With its rolling river, charming downtown and friendly, welcoming citizens, Cape provides the perfect place to escape it all. Even if you live here, taking a weekend staycation offers the same relaxing benefits.

The first step in planning any vacation is figuring out what to do. And we’ve got you covered.

This weekend itinerary runs from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, and it’s geared toward adult visitors. For more kid-friendly options (we have plenty), click here.

Once you arrive and settle in at your hotel, campground or Airbnb, you’ll likely want to kick off the weekend with a little excitement. We recommend heading to Isle Casino Cape Girardeau. As soon as you step through the doors, you’re welcomed by the sound of whirling slot machines and joyful exclamations from winners, along with the aroma of delicious dinner entrees. Whether you enjoy slots or prefer table games like poker and blackjack, Isle Casino brings the vacation mood. Live entertainment and exquisite dishes round out the evening.

For something more low-key, immerse yourself in quintessential small-town life with a movie in the park. Every Friday night throughout July, community members lounge on blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a classic sports movie together. Check out the 2019 lineup.

On Saturday, the temptation to sleep in may be tough to resist. But you’d miss some really cool stuff. We recommend grabbing coffee to go and strolling along the river first thing. It’s beautiful as the mist rises from the slowly rippling waves, barges ambling in the distance. Two of the best downtown views are at the Old Bridge Overlook and Riverfront Park. At Riverfront, your vantage point is near the massive murals along the floodwall, depicting Cape Girardeau and Missouri history.

If you have time, stop by the Cape Riverfront Farmers Market to taste some of the sweetest fruits and vegetables around. It’s the hangout spot on Saturday mornings, bringing together gardeners, bakers, artists and more. Then stroll through the downtown area, stopping at our boutiques and antique shops for handmade items available only in Cape. Discover what sort of stores you’ll find.

Keep the energy going with the adrenaline rush of trying to solve a murder or elude bad guys at Escape Cape. Each room offers a unique set of challenges and clues designed to make you work with a team to solve the puzzle before time runs out. It’s an experience that gets your heart racing and brain working as you create memories together. This summer’s options include Shazam! Destruction of Dr. Dub’s Device, Cloo: The Second Act and Bogart’s Chrome Dome.

Saturday evening means a night on the town, and Cape’s got a top-notch dining and music scene. Just park and walk, stopping anywhere that looks interesting. There will be food inspired by flavors around the world and music from nearly any genre you can think of – all near the bank of the Mississippi River.

Begin your last day in town (or your last staycation day) at Trail of Tears State Park. It’s got a little bit of everything outdoorsy, including breathtaking views of the Mississippi. Picture standing near the edge of a cliff surrounded by lush green trees, waves rolling below your feet as the sun shimmers. There are miles of hiking trails and waterways stocked with fish, as well as displays and monuments honoring the Cherokee Native Americans who wintered at the site during 1838 and 1839.

The weekend may be coming to a close by Sunday afternoon, but there’s still time to squeeze in a little more R&R before returning to the real world. We recommend spending a few lazy hours at a winery, sipping Missouri’s best flavors. Cape’s winemakers follow the regional tradition of creating sweet wines from the best grapes. Spend the afternoon on a patio, enjoying your companion’s company while savoring stunning vineyard views and a breeze.Discover a few local wineries.

Looking for more ideas for you next trip? This weekend itinerary just scratches the surface of what Cape Girardeau has to offer. Find more.