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| A wonderfully scenic place to visit in the fall is the Lake of the Ozarks. With more than 1,150 miles of scenic shoreline, the 54,000-acre lake seems to offer something for everyone. Whether you want to go on a fall foliage road trip, fish and play on the lake, or get some much-needed rest and relaxation, Osage Beach is where you want to be. The Lake of the Ozarks’ central location makes it easy to get to. It’s a convenient destination within a few hours’ drive of any other major Missouri attraction. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Lake of the Ozarks area a handful of times, and I am always amazed at how colorful and lush the trees are during the autumn. I even have a collection of framed pressed leaves that I’ve collected from past trips. The water is warm just about year-round, and the lake makes for unforgettable fishing tales. One of the most popular events of the year is the annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. It is held every August, and is the largest unsanctioned boat competition in the U.S. More than 100 boats race for bragging rights as the fastest boat. What is the best way to be a spectator? On your very own boat or houseboat, of course! Forever Resorts (www.foreverhouseboats.com) owns and operates luxury houseboat rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks Marina. A houseboat makes for a great family vacation or a girl’s or guy’s group getaway. If you’d rather have both feet on the ground, you may want to check into one of the Lake of the Ozarks’ premier resort properties including the Lodge of Four Seasons Resort and Spa (www.4seasonsresort.com) and Tan-Tar-A Resort (www.tan-tar-a.com). Both properties have spas and golf courses available, while Tan-Tar-A has Missouri’s largest indoor water park. Or you can opt to camp out, stay at a bed and breakfast, or rent an entire home to stay in. The area has plenty to offer for every type of budget. Osage Beach also has great shopping, offering the state’s largest outlet mall and all sorts of boutique shops. In fact, it’s not unusual for visitors to come strictly for the shopping. With over a dozen golf courses, there are plenty of greens to keep even the avid golfer busy. If you’re looking for a little adventure, make your way over to Ha Ha Tonka in Camdenton. A beautiful easy hike takes you to one of the state’s most unusual state parks, which is centered on the ruins of a European-style castle built in the early 1900s. Don’t forget your camera because you’ll experience breathtaking views at every angle. I’m also hearing more and more about going underground. Although I haven’t done this in Missouri yet, the Lake of the Ozarks is among the few U.S. destinations that have show caves for exploring colorful formations and eons of history. It’s definitely on my list for my next visit. Learn more about the Ozark Caverns at www.mostateparks.com/lakeozark/cave.htm. You can’t go to the Lake of the Ozarks without taking a scenic drive. Sherman’s Travel recently featured the Lake of the Ozarks as one of the “10 best places to enjoy autumn’s colors.” Sherman’s says, “If the sight of brilliantly speckled hillsides and crimson-hued leafy boughs make you ooh and ah, the same scene reflected in calm lake waters is bound to intensify your admiration.” Try the 25-mile route recommended on www.funlake.com, and don’t forget to make frequent stops along the way. The route takes you from the starting point at the historic Willmore Lodge on Business Highway 54 in Lake Ozark for a spectacular six-mile view of Bagnell Dam and the Lake of the Ozarks, all the way to Ha Ha Tonka’s 12 hiking trails. These trails showcase Missouri’s premier examples of karst topography, a honeycomb of tunnels, caverns, springs, and sinkholes. I’ve driven through and seen all of these, and I can assure you that your eyes will be full from taking in all the beauty! You can really get a nice overview of the area this way. If you have more time, take a tour of the Lake of the Ozarks’ great wineries: Casa de Loco Winery, Seven Springs Winery, Grey Bear Vineyards and Winery, which also houses the Black Canyon Ale House Microbrewery and Bistro—a great stop, and the Eichenberg Winery. They all have their own individual charm and flavors, so you’ll just have to check them all out and then bring souvenirs home. October also brings the Apple Festival and the annual Apple Butter Days Fall Festival. You really shouldn’t miss these if you are in town. So if you are interested in traveling to the premier destination in America’s heartland, head over to the Lake of the Ozarks for an awesome experience! It is said to be the perfect vacation for couples, families, or a group of friends, and now is the best time to go. Check with your local travel agent for any specials on lodging and excursions and for his or her ideas on a good time. Like I mentioned, you just have to go fishing for some of those huge catfish! Cruising the coast either by boat or by car is so relaxing and beautiful that the time will fly by. Also keep in mind that you can fly into different nearby cities such as Kansas City or Springfield. Depending on your plans, your travel agent can set you up with some exciting side trips so you can explore several areas. Traveling to the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most relaxing and easygoing trips you can take. You will thoroughly enjoy it and return home rejuvenated! Editor’s Note: Jackie has been a freelance writer for four years. She specializes in luxury, sports, and adventure travel, health and fitness, and product reviews. Her work has appeared in publications including Colorado Golf, Desert Golf, and Canadian Architecture & Design. |
Visit the Lake |
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