Enjoy the Colorful Scenes of Fall at Lake Of The Ozarks

For colorful fall foliage, a road trip to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is a can't-miss seasonal tradition for anyone that loves the colorful bounty of autumn.

Last October, readers of USA Today recognized the area for one of its many charms: its autumn colors. The Lake of the Ozarks was voted the second-best place in the country for viewing fall foliage, officially confirming what many locals already knew: there's nothing like autumn in the Ozarks.

The area is beautiful in any season, but in the fall it really shines. The landscape around the Lake of the Ozarks features many rolling hills, scenic overlooks and expansive views of the water, all offering wonderful glimpses of the thick hardwood forests that abound in the region and turn vivid shades of orange, red and yellow each fall.

"Those of us that live at the Lake of the Ozarks enjoy the beauty of the seasons on a daily basis, but for visitors, fall  can be a very special experience," says Jim Divincen, administrator for Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association.  "Regardless of wherever you are at the Lake, you'll have lots of colorful surprises. Mother Nature puts on quite the show and many vacationers visit every October to enjoy it."

The peak of the fall colors at the Lake of the Ozarks typically occurs in mid- to late-October  when the maples, ashes, oaks and hickories are at the height of their fall display. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the peak season varies from year to year depending on the weather and can last until early November. 

"I think there's going to be outstanding fall color this year," says Ann Koenig, a forester with Missouri Department of Conservation. "It's been a relatively mild year with not too many hot days and we've had steady rain throughout the state. It's been a good growing season for trees and that will lead to a lot of bright color."

To help plan a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks to coincide with the most vivid colors, visitors can utilize the Department of Conservation's Fall Color Forecaster at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/fall-colors. The Lake of the Ozarks' information is included under the column titled "Central Region."

There are numerous ways to enjoy the bright colors around the Lake of the Ozarks, both from land and on-the-water. 

The area's two state parks feature numerous walking and hiking trails that traverse hardwood forests, glades, meadows and offer wonderful views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri's largest and most visited state park, boasts 14 different trails while Ha Ha Tonka State Park, recently named the most beautiful place in Missouri by Conde Nast Traveler, has 12 unique trails. Both parks offer a variety of trails that range in ease and difficulty, from paved walking trails to rugged cross-country treks.

Divincen, who is both an avid hiker and angler, says two of his favorite ways to enjoy the fall colors is getting out on the trails at Ha Ha Tonka and spending time on the water. "I really like the Turkey Pen Hollow hiking trail at Ha Ha Tonka," Divincen says. "There are some spectacular views and it's a beautiful experience. That, and catching a big bass out on the lake with the colorful shoreline as a backdrop is a memorable experience, especially with family and friends," Divincen adds.

Other popular ways to take in the scenery are self-guided driving tours, visiting the various scenic overlooks around the Lake, playing a round or two of golf on the Lake's 14 championship golf courses, taking a guided horseback ride along a rugged Ozark trail or enjoying a meal at one of the area's 60 lakeside restaurants.

For on-the-water fun, visitors can rent a boat from a local marina or hop aboard a scenic narrated cruise on one of the Lake's three different 150-plus-passenger luxury yachts. There also are professional fishing guides that help ensure vacationers find fishing success while also enjoying the pretty foliage around the Lake of the Ozarks, whether it's out in the middle of the Lake or in a secluded and quiet cove.

Travelers also will find the perfect accommodations at the Lake of the Ozarks for fall getaways of any length of time at affordable, shoulder-season prices.  There are full-service large-scale resorts and smaller family-owned and operated resorts as well as charming bed and breakfasts or comfortable cabins and cottages.  There is no shortage of fully furnished vacation rental homes and condominiums. For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, there are spacious campgrounds and RV parks interspersed throughout the area.

To discover more ways to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks and to get information on additional events, year around attractions, and available lodging and dining options, visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com, or call 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Paddle Around Lake of The Ozarks for On-The-Water Fun!

For many people that enjoy spending time outdoors, nothing says summertime like a leisurely paddle on the various and celebrated Ozark waterways. At Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, visitors can take their time exploring spring-fed tributaries as well as slow and secluded coves from paddleboards, kayaks, canoes or paddle boats.

While Lake of the Ozarks is regarded as one of the best boating and fishing lakes in the country, there are many other ways to have fun on the water, especially when it comes to paddling sports.

One of the many reasons the Lake of the Ozarks has been designated the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation" is because it caters to paddlers of all types. The newest paddling sport to hit the Lake of the Ozarks is stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors of any skill level, from first-timers to the most seasoned pros, can get their paddles wet at a number of resorts, marinas and paddle-specific businesses.

"What makes the Lake of the Ozarks such a great paddling destination is that there are so many different coves," says Dave Bertels, co-owner of Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures in Sunrise Beach. "There are many opportunities for paddlers to duck into different coves where the water is super smooth and paddle around and explore the unique scenery. And, on sunny days, it's nice to be able to run along the cliff faces to stay in the shade. You can dip in the water to cool down and then keep paddling. You don't always get those opportunities on different lakes or with different paddle craft."

For those wanting to learn how to paddleboard, the Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to start. There are a handful of businesses that not only rent paddleboards but also provide lessons for those new to the sport.  Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures in Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach Resort's Adventure Boat Rentals in Camdenton and Wake Effects in Osage Beach all  make sure to set every guest up for success. Each paddleboard rental comes with personalized instructions for those that need it on how to safely and successfully get on the board, stand up on the board, how to paddle efficiently and how to control the board before vacationers make their way out into the quiet cove s to enjoy their newly acquired skill . Lessons can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes depending upon the customer, and, extra assistance and coaching are provided if necessary.

"The difference between an incredible day out on the water with a paddleboard and a really

frustrating one can be as simple as spending a few minutes to get comfortable with the board and having someone with experience show you what to do," says Bertels, who has taught nearly 15,000 people to paddleboard at the Lake of the Ozarks. "A little bit of quality instruction makes all the difference. Most people catch on really quickly and there's no slowing them down after that. They get it and then they're hooked. Helping people fall in love with paddleboarding is the best part of the job for me," Bertels concludes.

Anyone looking to take their paddleboard experience to another level can try Wake Effects' different paddleboard-based yoga and fitness classes, including an introductory class that teaches both how to paddleboard as well as how to do yoga on a paddleboard. For more details on Wake Effects' paddleboard yoga and fitness classes, visit   wakeeffects.com/paddle-rentals-sports/.

Of course, there are a variety of options for those more interested in kayaking or canoeing as well. In addition to the three businesses mentioned above, there are numerous places that help visitors get out on the water in a self-propelled fashion.

Mother Nature's River Retreat in Mack's Creek offers three options for scenic canoe floats down the Big Niangua River, one of the Lake of the Ozarks' spring-fed tributaries: a three-mile, four-mile or seven-mile float. Shuttle services also are available.

The area's two celebrated state parks offer kayak rentals and outstanding locations to paddle around. Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri's largest and most visited state park, offers kayak, paddleboard and paddleboat rentals at the marina located at Public Beach #1 in Osage Beach. Once vacationers have their paddle craft, they can launch their vessels and spend the day exploring the park's Aquatic Trail, a nearly 10-mile stretch of water that runs from Grand Glaize Beach to the park's main campground. Buoys are placed at various Lake locations to mark this unique water trail and a  special corresponding Aquatic Trail interpretive map provides information about what boaters see at each stop. The diversity of the park and its natural communities are showcased with stops to view woodlands, glades, streams and geological structures. Boaters can learn how swallows use the bluffs in the park, how chert is formed and why glades are being lost to cedar invasion. The Aquatic Trail map is available at various locations in the park and is recommended before embarking on this on-the-water adventure.

At Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton, which was voted one of the best state parks in the nation by readers of USA Today, visitors can rent single or tandem kayaks from the park's visitor center. The park features launches and wonderful paddling opportunities at the Ha Ha Tonka Cove near Ha Ha Tonka Spring, Missouri's 12th largest natural spring. Paddlers can take in impressive views of the towering limestone bluffs as well as cool, clear blue waters of the spring. The cool, spring-fed water in the cove at Ha Ha Tonka is a popular spot for swimmers and paddlers at the Lake of the Ozarks.

All paddle craft rentals are generally based on an hourly rate, though some marinas and businesses offer half-day, full-day or weekly rates. Prices vary from business to business, so visitors may want to call ahead to check on prices and availability of rentals.

In addition to all the places mentioned above, many Lake of the Ozarks resorts rent a variety of watercraft for a fun day (or days) out on the water. Some even offer complimentary use of paddle craft for their guests. Visitors should check with the lodging properties of their choice to see what kind of vessels are available for their use. 

For a getaway of any length to the Lake of the Ozarks, the accommodations available are as varied as the shoreline around the Lake. Visitors will find full-service, luxury resorts; smaller, family-owned and operated resorts; spacious, multi-bedroom condominiums and vacation homes; charming bed and breakfasts; rustic cabins, campgrounds and RV parks in addition to well-known hotels and motels.

For more ways to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks and to get information on additional events, year around attractions, and lodging and dining options available at the Lake, visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com, or call 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Ha Ha Tonka State Park Named Most Beautiful Place In Missouri

In a recent article published by Condé Nast Traveler, the Lake of the Ozarks' Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located at 1491 State Highway D near Camdenton, was named the most beautiful place in Missouri.

The article, which listed the most beautiful and compelling place in each of the 50 states, urges readers to consider the list as a "starting point to the most epic cross-country trip ever."

According to Condé Nast: "Picking just 50 places isn't easy, but we polled our Facebook followers, did some digging and came up with this list of the must-see, must-visit spots in each state. Of course, it only scratches the surface of what this country has to offer, so consider it your starting point and start exploring."

Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, named the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation" by readers of USA Today, is worth a road trip all on its own. The Lake of the Ozarks covers 54,000 acres with 64 billion gallons of water stretching 92 miles end-to-end across a four-county area. The Lake boasts myriad attractions and events as well as over 200 restaurants and nightspots and more than 50 marinas for on-the-water fun along its 1,150 miles of shoreline.

However, Condé Nast honed in on the area and named Ha Ha Tonka as the "Show-Me" state's must-see, must visit destination.  Widely considered one of the shining jewels of the Missouri State Parks system, Ha Ha Tonka also was voted the fourth-best state park in America by readers of USA Today a few years back.

"We're thrilled that Ha Ha Tonka State Park has been recognized as the most beautiful place in Missouri," says Jim Divincen, administrator for the Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association. "The park truly is stunning and we hear time and time again from many of our vacationers that Ha Ha Tonka is the highlight of their trip. It's one of many reasons why five million visitors come to the Lake of the Ozarks each year."

According to Ozark folklore, the park's name  - Ha Ha Tonka - is derived from the local Osage Native American phrase thought to mean "laughing waters," in reference to the large natural spring that pumps out over 48 million gallons of water per day.

The park's main attraction is the ruins of the 20th century "castle" perched high on a bluff overlooking Ha Ha Tonka Spring and the Lake of the Ozarks. The skeletal stone structure was originally constructed as an opulent country escape for Robert M. Snyder, a wealthy Kansas City business man who perished in one of Missouri's first automobile accidents. Snyder never lived to see his dream realized but the home was completed by his sons and later operated as a hotel before being gutted by a fire in 1942. In addition to the outer walls of the estate, a stone water tower also remains to stand sentry over the park.

Over 520,000 visitors trek to Ha Ha Tonka annually to explore the ruins as well as the 14 different hiking trails and the numerous natural highlights, including the spring, which is the twelfth largest in the state. 

The park is Missouri's premier showcase of karst geology and features a massive natural bridge, a steep-sided sinkhole named "The Colosseum," a 150-foot deep sink basin with two bluff shelters that were used as hide-outs by bandits in the 1830s and 250-feet high bluffs that tower above Ha Ha Tonka Spring.

The park also is home to one of Missouri's best examples of a woodland landscape as well as several large glades.

Located on the Niangua arm of the Lake, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is accessible by water as well as by land and offers opportunities for fishing and swimming in addition to boat docks, picnic tables, pavilions and a visitor center complete with a topographical map of the park carved out of stone. Ha Ha Tonka is open year around from 7 a.m. until dark and admission is free. 

To learn more about Ha Ha Tonka State Park, visit  mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park .

In addition to Ha Ha Tonka, the area also is home to Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The largest in Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks State Park encompasses over 17,626 acres and is consistently Missouri's most visited state park. For all the details on Lake of the Ozarks State Park, visit  mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park.

Visitors that would like to find out more about lodging and dining options available at the Lake of the Ozarks, or to learn about all the different events and attractions, should visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's (CVB) website at www.FunLake.com or call   800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

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 

Lake of the Ozarks Holiday Events, Attractions and Information for 2015

The holiday season is a joyous time of coming together and celebrating with friends and family. But, sometimes the stress of planning parties and meals and frantic last-minute trips to crowded markets can make the season lose its luster. The activities and attractions at the Lake of the Ozarks can be just the thing to breathe new life into seasonal traditions. The Lake offers family and friends the opportunity to relax, reconnect and even add a little extra spice to their holidays. Thanksgiving is especially festive at the Lake of the Ozarks as many of the businesses around the area get into the holiday spirit. Several resorts and hotels offer bountiful Thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings, but without the hassles of cooking and cleaning up. The Lodge of Four Seasons and Camden on the Lake Resort, both located in Lake Ozark, as well as The Inn at Grand Glaize in Osage Beach, will have full-blown Thanksgiving buffets on Thursday, Nov. 26. To make reservations for overnight stays, Thanksgiving meals and other activities, contact The Lodge of Four Seasons, call 800-THE-LAKE or visit  www.4SeasonsResort.com; for Camden on the Lake, call 888-365-5620 or visit www.CamdenOnTheLake.com; for The Inn at Grand Glaize, visit www.InnAtGrandGlaize.com or call 800-348-4731.  Tan-Tar-A Resort, located in Osage Beach, will host its Winter Holiday Festival over Thanksgiving weekend. Guests and the general public can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner buffet on Thursday, Nov. 26 along with a bonfire, sing-along, comedy show, visits with Santa Claus, a ceremonious lighting of the resort's wealth of Christmas decorations and tram rides throughout the resort property that evening. For guests staying at the resort, the entire holiday weekend is packed with activities, including a "Midnight Madness" shuttle to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets, "Black Friday" sales at Tan-Tar-A, a Turkey Trot 5k race, stations for writing letters to Santa, a duck drop race at the resort's indoor water park, tailgate parties, a scavenger hunt for the kids and additional holiday tram tours. To make reservations for lodging or the Thanksgiving day meal, visit www.Tan-Tar-A.com or call 800-826-8272. Guests at Old Kinderhook Resort can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 26 at The Trophy Room; and on Friday, Nov. 27, the resort will transform into a Christmas "village." The new village will be open to the public on weekends until December 20 and will feature Santa Claus and story-telling elves, carolers, s'mores, gingerbread house-making stations and horse-drawn carriage rides. Small fees may apply for some activities. Old Kinderhook's new outdoor ice rink will be open to all visitors that want to do some holiday skating. For reservations for lodging and Thanksgiving dinner at Old Kinderhook, or for more details on their holiday offerings and prices, call 573-317-3560 or visit www.OldKinderhook.com. One of the Lake's most popular and enduring holiday traditions involves the area's different drive-through light parks. Admission to the light parks is free, but donations are welcome.  The Lake's largest light park, The Enchanted Village of Lights, meanders through 27 acres of the Laurie Fairgrounds and is celebrating its 22nd season of warming hearts. The Enchanted Village opens on November 20 and runs through January 2. The light park is open daily from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on weekdays and closes at 10 p.m. on weekends. Complete details can be found at www.CityofLaurie.com/EnchantedLights. Also in Laurie, just a mile from the Enchanted Village on Highway 5, is the Festival of Lights at the Shrine of Saint Patrick. Started in 1981, the festival is now in its 32nd year and has continued to grow each season, with thousands of lights decorating the buildings and grounds. The site is the home of the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, so this display focuses on Jesus and His mother, Mary. The St. Patrick Festival of Lights will be open daily from 6-10 p.m. from Thanksgiving through January 1. Learn more at www.ShrineOfStPatrick.org. Versailles joins the lighting celebration from Nov. 26 through Jan. 1 with its own Unity Circle of Lights, featuring 40 lighted holiday exhibits in the city park, at the junction of Highways 5 and 52 in Morgan County. In Osage Beach, the city park and many businesses along Osage Beach Parkway will be dressed in holiday lights from November 28 through January 3. And, on December 12, children of all ages can meet Santa Claus from 3-5 p.m. at the Osage Beach city park. For more information, visit www.OsageBeach.org. Other fun holiday events around the Lake include the City of Eldon's "Home for the Holidays" celebration on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21, consisting of a holiday parade, face painting, craft-making stations, dance performances, live concerts from the Eldon High School Jazz Band and Chamber Choir, and, of course, a visit from Santa.  The City of Versailles' "Olde Fashioned Christmas on the Square," which takes place from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28 in its historic downtown, features many craft and food vendors, live choir performances, a silent auction and an appearance by Old Saint Nick. Also on November 28, visitors can watch a processions of fun floats decked out in lights during the 14th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade in Laurie. Children of all ages can enjoy Breakfast with Santa on December 5 and 12 at HK's Restaurant located on property at The Lodge of Four Seasons. Camdenton offers a day of family fun at Christmas on the Square, December 5. This all-day event features food, games, gifts and, of course, a visit from the season's guest of honor - Santa. In addition, on December 12, Lake Ozark celebrates its 31st "Christmas Magic" parade, which will wind along the historic Bagnell Dam Boulevard. Following the parade, families can join Santa's Caravan, by meeting Santa at Prewitt's Point and following his sleigh to Bagnell Dam. Children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and receive a free stocking stuffed with goodies from the merry-maker himself.  For more information on these and other holiday events around the Lake, visit the event calendar at www.FunLake.com. Another popular Lake of the Ozarks tradition is taking in all the sights and sounds of "Christmas on Mainstreet," an annual presentation by the talented performers of the Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach. The show is designed to be a treat for all in attendance with beautifully decorated sets, glamorous costumes, special effects, musical impersonations, comedy skits and the best songs of the season. The Main Street Music Hall audience will enjoy every style of holiday music, from the latest in contemporary songs to favorite Christmas hymns and carols. The show is offered Tuesdays through Sundays, beginning Nov. 27 and continuing through Dec. 20. To order tickets and to get more information, including show dates and times, as well as ticket prices, call the Main Street Music Hall box office at 800-348-9501 or visit www.LakeMusicHall.com. Those looking for the perfect gifts for their friends and loved ones will appreciate the wide variety of shops available at the Lake. Osage Beach Premium Outlets, the largest outlet mall in Missouri with 110 name brand stores, offers extended hours and special savings throughout the season to make holiday gift-buying easier.  In addition, the boutique stores found at The Landing on Main Street, a picturesque Victorian-themed village, offer gifts for the home, unique clothing, jewelry and other personal items, as well as homemade confections.  Antique shops are packed with treasures from the past and handmade crafts.  For more information about shopping at the Lake, click on the "shopping" tab at www.FunLake.com. Visitors to the Lake can also ring in the New Year in style as area resorts offer dining specials and festive overnight packages complete with live music, dancing, champagne toasts at midnight and more. Call your favorite lodging property to ask about their New Year's Eve specials. Whether coming to the Lake to enjoy festive lighting displays, check items off the holiday gift list or to escape the demands of the season, the Lake's lodging properties offer the gift of off-season savings.  Winter and holiday special lodging rates are some of the lowest of the year at Lake-area resorts, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, condos, vacation homes, campgrounds and RV parks.  In some cases, travelers can save as much as 40 percent off in-season rates and give themselves the gift of a good night's rest and relaxation. For a complete list of lodging options, visit www.FunLake.com. To find out about all the fun holiday events, year-around attractions as well as dining and accommodations at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the nation, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website www.FunLake.com.

Lake Stock Fall Crawl 2015

Enjoy lots of live music and great food and drink specials during the third annual Lake Stock Fall Crawl, Saturday, November 7th at various locations around the Lake of the Ozarks. The event has been dubbed "Woodstock on Wheels," as attendees can hop on shuttle buses to travel to and from some of the Lake's hottest nightspots to check out and enjoy live musical entertainment throughout the evening. "It's kind of like a mini-music festival right here at the Lake," says event organizer Jeff Carroll. "You have some really great live bands playing everything from rock and roll to blues and country all throughout the night at some of the best bars and restaurants around the Lake. Everyone who has participated in the past, whether as attendees or musicians, has really enjoyed themselves." Carroll says participating in the Lake Stock Fall Crawl is easy. Attendees purchase a $10 wrist band that gets them into all 10 event venues without paying a cover charge, as well as free shuttle service to and from all Lake Stock locations. Once they have their wristbands, participants can choose how and where they spend their evening. The shuttle service will run in a continuous loop from many local hotels, motels, resorts and condominiums to all of the Fall Crawl venues. Shuttles begin running at 6 p.m. with the event officially kicking off at 7 p.m.  In most locations, live music will be showcased from 8 p.m. until closing. A detailed shuttle route can be found on the event's website, www.LakeStockFallCrawl. Wristbands can be purchased at all 10 Lake Stock venues the week before, as well as the night of the event.      Now in its third year, Carroll says Lake Stock has only been getting bigger and better. "We're expecting around 2,500 people to come and spend a festive Saturday evening at their favorite restaurants and bars. And, hopefully they'll discover some cool new bands, too." Carroll also says the "throwback vibe" of the event has really caught on. "A lot of people will be dressed up in '60s and '70s attire: tie-dyed shirts, bell bottoms, big collars, big boots, big hair. The whole getup. It's a lot of fun." And, to keep with the spirit of the event, custom tie-dyed Lake Stock Fall Crawl t-shirts will be on sale throughout the night at each location. In addition to the live entertainment, "crawlers" are eligible for prizes and giveaways throughout the evening to ensure a fun and festive event.  Carroll urges participants to book their lodging packages early and also suggests coming in a day early and making a weekend out of it. "If you're coming in from out of town, there are many awesome attractions and a lot of cool stuff to do, so you might as well make the most of your time here at the Lake." Although the music and good times take top billing, safety is also a key component in the event. "We want to make it easy for anyone who wants to join us to have a good time and get home safely. Those are our main two concerns, with safety being at the top of the list," says Carroll. "With our shuttle service to and from all of the entertainment venues, we make it very easy to put your keys away and have a safe and worry-free night out on the town." For a continuously updated list of participating venues and performing bands, as well as local lodging options and a detailed shuttle route, visit www.LakeStockFallCrawl.com.  To find out about all the fun events, attractions as well as dining  and accommodations at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the nation, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com.

The 30th Annual Fall Harbor Hop

One of the best ways to take in the beautiful fall foliage lining the 1,150 miles of shoreline at the Lake of the Ozarks is, of course, by boat. Visitors and locals alike will have another opportunity to cruise the Lake, enjoy the colorful seasonal transition and win big prize money, during the landmark 30th anniversary of the Fall Harbor Hop poker run on Saturday, October 10th.  The goal of this semi-annual event is for participants to complete the best poker hand (or hands) by traveling by lake or by land to their choice of waterfront checkpoints across the Lake (there are over 40 businesses consisting primarily of bars, restaurants and marinas on the Hop). Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, says that the Fall Harbor is always a fun event and brings out approximately 2,500 people excited to extend the boating season into the fall. "We have many groups of people who come back year after year for the Harbor Hop. Everyone has a good time, and, really, it's just a great excuse to get out on the Lake and enjoy the wonderful scenery."  Jacobsen also says it's a good way for visitors and locals alike to discover new restaurants and bars in the Lake area and make some new friends along the way. And, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Fall Harbor Hop, every participant will receive a free vinyl waterproof phone case compliments of the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association. "We just want to commemorate this milestone and thank everyone for participating and making it such a great event." Players will begin their "hop" by making a suggested donation of $20 per hand and drawing their first card at any of the participating locations.  Six additional cards will be drawn for each hand as participants visit the various Harbor Hop locations around the Lake.  When the seventh card is drawn, the hand is complete and is turned in at that final location.  An additional card to help improve the hand can be obtained at that final location for a $5 donation. For those that want to participate but don't have a boat, Playin' Hooky Water Taxi and Charters is offering a Harbor Hop Cruise where visitors will be chauffeured to many of the Harbor Hop stops. Playin' Hooky departs from the Millstone Marina in Gravois Mill. The cruise costs $40 per person and will leave the dock at noon and return at 6 pm. To book a place on the charter, visit PlayinHookyAtTheLake.com. There are also many marinas around the Lake area where visitors can rent boats by the hour, day or longer. Harbor Hop prizes will be awarded to the top 10 poker hands, as well as the four worst hands and 10 randomly selected players. Winners will be notified by certified mail. There also will be prizes for "section winners" who complete their entire hand in one of these four sections: Section I is the Gravois Arm of the Lake Section II includes Bagnell Dam to the 10 mile marker on the Main Channel Section III runs from the mile markers 13-26 on the Main Channel Section IV includes mile markers 31-38 on the Main Channel and Big Niangua Arm Most Harbor Hop locations open at 11 am, though some open as early as 9 am. All eligible hands must be turned in by 7 pm. However, because hours vary from location to location, "hoppers" should consult the list of locations and operating hours by visiting FunLake.com/HarborHop.  Complete rules for the Harbor Hop can also be found on that site, or by calling the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253). To find out more about all the fun events and attractions, as well as dining and accommodations at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the nation, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website www.FunLake.com.