Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Top 10 “Must Do’s” at Lake of the Ozarks This Summer

Lake of the Ozarks is known for summer fun!  Whether it is on the water or on land there is lots of fun “Must Do’s” at the Lake. Many people think of the Lake and assume you have to have a boat to have fun. It is actually just the opposite. Well, let me rephrase that… yes, having fun on the water is a lot of fun but there are many more things to do while at the Lake this summer.  Here are the top 10 “Must Do’s” at Lake of the Ozarks this summer:

1.   Golf! Lake of the Ozarks is one of the premier golfing destinations in the Midwest with over 15 golf courses; the Lake is a must for a golfer.  Not only are there lots of courses to choose from, they are all unique and offer something different. The Lake’s golf courses are set in some of the most picturesque settings in the Midwest. Between courses being next to the Lake, on rolling hills, and rock bluffs, these courses will not only amaze you with beauty but challenge your skills as well.

2.   Shopping is one activity you can indulge in this summer at Lake of the Ozarks. For holiday or anytime shopping, you’ll find what you’re looking for -or what you didn’t know you needed at the Lake. It’s not unusual for people to come to the Lake strictly to shop! From a major outlet-mall with name brand designer stores to small, unique boutiques, the Lake has it all.

3.   Find your style of entertainment! After a day of fun at Lake of the Ozarks, enjoy a night out. Lake-style nightlife includes music galore, karaoke bars, live country, blues, jazz and rock-and-roll bands. The Lake also offers sports bars, tiki bars, mellow lounges and lakeside hangouts, plus romantic moonlight cruises, live opry and comedy clubs. Everyone will find their style of fun!

4.   Must see events. There is always something to celebrate at Lake of the Ozarks.  This summer you can look forward to the Hot Summer Nights car show series, Canine Cannonball, BroStock professional wakeboarding competition, Aquapalooza, Jacob’s Cave Swapping Days, Fireworks, Lake of the Ozarks Invitational Offshore Super Series Race, Wave Runner Rodeo, The Midwest Wine & Brew Festival, Lake of the Ozarks Shootout and many more this fall. More information on any of these events can be found at www.funlakeevents.com.

5.   Water time. Your own boat is always welcome at Lake of the Ozarks. Bring it along and launch it where you are staying or at one of the area’s nine public access ramps. If you don’t have a boat, no problem. There are many marinas around the Lake that offer boat rentals. There really isn’t a reason not to get on the 54,000 acre Lake. If being your own captain is not up your alley, there are many excursion boats or charters you can take to have some fun on the water!

6.   Come hungry and leave full! Nearly half of the Lake’s restaurants are located directly on the water or offer a fantastic view of it. Some of the finest cuisine in the Midwest can be savored right here at the Lake. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, your appetite will fare well. With over 200 restaurants in the Lake area you can find gourmet cuisines, Ozark barbecue, buffets, down home cooking, ethnic food and more.

7.   Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks is one thing that all fishermen can agree on. With more than 1,150 miles of shoreline and 54,000 acres of water, there is no doubt you will catch some fish. The Lake is loaded with a variety of fish species: largemouth bass, spotted bass, black and white crappie, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, hybrid stripers, paddlefish, walleye and bluegill. Most species can be caught year-round; they just change their habits depending on the season. If you don’t know where to start, call one of the many fishing guides at the Lake to give you a hand.

8.   The great outdoors. Lake of the Ozarks is home to two State Parks with one being the largest State Park in Missouri. There are hundreds of trails to explore from easy to moderately strenuous, castle ruins, horseback riding, fishing, boating, caves, parks and much more. Not to mention, the endless beauty of what Lake of the Ozarks is all about. It is such a great way to wind down and enjoy nature.

9.   Lots to do with any of our many attractions. For fun on or off the water, the water, the Lake of the Ozarks offers non-stop activity. In addition to our outdoor, marine, golfing and shopping opportunities, the Lake is home to several unique and fun attractions. There are tons of action-packed amusement facilities throughout the Lake area with activities such as go carts, miniature golf, bumper cars, playgrounds, lazer tag, parasailing, horseback riding, water parks, disc golf parks, music show and more. If history is what you crave, then one of the many museums will be a fun time. There is no lack of things to do at the Lake.

10. Relax! Last but not least if you just need to slow down and relax, Lake of the Ozarks is the place to do it. If all you do is sit outside and take in the beauty of the rolling hills and Lake, you will find a relaxation. You can pick any resort, hotel, motel, condo, campsite, or a bed & breakfast and just sit outside and enjoy the beauty. 

If you have been to the Lake before, then we don’t have to remind you to visit again. If
you have never been to Lake of the Ozarks, pack up and enjoy a weekend or longer if
your schedule allows. To make the most of your Lake experience, you can request or
view the Official Vacation & Service Guide at www.funlake.com/vg or visit

Monday, May 20, 2013

Memorial Weekend 2013 at Lake of the Ozarks

The traditional start to summer in the US is always Memorial Day Weekend, and the best place to celebrate the season in the Midwest has always been Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. Whether your idea of summer celebration is quiet relaxation or attending the biggest parties, Lake of the Ozarks has all of that and everything in between.

If camping is your style, you can find amenity-filled RV Parks with full hook-ups and primitive tent sites, sometimes all within the same campground. If you require more modern accommodations, Lake of the Ozarks offers a range of lodging from roadside motels to completely furnished luxury homes right on the water's edge. Start your search for the right place for you and your family or group at www.funlake.com/accommodations.


No matter where you decide to stay, Lake of the Ozarks will provide non-stop activities and entertainment. Boating and water recreation, fishing, hiking, world class golf, shopping, dining, music shows, night clubs with live bands and more. Plan your schedule or just get a quick idea of what you may want to do during your stay: www.funlake.com/visitors.html


All of this activity in one region sets Lake of the Ozarks apart from your average vacation destination, but what may make Memorial Day Weekend unique is that we don't wait for the 4th of July to hold large, professional fireworks displays. Three major fireworks displays over the water will be held between May 25th and 26th. Watch the sky light up at or near any one of these following locations: Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark and Bear Bottom Resort in Sunrise Beach. You can even reserve space on one of two luxury cruise yachts to view displays from the water at Tan-Tar-A and The Lodge of Four Seasons. Visit our online calendar for contact numbers and web links: www.funlakeevents.com.

Where ever or how ever you choose to spend Memorial Weekend, have a great time, make lasting memories and take time to remember those that gave everything in the line of serving our country.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Another Weekend of Great Events on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip



LAKE OF THE OZARKS BLUES & BBQ WEEKEND
See amateur and professional chefs try to "smoke" the competition and enjoy cool blues music during the second annual Lake of the Ozarks Blues and BBQ Weekend, May 17-18, on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark. This Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event is open to the public and features a barbeque cook-off, live blues music, a vendor village, and all-you-can-eat barbeque for $5. On Saturday, visitors can catch a shuttle to and from the Blues & BBQ festivities to the nearby Oma and Noma Heritage Festival activities to enjoy even more great music and great Lake-area fun. For more information about the event or about how to enter the cook-off, contact Jon Hartenstein at 573-480-9866 or visit www.lakebbq.com.


Oma and Noma days

OMA AND NOMA HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Travel back in time during the Oma and Noma Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 18, on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark. This festival celebrates Oma and Noma Degraffenreid, the two ladies who were the first to travel across Bagnell Dam when it opened in 1931. The festival features arts and crafts, vintage automobiles, Ozark storytellers, pageants, Bagnell Dam tours, a dog show and much more. There are a couple new features to this year's festival, including live music that progresses through the decades as the day goes on featuring blues, bluegrass and Ozark folk music in the morning, live jazz from the '30s and '40s in the afternoon, and classics from the '50s, '60s and '70s in the evening. And,
since this year's event is held in conjunction with the Blues & BBQ Weekend, visitors will be able to catch a shuttle to and from both events. 
To find out about all things Oma and Noma, visit www.omanomaheritagefestival.com

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

2013 Events Continue to Warm Up Lake of the Ozarks

Events at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks continue to pick up steam this weekend, May 10 - 12, with two big happenings centered around the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip.



Hot Summer Nights, a five-part automobile cruising series spectacular, returns for another season of cars, music, food and family fun on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip (Business Hwy. 54) in Lake Ozark. The series begins on May 10 from 6 until 11 p.m., and continues once a month on select Fridays during the summer (June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sep. 6). Admission and cruise participation is free. In addition to food and drink, each Hot Summer Nights event features a live DJ, caricature artists, street-performing clowns, helicopter rides and other forms of entertainment. For more information about Hot Summer Nights, call the Lake Area Chamber at 800-451-4117, visit the event's website at CruiseHotSummerNights.com or visit the event's Facebook page at facebook.com/cruisehotsummernights for additional updates.



May 10 - 12 will see the return of The Bagnell Dam Rendezvous, a favorite event that has been absent from the Lake Area for the past few years. Located in the campgrounds below Bagnell Dam (the Osage River side of the dam), the Rendezvous is a step back in Missouri history as participants will set up camp as settlers and travelers did more than 100 years ago. There will be a blacksmith shop, Irish Pub with Irish creme soda, traders, craftsmen, demonstrations, black powder shoots, archery competition by KOSH Trading and Post Archery, hawk and knife throwing, fire starting, kids fishing contest, and more. There's also a potluck and live music on Saturday. Cost is $2 and children under 15 are free. Call the Dam Baitshop for camping fees. 573-365-9135.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

First Big Weekend of the 2013 Season for Lake of the Ozarks

Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is heating up the late spring season with the first big weekend of 2013 with two of the Lake Area's favorite events. By land or by lake, there is something for everyone the weekend of May 3rd through May 5th.

Celebrate automotive excellence and enjoy great family fun at the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals' silver anniversary on May 3-5 on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip (Business Hwy. 54) in Lake Ozark. The Street Meet Nationals, now in its 25th year, is a nationally-known, open-class car show, featuring all makes, models and years of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Each year, thousands of spectators attend this automotive festival to view over a thousand of the country's finest custom autos and motos. The Magic Dragon Street Meet's other attraction, the Generation NEXT Magic Dragon (located at Monarch Plaza in Lake Ozark), returns for its third year. GenNext runs May 3-4 and is specifically designed for the next generation of car enthusiasts. The GenNEXT location features tuner cars (Scion and other imports) and other highly customized foreign and domestic rides. Each Magic Dragon festival location features vendor villages, music, DJs and plenty of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. Judging-by-classification also is set to return to the Street Meet Nationals this year. Entry fee for these judging contests will be $5, with judging classes to be announced in the upcoming weeks.  For more information on this event, call 800-451-4117 or visit the Magic Dragon website at MagicDragonCarShow.com


The Spring Harbor Hop, May 4, starts the 2013 boating season at Lake of the Ozarks. This event, sponsored by the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, is a boating festival in which participants "hop" (by water or land) to and from waterfront restaurants and marinas to draw playing cards and build a winning poker hand for prizes. Players can donate $15 per seven-card hand and start the hop by drawing their first card at any of the sponsoring restaurants and marinas along the Lake's main channel, the Big Niangua and Gravois arms. For more information about the Harbor Hop, call800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253). For a full list of participating Harbor Hop locations and event hours, visit FunLake.com/HarborHop.


Thursday, March 21, 2013

Spring Returns to Lake of the Ozarks


Spring is off to a slow start at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks with a late March winter weather system moving through the area. Rest assured, we will soon be seeing warmer days and greener grass with redbuds and dogwoods blooming all around The Lake.

Within the next three to four weeks, Lake of the Ozarks will not only come alive with colorful blooms, but activity on the water will also return as our waterfront restaurants open their doors for the 2013 season. Some have already taken a start to the season by opening as early as the second week of March. Always check websites and/or call ahead to make sure your favorite lakefront establishments, golf courses and area attractions are open before heading out at this time of year.

Springtime around the Lake Area also means the return of some of our favorite events. The granddaddy of all spring festivals, The Dogwood Festival is back for its 63rd consecutive year. Make plans to visit Camdenton, MO on April 18th through the 20th to enjoy everything that this celebration of spring has to offer such as the arts & crafts show, pageants, live entertainment, the area's largest parade, the 5K Fun Run, the golf tournament, garage sales, a fish fry & hog roast, and a great carnival midway for the kids. Visit the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce's website for more information and a full schedule of events: http://camdentonchamber.com/DogwoodFestival.htm


Other April events and happenings around The Lake include Jacob's Cave Swapping Days, The Great Lake of the Ozarks Gospel Sing, the Big Bass Bass fishing tournament, the MidCoast Bike Run, various golf tournaments and musical and dramatic performances. Visit www.funlakeevents.com for details on all of these events and more. Happy Spring!


Friday, March 8, 2013

Louise Harrison's Liverpool Legends Take the Lake Stage

Their equipment has been unloaded and the Main Street Music Hall stage in Osage Beach is being set for what has become our favorite annual Spring performances at The Lake. This marks the 5th year that Louise Harrison's Liverpool Legends have brought their show to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. 

For those that don't know who she is, Louise Harrison is the sister of the late George Harrison. Louise hand-picked every member of the Liverpool Legends to pay tribute to her famous brother's band, The Beatles. The band has been playing to sold out crowds around the world and headlining their own production in Branson, Missouri since 2006. Every aspect of the Liverpool Legends show perfectly replicates The Beatles look and sound as they play favorite songs that span the entire Beatles catalog. Aside from seeing Paul McCartney or Ringo Star in concert, this is as close to the real Beatles experience as one can get. 

Limited tickets are still available for both shows, Friday March 8th and Saturday, March 9th. Call us at 573-348-1599 to reserve your seats. We are honored to have Liverpool Legends return for their 5th consecutive year and look forward to them coming back for many years to come. If you can't catch the shows this year, mark your calendar for the first weekend of March 2014, as we have every intention of bringing Liverpool Legends back for their 6th annual performance at Lake of the Ozarks.