Family Activities
The 2026 Central States VHF Society Conference is pleased to offer the following family activities and tours during the event.
Thursday, July 23
Our family program begins Thursday evening with a private tour and dining experience at the River Ridge Winery. You may arrive as early as 5:30pm. Our buffet dinner begins at 6pm. We will have live entertainment of music and storytelling that will enhance our understanding of the Cape Girardeau area. Winery tours and wine tasting will be available.
The buffet will start with Appetizers: Fried Okra served with WOW! Sauce and Homemade Crazy Queso Dip, Salsa, and Chips. The meal starts with a Tossed Salad that has Mixed Greens, Red Onion, Fire Roasted Red Peppers, Chedder Cheese tossed with their homemade sweet red wine Vinaigrette. The main course consists of Smoked Sliders on homemade rolls. These are Canadian Ham and Italian Beef with mustard, mayo, or WOW! sauce on the side. You will finish your meal with Made from scratch Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies. Included drinks are water, Iced Tea, and house made Lemonade. Wine and Beer are extra.
You will have to drive yourself or carpool to The River Ridge Winery at 850 Co Rd 321, Scott City, MO 63780. Let us know at the registration desk if you need to carpool support.
Price is $45 per person
Thursday nite activities will continue at the hotel in the "Hospitality Suite"
Friday, July 24
Download a .pdf with complete details of Friday and Saturday's activities: Family Program 2026
Guided City Tour of Cape Girardeau
Start the day with a local guide providing the Historical and architectural uniquities of Cape Girardeau. The bus leaves the hotel at 9:00 AM.
Crisp Museum
Study the cultural history of Southeast Missouri and the Mississippi River valley including Native American artifacts, early Spanish and French contact, later American settlement, Civil War history, political turmoil in Missouri, and the development of Cape Girardeau as a river town.
Lunch at Port Cape Girardeau
Dine in a casual, historic setting overlooking the Mississippi River, specializing in slow-cooked BBQ and classic comfort food. Enjoy dessert at the on-site ice cream parlor. Lunch is "self pay".
Downtown Exploration
Finish exploring the downtown area and the Mississippi River Tales Mural.
The antique shops are a hub for vintage collectors. Antique shops include Pastimes Antiques, Brick Street Gallery, and Spanish Street Mercantile.
Boutiques & Specialty Gift Shops Include: Goose & Gander – A curated food shop featuring a "sober bar" and unique gourmet products. Belle Ever After Boutique – A women's clothing store. Lattitudes Fair Trade Store – Offers ethically sourced home decor and gifts.
Painted Wren Art Gallery and Riverside Pottery showcase nature-inspired art and handmade ceramics.
The bus will return everyone to the hotel at approximately 3:30pm.
Saturday, July 25th
The bus departs the hotel at 9:00 AM.
Guided Tour of Trail of Tears State Park
The park includes: The Crossing commemorating the spot where nine of the 13 Cherokee detachments crossed the Mississippi River during the winter of 1838–1839. The Struggle describing the harsh winter conditions and floating ice, thousands of Cherokee were forced to camp in the surrounding forest under brutal conditions while waiting to cross. Bushyhead Memorial marks the traditional burial site of Princess Otahki, daughter of a Cherokee chief, and others who perished during the relocation.
Lunch at My Daddies Cheesecake
The menu includes a variety of soup, salad, and sandwich deals. Choose from 20 flavors of cheesecake for dessert. Lunch is "self pay".
Cape Girardeau Heritage Museum
See displays on Founding Figures – Learn about the city founders Jean Baptiste de Girardot and Jean-Pierre Lorimier. Missouri State Flag – Marie Watkins Oliver, a Cape Girardeau resident, designed the Missouri State Flag. River Heritage – Replicas of riverboats, antique packet boats, and a model of the town as it appeared historically. Special Semi Quincentennial Exhibits – Honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States by learning about George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette. Local Technology & Media – Be able to tell your ham about the KFVS-TV (once the world's tallest TV tower) and collections of antique cars.
We will return to hotel by 3:30pm on Saturday.