[big cedar lodge]
Eleven miles from the hoopla of Branson, a tranquil retreat beckons from the banks of Table Rock Lake. The rolling hills of Ridgedale, Mo., have attracted nature lovers for nearly a century, and modern travelers flock to Big Cedar Lodge to take in its spectacular views.
Accommodations offer a mountain-lodge aesthetic paired with luxury amenities. Many rooms have fireplaces and jetted tubs, while private log cabins have full kitchens and outdoor grills perfect for cooking the steaks, burgers and chicken that come in Big Cedar Lodge Backyard Baskets. The hotel’s famous cookie lady even visits some rooms with deliveries of ginger snaps.
But no level of domestic comfort can distract guests from the real attraction: the great outdoors. The natural beauty of the Ozarks is on full display at Big Cedar Lodge, where families can spend hours hiking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. The beach club offers lake access, where guests can learn to jet ski and bowfish, and swimmers hoping to avoid encounters with critters can soak in hot tubs, heated pools and the lazy river. Evening bonfires provide tasty s’mores and views of the stars.
The Lodge offers plenty of other experiences, indoors and out, on its sprawling campus. Two-dozen steeds and ponies in the Cedar Mountain Stables entertain guests with carriage rides, trail rides and wagon tours. The hotel has its own yacht, Lady Liberty, which sets sail for sunset tours of the lake. Spa services include massage, nail and facial treatments. And opening in June, the Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve will turn the lodge into a golfer’s paradise, with a course and facilities designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer. Non-golfing visitors will be able to ride an electric cart to the four-story Lost Canyon Cave and waterfall and tour the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum’s collections of fossils, Native American art and Civil War artifacts.
[eat, play and shop at big cedar lodge]
EAT >> Big Cedar Lodge has several restaurants specializing in hearty Ozarks fare and offering special Sunday brunches. The entertainment-themed restaurants in Branson serve up a fun night out, and for a fabulous hamburger and milkshake, don’t miss Billy Bob’s Dairyland (1901 W. 76 Country Blvd.).
PLAY >> The bright lights of Branson are minutes away. Catch a comedy show or concert at one of the town’s many theaters and enjoy novelties like the wax museum and maze of mirrors. Nearby, Silver Dollar City offers roller coasters, shows and family-friendly rides. For a more natural experience, check out Dogwood Canyon Nature Park (2038 Missouri 86), where visitors purchase passes to hike, bike, horseback ride and fish, or explore Table Rock State Park (5272 Missouri 165).
SHOP >> Branson Landing offers outdoor waterfront shopping at anchors Bass Pro Shop and Belk, plus mall favorites. Hunt for deals on brand names at Tanger Factory Outlet Center (300 Tanger Blvd.), and browse specialty markets at The Shoppes at Branson Meadows (4740 Gretna Road).
[camden on the lake]
Imagine spending a hot summer night soaking in a pool, a tropical cocktail in hand from the swim-up bar, listening to Nelly perform live. Seekers of adult fun need look no further than Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa & Yacht Club at Lake of the Ozarks. Besides the pool, spa and boating facilities, the resort features a fitness center, a covered sand volleyball court and two retail shops.
Located next to Toad Cove Entertainment Complex, Camden on the Lake is one of the newest resorts in the area. Wednesday through Saturday from May through September, it’s the place to party. Regional DJs spin tunes during the day, and regional and national acts perform weekend nights at the Toad’s outdoor stage. “We are an adult playground, and while the lake in general is great for family entertainment, we don’t necessarily fit that mold,” general manager Dexter Whitney says.
When a break from the festivities is needed, visitors can grab a bite to eat at Frog Waterfront Sports Bar & Grill, a seasonal restaurant servicing both the outdoor pool and boaters who come in off the lake, and H. Toad’s Bar & Grill, open year-round. “We have a diverse menu, and we’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Whitney says. “We have people coming in off the lake throughout the day, whenever they get hungry.”
A trip to the lake wouldn’t make sense without getting out on the water; Camden on the Lake offers boat rentals, parasailing, fishing excursions and a water taxi service. Boaters staying elsewhere on the lake who wish to dine in the resort’s restaurants can take advantage of the Toad Cove Yacht Club, which has slips for visitors.
For daytime TLC, the resort’s Spa 54 at the Copper Door offers lakeside massages, pedicures and a full suite of spa services, an especially popular activity for bachelorette weekends. “A lot of bachelorette parties will visit the spa during the day and then party it up at night,” director of sales Nicole Kever says.
This summer, Nelly performed Memorial Day weekend, and Bret Michaels appears on the Fourth of July. Other scheduled big-name acts include Cheap Trick July 5 and Foreigner on Labor Day weekend.
[porto cima]
On an immaculate green course, golfers line up their tees, the blue water sparkling nearby. The chance to play 18 holes alongside stunning lakeside views has attracted more than 700 members to The Club at Porto Cima at Lake of the Ozarks, but it’s more than a paradise for putters. Inspired by the Italian coastal village of Portofina, Porto Cima offers a waterfront country club atmosphere with a wide variety of activities and amenities.
The course, designed by 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, was cited by Golf Digest as one of the best private courses in the country. “We are the only private club at the lake, and Jack was on the property and actually designed every aspect of the course,” director of membership Beth Irsik says.
When they’re not playing golf, members engage in friendly competition on one of two outdoor tennis courts, lounge in the Mediterranean-inspired clubhouse, break a sweat in the fitness facilities and cool down in the lakeside pool. “We have a courtesy dock where you can enjoy the pool and tiki bar,” Irsik says. Members also have access to the club’s restaurant and private marina.
Live bands, on-property carnivals, wine tastings, beer pairings, bunco and other member events ensure an active social scene. “Our pool parties are especially awesome,” Irsik says. “We have live entertainment and food and drink specials. The kids enjoy the pool, the parents enjoy the band, and it’s all right on the water.”
The Lake of the Ozarks has always been a popular summer weekend destination for St. Louisans, and Porto Cima’s membership reflects this with a mix of full-time residents and out-of-town snowbirds. “We have a very eclectic membership,” Irsik says. “Some come for the weekend, some live here permanently. It’s basically at your discretion how much you want to utilize the club and amenities.”
Social butterflies who want to get away from the city without forsaking an active social life can rest easy at Porto Cima. “It’s a tight-knit community,” Irsik says. “There’s always a golf game available and people in the restaurant. It’s really an atmosphere that makes it easy to be with people and make new friends.”
[eat, play and shop at lake of the ozarks]
EAT>> For lakefront fine dining, there’s The Duck (67 Cherokee Road). Additional options for a nice night out: Baxter’s Lakeside Grille (2124 Bagnell Dam Blvd.) and The Blue Heron (Blue Heron Hill Lane). For more casual fare, Wobbly Boots Road House (4147 Osage Beach Parkway) specializes in barbecue-centric food; J.J. Twig’s Pizza & Pub (1815 Bagnell Dam Blvd.) serves scrumptious pies. For kitschy lake fun, travel by boat to Coconut’s Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill (15208 Red Hollow Road) or Shady Gators (132 Sweet William Road). Don’t miss the drive-through at Andy’s Frozen Custard (4820 Osage Beach Parkway).
PLAY>> Sample wines at Casa de Loco Winery (442 Riverbird Lane). Visit historic Willmore Lodge (No. 1 Willmore Lane) to learn about the lake’s history and the area’s natural resources. About 40 minutes from Porto Cima and Camden on the Lake is Ha Ha Tonka State Park (1491 State Road D). Ooh and aah over breathtaking lake views and explore the stone ruins of a castle built in the early 1900s by Kansas City businessman Robert McClure. Take a guided tour of Bridal Cave (526 Bridal Cave Road).
SHOP>> Osage Premium Outlets (4540 Osage Beach Parkway) is the lake’s shopping hot spot and boasts 110 outlet stores.
By Rebecca Koenig and Stephanie Zeilenga
