing is not comprehensive of all the Downtown Cape offerings for men. Please check out all shopping outlets for unique ideas.

                             

It’s officially Red October! Cardinal baseball postseason is filling the air. Located 100 miles south of St. Louis, it may be hard to find the rowdy, upbeat Cardinal spirit that we, as Cardinal fans, yearn for. Luckily, Downtown Cape Girardeau has many outlets for you to enjoy the games at and partake in the wild Cardinal atmosphere.

Autumn is finally here - let the crisp, cool breeze blow through your hair while taking in the game on the patio at Bel-Air Bar & Grill. Delicious food and drinks round out this venue for a delightful outdoor viewing experience.

Newly opened Katy O’Ferrell’s Publick House provides a casual, cozy environment along with delicious Irish food and a bar for your baseball viewing pleasure.

Looking for a tasty margarita to warm your stomach while taking in our next Cardinal win? Head to El Sol for delicious Mexican fare.

Hotshots has your hot wings and large beers to wash everything down. TV’s line the walls so there’s not a bad seat in the house.

For some romantic flair, head down to Bella Italia. Televisions above the bar provide prime viewing for just about any visitor in the restaurant while sopping up their delectable oil and cheese mixture with a piece of crusty bread.

Pull on your Cardinal gear and make your way to Broadway Biergarten to indulge in their fabulous appetizers and craft beers. The ambiance in this place is pretty close to first-base-line-in-Busch-Stadium quality.

Feel your Cajun roots and enjoy some red beans and rice or a shrimp po’boy while taking in the cardinal game in Broussard’s bar area.

Take in the games at each of these downtown bar destinations, Lodo’s, Last Call, Pour House, Rude Dog, That One Bar and D’Ladiums, for the ultimate party destination.

Cardinal Nation is a family - we love our fantastic team. We love the playoffs. We love the chase for victory. And we love coming together to celebrate. Pick one of these downtown hotspots, bring your team spirit and show our rival fans what it is to be part of Cardinal Nation!

This past winter I was excited to find out we were getting an Irish pub. Living in cities for 15 years prior to moving to Cape, I found the “little neighborhood pub” was a staple of urban living. It was where you went to celebrate moments big and small, see your friends, gossip, talk sports, laugh, cry and just be part of the community. So opening night of Katy O’Ferrell’s, I was totally there!

Now I wouldn't say I’m a connoisseur of Irish pubs. I, however, have been to quite a few.  I’ve visited Irish pubs in Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas, Pittsburg, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Seattle, Birmingham (that’s England, not AL), Dublin (yep, as in Ireland) and many other places in between. So how does Katy O’s stack up? Pretty well, I do have to say.

The Food

One quirky thing about an Irish pub is that there is no requirement to serve Irish cuisine. Even in the pubs I’ve been to in Ireland and Great Britain, it is common to find curries, bangers and mash, burgers, etc on the menu. Katy O’Ferrell’s is no different. It's menu touts Irish favorites like boxty and shepherd’s pie alongside a burger, steaks and seafood. (BTW, the Irish dishes are even better than the ones my old Irish Granny used to make!) My favorite is the Reuben with a side of butters carrots. Yeah, I know it’s not Irish, but it still doesn’t make it any less tasty.

The Bar

The success of an Irish pub is its bar, or more appropriately its bar staff. Katy O’s warm and cheerful barkeepers provide excellent service with a smile. From pouring stouts to mixing a mean dirty martini, their drinks are always consistently delicious and served with pride.

Décor and Atmosphere

Let’s face it, Irish pubs in America look a certain way - lowly lit with a massive carved bar, with a random mix of 19th century art and quirky Irish memorabilia. Katy O’Ferrell’s hit a homerun in this department when it chose the old Petit New Orleans as its location. The outside just finished getting a new look with dark olive green and black paint.

Hopefully this little article will convenience you to come downtown and share in the Irish-American tradition of the public house. See you at Katy O's soon!

With the recent decision to bring the annual Fourth of July fireworks display back to downtown Cape Girardeau, we thought it a pertinent time to discuss the beneficial impacts that events such as this have on the downtown area.  

 

The list of events taking place downtown during a given period is lofty, and includes the fireworks display, Tunes at Twilight, First Friday, Parade of Lights, and The River Tales Classic Car Show…among many others. These events have the capacity to draw thousands of people (local and regional) into the Old Town Cape area that might not have otherwise visited. When combined with the areas multitude of retail, dining, and entertainment options, it’s an obvious winning situation for downtown merchants of every variety.

 

A recent study conducted by The Maine Center for Economic Policy examined a cities’ economic impacts when comparing local versus chain stores. The city of Portland, ME that was chosen has a population of just over sixty-six thousand people, which is comparable in nature to the Cape Girardeau and Jackson regional area. They analyzed data collected from 28 locally owned retail businesses, along with corporate filings for a representative national chain. The researchers found,

 

“That every $100 spent at locally owned businesses contributes an additional $58 to the local economy.  By comparison, $100 spent at a chain store in Portland yields just $33 in local economic impact.”

The study concluded,

 

“That if residents of the region were to shift 10 percent of their spending from chains to locally owned businesses, it would generate $127 million in additional local economic activity and 874 new jobs.”

 

Cape Girardeau is obviously not Portland, ME, but even if we were to assume a fraction of the benefits they found, we can come to the conclusion that local spending and events are a winning combination for Cape Girardeau. This is why we as downtown merchants, of every variety, should feel the need to champion events such as our recent fireworks display, while also applauding those who chose to patronize local retailers while in attendance.  Of utmost importance though, is to come to realization that events such as these can come to a close at a moment’s notice without support from the local community. We don’t like to imagine a downtown free from the sounds of an acoustic guitar at Tunes at Twilight, the uproar of a hot rod revving its engine during the car shows, or seeing the first set of Christmas lights parading down Broadway. We certainly hope that everyone in our area feels the same!

From sidewalk cafes to the sweetest patios and the best places to people watch, downtown has got you covered when it comes to outdoor dining options. It's time to get outside, soak up the sun and take advantage of these mild June temperatures. Below you'll find a list of all of the wonderful options for dining outside while downtown.

			1. Bella Italia Patio  |  Map it! This is the perfect place to enjoy the company of friends while watching pedestrians stride down Spanish street into nearby antique shops and salons. The checkered table cloths, mural of Italy and the zesty food selection set the tone for a wonderful outing.
2. Bel-Air Deck  |  Map it! This huge deck is a summer staple in Cape Girardeau. Grab a friend, some sunglasses and an appetite for some of the best fried bar food around. The Bel-Air potatoes are almost as legendary as the outdoor venue itself, so add those to your must try list.
			3. Cape's Cream of the Crust  & Sugar Buzz Bakery Sidewalk Table  |  Map it! Everything down to the ice cream machine itself is an antique at Cape's Cream of the Crust & Sugar Buzz Bakery. Kick back and enjoy the nostalgia of days past at this cute soda and ice cream shoppe on Spanish Street. It's directly attached to Spanish Street Mercantile.
4. Celebrations Courtyard  |  Map it! Escape the everyday grind with a lovely 5 course meal outside at Celebrations courtyard. Sip on a spectacular glass of wine while enjoying great conversation with your special someone. The attentive service and tucked away atmosphere makes it feel like you've found your very own private getaway in the city.
			5. Corner Grocery Store Sidewalk Tables  |  Map it! The Corner Grocery Store boasts the World's Best Grilled Cheese and handmade-chocolate candies among other quick meal options. Recently they've been most noted for their Kentucky Bourban Balls which are a delight for the sweet tooth. Owners, Robert & Mary, are the nicest souls you'll ever meet. Meeting them alone is worth your trip. They're natural conversationalists. Just ask about their beloved Kentucky Wildcats, and you're sure to win them over.
			6. Cup 'n Cork Patio  |  Map it! Here you'll find best friends having heart to hearts, co-workers chatting about projects and SEMO students taking advantage of the trusty WiFi signal. Come for breakfast, dinner or lunch. Coffee in the morning or wine in the evening... Cup 'n Cork will keep you powering through.
			7. Dynamite Coffee Sidewalk Table   |  Map it! A great meet-up spot, Dynamite Coffee is a niche coffee shop on Independence. After having awesome success at the Downtown Farmer's Market the shop owners decided to plant permanent roots less than a block from the market grounds. Almost a year in and the shop already has devoted regulars and raving fans.
			8. El Sol Patio  |  Map it! The patio at El Sol is a great place to bask in the fresh summer air while enjoying some of the most tasty guacamole around! They even have their own "gaucamole man" to back it up.
9. Imo's Deck  |  Map it! A student favorite, the deck at Imo's is always brewing with lunchtime gab sessions and chill dinner gatherings. Imported from St. Louis, the signature thin crust pizza and house salad dressings are never a disappointment.
			10. Keller's Balcony Patio at The Isle  |  Map it! Keller's is a wonderful mix of luxury and comfort with fancy fire-lit tables and plush couch seating. Light appetizers and entrees compliment the bar offerings. During the night you can feel the light river breeze and during the day the balcony is just high enough to enjoy great views of the Mississippi.
11. The Library Patio  |  Map it! Tiki torches, an outside bar and a sand volleyball court create an aura of excitement at The Library's patio. It's always buzzing on Friday and Saturday nights, and the full food and drink menu make this the kind of place you want to settle in for the entire evening.
12. Main Street Station Sidewalk Table  |  Map it! A fun little stop, Main Street Station, is fully equipped with a concession-like order window as well as the option for shopping inside. Enjoy a quick stop for a hot dog or water on a walk downtown.
			13. Mediterranean on Broadway Sidewalk Tables  |  Map it! Mediterranean on Broadway recently relocated and is now directly adjacent to the university campus. Sidewalk tables provide the option to watch Broadway traffic zoom by as you're enjoying a gyro.
			14. Socials Sidewalk Tables  |  Map it! The fresh ferns and plants amid Socials sidewalk tables add a touch of welcome serenity. Bring a pen and paper and write the day away as downtown pedestrians make their way up and down Main Street. Coffee, food and treats are all available inside.
15. Take-out at the River, Downtown Parks or Benches!  Get creative with take-out! Order a to-go plate from any of the restaurants downtown and bask in the beauty of the Mississippi River at Riverfront Park or from the bench atop the Common Pleas Courthouse stairs for a breathtaking view of downtown and the river.

Author: Toni Eftink is a Project Manager at Element 74 where she leads custom web projects. She has a huge love for downtown Cape Girardeau and small businesses. You can find her on Google+ and Twitter.

This post is written by guest blogger, Steven Amrhein, Intern at Old Town Cape.

Q: Who are you and when did you open the business?

A: We are the owners, Allen and Albert, and we do everything here at Socials Café and Catering - whether it be cooking, prepping, serving, or cleaning - we are your guys. The café opened downtown in April 2007 in a building that is over 110 years old that is now known as "The Bar" that was used in Gone Girl. Everything in the old building was built from scratch from our ideas and what we wanted the café to be. However, eventually it was time to improve and expand our vision that consisted of being closer to the river in a nicer space - even if it meant that we had to carry everything over ourselves through the alley way. Socials currently is located at 31 N. Main Street and has been since July 2011.

Q: What makes your business unique?

A; What began as a sandwich shop now offers a variety of menu items including salads, side items, soups and more. In fact, the only thing that is still from our original menu is the chicken salad, which has been known to sell out because of what makes us truly unique - the freshness. We are very "anti-tub," meaning that nothing that we buy is prepackaged. 95% of our food is made right here in downtown Cape including the bread, soups, and meats. Everything else is bought locally.

Another great thing that makes us unique is that we are the only all open front café in Cape Girardeau. The entire front of the restaurant can be opened and usually is in the spring before the bugs invade. We are actually looking into purchasing screens so that the doors can stay open during the summer as well in order to provide a better atmosphere for Main Street.

Q: Why did you choose to locate your business downtown?

A: It's all about the memories. Growing up in Cape Girardeau, we remember the buzz about going downtown for festivals and to visit new stores. I, Albert, move away for about ten years and came back to Cape with a new passion for wanting to have my own place downtown. On the west side of town, there are so many chain stores and we felt that Socials would be lost or hard to find over there. We also specialize in building relationships on a smaller basis, so we felt that downtown was the right fit for us.

The business is slowly growing and changing. What used to be 8am to 5pm every day has changed to better fit visitor's needs. Socials is now open six days a week: Tuesday & Wednesday from 8am to 3pm; Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 8am to 8 pm; and Sunday from 9am to 1pm. If you decide to stop by for a visit, we recommend trying the Clubhouse Grille (Allen's favorite) or the Chipotle Chicken and Bacon (Albert's favorite).

"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."

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!

Sometimes you just need a little comfort food. As a downtown business owner, I usually have less time to cook and more need for comfort. That's why I was delighted to find The Corner Grocery Store! This small neighborhood grocer serves hot plate lunches, soups, and sandwiches along with snacks and staples. The shop's owners Mary and Robert Gentry are two of my most favorite people in the world.

About a year and a half ago, Mary told me that she was considering doing some dessert items for the store and may start selling them at the newly established Cape Riverfront Market. I thought this was a splendid idea as Mary and Robert are amazing cooks - their lasagna, chicken n' dumplings, potato soup, fried chicken, and, of course, the world's best grilled cheese are unbeatable. So, on the first market day, I was sure to stop by their booth to try her handcrafted Kentucky bourbon balls (which by the way came from an old Gentry only family recipe). The first bite was wow, totally incredible! I ended up buying a four-pack of these little delights and gobbled them down in about 20 minutes.

Mary and Robert didn't just stop at bourbon balls though. Over the next few months, they went on to develop more gourmet chocolate - peanut butter delights, chocolate covered pretzel sticks, peppermint patties, and several others. They even held a candy tasting back in August. I found that these sweet treats were not only great snacks, but the perfect refreshment for parties in store and holiday gifts.

So, if you are looking for a great idea for holiday entertaining, please go see the Gentry's at The Corner Grocery Store to order candy for your party. If you are ordering two dozen or more, please book your order at least a week in advance as each one is made with gourmet craftsmanship.

Photos are courtesy of Arevalo Photography

This post is written by guest blogger, Kynli Smith, Intern at Old Town Cape.

Q: Who are you and when did you open the business?

A: My name is Kevin Priester and I opened West Bank Bistro in December 2012. We chose to open then to allow us enough time to work out the kinks before the Southeast Missouri State University students came back for the semester and business picked up.

Q: What makes your business unique?

A: Our venue sets us apart because it is a house that has been transformed into a unique dining experience and that gives West Bank Bistro a "home" feeling. The historic Huhn-Harrison House was built in 1905. It needed a lot of work in the beginning and we basically had to take it apart and put it back togethera again. But, we tried to recreate the original layout as close as possible.

Another unique charactertistic about West Bank Bistro is the variety of food and drinks options that we offer to our customers. My personal favorites are the iced coffee and Sweet & Smokey Turkey sandwich with a side of White Bean Ragoo Soup. But really any of our menu items are winners.

Q: Why did you choose to locate your business in downtown Cape?

A: I like historic buildings and I like coffee shops. I thought that a combination of the two would be a wonderful thing to bring to downtown Cape. The Southeast Missouri State University River Campus also played a big role in my decision to open the business where I did. I thought that it would be a great opportunity to appeal to the students and faculty that frequent the River Campus. Since opening, we have started displaying work from students in the business and became an acoustic venue for people to enjoy on First Friday and various nights throughout the month. There are so many talented people in this community and West Bank Bistro wants to be a place that they can use to hone in on their skills.