Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Nightlife at Lake of the Ozarks

After a long day on the water, a night on the town keeps the good times going at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. Lake-style nightlife includes sports bars, tiki bars, mellow lounges and lively dance clubs—plus romantic moonlight cruises, a comedy club and a family-friendly opry show. And there’s music year-round – including live country, blues, jazz and rock-and-roll bands plus karaoke. As a result, on just about any night, visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks will find a fun and diverse nightlife scene.

In the peak summer season, dozens of nightclubs attract a lively crowd. One of the largest and most popular is the Horny Toad at Toad Cove, opened in 1998. There’s a lot going on here: Originally a small Lakeside restaurant, the 30,000-square-foot waterfront entertainment complex today features the Horny Toad restaurant, Jeremiah's nightclub, Frisky Frog sports bar, plus a bandstand, arcade, mini-mart, gas dock, and boutique. Last year, a luxury resort and yacht club were added to the property. Horny-Toad-owned Peckers Dueling Piano Bar, located nearby, is another popular nightspot.

Jeremiah’s Nightclub at The Horny Toad attracts a younger crowd, age 21 to 35, says Ashton Leslie, marketing manager. “It’s the largest nightclub at the Lake,” she says. “We bring in the most popular DJs from Kansas City and St. Louis and have different specials every night.” Another real crowd-pleaser at Jeremiah’s is the huge outdoor video wall. “It’s so big you can watch it from the water,” Leslie says. “We broadcast sports and people dancing inside the nightclub, plus live feeds during our concerts.”

Those concerts include a summer outdoors series featuring regional and nationally known groups. This year's lineup includes April Wine and Pat Travers, the Little River Band, Bret Michaels, Billy Squier, Shooting Star, Head East, Rick Derringer, and Lynyrd Skynyrd and Beatles tribute bands. “Literally, you can enjoy an entire day of events at the Horny Toad, from breakfast until 1:30 in the morning,” Leslie says.

Another well-known Lake nightspot that has changed dramatically over time is The Clown, originally a floating restaurant opened in 1960. Today, like the Horny Toad, it has transformed itself into an entertainment complex with six bars featuring The Clown, Poop Deck, Tiki Bar and Topsider Night Club, a high energy, top-40 dance club with a DJ nightly. The Topsider is well known for its light and video shows on weekends. “It's an extensive high-tech light system that's mounted on a moving truss that goes up and down and tilts, and it's programmed along with the music. We create a two-to-three minute show, using a scene from a movie like ‘Batman' or ‘Star Wars' that has big crescendos to showcase our lights,” says owner Kym Ebling. “You just have to see it for yourself.”

Other notable nightspots at the Lake of the Ozarks include Risky’s Nightclub, featuring a poker tournament on Tuesdays and live music on Thursdays; Pickled Pete's, with karaoke on Saturdays; Shady Gator's Bar & Grill, offering live music at the Lake's only triple-decker Tiki Bar plus the unique Friday Night Foam Party; Camp Bagnell, presenting live country, rock oldies and karaoke on weekends; Dog Days Bar & Grill, home of “The Barefoot Entertainer” Dale Blue and national touring acts; the Halfway Inn, with karaoke on Saturdays; Shooters 21, featuring a dockside sports bar; Shorty Pants Lounge, the “Luxury Laid-Back Lake Experience;” Backwater Jack’s, “a taste of Florida at the Lake,” featuring Reggae Sundays; Captain Ron’s, offering weekly Beach Parties and Beach Volleyball, Martinis and Jazz Night and live entertainment; and Bambooze Bar & Grill, with an outdoor stage and tiki bar. And there are many more popular bars, lounges, dance clubs and hot spots throughout the Lake area.

In addition to hard rock and foot-stomping country, the late-night Lake also offers blues and jazz. The Lake of the Ozarks Blues Society presents open jam sessions on the second Tuesday of the month at member clubs around the area, and the Ozark Jazz Society also sponsors monthly events featuring Dixieland, ragtime and big band swing music. At the Country Club Hotel, D’Vaughn Pershing performs on weekends. This versatile pianist has played and conducted for Andy Willams at the Moon River Theatre in Branson, as well as for the original cast recording of the “Rocky Horror Show” plus numerous television shows and symphony orchestras.

Another entertaining way to fill an evening at the Lake is to enjoy a moonlight excursion. The 80-foot, 150-passenger Celebration is the Lake's largest and most luxurious climate-controlled motor yacht. It offers dinner cruises on Saturdays, and dinner and live music on Tuesdays. The Tom Sawyer is a replica of a 19th-century paddlewheeler, featuring sunset dinner cruises.

A favorite for family entertainment at the Lake is the Main Street Music Hall in The Landing on Main Street. Now in its 15th season, Main Street offers an updated, contemporary take on the traditional country opry show. At Main Street, audiences enjoy music that ranges from new and old country to rock and roll to gospel, with patriotic tunes and knee-slapping comedy also in the mix.

And speaking of comedy, up-and-comers and well known comedians on nationwide tours stop by the Blue Room at the City Grill every Wednesday night where the cover charge is just $8 if you dine at the City Grill the night of the show, or $10 at the door. The rest of the week, there's a deejay and dancing. “All the great dancers come here,” says Kenny Homm, whose family owns this well known spot. “You can have a fabulous time just watching them.” The on-site sports bar features 33 TVs and the restaurant offers casual fine dining.

When the karaoke machines are turned off and tiki torch flames die down, visitors head back to their condos, resorts, motels, B&Bs or campgrounds to get ready for another fun day on the Lake – followed by another fantastic night on the town. For more information about the Lake of the Ozarks' nightlife scene, plus lodging, dining, attractions, shopping and events, call 800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau's web site at www.funlake.com.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009


It’s summertime at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks—the time when our golf courses, state parks, marinas, attractions, and, of course, our sparkling Lake are hopping with visitors. Some stay at a small, family-owned resort they’ve been coming to since they were kids (and now they’re bringing THEIR kids)…others stay at a full-service resort where they never have to leave the premises...plus we have condos, vacation rental homes, romantic B&Bs, campgrounds, and houseboats too!

IT’S HOT OUTSIDE, BUT COOL INSIDE OUR CAVES…That is, a comfy 50-60 degrees year-round in the Lake of the Ozarks’ “walk-through” caves (there are more than 300 “wild” caves in the Lake area). Since 1948, more than 2,100 couples have said “I do” at Bridal Cave in Camdenton, where guided tours over concrete pathways take visitors past Mystery Lake, giant columns, delicate straws and massive draperies. Accessible by boat or car, the cave complex also features Thunder Mountain Mining Company, the area’s largest Lakeside gift shop. Visitors carry lanterns to tour Ozark Caverns, located inside Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s largest state park. The ADA-accessible cave is known for its “Angel Showers” formation, an endless shower of water that seems to flow from a solid rock ceiling, as well as well-preserved prehistoric claw marks, “soda straws,” helictites, stalagmites and many species of cave-dwelling creatures. Speaking of state parks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton continually ranks as the Lake-area’s highest guest-satisfaction attraction! It’s no wonder, with its intriguing castle ruins and fascinating karst geography featuring caves, sinkholes and natural bridges. Under the ground or high above it on a towering bluff, our amazing caves and natural wonders bring thousands of vacationers to the Lake of the Ozarks every summer!

OUTDOORS OR IN, WATER PARKS OFFER REFRESHING FUN… At the Lake of the Ozarks, it’s great to swim in the Lake or a pool—but our two water parks offer even more thrills and spills. Opened in 1988, Big Surf Waterpark in Linn Creek has a huge Wave Pool with waves up to five feet…the nearly vertical Zambezi Falls half-pipe water tube ride…the 300-foot Challenger Body Flumes…wild Rapids…a 185-foot flume that sends you whirling into the Space Bowl…a relaxing Lazy River…plus Tropical Splash Island just for the little ones and much more. At Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, the highlight of Timber Falls Indoor Water Park, opened in 2003, is a three-story tree house complete with suspension bridges, tunnels and water blasters, topped with a huge wooden bucket that tips over about every two minutes and splashes those below with 700 gallons of water. Visitors also scream with delight at Timber Falls’ water slides, activity pool, Lazy River and more. Kids from 1 to 101 are sure to enjoy a few hours or an entire day at both Lake-area parks!

FOOD WITH A VIEW… When they’re not in or on the water, vacationers love looking at the shimmering beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks—and a popular way to do that is to dine at one of our 50-plus Lakefront or Lakeview restaurants. From traditional local eateries to fine gourmet dining, family-style cafes to ethnic favorites, Ozarks BBQ and catfish joints and more, you’ll find them all, on or looking over the water at the Lake of the Ozarks. Views range from a cozy cove to a limitless panorama of miles of channel. In the summertime, it’s a wonderful way to savor a spectacular Lake sunset or watch the great variety of boats go by as you relax over a meal, snack or cocktail at the Lake!

THE GOLFING’S GREAT AT THE LAKE… Summertime is a fantastic time for a golf getaway at the Lake of the Ozarks thanks to the Golf-A-Round program. With just one call golfers can reserve the accommodations they want plus guaranteed tee times on one of our 16 championship courses—including courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Ken Kavanagh--all for one special price that’s less than booking a room and golf separately. The discounted price will include a double occupancy room, green fee and shared cart rental for 18 holes a day. Play at any of the participating golf courses regardless of where you stay. Lodging options range from resorts and hotels to condos and houses, from economical to luxurious. Just call the lodging facility of your choice to arrange your Golf-A-Round package now, or visit www.golfathelake.net.


COMING UP THIS SUMMER…For more information about these and other Lake-area summertime events, please visit www.funlake.com.

• July 4…Independence Day Celebrations, Lakewide, including fireworks displays at various locations around the Lake. For a complete listing, visit www.funlake.com or call (800) FUNLAKE.
• July 10-22…Quilt Show, Camden County Museum, Linn Creek, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For information please call (573) 346-7191.
• July 31-Aug. 1…17th Annual Laurie Hillbilly BBQ Cook-off. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, this fun weekend features a dance, beer garden, cash prizes and the hypnotic aroma of barbecue wafting throughout Laurie. For details call (573) 374-877
• Aug. 8-9…Art & Ambiance Fair at StoneCrest Mall, Osage Beach, features some of the finest art galleries, museums, artisans, wineries and culinary experiences the Lake has to offer. Entertainment daily! For information call (573) 348-3106.
• Aug. 28-30…Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Boat Race and Poker Run at Captain Ron’s, Sunrise Beach. The largest unsanctioned boat race in the nation features boats roaring by at more than 200 miles per hour! Powerboat Magazine calls it one of the eight “must-see” boating events in the nation. Who will win the coveted Top Gun title? Call (573) 374-5852 for information.

Summertime is prime time at the Lake of the Ozarks! For travel-planning information, please call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau toll-free at (800) FUN-LAKE or visit www.funlake.com.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Midweek Relaxation & Savings

The travel season is here and Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks is humming--especially on weekends. A lot of visitors look forward to the excitement and lively atmosphere of this popular Midwest vacation destination from Friday through Sunday. But there’s another side of the Lake that can be experienced only in the middle of the week. That’s when visitors find a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere--and frequent savings, too.

“Midweek at the Lake, visitors often will benefit from additional discounts in lodging and attractions,” says Tim Jacobsen, director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau. “They still can play golf, rent a boat, ride go-carts and dine at our terrific restaurants.”

With a 92-mile main channel and more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, visitors always can find quiet areas on the Lake to water ski, even on weekends. “But between four o’clock Sunday and 4 o’clock Friday you can discover a Lake the whole family will enjoy,” Jacobsen says.

That makes midweek at the Lake of the Ozarks an opportune time to stay awhile at one of the area’s inviting motels, hotels, resorts, condos, rental houses, campgrounds or bed-and-breakfasts. “During the week it’s quieter and calmer on the Lake and in general an easier lifestyle here,” says Sky Johnson, who, along with her husband Bill, owns Eagle’s Next Resort & Vacation Rentals in Sunrise Beach. “Even in the busy season, in the middle of the week all the other Lake-area amenities, like restaurants, attractions and stores, are open and eager to serve visitors.”

Paulette Spriggs, who owns Point Randall Resort in Lake Ozark with her husband, Michael, adds, “Typically in the summer we’ll have families who stay Saturday through Saturday, but we are glad to accommodate people who would like to arrive on a weekday.” Even in mid-July, in the prime of the tourism season, Spriggs notes, “midweek, if you want to get out on the water, you can inner-tube or water ski or go for a nice boat ride. That’s the number one advantage to coming here in the middle of the week: being able to enjoy the Lake.” The number two advantage, she says, “is just getting out and enjoying things with a little less crowds and waits.”

That would apply to Lake-area attractions such as Big Surf Water Park in Camdenton. Notes Group Sales Manager Lacey Filley, “The main benefit to coming here during the week is shorter lines. Generally, Monday through Wednesday isn’t as busy. But we are very weather-driven. If it’s hot, we will have quite a few people in the park!”

Visitors who want to rent boats and other watercraft also will notice the benefits of being at the Lake during the week. “On most Saturdays we rent out every boat, about 30 in all, but during the week you have a better chance of renting whatever you want, whether it’s a pontoon, speedboat or jet ski,” says Trent “F”, manager of Bridgeport Boat Rentals in Osage Beach. He offers weekday savings on jet ski rentals: $35 per hour from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday-Friday, versus $60 per hour on Saturday. “I deal with families a lot more during the week,” he adds. “Many are from St. Louis and Kansas City and they’re coming to the Lake instead of traveling farther for vacation. They don’t have to travel as far or spend as much to get out on the water, especially if they come midweek.”

Dining, golfing and shopping also offer midweek benefits for Lake-area visitors. Restaurants typically are less busy during the week, which means less time waiting to be seated and served. “But the Lake doesn’t just close up Monday through Friday. There are a lot of different activities going on aimed especially at weekday visitors,” says Jeff Carroll, owner of Pickled Pete’s Sports Bar & Grill in Osage Beach. For example, Thursday nights are Kids Nights at Pickled Pete’s, where children can eat for one dollar and have a pickle painted on their face by Miss Loretta, who also gets kids involved in other fun activities while their parents relax. “Other places also have food and drink specials and live music on particular week nights,” Carroll says.

Midweek visitors can walk in and tee up—and save money—at the Lake of the Ozarks’ outstanding golf courses. Many courses offer weekday specials just for seniors and ladies. Paul Leahy, director of golf at Tan-Tar-A Resort & Golf Club and president of the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council, says, “Golfers definitely can find better values at Lake-area courses during the week. In fact at The Oaks and Hidden Lakes courses at Tan-Tar-A you can save 10 percent on weekdays.” Golf course restaurants and course-side lodging also are less crowded, Leahy says, adding, “We have a lot of regulars who will only play during the week.”

Shoppers also notice a difference between weekends and weekdays. At Osage Beach Premium Outlets, Missouri’s largest outlet center with more than 110 designer and name-brand outlet stores, General Manager Candy Wilson says, “If you are age 50 or older, consider shopping on Tuesdays for our 50 Plus Shopper Perks to receive an extra 10 percent off at stores.” She also suggests joining the VIP Shopper Club for exclusive savings including a voucher for a free VIP Coupon Book that sells for $5 at the outlet center’s Information Center. See www.premiumoutlets.com/vip
for more information. Outstanding Lake-area shopping opportunities also include nationally known retailers, specialty boutiques, antique shops and malls and the historic Bagnell Dam Strip. As a result, visitors increasingly come to the Lake of the Ozarks during the week just to shop.

Discover the relaxation and savings that await midweek visitors at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. For more information about a Lake getaway—weekdays or anytime--as well as details about Lake-area lodging, dining, shopping, attractions and activities, please contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at (800) FUN LAKE or visit www.funlake.com.