Rediscovering Cape

What is there to do in Cape?

"Absolutely nothing," is a response I hear quite often from teenagers in Cape Girardeau. But strangely, when a teen from Scott City is asked what they do for fun, they respond, "Go to Cape."

Do they know a secret that we don't? Are they aware of hidden places of enjoyment in Cape Girardeau that we, as indigenous teens, know nothing about?

Well, in truth, probably not. The things they love to do, we are jaded on. Let's face it: Cape just isn't the "hot spot," especially if you are younger than 18 yand have already exhausted your options of "Mall or movie?" "Movie or mall?"

Though it may seem like there is nothing to do in Cape, there is. The best thing is, you can do all of these activities for less than $10. What's not to love about having fun and saving money at the same time?

With a new movie coming out every week, the two theaters in Cape are always an option. With the Wehrenberg theater prices at $7.50 and the Kerasotes theater a close second at $6.50, it doesn't give a person much room to grab a bite to eat afterward, but their doors are always open. There is no substitute for enjoying greasy popcorn while watching a larger-than-life Johnny Depp as a pirate on the big screen.

If a movie does not spark your interest, going to a park is always a fun, absolutely free thing to do. With Cape's seven parks, the university campus tennis and soccer fields and the Cape Bicycle Trail, you shouldn't have a hard time picking out which one to go to. Having a picnic, riding bikes, taking pictures, playing soccer, tennis or Frisbee are all fun options in a park, and did I mention it's free?

Not too thrilled about getting your heart rate above 150? Downtown is a wonderful place for teenagers to hang out. There are many fun shops that you can explore and many cafes where you can eat.

Grace Cafe on Broadway offers many drinks like Italian sodas, ice-cold frappuccinos and smoothies for the summer. Also, their paninis are to die for! Grace Cafe also hosts many local bands from the area.

The band U-Turn will perform in the restaurant at 8 p.m. June 30. All you pay for is your coffee. So go! Enjoy a smoothie while listening to the band expressing its talent.

There is also Cup 'N' Cork on North Main Street. They offer a variety of gourmet coffees and refreshing drinks. You can go in for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy a croissant, sandwich or one of their famous paninis.

This sidewalk cafe is ideal for a large group setting, a two-person dinner or a family get together. Cup 'N' Cork also features poets or musicians on certain nights.

Saturday night, singer/songwriter Wil Maring will perform from 8:30 to 11 p.m.

Speaking of entertainment in the downtown area, The Enchanted Forest, at 811 Broadway above Cherokee Trails, is a popular hangout for many teens who enjoy local music and friends. They offer entertainment at a reasonable price of $7, as well as an environment that is drug- and alcohol-free. The bands Self Portrait and 421 will play Saturday. And First of Phoenix, NORTH, Slow Riot and Fill perform June 26. The Enchanted Forest holds up to 300 people, so why not bring some friends and meet some new ones while you're at it.

If you aren't in the mood to go out, you can always rent a movie for around $5. Watching an old classic will never let you down. Being in the comfort of my own home -- or someone else's -- with my friends is something I always enjoy. And the perks: You can scream as loud as you want during Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho"; cry as emotionally as you like as Rick Blain reunites with Ilsa in the movie "Casablanca" or laugh hysterically during all of the "American Pie" movies.

Christina Chastain will be a senior at Cape Girardeau Central High School this fall.