Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts

Friday, June 29, 2018

Learn It, Do It And Love It at The Lake Of The Ozarks


When it comes to fun, there's no reason to sit on the sidelines and let the good times pass you by at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. With the variety of entertaining activities, visitors can partake in their favorite pastimes or embark on a journey of discovery trying their hand at new experiences. There are many opportunities to "learn it, do it and love it" at the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation." Read on for a few ideas on how to discover new hobbies, create new family traditions and make a visit to the Lake of the Ozarks both a relaxing vacation and an exciting educational experience as well.


GET HOOKED ON FISHING
Ask any angler why they love to fish and they'll tell you it's the excitement and that electric sensation that travels through the body as you feel your line go taught and a fish fighting on the other end. "Whoa, I've got one!" After that, you're hooked. 

For anyone that's had an interest in learning the ropes or introducing their children to the age-old pastime, the professional fishing guides at the Lake are a great resource for anglers of any skill level. Novices can learn the basics: how to  properly cast with a spinning rod or a bait casting reel, what type of baits work best for each species and during which time of year. They'll also pick up many simple tips on easily overlooked essentials that will help beginners catch more fish and have more fun. The guides are friendly and eager to show off their "backyard playground" that is the Lake of the Ozarks. What's more, it's a great way to spend a day out on the water, enjoying the scenery and wildlife and making new friends and memories.

"I absolutely love teaching the art of angling to newcomers," says Ed Franko, owner of Big Ed's Guide Service and co-owner of Bass and Baskets Bed and Breakfast in Osage Beach. "I enjoy taking someone that's never fished before and helping them learn not just how to catch a fish, but how to tie on a lure and learn every aspect of fishing from start to finish. The biggest thrill I get is seeing the happiness on my customers' faces, especially kids, when they've learned something new and have success by catching the first fish of their life. Their face just lights up and their excitement is contagious. It can be a life-changing experience. And, I've found you're never to old to learn something new. I've been doing this for years and I still learn something new every time I'm on the water."

"FORE" HELP WITH YOUR GOLF GAME, ASK A PRO
Some golfers make it look so easy. A perfectly fluid swing, an impossibly long and straight drive. An effortless chip and a short putt for an excellent score.

According to Rob Wilson, assistant golf professional at Old Kinderhook, everyone can get to that level. It just takes practice.

"Golf can be an intimidating and frustrating game, but it doesn't have to be," Wilson says. "Everyone has to start somewhere. With the right amount of patience and practice, any golfer can come a long way in a relatively short time, especially with the help of a golf pro. One has to remember, like anything in life, with a little dedication and practice you can go as far as you are willing to go. A pro can help you with your stance, your swing, your whole approach and can make a world of difference. Working with a pro in an easy-going, no-pressure setting can be a lot of fun and very beneficial, no matter what kind of golfer you are or if you've never played before at all."

Those that have ever desired to take up the game of golf, or work on minimizing their handicap, can benefit from a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks.  With 13 championship courses dotting the area, there's no better place to learn the finer points of the game. Nearly all 13 courses offer one-on-one golf tutorials with PGA professionals to ensure that visitors have a great first experience and/or improve their game while at the Lake. Personal attention and, in some cases, state-of-the-art video analysis will help iron out the kinks in any duffer's swing and help newcomers develop a solid foundation and appreciation for the game. All 13 courses also offer various practice facilities so golfers can work on long drives from the tees and master their short game on putting greens, chipping greens and more. Once a golfer spends a couple hours with a pro or working on their game on the practice range, they'll be ready to put their skills to the test on any of the courses at the Lake, from the most forgiving layouts to the most challenging. For more information on the courses at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit www.GolfingMissouri.com.

In addition, Old Kinderhook Golf Resort, near Camdenton, offers a crash-course on the game that will help golfers new and old. The resort's weekly Golf Clinic takes place every Friday and Saturday, now until September 3. The two-hour classes run from 6-8 p.m. on Friday evenings and 9-11 a.m. on Saturdays. Also included with the instruction are two rounds of golf on Saturdays and Sundays. For complete details on the clinic, call the Pro Shop at 573-317-3575 or visit Old Kinderhook's website at www.OldKinderhook.com.

LEARNING DONE LAKESIDE
If a visitor is looking for something a little more extreme than fishing and/or golf, then studying at Kirby's School of Wake may just be the exhilarating education they're hoping to find. The instructor at the School of Wake, located in Osage Beach, professional wakeboarder Kirby Liesmann, has studied with and shadowed some of the most accomplished professionals and coaches in the wakeboarding industry. Kirby puts his years of experience to use in helping others learn the sport. Since 2008, Kirby has taught hundreds of people how to safely pursue wakeboarding with one-on-one instruction through individual classes, day camps and group clinics during the summer months. Whether a wakeboarding student is just starting out and learning the basics or trying to nail some of the most thrilling advanced tricks, they'll find Kirby's relaxed, no-pressure teaching style fun and beneficial to them obtaining their goals and progressing at a speed they are comfortable with. For complete details on Kirby's School of Wake, including a schedule of clinics and day camps, visit www.KirbysSchoolOfWake.com 

Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures, located in Sunrise Beach on the white sand beach near Frankie and Louie's Bar & Grill, offers a number of rental options for those looking to paddle around on the Lake, including kayaks, pedal boats and the newest craze to hit the paddling world, stand-up paddle boards. Stand-up paddle boarding, which is like a cross between surfing and kayaking, is one of the fastest growing sports world-wide and offers a unique and enjoyable experience as boarders glide across the surface of the water, providing a totally different perspective of being on the Lake compared with traditional skiing, boating or wakeboarding.  

The owners of Super Dave's, Lisa and Dave Bertel, fell in love with paddle boarding after being introduced to the sport while on vacation in Florida. According to Dave, it was tough going for him at first. "The first time I tried it, everyone else just took off with no problems at all, and I just kept falling in. I'd get back up on the board and fall right back in. Get back on, fall back in," Dave says. After a few more tries and a lot of laughs from his friends at his expense, Dave was up and paddling and never looked back. "Once I figured it out, I absolutely loved it. It's a blast," he says. "I told my wife, Lisa, we have to bring this to the Lake. It'd be perfect."


In 2012, the Bertels opened Super Dave's at the Lake of the Ozarks and began renting paddle boards  and all sorts of other paddle craft. In addition, the Bertels started  teaching customers all about the sport so that visitors will have better luck than Dave did his first time out. "I love seeing the pure joy that people derive from trying paddle boarding," Dave says. "A lot of people are afraid at first or think it's going to be hard. Then they get the hang of it and have a blast. Often times it's the most reluctant person in a group we're teaching that's always the last person back in because they've had the best time. We're all about having an adventure and having fun. Teaching new people paddle boarding and watching them fall head over heels for the sport makes our job the best job in the world," he concludes.

The crew of two at Super Dave's makes sure to set each intrepid adventurer up for success. Each  paddle board rental comes with personalized instructions from either Dave or Lisa where they teach their customers how to safely and successfully get on the board, stand up on the board, how to paddle efficiently and how to control their board before making their way out into the quiet Lake cove. This can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes, depending upon the customer, however, additional assistance and coaching is provided if desired. "We want to make sure everyone is successful and has a great time," Dave says.

Each rental from Super Dave's, whether a kayak, pedal boat or stand-up paddle board, costs $15 per hour. All paddle craft rentals come with up to 30 minutes of instruction to make sure customers feel comfortable with their vessel and have a safe and enjoyable time on the water. Super Dave's is one of the only paddle craft rental companies located in a large no-wake cove at the Lake of the Ozarks, providing a carefree day of fun on the water. To learn more about Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures, call 239-233-3038 or visit them on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SuperDavesPaddleCraftAdventures/.

LEARNING IS NATURAL AT THE LAKE
Looking to learn more about the Lake's natural state? Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park both feature park naturalists who can enhance visitors' experiences at the parks with a wealth of knowledge about the flora, fauna, geographical and topographical makeup of the parks and the natural areas available within. 

During the summer months at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, park naturalists lead guided hikes and present evening programs to showcase the diversity of the park's natural areas as well as how the Missouri State Park system is working to restore these landscapes. There's also an interpretive center complete with displays and brochures located near the entrance to Ozark Caverns, an impressive show cave offering hand-held lantern tours. Along the half-mile guided round trip through this cave, explorers/visitors will see evidence of early spelunkers, claw marks in the sediment fills left by animals that sought shelter in the cave thousands of years ago and other natural cave formations, including an impressive "Angel Shower." Tours of Ozark Caverns are offered seasonally, from mid-May through mid-September. Complete details for Ozark Caverns, its tour schedule and admissions prices, can be found by going to TinyURL.com/OzarkCaverns.

At Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which was recently voted the fourth-best state park in the country by readers of USA Today and The Most Beautiful Place in Missouri by Condé Nast Traveler, visitors can learn more about this celebrated park by visiting the  outdoor interpretive area and the visitors center located at the park office. The visitor center features a large relief map of the park carved from stone. Park brochures, trail maps and interpretive materials are available inside the park office.

Self-guided trail maps, species note cards and brochures help hikers at both parks learn about and identify different plants, trees and animals that can be found along the 25 trails located within the two parks. Informative placards also are placed throughout the parks making a trip to the Lake's state parks both an enjoyable and educational excursion in the Ozarks' natural beauty. Thousands of people visit the parks each year and many come back time and time again and always see, learn or experience something new. Both parks are open year around, though the hours of operation for the visitor centers vary by season. For more information about both state parks, visit the state parks page on www.funlake.com/state-parks.

This is just a highlight of some of the opportunities visitors will find at the Lake of the Ozarks to jump into new experiences and create lasting memories and new traditions. For more ideas, or to learn more about all the fun events, attractions, as well as lodging and dining options available all year at the  "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation , call the  Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at  1-800-FUN-LAKE , or visit the CVB's award-winning website,  www.FunLake.com 

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Experience the Splendor of Autumn at Lake Of The Ozarks



Every year, from mid-September through early November, the hardwood forests that line the winding roads, rolling hillsides and shorelines around the Lake of the Ozarks transform from verdant greens into a vibrant palette of varying shades of red, orange and yellow. 

There are many excellent ways to experience the splendor of the season at the "Best Recreational
Lake in the Nation," from self-guided scenic driving tours to languid cruises on the Lake of the Ozarks, hiking in the area's state parks to playing a round at one of 13 championship golf courses, fighting fish in a colorful cove or taking in the scenery from a favorite lakeside restaurant. However visitors decide to spend their time at the Lake, they will want to bring their cameras because they'll be in for a treat during one of the most visually stunning times of the year in the Ozarks.

"We have many visitors return every autumn for the changing of the seasons," says Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. "A lot of them come from around Missouri, but we get quite a few from all over the Midwest and even the west coast because they don't get to experience fall like we do here in Central Missouri. They plan their entire vacations around it."

Those that live at the Lake of the Ozarks enjoy the beauty of the seasons on a daily basis, but for visitors, just driving from their lodging to wherever their trip to the Lake may take them, it can be a very special experience.  And, stopping briefly off the beaten paths and main roads throughout the Lake can reveal many colorful surprises for those hoping to bask in the autumnal glory of the Ozarks.

There are multiple designated scenic overlooks in the Lake area, each offering visitors a unique vantage point of the Lake and its impressive features.  The Ameren Scenic Overlook, located just off the Bagnell Dam on Upper Power Plant Road in Lake Ozark, offers a unique perspective of the Bagnell Dam and the Lake of the Ozarks. Visitors get a distinct view of the Lake as well as the significant elevation change from the Lake of the Ozarks to the Osage River, the Lake's main tributary.  Just down the road from the Ameren Overlook, visitors to Willmore Lodge, 1 Willmore Lane, can enjoy in the panoramic view of the Lake from the back deck of this Adirondak-style building that was constructed in 1930 as an administration building and recreation hall for Union Electric executives. Willmore Lodge now houses a history museum dedicated to the creation of the Bagnell Dam and the Lake of the Ozarks. 

In Camdenton, there are three noteworthy scenic overlooks each offering an exceptional vantage point of the Lake and its fantastic fall foliage. On the way to Bridal Cave, there's the Thunder Mountain Park overlook located on Bridal Cave Road. From this overlook, visitors are afforded a view of the lush hillside leading down to Bridal Cave as well as the shimmering waters of the Lake. Nearby, located in the surrounding Camdenton Conservation Service Center off Thunder Mountain Road, there is a 100-foot tall fire tower with an observation deck situated 80 feet above ground that's open to the public for expansive views of the rolling topography.

About four miles south of Camdenton, visitors to Ha Ha Tonka State Park get a wonderful treat of colors at several overlooks located off paved trails that circle around the park's iconic "castle ruins." Ha Ha Tonka, which was voted the fourth best state park in the nation by readers of USA Today, is a popular attraction at the Lake during the fall. This park offers 14 walking trails covering more than 15 miles throughout the park, making it easy for visitors to experience the different geological formations - tunnels, caverns, springs and sinkholes - as well as the park's pristine woodland areas and glades.  There's also a wooden boardwalk that winds around the natural spring, as well as 316 steps leading up to the stone skeleton of the once-majestic rural estate of Robert McClure Snyder.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri's most visited park and also its largest at 17,626 acres, boasts 12 hiking trails ranging from 0.8 of a mile to 13.5 miles winding through the park, including trails that accommodate mountain bikers and equestrians. These trails are great for leisurely strolls and/or more vigorous hikes through a variety of terrain and ecological systems, including hardwood forests, glades, fens and prairies. They also take hikers along the shores of the Lake and atop bluffs with picturesque views of the water below. This park is very popular with anglers and boaters as it also offers boat rentals, public ramps, docks and a designated self-guided aquatic trail. 

For a birds-eye view, visitors can book an aerial tour with either Lake Ozark Helicopters, located off Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark, or Air Lake Aviation, located at the Camdenton Memorial Lake Regional Airport in Camdenton.  Both offer narrated photography tours throughout the year, weather permitting.  Lake Ozark Helicopters offers six different tour options and Air Lake Aviation offers a 30-minute scenic plane ride which covers most of the Lake area, including the historic Bagnell Dam, Ha Ha Tonka State Park and everything in between.  For more information, or to book a tour with Lake Ozark Helicopters, visit www.LakeOzarkHelicopters.com or call 573-302-0022.  Complete details on Air Lake Aviation's scenic flights can be found at www.AirLakeAviation.com or by calling 573-348-1088.

Those interested in taking in the sights by water can charter a narrated scenic cruise on one of three luxury motor yachts: the Tropic Island, the Celebration and the Celebration II. The Tropic Island, which accommodates 150 passengers, moors at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach and offers 90-minute cruises Tuesdays through Sundays. The original Celebration docks near the Grand Glaize Bridge in Osage Beach, while the new Celebration II docks near the Bagnell Dam in Lake Ozark. The original Celebration offers luncheon and dinner cruises Tuesdays through Sundays while the Celebration II offers 90-minute afternoon and sunset cruises every day of the week except Tuesday. Each ship captain's narration places an emphasis on the history of the Lake of the Ozarks as well as the stunning homes and lakeside restaurants that overlook the water. To learn more about the different cruise options available at the Lake, visit www.TropicIslandCruises.com for the Tropic Island or www.CruiseLakeoftheOzarks.com for the Celebration yachts.

Two favorite Lake of the Ozarks pastimes heat up as the temperatures begin to cool down in the fall. Anglers and golfers alike both favor the fall weather when pursuing their favored hobby. Both fishing and golf are four-season sports at the Lake, but, there is a certain charm in being outdoors in the Ozarks in autumn. Anglers find the quieter waters favorable for fishing in secluded coves along the 1,150 miles of shoreline, as their time on the water proves to be both beautiful and productive.  Largemouth bass and catfish are plentiful, while white bass become a highly sought after target in the shallower waters this time of year. Crappie become active again around brush piles planted in the Lake in September and continue to bite well into the winter.

For golfers, fall is great at any of the Lake's 13 courses. "Autumn is probably the best time to play golf at the Lake because the summer rush is over and the courses are all in great shape," says Paul Leahy, president of the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council and director of golf at Tan-Tar-A Resort. "In mid-fall, especially, you have very comfortable temperatures and more affordable tee times and the foliage is typically quite stunning. It's certainly one of my favorite times to be out on the course."

Visitors also can take advantage of reduced lodging rates throughout the Lake of the Ozarks area as the peak summer travel season winds down.  "The Lake is a popular destination any time of year, but with fall being a shoulder season, it's one of the most beautiful and also most affordable times to visit," says Tim Jacobsen. "Many of the Lake's attractions are open for business year-around, so the only thing you'll be missing are the big crowds." Lodging options at the Lake range from full-service luxury resorts to smaller family-owned resorts, comfortable cabins to familiar hotels and motels, quaint bed and breakfasts to condominiums and vacation homes. For more information on the different accommodations found at the Lake of the Ozarks, click on the "Places to Stay" tab at www.FunLake.com.

To learn more about all the fun events, attractions, as well as lodging and dining options available all year at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 1-800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Fishing Lake of the Ozarks in Spring and Beyond


Although it's widely recognized as one of the best vacation destinations in the Midwest, Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks has also earned the reputation of being one of the best fisheries in the nation, too. Thousands of anglers return to the Lake time and time again to take to the waters in search of that next big catch.

The sheer size of this man-made reservoir can be difficult to comprehend: it covers over 54,000 acres with over 64 billion gallons of fish-filled water supplied by five tributaries, all enclosed within 1,150 miles of meandering shoreline. To put that in perspective, that's more shoreline than the entire Pacific coast of the state of California.

That's exactly what makes the Lake of the Ozarks one of the best destinations for anglers of all experience levels. With all that water, shoreline and natural and artificial habitat, as well as careful management, the fish populations flourish, making for a lot of line-tugging, fish-fighting fun throughout the entire year.

The most prevalent species at the Lake include largemouth and spotted bass; white bass; black and white crappie; hybrid white bass/stripers; bluegill; walleye; and channel, flathead and blue catfish, as well as paddlefish. But, arguably the most sought after are crappie and bass. The Lake hosts over 500 professional and amateur fishing tournaments each year, the most popular being the semi-annual spring and fall Big Bass Bash tournaments, which typically pay out a whopping $60,000 cash prize to the amateur that reels in the biggest fish.

Fishing has been a popular family activity at the Lake of the Ozarks for over 80 years. "If you're interested in catching your daily limits of sizable fish, the Lake of the Ozarks provides a wonderful opportunity to accomplish that,” says Jim Divincen, administrator for the Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association. "It's also a great way to spend quality time with your family. Generations of families have grown up fishing here and continue to pass on the tradition to each new generation or addition to their families. In fact, some of my fondest memories are of fishing with my daughters on the Lake."

John Neporadny, a longtime Lake of the Ozarks resident and a member of the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, shares Divincen's enthusiasm for the Lake and believes it lives up to its billing as one of the best fisheries in the nation. "I've had the opportunity to fish many of the best rivers, natural lakes and reservoirs throughout the country and on many occasions I've discovered there is no place like home."

This former fishing guide and author of The Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide book continues, "Missouri has many fine fisheries, but I would have to rate Lake of the Ozarks as the best reservoir in the state for catching a variety of game fish. I believe that day in and day out, Lake of the Ozarks gives anglers an equal opportunity to catch bass, crappie, white bass or catfish."


FOUR-SEASON FUN

The autumn season is a favorite among anglers for the cooler temperatures, colorful fall foliage and productive fishing. The warmer weather and extended hours of daylight make spring and summer the most popular seasons with boaters and anglers alike, but that doesn't mean the fish stop biting in the fall and winter.

The cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage make fishing at the Lake in autumn both beautiful and productive. And, during the fall and winter seasons, many of the Lake-area resorts offer discounted rates on lodging, providing yet another reason to plan a fishing trip to the Lake of the Ozarks.

Those willing to layer up and brave the colder conditions, may have the largest payoff as some of the Lake's record-breaking fish have been caught during the winter months. And, a handful of Lake-area resorts feature enclosed heated fishing docks for catching crappie, some are even furnished with couches and TVs to ensure a comfortable and pleasurable winter fishing experience.


GOOD FISHING ATTRACTS GOOD FISHERMEN

The Lake area not only boasts a good number of trophy-size fish, but also a good number of national trophy-winning fishermen. Guido Hibdon, winner of the Bassmaster Classic and two-time BASS Angler of the year; Dion Hibdon, winner of the Bassmaster Classic and FLW Forrest Wood Cup; fishing legend Denny Brauer, the first ever angler to be featured on the Wheaties Box; Brian Maloney, FLW All-American National Champion; and Marcus Sykora, FLW All-American National Champion, all call the Lake of the Ozarks home. Clearly, there must be something in the water.

So, what makes the the Lake of the Ozarks so special and so attractive for professional anglers?

"The Lake is an unbelievable place to be for pro anglers because there are many different river systems, many different types of cover for the fish, and you have four distinct seasons, so fishing this lake prepares you for all sorts of scenarios,” says Sykora, who won the 2014 FLW All-American championship on Wilson Lake in Alabama. "You learn to excel at fishing in very shallow water; very deep water; in warm and cold weather; windy, rainy and sunny conditions; so you develop a unique sense for the different patterns and techniques you need to use for each given scenario. That, in my opinion, is why Lake of the Ozarks anglers tend to be so successful in big tournaments. Our home lake has prepared us well. And, that's also why the Lake attracts and produces so many great anglers."


TAKE IT FROM THOSE WHO KNOW

If you come to the Lake to do some fishing, it's never a bad idea to do a little research. There are many resources available to anglers providing information on the best locations, patterns, bait and more. A great online resource is www.BassingBob.com, where you can get current reports on water conditions and tips from local pros. In print, there's the Lake of the Ozarks Fishing News available for free at most bait shops and grocery stores around the Lake area, and several local newspapers also feature up-to-date fishing reports and tips as well.

But, you can always cut to the chase and hire a certified fishing guide. Local guides know the waters better than almost anyone and make for a relaxing and effortless fishing experience.  With one call, you can book these professionals, who will take you to the Lake's fishing "hot spots," and will also provide the boat and all the equipment needed for the excursion. All you have to do is show up and your guide will take care of the rest.

"A big lake like this can be intimidating for some people," says Ed Franko, owner of Big Ed's Guide Service in Lake Ozark. "Professional fishing guides make it easy and they maximize the quality of time a person spends on the water. Most of us are out on the Lake 250-plus days a year, so we know where the fish are and what they're biting. We also have some of the best equipment and a wealth of knowledge to ensure that people have a great experience here at the Lake of the Ozarks. Because, when you get down to it, it's all about the experience and a good guide can be the difference between a great fishing trip or an extremely frustrating one."

For a complete listing of Coast Guard-certified fishing guides in the area, visit www.FunLake.com


WHERE TO STAY AND WHERE TO PLAY

Many Lake-area resorts feature fishing docks for their guests' convenience and enjoyment. The Lake of the Ozarks has made a point of providing top-notch services for anglers for decades. So, if you're planning a trip to the Lake, know that many of the resorts at the Lake cater to anglers and their needs and offer fishing docks, submerged crappie beds and cleaning stations on location. And, as mentioned previously, some have heated fishing docks for comfortable winter fishing as well.

Public launching sites are available in the Lake area's two state parks - Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park - as well as at full-service marinas and resorts around the Lake.  A lot of the same marinas and resorts also offer boat rentals.

Fishing licenses are required for most anglers in Missouri.  Licenses can be purchased at many Lake-area resorts, convenience stores and bait shops. For more information, including all rules and regulations, or to purchase your fishing license online, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation at  www.mdc.mo.gov/permits 

Whether fishing with buddies or family, time spent off the water can be as enjoyable as the time spent fishing. The Lake of the Ozarks, which was named the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation by readers of USA Today, has activities and events for every age and interest.  To learn more about these, plus dining and accommodations options, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 1-800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website at www.FunLake.com