Letter from the Editor

from the

EDITOR Winter Bucket List

LATELY I’VE BEEN TALKING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO MADE THE MOVE TO LIVE AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS YEAR-ROUND. IT CERTAINLY HAS ITS PERKS.

Their reasons for relocating are many. The changing seasons and outdoor recreational opportunities top the list. For those used to living “up North,” the mild winters are a plus.

The Lake area saw an influx of people leaving the concrete jungle during the height of COVID so that they could continue to live their lives free of many of the rules and regulations imposed in bigger cities. Even as things began to open back up across the country, many people have chosen to stay. What they may not have prepared for was the winter slowdown that occurs from November-March at the Lake.

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is “what is there to do in the winter at the Lake?” With boat traffic minimal, waterfront restaurants closed and the cold settling in, it’s easy to go into hibernation but you certainly don’t have to. You just have to dig a little deeper to find things to do.

These conversations inspired us to put together an issue dedicated to wintertime activities. Throughout the entire magazine we feature Hidden Gems — places to go, where to eat, things to do, clubs to join, where to shop for the holiday season, new places to socialize and other local hotspots that will keep you busy during the off-season. You don’t have to spend all your time going from bar to bar for happy hour (although that doesn’t sound too bad). If you want to meet new people in a social atmosphere, there are so many options. From clubs that cover all kinds of interests to cigar bars and paint parties, we’ve got a list of ideas to keep you busy this season until company comes knocking on your door this spring.

Personally, I’ve been trying to take advantage of going out more and enjoying what’s in my own backyard. We visited Big Surf for the first time in several years over the summer, went horseback riding this fall and I already have a painting party on my calendar in the coming weeks. On my list is to reserve an igloo at High Tide with a few friends.

This fall, a group of us went to the Lake of the Ozarks Fall Boutique Crawl to do some early Christmas shopping. What I heard most often was how impressed everyone was with the selection and number of local boutiques they never knew existed (there were more than 15 stops on the crawl). Unless they had gotten out to participate in the event, they wouldn’t have been introduced to many of these stores. The next crawl happens in the spring, so if you missed out, that’s your next opportunity.

There are always new places opening up. My new favorite place is The Plant Base, located behind the Stonecrest Mall in Osage Beach. If you are looking for an alternative to the bar scene or want something different, it sure beats the line at Starbucks! It’s important to get out and try new things, and equally important to support local business.

We hope that this issues gives you the motivation needed to get out of that wintertime rut and the busyness of the holidays to experience something new. I’ll be out there myself so keep us posted on your plans and maybe we will cross paths!

Have a safe and happy holiday season!