The Perfect Summer

Bottom Resort around 2 p.m. Weekend stops vary. Updates are always posted online.

The boat has tubs of Ice Cream Factory, Til the Cows Come Home and Ted Drewes for sale in addition to Thelma’s ice cream cookie sandwiches.

“It is surprising to me how many adults are as excited about it as kids,” Krista said.

Follow their Facebook page for updates on routes. If you are having a special event or family reunion they might be able to set up a drive-by to your location.

If you happen to be in the water and have a craving for ice cream, wave your noodle floatie to catch their attention.

BOAT PARTY: Miss the good old days when Party Cove was the place to be every weekend? You can reminisce on July 23 when the annual “Make Party Cove Great Again” happens at the 4-mile marker of the Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake/Anderson Hollow Cove. If you can’t make it that day, the 3rd annual Party Cove Palooza will be July 30. Check Facebook for updates.

Other special events not to miss where you can cove out with fellow boaters for the day: AquaPalooza July 16 and the Shootout August 27 & 28, both held at Captain Ron’s in Sunrise Beach/34.5-mile marker.

BOUNCE AROUND: If you want to add some activity to your dock days, a new business at the Lake will bring the fun to your waterfront home. Aqua Rentals offers three trampolines for rent. They’ll deliver it by land, blow it up and anchor it in the Lake so you can jump around all day in the sun. Cost is $526 for the 18-foot trampoline or $375 for the 13-foot trampoline (two available), with an additional $100 for the slide attachment for 24 hour rental. Discounts given for multi-day rental. Delivery within 20 miles of Bagnell Dam is free or a setup fee will be charged for longer distances. Owners say they hope to add more water toys by next season.

For more information or to book your trampoline, call 573-286-8525.

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Family Attractions

A NEW TREND: If you have not tried axe throwing yet, you’ll be surprised just how fun it is.

After a date night in Branson, Levi and Katrina Old fell in love with it and decided to open up their own axe house in Camdenton. The Old Axe House is a comfortable environment that allows you to have fun while throwing but you’ll want to stay awhile to hang out with friends. Cost is $15/person for 30 minutes, or $25 per person for an hour. Kid-friendly games such as cornhole, large Jenga and Connect Four are set up around the room. With their mobile trailer equipped with two targets, they can bring the axe throwing to you. Great idea for parties and get-togethers.

Walk-in hours are Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 5-10 p.m. and Saturday 4-10 p.m. or book online for additional availability. (www.theoldaxehouse.com)

Located inside the Laurie Terrace Mall, Raging Smart Axes has eight lanes for throwing axes, knives and stars as well as other entertaining options that will keep everyone busy for hours.

Opened by owners Crag Mounts and Audrey Sheppard, all guests are trained by ax-perts and rules are explained prior to beginning their time.

Throwing is recommended for ages 13+ but there is no age requirement. Cost to play is $15 for 30 minutes, $25 for 60 minutes or $45 for two hours, per person.

Those with anger management issues are encouraged to head inside the Rage Room. Stocked with items including televisions, pictures, stoves and other appliances, each participant chooses a weapon of destruction (golf club, sledgehammer, bat, etc.) and can do all the damage they want in five minutes. Each participant also gets five small glass items such as plates and bottles to destroy. Most of the items are obtained from a recycling center and from donations. Cost to enter the Rage Room is $15. Hours are Monday-Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday 4-11 p.m., Saturday 12-11 p.m. & Sunday 12-6 p.m. (www.ragingsmartaxes.com)

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE: Spanning 60 feet high, the ropes course at the Malted Monkey is an up-in-the-air adventure with 45 different challenges on three levels. Thrill-seekers are harnessed in and can test their athletic skills while moving feely among the course. Cost is $25/person with no time limit. Below the course is a restaurant with a milkshake bar where loaded milkshakes are made, including some boozy concoctions. The food menu consists of appetizers, burgers, salads and other sandwiches. (www. maltedmonkey.com)

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience at Lake of the Ozarks, there is a new attraction open for the season. Explore the outdoors at Adrenaline Zipline Company in Camdenton as you fly through the trees and enjoy the landscape from eight ziplines and a swinging wood bridge. Get an adrenaline rush as you soar through the woods on a zipline canopy tour. This traditional treetop zipline goes from one tree-suspended platform to the next. Adults are $89, and kids 12 and under are $79. (www.AdrenalineZiplines.com)

Escape rooms are nothing new but Lake Escape on the Bagnell Dam Strip offers five unique themed rooms ranging in difficulty. You’ve got 60 minutes to crack the code. Admission is $34.99 per person with private group rates available. Open daily. (www.lakeescapeloz.com)

If you need to get out of the heat, Jets Trampoline Park in Osage Beach will keep all ages entertained for hours with dozens of activity areas such as foam pits, ladders, jump zones, basketball and a ninja course. Open daily. Price per hour ranges from $9 to $16 depending on height. (www.jetztrampolinepark.com)

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For Adults

CLEAN THE TABLE: Shooting pool has never been so fun especially at a place like Lake Billiards in Osage Beach. This smoke-free, kid-friendly pool haul and restaurant has the best tables in the area including Snooker and Carom tables. There are nine tables of various sizes. Coin operated Diamond pool tables is $1/game. Other tables rent by the hour for $4/person or $7 for two or more before 6 p.m. or $1 more after.

The 5,000-square foot building is spacious, clean and offers an impressive food menu that includes lots of appetizers, burgers and wraps, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and baskets. There are also five electronic dart boards and two steal tip boards, poker machines, keno, an outdoor beer garden, and a full far. Open 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday & Saturday and 2-11 p.m. Sunday.

HAPPY HOUR: When you are looking to wind down from the day, it’s easy to find a spot serving up your favorite drinks.

The Rooftop at the Lodge of Four Seasons is a new place this year to enjoy a cocktail. Located on top of the hotel, the Rooftop bar gives you great Lake views of the 13-mile marker. Open from 5-11 p.m. daily, plenty of shaded seating areas around the bar and light appetizers are available.

JB Hook’s is popular among locals. The piano bar has live music and Happy Hour from 3-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. We also love to sip on martinis at Lucy’s at the Lake on the Bagnell Dam Strip. Unique martinis, cocktails, beer and wine are served. Baxter’s Lakeside Grille has Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Besides bartenders serving up great drinks you’ll get a panoramic view of the Lake.

Enjoy the Outdoors

RIVER RAT: Canoeing and kayaking on the Lake can be difficult depending on how busy it is so many people flock to calm and cool rivers during the summer. To keep it close to home, pack up the cooler and explore the Big Niangua River by tubing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Located in Macks Creek, Mother Nature’s Riverfront Retreat offers three and five mile float trips so you can enjoy a tranquil experience and the beauty of the surrounding area. Rentals are $25 for a single kayak and $30 for a canoe/tandem kayak for the 3-mile float; and $35 for a single kayak, $40 for a canoe/tandem kayak, and $15 for a tube for the 5-mile float. A $10 boat/canoe put-in/take-out fee is also charged.

If you plan to stay overnight, camping, camper rentals, cabins, RV hookups and a bunkhouse for large groups will give you a place to lay your head. (www.mothernaturesriverfrontretreat.com)

A quick search on the internet will result in a number of outfitters servicing the Big and Little Nianagua rivers that connect to Lake of the Ozarks but

for more of a day trip, Bennet Springs outside of Lebanon is a popular spot for camping and float trips. We recommend going during the week if possible to avoid large crowds.

WORK IT OUT: Paddleboarding has become popular but stand up paddleboard yoga is something that really has taken off. Jodi Wulfekuhle has a floating studio of 10 boards, having launched her business earlier this year called Namaste Acres. These boards hook up to a docking station where she teaches a variety of yoga and fitness classes from beginners to more advanced.

Located at the 3-mile marker on the North Shore and down Hwy. W by land, she’s certified in yoga and SUP with water rescue and CPR, so you know you are in good hands. The classes are fun and last about an hourand-a-half. Cost is $35/ board. She also has a 3-mile fitness paddle (takes two hours) with a stop halfway at a marina where you can get a coffee or smoothie. Friday night’s couple’s class is $50 for the board and includes two people. Go to Namaste Acres on Facebook for more information.

If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, every Sunday at 10 a.m. join in on a free pool-side yoga class at The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar. Being held until the end of September. All you have to do is show up!

If you want to rent a paddle board and venture out on your own Super Dave’s Paddle Craft Adventures is located at Franky and Louie’s at the 10-mile marker. Cost is $18 per hour, per craft. A fleet of kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats are available to rent.

River Monkey Kayak Rental will drop off single and tandem kayaks or paddle boards to your location, or at a few of the public access areas. Rent them for the day, weekend or week. Daily rental is $45$55 depending on what is being reserved and includes delivery. (www.rivermonkeykayaks.com)

TAKE A HIKE: Ha Ha Tonka State Park and the Lake of the Ozarks State Park have dozens of hiking trails among the combined 21,000 acres of public land. Most people hit the highlights — the Ha Ha Tonka Castle or Grand Glaize Beach — but there are so many scenic spots to discover if you plan ahead. There are 13 hiking trails at Ha Ha Tonka and 12 trails at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Some of our favorites include the two-mile loop of the Rocky Top Trail at the LOZ State Park in Osage Beach. It’s easy to get to and provides great views of the Lake at the half-way point. Bring your hiking boots as the trail is a bit rugged. While it can be a busy trail depending on the day of the week, there is a reason why the Spring Trail at Ha Ha Tonka is popular. It’s paved making it accessible for everyone. Since it’s only about 0.40 miles long you might have enough energy to climb the more than 300 steps up to the paved parking lot that is a short walk to the castle ruins. Many other trails branch off on this route where you’ll find many natural features you won’t see anywhere else.

Map out your route by visiting Missouri State Parks online to find the right trail for your ability and interest. (www. mostateparks.com)

SHOP LOCAL: Farmers Markets are open in nearly every community spanning the Lake. From herbs to seasonal produce, farm-fresh meats, pastries, hand-made items and artisan crafts, support local vendors at a market near you. Here’s a rundown of each market and when to visit:

V Farmers Market in Camdenton; Rodeo Road, Camdenton (next to Head Start): Wednesdays 3-7 p.m.

V Laurie Farmers Market; Laurie Fairgrounds: Fridays 3-6 p.m.

V Eldon Farmers Market; Rock Island Park: Fridays 3-6 p.m.

V Morgan County Farmers Market; Morgan County Library: 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday of the month 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

V Osage Beach Farmers Market; Osage Beach Marketplace/First Bank of the Lake parking lot: Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

V Camdenton Farmers Market; Camdenton Square: Saturdays 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

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Waterparks & Pools

DIVE IN: Community pools are open for the season and are a great place to enjoy some fun in the sun off of the Lake. Here is a list of municipal and public facilities where you can spend a relaxing afternoon poolside.

Camdenton Aquatic Center

109 City Park Road, Camdenton

Water depth ranges from a zero entry to 4’6”. The pool has a 2.5 story slide, bubble bench, interactive play areas, and lap swimming. Restrooms and concession stand.

Hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m. Admission is $3 for those 12 and under and $4 for ages 13 and older. Air temperature must be at least 70 degrees to open.

Pool parties, season passes and swim lessons available. www.camdentoncity.com

Eldon Aquatic Center

500 Franklin Ave., Eldon

Enjoy water slides, dump buckets, animal water floatables, water fountains, water basketball and lap pool. Showers/locker rooms and concession stand available.

Hours are Monday-Saturday 12-6 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m. Adult swim hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sunday 12-1 p.m.

Admission is $4 for adults; and $2 for children 3 and under, 65 and older and military personnel with ID.

Water fitness, family swim nights, private pool parties, and several pass options available. www.eldonmo.org

Versailles City Pool

806 E. Magnolia, Versailles

This pool has a water slide, dump buckets and plenty of areas to splash around.

Hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.

Admission is $3 for ages 3-60, free for children under 3 and $1 for 60 and older.

The pool can be reserved for parties. Concession area and bathrooms available. www.cityofversaillesmo.com

Big Surf Waterpark

954 State Rd. Y, Linn Creek

For more of a thrill, this waterpark has a variety of rides and attractions for all ages. Drop down the Lake’s largest half pipe at Zambezi Falls. Enjoy a ride in a tube on the Lazy River. Ride the waves in the wave pool. Take the younger kids to Splash Island where the zero-entry pool and water activities will keep them busy. Food, snacks and drinks available at Surfside Grill.

Season passes, cabana rentals, birthday and group parties available.

Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through August 22.

Admission is $35.95 for ages 11-59, $30.95 ages 4-10, $28.95 for ages 60+, and free for kids 3 and under. Non-swimmers and after 3 p.m. rates also offered. www.bigsurfwaterpark.com

Bananas Waterpark

15208 Red Hollow Rd., Gravois Mills, 7MM

The slides and water features will keep kids busy all day. Open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $15 for those under 21. Located at Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill. www.coconutsatthelake.com INDOOR POOLS

Sometimes the weather does not cooperate. These indoor pools provide a great place to get some swim-time in without having to worry about the forecast. Another perk… they are open year-round.

Westlake Aquatic Center

134 N. Fairgrounds Rd., Laurie

If you are interested in water aerobics, you’ll find them at this mini Olympic swimming pool. Check out the schedule online for open swim times and classes.

Hours are Monday-Friday 6 a.m.3 p.m., and Saturday 7-9 a.m. and 12-3 p.m.

Annual, six-month and quarterly passes and 10-swim passes available. One class is $10.

Private group and swim lessons available in the summer. www.westlakeaquaticcenter.com

Jolly Mon Indoor Waterpark

494 Tan-Tar-A Drive (Margaritaville Lake Resort), Osage Beach

Great for kids of all ages, there are 600 feet of waterslides, an activity pool, oversized whirlpool, lazy river, a giant tree house with slides and water blasters, and you can’t miss the 600-gallon tipping bucket.

Hours are Friday 12-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Admission is $25/person for non-hotel guests and free for ages 2 and under. www.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/play/jolly-mon-indoorwater-park WATERFRONT BARS/ RESTAURANTS

If you are looking for a pool with plenty of food, live music and cocktails, several waterfront bars and restaurants are the place to visit. Here are a few to check out: Dog Days, Backwater Jacks, The Encore, Redhead Lakeside Grill/High Tide, Landshark Bar & Grill, Camden on the Lake, Boathouse, Lazy Gators, Bear Bottom Resort, Hippopotamus Swim-up Bar/Regalia Hotel & Conference Center, and Tap & Grill.

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When it Rains

KEEP IT INDOORS: Lake area museums are a great way to learn about the local history and each one has a story to tell. The Miller County Museum in Tuscumbia is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A log cabin on property and a 6,000 square-foot building houses a collection of native items. The Camdenton County Museum in Linn Creek is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is home to a variety of events all year. It is located in an old schoolhouse so it has lots of charm. Housed in an old hotel, the Morgan County Museums sits just off the county square in Versailles. Open Monday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Located in historic Willmore Lodge, the museum focuses on the construction of Bagnell Dam and Lake of the Ozarks history. Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Stop by the visitors center for information on area events, lodging and businesses. Willmore Lodge is free, but county museums charge a nominal fee.

Spend a few hours playing arcade games at Dogpatch Arcade on the Bagnell Dam Strip or Miner Mikes in Osage Beach. Both have an endless variety of games for all ages. Skee-ball at Dogpatch is a must, while the maze at Miner Mikes will give parents a moment to relax while their kiddos burn off excess energy. Miner Mikes also has food and Buster’s Garage, the largest indoor elevated gokart track in the U.S.

Visiting any of the four Lake area show caves will cool you down during the dog days of summer. Bridal Cave in Camdenton is probably the most popular and well known for the thousands of weddings performed in the cave chapel. Stark Caverns, outside of Eldon, is celebrating 72 years and has daily tours, a blacklight tour and even an escape room.

The Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers tours of Ozark Caverns at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily through mid-August. The cave is open from May-September with various hours.

It’s worth seeing each one. Go online to check for admission prices, tour times and hours.

Events & Entertainment

RACING: Do you have the need for speed? Two race tracks in the area are a great destination for watching motorsports events hosted during the summer.

Lake Ozark Speedway has a full schedule of events through September. The 1/3-mile dirt track is located outside of Eldon. Tickets are $15/adults, $10/ youth ages 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under making it an affordable evening of entertainment.

Ozark International has local and international race events of all sizes. Located on Hwy. 135 in Gravois Mills, the almost 4-mile track has several layouts.

Check online for a full schedule at these courses.

LIVE MUSIC: Just about every local bar and restaurant have musicians and bands perform several times a week. All types of genres and styles of music can be found. Check out our Facebook page this summer to keep up on local schedules.

FAIR FOOD: It wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the county fair. Carnival rides and fair food will draw a crowd to the Miller County Fair in Eldon July 5-9. Contests, livestock shows, 4-H Exhibits, a rodeo, demolition derby and other events will be happening all week. (www. millercountyfair.com)

BBQ

INSIDER TIP: If you are hosting a BBQ this summer (and who isn’t?) some of our favorite places to stock up on quality meats and side dishes are Coral Reef Seafood in Osage Beach and the Butcher Shop in Camdenton. You can host a seafood boil or throw a few ribs on the grill. They will make it easy and provide food that will impress everyone in your party.

If you want to have it catered, the Lake is full of great BBQ restaurants.

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