Best of: Lake of the Ozarks?
 

What are your favorite areas to visit (and why), best restaurants, & favorite things to do in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri?
(not the lake in Branson, the one in the middle of the state)

Best restaurant, The Blue Heron.
Best restaurant on the lake, Time-Out on Gravois arm.

Most beautiful part of the lake, State Park area (just past party cove.)

We like Blue Heron but also like Bentleys. Captain Hooks has the best view of the lake, as you can see for miles. It's right next to the "main" side of the new bridge on highway bus.54.
There is a really nice outlet mall in Osage Beach. I always put in some time there.
Our family has been going to the lake every summer since about the mid-1970's and we've watch it change from a tourist "strip" (old bus. 54) to a really bustling area. Over the years we've seen soooo many good restaurants come and go. Bentleys and Blue Heron have practically always been there, and they will be for a long time.
There are a couple of sight seeing boats, or you can rent one (not sure of the price). The Lake of the Ozarks is huge, with more coastline than the state of California. There are literally hundreds of quiet coves!

Just read your post and it brought back a lot of memories for me. My grandpa used to live on the Lake of the Ozarks and we used to go there every 4th of July but he passed away almost 2 years ago so unfortunately we don't go there anymore considering we live in Houston, TX. It is to long of a drive. He used to live in Warsaw, Mo. Small little quiet town. I've been to the Osage Beach outlet mall myself and it is really nice. Good Luck and have fun. I really miss it.

Mom lives in Camdenton, we always treat them to dinner at JBHooks formerly Capt Hooks, in Osage Beach. We try to go just before sunset and get a second tear seat, bigger view than at the window. We also hit the frozen custard stands. We like to drive down to the marina at the Lodge of the Four Seasons and see the huge yachts docked there. Now that it is open we take the bridge over to the Sunrise Beach area especially in the Fall when the Apple Festivals are going on. Of course my favorite thing to do is visit with my Mom....she is quite a character!

Went to Tan-Tar-A Resort with our 3 girls, ages 6-8. They thought it was "paradise" - boat rental, pool, bowling, etc. was all right there. You have to pay for all those "extra" activities. I was really disappointed in the area. Unless you plan to spend time directly on the lake, the town is nothing exciting. Way too cheesy with the go-cart parks, etc. ugh! Although our girls had a great time, we won't go back.

May want to drive out of town and hike around at Ha Ha Tonka State park. There is an old castle that sits on the edge of a cliff that overlooks the lake and down below you can walk around the lake by some natural springs.

Ditto on Ha Ha Tonka, also the Bridal Cave is interesting, Mom lives on Thunder Mountain where the cave is located. At the top of the road to the cave is a nice little restaurant that also overlooks the lake, it has changed hands many times and may only be open in season, but worth the trip nice homes and proves that a house can be built anywhere.

best restaurant? toss up between the blue heron and the potted steer. owned by the same person. the best dining experience you will have in the world!! not to mention his award winning wine list. the owner's european background and training shines through. this is food service as it should be. the lake is lucky to have this experience. highly recommend either one.
favorite things to do? shop at the
outlet mall, just sit and look at all
the beautiful boats on the lake or get out on the lake for a boat ride, the
sceenery is fabulous. also love a pedicure and manicure at windjammer spa
at tan-tar-a. your life slows down for the time you can be at the lake.