| Central Missouri might seem like one of those | | | | ground expanses brimming with pools, stalactites |
| obscure, out of the way places where people live | | | | and stalagmites, and prehistoric bones. History and |
| but rarely plan to visit. Savvy Middle Americans | | | | mystery complement the natural wonders, |
| know that there's more to the story than this, | | | | explaining why many people choose to be married |
| however, as the Lake of the Ozarks is a | | | | at Bridal Cave. |
| tried-and-true vacation destination known for | | | | For another serious foray into the wilderness don't |
| encapsulating all that is relaxing. Getting away | | | | overlook Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The |
| doesn't have to mean heading to the coast to | | | | largest in the state and located south of Osage |
| find a remote beach or disappearing into a bustling | | | | Beach, this designated parkland has 85 miles of |
| foreign city; it could be as simple as going to the | | | | shoreline and tons of family and fun-friendly |
| lake for a few days and letting the peace and | | | | facilities. Horseback riding, an "aquatic trail," |
| quiet of a low-profile destination buoy your spirit | | | | geological anomalies and a helpful Visitors Center |
| and erase your cares. | | | | all make it worth the trip and will further enhance |
| There's something about being near a lake that | | | | your ever-expanding viewpoint of this destination |
| trumps other attempts to leave the world behind. | | | | as a truly worthwhile one. |
| Whether taking an exhilarating spin in a speed | | | | If you're not quite convinced that middle Missouri |
| boat, skimming the surface in a pair of water skis, | | | | is the place to be, then listen up. Several |
| casting a line from a canoe or settling down for a | | | | professionally designed golf courses, top-notch |
| nap on a sun-dappled dock you can be sure of | | | | fishing, casinos, live music, great shopping, movies |
| achieving a higher level of freedom and escape | | | | and more should cause you to cast aside any |
| than many other vacation spots can provide. A | | | | doubts that remain. The Lake of the Ozarks |
| deeper silence, a broader calm and an array of | | | | region is truly multi-dimensional and hardly a risky |
| activities that take advantage of it all are a few | | | | place to visit, especially if you're already in the |
| features that make the Lake of the Ozarks a | | | | general area and don't want to deal with the |
| prime place to settle for a few days. | | | | hassle of flying, renting cars, getting a passport, |
| For a fine sampling of all that this region has to | | | | etc...Missouri highways are easy to navigate and |
| offer, visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park. A funny | | | | will surely take you right where you want to be. |
| name, it's true, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't | | | | In particular, a good place to be is in fact a Lake |
| be taken seriously as a lush and lovely landscape | | | | of the Ozarks Vacation Rental. Cabins, condos and |
| filled with trails, caves, shelters and playgrounds. | | | | lake houses are the best venue for capturing the |
| Sixteen miles of hiking terrain and the unique | | | | spirit of serenity already touched upon, and being |
| karst topography make for lots of calorie burning | | | | a little bit off the beaten path yet in full reach of |
| and photo-taking opportunities. Exploring a new | | | | many conveniences is the best of both worlds. |
| place by foot, checking out the indigenous flora | | | | Large houses invite family reunions and such - |
| and fauna and spending quality time with your | | | | allowing room to socialize and interact without the |
| companions amidst the surprisingly beautiful | | | | fear of claustrophobia setting in. If it's just a few |
| Missouri scenery could be the perfect way to | | | | people there's an appropriate place, too; imagine a |
| spend a day. | | | | cozy cabin right on the lake with your own boat |
| The Cave State, as its known, invites visitors to | | | | dock. |
| head underground for yet another viewpoint. | | | | Vacation rentals tend to be crowd-pleasers |
| About 300 caves surround the Lake of the | | | | wherever they are located, but there's something |
| Ozarks, including Bridal Cave, Jacob's Cave and | | | | about being on the lake in an original and |
| Ozark Caverns. These show caves are open to | | | | ultra-comfortable home away from home that |
| the public and accessible even to first-timers. You | | | | really hits the spot. Explore the options as you |
| don't need special gear or equipment to make | | | | begin to plan, and watch your Missouri vacation as |
| your way through these oddly inviting below | | | | it starts to come together quite nicely. |