Would enjoy a quiet vacation in the beautiful Ozarks in June. My family is thinking about renting a cabin but not sure we want to do all the cooking. Are there any "all-inclusive" places to stay in the Ozarks or some that would include at least some meals and still be peaceful? Also, I'm not sure what the ads mean when they say "resort". All help will be appreciated!

Thanks,
pgb

Where do you plan to vacation in the Ozarks? In Lake of the Ozarks, Branson, or Eureka Springs, it will be difficult to find a cabin that includes any meals. You might find a resort that has a common area which includes continental breakfast and nightly activities including a hot dog roast, etc.. A resort can mean anything in the Ozarks. Look for the amenities provided to see if the property meets your needs.

Thanks for your help! We have been to Eureka Springs, Branson ... that area. How is the Mountain Home / Mountain View area? We were not planning to fish on this trip and do not need a cabin on a lake or river. There are many ads for cabins - we didn't know where to begin. Have you been to the Ozark Folk Center or any of the Civil War battle fields? Thanks again for your help!

I grew up in St. Louis and spent a LOT of time in the Ozarks when I was younger. I remember Branson when it was a quiet little town on the river and had no theaters or attractions until you got out to Silver Dollar City. It's been awhile though, so I wouldn't try to recommend a specific resort.

I will say though that most of the "resorts" (whatever that might mean there) are oriented to be near water - either one of the lakes or by a river. It's just sort of the reason people go to the Ozarks. Scenic, if nothing else and beside fishing, there's swimming, boating, canoe float trips and such. I really like the Bull Shoals lake area which isn't far from Mountain Home. Theodosia is the town we would stay at back then.

I don't recall any all-inclusives at all. Not saying there aren't any though. Now, the Lake of the Ozarks area has a ton of resorts all around the lake, near the lake towns like Osage Beach, which are chock full of restaurants and tourists. Overall, I prefer the much more quiet area around Bull Shoals to Lake of the Ozarks.

The Ozarks cover a lot of territory though, so you could wander as far east as Piedmont, or into the Montauk river area or down into Arkansas and most of it's going to be fairly quiet.

Both Mountain Home and Mountain View have nice bed and breakfasts which include some meals. I have been to the Ozark Folk Center and wasn't impressed. There were a few hands-on demonstrations but for what you saw, it was pricey. Blanchard Caverns is an awesome site to visit if you like that sort of thing. If you prefer golfing you might take a look at Fairfield Bay. In my opinion, both mountain towns are quaint with not much to do other than to relax.

Thank you both japw82 and Clifton! I forgot about the swimming and canoeing that would be a good reason to be near water. I also hadn't thought of a bed and breakfast that could offer some meals. You help is appreciated.

thanks,
pgb