Living in the Bootheel of Missouri, it is no secret that there is not just an overwhelming amount of things to do. When coming up with plans with your friends, it often requires quite a bit of creativity to avoid constantly doing the same monotonous things. Having lived in this area my whole life and being someone that gets bored VERY easily, I have come up with a few ways to cure boredom in the Bootheel:
1. Mural Hunting
In times of desperate boredom, an easy and inexpensive fix is mural hunting! Just grab a couple of friends, hop in the car, and drive around to neighboring towns’ downtown areas to hunt for their murals! My friends and I usually take pictures of each new one that we find. After, it is neat to try one of the town’s cute, local restaurants that we have never ate at before!
2. Hiking at Morris State Park
What many Bootheel residents probably do not know (as I recently discovered this from a friend) is that there is a little area to hike in Campbell. Morris State Park is a portion of Crowley’s Ridge that serves as a peaceful, two-mile hiking trail. This park is a good way to explore a bit of nature without having to travel far. Since it is in Campbell, you can easily stop for ice cream at the Sugar Shack after your hike!
3. The Delta Fair
Each September, the Delta Fair makes its way back to Kennett. This event draws people from all over Southeast Missouri to it! Whether it is the fried food, sketchy rides, reconnecting with old friends, the derby nights, the interesting art on display, or simply the atmosphere of it all, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
4. Lake Jerry Paul
This small, man-made lake just outside of Kennett is a great place to do some relaxing fishing or a bit of laid back kayaking!
5. Football Season
Whether you attended a school with a football team or not, I am sure you have found yourself at a few local football games in your lifetime. Every fall as football season begins again in a few small towns throughout the Bootheel, the excitement throughout the area grows. Students, parents, alumni, and fans alike find themselves spending their Friday nights in school stadiums, cheering on their players and watching the band’s halftime show. Having attended every Friday night home football game for the past four years, I can attest that the atmosphere of these games is unbeatable!
6. Uptown Skate
Along with its hiking trail and its famous Sugar Shack, Campbell also offers a small skating rink called Uptown Skate. It is a fun, fairly cheap activity to do with friends and a convenient way to avoid driving to Jonesboro or Poplar Bluff!
7. Impromptu Sporting Activities
In times of boredom, it usually is not all that difficult to find someone equally as bored as you. It is easy to get some friends together for a game of capture the flag, ultimate frisbee, tennis, or whichever other sport you like at one of the many local parks!
8. Sheryl Crow Pool
Need to beat the summer heat? If you or your friends do not have a pool, no worries! Just head to the Sheryl Crow Aquatic Center in Kennett! For just a few bucks, you can spend the afternoon relaxing in the pool or taking advantage of the slide and waterpark area. After, treat yourself to a delicious donut or cookie at Causbie’s, because it is fortunately right across the street!
While living in the Bootheel is not always the most exciting thing, it is what you make of it! If you want an adventure, you have to go out and use your creativity to find it!
