Make It a Weekend Adventure

When searching for "Hannibal" on the 'Net, you'll find many mentions of the liver-adoring psychopath Hannibal Lecter and the Roman-fighting general Hannibal of Carthage, but, fortunately, the references to "America's Hometown" — Hannibal, Missouri — are interspersed throughout. However, if you're feeling like computer research just isn't enough, a two-hour drive northwest can re-establish your relationship with Mark Twain's boyhood home. And there's no better time to head up than Memorial Day weekend, when the nineteenth annual River Arts Festival lines Hannibal's historic Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (May 27 and 28). Will there be a booth selling ashtrays in the shape of Mark Twain's head? Perhaps, but with nearly one hundred artists specially selected from nine Midwestern states, numerous food booths, wine-tastings and a stage for live performances, you'll have plenty of other pleasing options. And you can always head over to Bubba's on Church Street for a Bubba-size beer and deep-fried mac & cheese — was it Tom Sawyer's favorite dish? Probably not, but it sure is tasty. For more information about the festival, visit www.hannibalarts.com or call the Hannibal Arts Council at 573-221-6545.
Sat., May 27; Sun., May 28