We are looking forward to our upcoming visit to the Lake area in mid October.  We will be staying at Crane Cove Getaway, a Crystal Waters Villa rental home.  From our past experience with Sherry Shippee, we know it will be just as lovely as pictured, or even more so.  We stayed at Crownview several years ago and brought our sister and brother-in-law from CA with us.  They were delighted with the clean and luxurious accommodations of the home, plus quite surprised at the beauty of the Lake area. Sherry is easy to work with both by phone and email to finalize reservations and to get the necessary paperwork taken care of. Everything is clearly explained in writing as well.  One can tell she enjoys helping guests enjoy their stay!

While at the Lake we never miss a trip to HaHa Tonka State Park. It is especially beautiful in the fall and we’ll hike our favorite trail to the spring and then take the long stairway up to the castle. Lake of the Ozarks State Park ranks a close 2nd for must do activities with a multitude of trails to enjoy. We always make sure to see either a sunrise or sunset each day we are there, and both if we are lucky!  Nothing can start or end a day better.  You have to allow at least a few hours for a shopping trip to the Premium Outlets…..and there are often great sales for early Christmas shopping. And really- there is nothing quite as relaxing as just itting on your deck or dock with watching the boats go by.

You can’t go wrong with almost any restaurant at the Lake, but we do have our favorites.  Bentley’s, the Duck, JB Hooks, the Blue Heron, Michael’s Steak Chalet, and the Trail House Inn are at the top of our list.  We hope to try Baxter’s and JJ’s at the Copper Pot this trip.

If you like a little slower pace and less hustle and bustle you might consider staying on the “quiet side” of the Lake like we are this time. Just cross over the Community Bridge and you’ll see the difference. We’ve been coming to the Lake area from IL for over 10 years now, and we love both sides. Wherever you stay and whatever you do……the main thing is to enjoy your time there, because it is like no other!

– Gary and Amy Turpin