Family Day Trip to Table Rock Lake in Missouri

While on a road trip through the great state of Missouri we passed through Kimberling City and decided to spend the day at Table Rock Lake. If you're unfamiliar with this area...it sits right outside of Branson. The lake offers crystal clear water and a ton of family fun!

You can find overnight accommodations at area resorts, hotels, guest houses and campgrounds. You'll find family lodging, rustic campgrounds and luxurious accommodations. There is something for everyone. Stay a night, a few days, for a romantic weekend or vacation all week long.

Located nearby you'll find the Silver Dollar City amusement park, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Dixie Stampede, the Titanic Museum,  Sight & Sound Theatre, the Track Family Fun Parks, camping, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing, zip lining, etc. If you love wax museums, you'll find the Hollywood Wax Museum located nearby.

After enjoying some of the activities at Table Rock Lake we headed for a casual dinner at Devil's Pool Restaurant located in nearby Ridgedale, part of Big Cedar Lodge. This is one of the area's most popular restaurants, so we recommend that you call ahead to make a reservation. They're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We heard that they offered the best steaks and smoked prime rib in the area, so that's what we ordered. Our dinner arrived promptly on our table and was cooked to perfection. Oh my gosh, this was one of the BEST meals we had on our entire road trip. I think you'll be very pleased with their menu offerings, price points and service.

Table Rock Lake is a really special place and appeals to all ages. Our time there was too short, so we're planning an official weekend getaway for later next year. Then we'll really have the opportunity to explore the area. In the meantime here's a few photographs for you to enjoy.

6 Reasons to Visit St. Louis This Summer

Now that summer is finally here, start planning your next big vacation. If you're tired of yet another trip to the beach, why not try something a little different? St. Louis, Missouri, is a great tourist destination that won't be as crowded or as sandy as a tropical destination. In fact, the city comes alive in the warm weather, with plenty of summer activities to keep you and your family entertained. Explore the following six reasons to visit St. Louis this summer.

Enjoy Delicious St. Louis Cuisine

Image via Flickr by Daniel Zemans

If you've never tried St. Louis–style pizza, a pizzeria will have to be your first stop. Journey to The Hill neighborhood and satisfy your hunger on this thin-crusted specialty made with Provel cheese. Afterward, have a home-cooked pork steak slathered in Maull's Barbecue Sauce, one of the city's specialties. Finish off your meal at Ted Drewes, a frozen custard stand that's been around since 1929.

Go Back to Your Childhood Days at the Circus

Image via Flickr by pasa47

Who said the circus was only for kids? Circus Flora is a big top tent that sets up in the St. Louis midtown every summer. This attraction features a number of fun circus acts, such as an acrobat group known as the St. Louis Arches and a high-wire act called The Flying Wallendas. Stick around after the show to have a meet and greet with the performers.

Listen to Free Outdoor Concerts

Music is a big deal in St. Louis, so it makes perfect sense that the city has a number of free music opportunities during the summer. Weekly shows take place at the Missouri Botanical Garden and in downtown Kirkwood, as well as monthly concerts at Ryan Hummert Memorial Park in Maplewood. One other option is The Muny, an outdoor musical amphitheater that offers about 1,500 free seats for every concert.

Explore the Massive Forest Park

Image via Flickr by Keith Yahl

You'll find much to do in Forest Park that you could spend your entire vacation there and not see all of it. With more than 1,293 acres of land, the park is home to the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the Saint Louis Science Center, and The Muny.

Catch a Cardinals Game

Image via Flickr by OakleyOriginals

Baseball is big in St. Louis, and fans love cheering on the Cardinals. Join in the fervor by attending a game at Busch Stadium, ranked as one of the top 10 ballparks in the country.

Cruise Down the Mississippi

You can't skip a tour on this magnificent body of water. Take a cruise with the Gateway Arch Riverboats, a fleet of replica, old-style boats. Choose from a dinner cruise or a blues cruise with local live entertainment.

If you're convinced this is the city where you need to spend your summer, don't delay when it comes to searching for St. Louis accommodations. Booking early is the best way to find deals and save yourself money. With a good bed to sleep in, amenities such as pools at your hotel, extra cash in your pocket, and a full itinerary of attractions, you'll truly enjoy your summer St. Louis vacation.

What's HOT in Branson Missouri

Back in 1998 and 1999, I had the pleasure of living in the beautiful state of Missouri. One of the things I loved about Missouri and the St. Louis area is that there was always something to go out and see & do. There were always a ton of shows, concerts, art festivals, sporting events, street fairs, etc. going on. Those activities are on-top of the traditional tourist venues that are held all over the state. With that said, I never had the opportunity to get down to Branson, but it's definitely on my travel bucket list. Here's what's HOT in Branson Missouri in 2017.

PRESLEYS’ 50th ANNIVERSARY

The Presley Family opened Branson’s first music theater on June 30th, 1967. In 2017 they will celebrate their 50th Anniversary in their original location. This is a truly amazing accomplishment in the entertainment industry, especially to be in the same location. Two original members of the show, Gary & Steve Presley still perform nightly in the show. There are now fourth generation Presleys performing in the show. The family originally performed in caves in the Ozarks before building their theater on Highway 76.

ANDY WILLIAMS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 25th ANNIVERSARY

Andy Williams Moon River Theatre opened its doors on May 1, 1992. Andy was the first non-country music performer to open a theatre in Branson. The theatre’s design reflects the beauty and environmental integrity of the surrounding Ozark Mountains. The 48,000-square-foot structure is set among 16 acres landscaped with rock formations, waterfalls and a stream. It is the only theatre ever to be featured in Architectural Digest. For the interior, it was Andy’s idea to create a beautiful auditorium for live performances along with a lobby area that had a museum-like atmosphere so that he could display pieces of art from his personal collection. Since his passing, Jimmy Osmond has taken over the theatre as a promise to his friend and mentor to keep the legacy alive. Andy Williams memorabilia is displayed throughout the theatre and a wide variety of entertainers grace the stage throughout the year, just as he envisioned.

TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION

Titanic Museum Attraction, honoring James Cameron’s “TITANIC” in celebration of the iconic movie’s 20th anniversary, has a limited engagement new gallery to showcase many, never-before-seen elements from the movie – costumes, set pieces, props, signed scripts and more. March 12-June 13. Titanic Branson looks forward to “TITANIC” re-release in 2017 and to honoring its 20-year anniversary.

SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE

Showboat Branson Belle gears up for an even bigger 2017 aboard the 700-passenger paddle-wheeler. An all-new show “Country On The Lake” adds a different genre of music as the noon complement to the popular evening variety show “Celebrate.” Designed as a concert cruise – featuring multi-talented rising country stars performing #1 hits from yesterday’s classic rock to country favorites of today, backed by a live band – it includes tributes to country stars of the ’90s with songs by Garth Brooks and Faith Hill, plus many classic, memorable songs.

THE RUNAWAY MOUNTAIN COASTER

The Runaway Mountain Coaster is a thrill ride that uses the natural topography of the area to have an exciting user-controlled trip for an experience few will ever forget. Riders are seated in individual carts engineered to exacting safety standards. The carts are pulled to the top via a chain, similar to roller coasters. At the top of the mountain, carts are released to travel down the hill, winding in and out and around the hills for a fun and unique experience.

FRITZ’S ADVENTURE

Fritz’s Adventure is a dynamic family attraction that brings the excitement and challenges of outdoor adventure into a multi-dimensional indoor environment. Experience three stories and 80,000 square feet where you can enjoy elements of the world around you that, anywhere else, would be prohibited or discouraged. All ages are encouraged to explore the family adventure together.

HISTORY OF FISHING MUSEUM

The History of Fishing Museum is the largest collection of antique fishing lures, rods, reels, boats and motors entirely collected by one man and his wife. It is valued at more than $4 million. The first lure was bought when Karl White was eight years old. The lure is still in the collection today – almost 70 years later!

CAF AIRPOWER HISTORY TOUR

The B-29/B-24 Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force will bring to Branson the aircraft, pilots and crews from over 70 CAF units across the United States to create the AirPower Squadron – an ever-changing assortment of military aircraft touring together to bring the sights, sounds and smells of World War II aviation history to audiences across the nation. The AirPower Squadron always includes at least one of the two rarest World War II bombers in the world – FIFI, the most famous, flying Boeing and B-29 Superfortress and Diamond Lil, an equally rare B-24 Liberator. Aircraft accompanying the B-29 or B-24 will include other World War II aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-25 Mitchell, along with an assortment of fighters, trainers and liaison aircraft. September 14-17 at the Branson Airport (BKG).

About Branson, Missouri: Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains with dozens of live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, family attractions and museums, a Historic Downtown district, shopping galore, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds and meeting and convention facilities. Less than one day's drive for one-third of U.S. residents with flights to the Branson Airport (BKG) and nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) Call 1-877-BRANSON for help planning your next vacation, convention or reunion. See more at http://www.explorebranson.com.

Discover Santa - Santa Claus Convention in Branson

Hundreds of Professional and Real Bearded Santas, plus almost an equal number of Mrs. Claus and Holiday Entertainers will take part in the “Parade of Red Suits,” enjoy the competitions of “SNO-lympics” and “The UN-Run” and celebrate the induction ceremonies of the “Santa Claus Hall of Fame,” during the week of July 6-10 during “DISCOVER SANTA 2016,” the world’s largest Santa Claus Convention, aka: "The Kringle Family Reunion."

The celebrations begin July 6th, 2016 as the Santas arrive in Branson. At noon, they will attempt a worlds record, of the “Most Kringles on a Ferris Wheel,” when 240 board “The Branson Ferris Wheel,” the city’s newest attraction located at the Track Family Fun Park on Highway 76. Towering at over 150 feet, the Santas will have one of the finest views of the City and the beauty of the Ozarks.

From there, everyone heads down the street to The Grand Village Shops for the first, “Kringle Family Reunion” presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by The Grand Village Shops, Kringles Christmas Store and Mel’s Hard Luck Diner. There will be refreshments, live entertainment and lots of prizes and surprises. The Grand Village shops were the site of the first “Parade of Red Suits.”

The following morning, Thursday, July 7th, 2016 will be the big event of the week, “THE PARADE OF RED SUITS!” It has been ten years and the site is now the Beautiful Branson Landing, which is also celebrating its tenth anniversary. In full Holiday attire, the Parade of Santas and Mrs. Claus will kick off with a U.S. Marine Corps color guard, recognizing the conventions official Charity. Parade spectators will also enjoy floats, vehicles, local officials and celebrities including the famous, “Harlem Globetrotters!” from “Silver Dollar City's Star Spangled Summer"

The following morning, Friday, July 8th, 2016, the Santas will engage in competitions during, “SNO-lympics presented by Toys R Us.’ Santas and Mrs. Claus will compete in fun games, relays, challenges to assemble Schwinn Bicycles and races on Razor Drift Trikes and Razor Scooters. And what would a family outing be without the traditional “Santa Tug-0-War!”

And while the teams and individual competitors enjoy their games, other Santas, Mrs. Claus and spectators will take part in “The UN-Run!” It’s a 10K race that you do not run. Participants making a donation to Toys for Tots are checked in by “Race” officials, receive a beautiful t-shirt featuring the “Un-Run’ logo, and then sit in a VIP Paddock to view the “SNO-lympics” while enjoying complimentary beverages.

Saturday Evening, July 9th, 2016, will see a special Fashion show, “Meet the Kringles,” Followed by The Red Suit Gala a special Dinner and show, where “Red is the New Black!” The evening is sponsored by WorldWide Photography.

The Special finish to the convention is a celebration, as the Santas honor their own at the induction ceremonies of The International Santa Claus Hall of Fame. This year they are honoring their newest inductees: Professor Tribini of Dresbakken, Denmark; renown actor and motion picture Santa Claus, Ed Asner; Pat Koch of Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana, and Santa Tom Hartsfield of Des Moines, IA, originator of the modern day Santa Associations.

Santas and Mrs. Claus will close the convention with the Mrs. Claus Pledge, the Knights of St. Nicholas Ceremonies and the reciting of the Santa Claus Oath.

Arriving from all 50 States, plus Europe, Asia and Australia, everyone is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the original Discover Santa Convention. (Originally held in Branson Missouri in July of 2006). Added to these activities will be dinner shows at the Dixie Stampede and the Showboat Branson Belle.

The main portions of the convention will take place at the Chateau on the Lake, in Branson. Additional lodging will be hosted at the Radisson Branson, Lodge of the Ozarks and the Stone Castle Hotel, all in Branson. Full details and agenda can be found on the convention web site at DiscoverSanta2016.com.

Stonewater Cove Resort and Club in Missouri

STONEWATER COVE RESORT AND CLUB: SAVOUR THE BEAUTY OF FALL AT LUXURY LAKE AND FOREST RETREAT

Book Your Stay by November 21 and Earn 40% Off Room Rates, Food, and Activities

Shell Knob, MO – Whether it’s the thrill of a zip-line adventure or the relaxation of a deep massage, guests at Stonewater Cove Resort and Club experience a vacation that includes something for everyone – and they can do it at 40 percent off of room rates, food, and activities.

This luxury Midwestern resort rests peacefully along the shores of the deep, clear Table Rock Lake in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest. The nearly 500-acre wooded retreat boasts a long list of guided, and non-guided, outdoor activities to fulfill the wild desires of an adventure junkie or the simple wishes of a forest-lover. Activities include:

•ATV tours
•Zip-Line rides
•Challenge ropes course activities
•Ranger (6 person ATV) tours
•Canoeing
•Kayaking
•Dock fishing
•Hiking
•River-lake boat rides

The perfect fall day spent exploring the enchanted wilderness can be followed by a stop at the luxury Treehouse Spa. A range of massages, foot treatments, and other spa services can ease the aches and pains and replace stress with relaxation.

Unwind in Stonewater’s stunning wood and stone lodge, with a rustic, elegant dining room, lounge, bar, and media room. Read a book by the fireplace, watch a movie on the big screen, or simply sit outdoors on one of the many terraces or gardened walkways while reading a book.

Three accommodation buildings feature individually designed rooms or suites – the perfect place to sink into relaxation during this escape from everyday life. Surrounded in endless refined nature, don a terry bathrobe in an eloquently designed master bath, complete with luxury toiletries, a heavenly bubble tub, and a 5-setting rainfall shower room. Then, sink into plush, high-thread count sheets, alternative down comforters and thick coverlets as you reflect on your time spent at this secluded private retreat.

Book your stay by November 21st, 2012 to receive 40% off room rates, food, and activities. For more information about Stonewater Cove Resort and Club, or to make a reservation, visit the website at http://stonewatercove.com or call (800) 792-3956.