Category Archives: Staying With Us Tips!

Fall Cooking: Apple Cider Three Ways

Posted in General, Staying With Us Tips! by

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Fall is no doubt the season of the apple.

Apple pie. Apple cake. Apple cider. Apple, apple, apple!

We are sure you’re used to the standard Apple Cider, which is cozy and warming on a cool fall day. But there’s many dishes beyond ciders where apples can showcase their sweet and tartness.

After a little bit of digging, we wanted to share three different recipes all using apple as the central ingredient.

Since all of our vacation rental homes are stocked with kitchen utensils and equipment, be sure to try one of these recipes when you come to the Lake of the Ozarks!

  • Traditional Mulled Apple Cider – Fall isn’t complete without the scent of apple cider wafting through our home. This recipe from Bobby Flay of Food Network throws in extra spices to make it even richer — cinnamon, allspice berries, cloves, and one orange.
  • Apple Cider Doughnuts – If you’re wanting to treat your family, these doughnuts are the way to go! They bring the best of apples into a light, fluffy, fried treat. Dip the doughnuts in sugar for a nice finish.
  • Apple-Glazed Barbecued Baby Back Ribs – You haven’t put the grill away just yet, have you? Good! This is for the meat-lover who wants to impress the crowd at a football tailgate or at home. Dark brown sugar, apple cider, and an array of spices will take your ribs to the next level. Now, that’s finger lickin’ good!

Three Reasons to Visit the Lake of the Ozarks in the Fall

Posted in FYI, Rentals, Staying With Us Tips! by

Can you believe we’re just 12 days away from the first day of fall?!

Not sure if it’s just us, but summer sure did zoom by! The Lake of the Ozarks is bustling full of energy during the summer. Lots of people. Lots of parties. Lots of live music, events, and gorgeous fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend. It’s a wonderful time to be at the lake.

As with every summer, it eventually comes to an end. As temperatures drop and the crowds subside, a new, majestic beauty arrives. Fall (or Autumn – whatever you like to call it) at the Lake of the Ozarks is truly magical. If you’ve only visited during the summer, here are three reasons you should make the trek this fall:

  1. Foliage galore: Golds. Reds. Oranges. Browns. If you’re eyes are craving some natural beauty, look no further. Autumn is the perfect time of year to explore around the lake on foot. Navigate trails. Enjoy the peace and quiet. Soak up the wild colors Mother Nature has to offer. The leaves during this time of year even make the Dogwoods jealous!
  2. The crowds are gone: Boats on the lake begin to thin out. Kids head back to school. The pace at the lake begins to slow down. If a tranquil, slower pace is what you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed. Sure, there’s still people. But nothing like the summer. Take advantage of this peace. Our days are often hectic, especially between Halloween until the holidays in December. Come on down and get a much needed breather away from it all.
  3. So very cozy: Fall means cozy jackets, occasional scarves, and all things pumpkin spice. And of course, fall just isn’t fall without a piping hot mug of apple cider. This is also an especially fun time of year to visit the many antique stores found at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here’s a list of some of the festivals and craft fairs happening this fall.

Lake of the Ozarks BikeFest 2013

Posted in Rentals, Staying With Us Tips! by

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We can hear the roar of motorcycles headed our way!

Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the United States will be rumbling their way to Lake of the Ozarks September 12-15 for the 7th annual Lake of the Ozarks BikeFest! This area offers some of the Nation’s most scenic rides around the Lake of the Ozarks and through the rolling Ozark hills with spectacular views. In addition to over one-hundred biker-friendly bars, restaurants, hotels and campgrounds.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, we have plenty of vacation rental properties for you to choose from. And we’re offering 15 percent off of the nightly rate — just for Bikefest attendees! Offer is for participants staying from 9/8 – 9/22. Use offer code: HARLEY to get your discount!

To browse all of our vacation rentals, simply click here.

Our Local Area guide has plenty of resources for things to do, places to eat, and sights to see during your stay. Below are some helpful links…

– Boat Rentals & Marinas
– Cruises & Chartered Boats
– Dining at the Lake of the Ozarks
– Fishing
– Golfing
– Museums/Shrines
– Scenic Air Tours
– Show Caves

5 Kid Friendly Things To Do At the Lake of the Ozarks

Posted in Rentals, Staying With Us Tips!, Things To Do by

There’s nothing quite like quality family time at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Since many of you are bringing little ones to the lake for a family vacation, we wanted to share some activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family! These are activities that your kids will be begging to return to year after year.

  • Horseback Riding: Check out Broken Gate Trail Rides or give Circle R Stables a call at 573-348-8687.
  • Cave Exploring: There’s nothing quite like exploring the world underground. Missouri is nicknamed “The Cave State”, having more than 5,600 recorded caves, including 20 show caves, which are open to the public for guided tours. During your stay, be sure to visit Bridal Cave, Ozark Caverns, or Jacobs Cave.
  • Water Parks: Yes, the entire family can get wet and wild without even going to the lake! Take a dip at Bear Bottoms Water slides, Big Surf Water Park, or Timber Falls Indoor Water Park. Bear Bottoms boasts Missouri’s Number 1 and Number 2 longest open flume body water slides.
  • Miniature Golf: No need to drive a golf ball far at either of these destinations. It’s all about the putting! Putt ‘N’ Stuff Family Fun Center and Sugar Creek Miniature Golf are both great options if you kids or grandkids are looking for a day away from the water.
  • Family Fun Center: After spending a few days on the lake, Miner Mike’s Indoor Family Fun Center is the perfect way to cool off and have some serious fun! Miner Mike’s is a 35,000 sq. ft family fun center that features exciting rides, challenging games, simulators and great food. Also, be sure to check out Buster, Miner Mike’s adorable mule!

As always, if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to give us a ring at 866-273-2169. And of course, be sure to check out all of our comfy homes that can accommodate any size family.

Where To Grab Dessert at the Lake of the Ozarks

Posted in Staying With Us Tips! by
Randy's Frozen Custard

Photo credit: Randy’s Frozen Custard website

I don’t know about you, but no meal is complete without dessert!

People often ask where to get dessert while they’re at the Lake of the Ozarks.

When you’re staying with us, be sure to check out Randy’s Frozen Custard in Osage Beach. In case you haven’t experienced frozen custard, it’s so rich, sweet, and creamy. The perfect dessert on a hot Missouri day!

Randy’s provides a fun intro to Frozen Custard. Click here for a rundown.

If you’re struggling with what to get, you can’t go wrong with “Concrete”. It’s frozen custard with a mix-in of your choice. Choose from toppings such as M&Ms, Butterfinger, chocolate, strawberry, and many more. The sky is the limit!

Take a look at their menu and then get over to Randy’s for a cool-down summer treat.