Missouri Ozarks - a day trip?
 

The Ozarks are not my favorite place to go, but we have access to a terrific house on the lake that we really enjoy. We've just learned to not leave the house - and enjoy our little dock, patios & downtime. I'm wondering if there is a something within an hour + drive from Osage Beach that we could do? We've yet to find a good restaurant - so could use a suggestion there - a non-chain local favorite? Is there a place where we could rent a canoe or hike? Anything unique to the area that we haven't been able to find on our own? Any tips would be appreciated!

Hi Blueslipper. I am not an expert on the lake area; I live not too far away but just don't go there much. The restaurant I usually gravitate to when I am there is the Happy Fisherman, because i love seafood. they have a lot of variety and not all of it is fried ;) www.funlake.com/dining/dining_detail.php?id=43 It is very casual and moderate price. Usually when I am there it is full of families.

On which side of the lake will you be? That makes a difference for driving times.

the 2 state parks at the Lake are Ha Ha Tonka and Lake of the Ozarks SP, and there are some hiking trails at both. Info here www.mostateparks.com/places.htm choose the park from the drop down list. I think the next closest state park would be Bennett Spring.

I enjoy going to wineries...if that interests you there are 2 in Stover that would be close for you. I have not been to these so can't tell you anything about them. There are others farther away. My favorite locale is Hermann. www.missouriwine.org/frame_wineries.html

I knew there had to be canoeing on some of the rivers around the lake, and it took me a bit of searching, but I found at least one, Little Niangua Campground http://www.gorvcamping.com/canoe_kay...s_missouri.htm
You can get a list of canoe rentals in the central region from the state tourism website www.visitmo.com Choose "things to do" then "outdoors" and on the search page check canoeing and whatever region/city you want...I got a list of 16 for central region. ( have to say I don't think MO has made tourism info as accessible as it could be!)

As you no doubt know Jefferson City is close and there are some historic buildings there. the governor's mansion is beautifully restored and can be toured with advance reservations www.missourimansion.org./ The capitol bldg has a museum and can be toured http://www.visitjeffersoncity.com/at..._building.html Jefferson Landing historic site is nearby www.mostateparks.com/jeffersonland.htm If you do go to Jefferson City, Madison's Restaurant is close to these sites and is well thought of, has a nice atmosphere and moderately high pricing.

More than an hour, but less than two, would be Columbia which has great restaurants and nearby Rocheport for wine.

bookmarking

The Winston Churchill Museum on the camppus of Westminster College in Fulton, where he gave the Iron Curtain speech. Beautiful little chapel there also which was a church in London given to the college after WWII.

If you do go to Fulton, I highly recommend Bek's restaurant. It is on Court Street in an old building that has been restored to the old tin ceiling, wood floor, etc. www.beksshop.com

The church, St Mary of Aldermanbury, is from 1600s and is quite lovely. Churchill museum just reopened after complete overhaul.