January 20-February 9, 2023 Vacation News

SNAIL MAIL 4427 Osage Beach Pkwy. North (Old School Commons) Osage Beach, MO 65065

PHONE 573.346.2132

PUBLISHER

Trevor Vernon, tvernon@vernonpublishing.com

EDITOR Charis Patires, charis.lakesun@gmail.com

MARKETING CONSULTANT Candace Williams, candace.lakesun@gmail.com

MARKETING ASSISTANT McKayla Williams, mckayla.lakesun@gmail.com

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Barb Deitrick & Tracey Steinkraus

COVER PHOTO

Lake Media Photo

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/VacationNews

OTHER LAKE MEDIA PUBLICATIONS facebook.com/LakeNewsOnline facebook.com/LakeLifestylesMagazine instagram.com/lakenewsonline instagram.com/lakelifestylesmagazine

Send events, news releases and questions to newsroom. lakesun@gmail.com.

Copyright 2022 by Vacation News, a subsidiary of Vernon Publishing. All rights reserved. Vacation News is published byweekly for distribution in Missouri. Vacation News provides residents of and visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks with entertainment and recreation features about the greater Lake of the Ozarks area. While effort has been made to authenticate all claims and guarantees offered by advertisers in this publication, we cannot assume liability for any products or services advertised herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising or editorial material. The publisher will assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transcripts or other materials. All advertisements created by the publisher are not considered a work made for hire and the publisher retains the copyright to all advertisements created by the publisher for the advertiser. The advertisement may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

36 Strumming the Guitar

12 Winter Weather Safety

TABLE OF CONTENTS

On the cover: The Rocky Top Trail is one of our favorites for it’s location, length and breathtaking views of the Lake. It is located past the picnic tables the Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Osage Beach. Hiking is a great activity all year long. Read more in our cover story!

The buses are back. The Lake of the Ozarks Pub Crawl will be held February 24-26 at bars and restaurants in Osage Beach and Lake Ozark. Buses will run for one night only but the Crawl will be held over several days, like it has been in recent years. We will have all the information on Pub Crawl in the next issue!

Wedding Expo

Are you planning your wedding at Lake of the Ozarks? The Lake Wedding Expo will be held Feb. 19 starting at 12 p.m. at The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar. Wedding vendors, prizes, educational opportuniites and other information will be on hand during the event. For more information, go to www.getmarriedatthelake.com/wedding-expo.

Sign up today!

Show

The Mid-Missouri Brewery Collectibles Show will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Inn at Grand Glaize on Jan. 28. This show features antique and vintage cans, bottles, advertising memorabilia, and other craft/micro-brewery items. No admission. If you are a fan of brew, make sure to stop by and check it out!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January

11 • Grandparents Raising/Caring for Grandchildren Support Group meeting 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association Regional Training Center – Upper Level, 4821 Osage Beach Pkwy., Osage Beach. Physical, emotional, personal and spiritual support. Breakfast snacks and lunch provided. RSVP w/text or call Deb 573-280-1659 or email fergfam2@icloud.com by Tuesday, Jan. 10, to reserve a seat.

13 & 14 • The Camden County Museum in Linn Creek will host a Vintage Records and Book Sale from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Used books and vintage records will be for sale from a variety of vendors. For more information, call 573-346-7191 or go to www. camdencountymuseum.org.

14 • The Iowa Reunion Club will host their January event, the “IRC Lake Thaw”for all current 2023 and 2022 Iowa Reunion Club members. Held at Willowes restaurant east of Camdenton on “A” Road from 5:30-7 p.m. Members will order off the menu. This is the first of 12 events scheduled by the club for this year. The Iowa Reunion Club, celebrating their 29th year on the lake, is for former Iowans, and part time Iowans, that live at the Lake Of The Ozarks. Membership is $10 per year, per household to join the Iowa Reunion Club, one of the oldest and largest clubs on the lake. Contact Bil Cooper at 573-480-4601 or go to www. iowareunionclub.com for more information.

14 • The Radio-Active Players will perform at Barista GO Coffeehouse (formerly Great Stone Coffeehouse) at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The troupe of actors will perform in the style of Old-time Radio Theatre. For more information, call Beth at 913-909-8603 or 573-4626623.

15 • Elks Lodge 2517 Bingo every Sunday. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 2 p.m., 5161 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach. Full service bar for soda, snacks and drinks.

17 • Camden County Republican Club’s June meeting will feature Casino Update. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Community Christian Church, 1064 N Business Route 5, Camdenton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. You do not need to be a member to attend.

19 • The Lake Area Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at noon and exercise group at 11:30. Remember if school is out due to bad weather, the group is canceled. Start the New Year by meeting and sharing lunch (bring a dish) and talking with others in similar shoes. It’s always good to learn how to handle different situations and get other opinions and views. Come get to know us at Lake Ozark Christian Church, 1560 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049 or call Patsy at 573356-6036 or daltonsinch@aol. com.

21 & 28 • TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every Wednesday at Central Bank, 101 Dogwood Lane, Laurie. Weigh-in at 9:30 a.m., meeting from 10-11 a.m. For more information, call Judy 573-374-8503.

2023 LOMDA BOAt ShOwS

Marine dealers and vendors with boating-related products and services will be on hand at theLake Area Marine Dealers Association 2023 boat shows.

Overland Park Boat Show

January 26-29, Overland Park Convention Center. www.overlandparkboatshow.com

St. Charles Boat Show

February 23-26, St. Charles Convention Center. www.stcharlesboatshow.com

In Water Boat Show

April 21-23, Dog Days/19MM www.ozarkboatshow.com

Fall Boat Show Clearance

September 22-24, Captain Ron’s/34.5 www.ozarkboatshow.com

22 • Elks Lodge 2517 Bingo every Sunday. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 2 p.m., 5161 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach. Full service bar for soda, snacks and drinks.

26 • A Civil War & More Round Table will be held at the Camden County Museum at 6 p.m. The group meets the fourth Thursday each month January through October. For more information, call 573-346-7191 or go to www.camdencountymuseum.org.

26 • Laurie Elks will hold a blood drive from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, in the Upstairs Banquet Room, Elks Lodge, 175 Elks Lane. Culver’s in Osage Beach has donated coupons for a pint of frozen custard for each pint of blood donated. To make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code ElksLaurie. Walk-ins are welcome.

28 • The Versailles Royal Theatre will host the 6th annual Show Us Your Talent Show. Adult admission is $10 and $5 for student/children ages 3-18. For more information, call 573378-6226 or go to www.theroyaltheatre.com.

29 • Elks Lodge 2517 Bingo every Sunday. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 2 p.m., 5161 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach. Full service bar for soda, snacks and drinks.

February

5, 12, 19 & 26 •Elks Lodge 2517 Bingo every Sunday. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 2 p.m., 5161 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach. Full service bar for soda, snacks and drinks.

11 • The Lake Ozark Daybreak Rotary will be held. This year’s theme is “Love.” A romantic atmosphere, food, music, dancing, a bar and desserts will be served. For more information, go to Lake Ozark Daybreak Rotary on Facebook.

11 • Lake Of The Ozarks Fishing Expo, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Community Christian Church, 1064 North Bus. Rt. 5, Camdenton. Missouri craftsmen selling all types of tackle; local fishing guides; huge tackle raffles; kids’ casting contest. This event supports five Camdenton area charities. $5 entry fee. Children 10 & under free. Call 847-707-1917 for more information.

George Denny photo

The German Dreamland Palace

Waterloo, Illinois is a mere three hours from Lake of the Ozarks. The charming town hosts a restaurant worthy of a day trip.

Alte Dreamland Palace German Restaurant is as enchanting as it sounds. The menu hints at the German heritage found in the Waterloo area. It’s a township rich in German ancestry.

Jagerschitzel leads the Dreamland Palace menu, with Rouladen and Sauerbraten also made in-house fresh daily. Hassenpfeffer is an authentic Bavarian dish of rabbit that is not easily found anywhere else. Potato pancakes and applesauce and spätzle are side dishes offered. Spätzle is a German noodle pressed through a slotted spoon, or specialized instrument into a boiling rich broth. Customers rave about the huge glasses of Hefeweizen on draft at Alte Dreamland Palace but the local favorite is Paulaner Dubbel Bock, which is a medium strong brew with a hint of floral. The entire counties east of the Mississippi are crazy about their Paulaner. The German atmosphere of the great hall style restaurant welcomes visitors from a warm and friendly staff. If you are looking for sausage, Dreamland Restaurant has it! Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Mettwurst, and Polish Sau-

sage are all on the menu.

Most entrees are under $15, with half the menu priced around $10.

The first night visiting Belleville, Illinois, a stranger tells of the magical restaurant hiding out in the countryside 20 minutes from Belleville, home to the Midwest’s second largest Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt. The entire Mississippi River region is all about nostalgia and heritage. French and German lineage is shared. Belleville claims sister city status with Paderborn, Germany. Just a short drive is Foster Pond Village, home to the Dreamland Palace.

Dreamland Palace dates to the 1870s when the original building served as a way stop to the Mississippi River for travelers. The valley the restaurant sits in is called Foster Pond Village. It is a Little Germany tucked away in the Western Illinois Rhineland. A folksy venue of old-world specialties, the building itself is of the German beer hall style. It originally served as a store, dance hall, and stagecoach stop. Sitting on the historic Illinois Route 156, Foster Pond Village is an unincorporated community located 6 miles from the cliffs of the Mississippi River.

story by Vicki Wood

Dreamland German Restaurant on Facebook

Place of interest in Monroe County when visiting Dreamland Restaurant:

• The cemetery was built by Stephen W. Miles south of Dug Hollow on the summit of the Mississippi River bluff. It is handsomely constructed of stone and marble and contains 64 receptacles for generations to follow. It is a work of art and is visited by many sight-seekers. The inscription shows that it was erected in 1858 by Stephen W. Miles to be used as a burial place for himself, his family and descendants, under the care and direction, in succession, of the oldest male heir of the family. Stephen W. Miles died on December 31, 1859 (Eagle CliffMiles cemetery).

• Renault Precinct occupies the lower portion of Monroe County and got its name from Philip Francois Renault, a native of Picardy, France. He came to Kaskaskia in 1719 and introduced the first slaves into Illinois for the purpose of working them in the mines that they were expecting to work in the Bluffs. He received a grant of land and established a town which was known as St. Philips.

For the accommodation of the people, a water mill was erected and next, a church was built. This town has since passed out of existence. It was eight miles north of Fort Charters. The grant was received by Renault on June 14, 1723. He now sailed up the Mississippi and received a large grant of land since known as the Renault Grant, which is north of Renault. Renault Precinct is one of the largest in the county. The elections are held in Renault (1916). Renault contains some of the very best farm land in the state. It is drained on the southwest by the Mississippi River and on the east by Horse Creek. Its history dates farther back than any other in the county. It is mainly inhabited by a farming population.

Next holiday season, make plans to attend this German-style, open-air market in Belleville, Ill. It is open for about a month from November to December and is packed full of quality vendors, entertainment, demonstrations and other fun activities.

by John Neporadny, jnoutdoors.com

The Fishing Report

The lake level was 657.0, generation of 1,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) throughout the week for a level of 657.2 by the weekend. Surface temperature at Bagnell Dam was 46 degrees. Truman Lake was at the 706.3 level.

To Note: The Lower Lake is from the dam to the 22mile mark; Mid-Lake is from the 22- to 44-mile mark, the Upper Osage is from the 44-mile mark to the Route 65 Bridge.

Tournament Results: Steve Varner and Eric Dearduff won the Boat WRX Winter Bass Challenge last Saturday with five bass weighing 21.31 pounds.

Bagnell Dam spillway/Osage River

Water clarity: Clear. Black bass: Fair on jigs, Alabama rigs and jerkbaits along steep rocky banks. Crappie: Good on jigs and minnows along current breaks. Walleye: Good on swimbaits and minnows along current breaks.

Lower Lake

Water clarity: Clear. Black bass: Fair on Alabama rigs, swimbaits, jerkbaits and jigs in pockets and windy banks in coves. Crappie: Good on jerkbaits and jigs 10 to 20 feet deep along main lake points.

Gravois

Water clarity: Clear. Black bass: Fair on jerkbaits, jigs and crankbaits along channel banks in creeks, main and secondary points and brush piles around shad schools. Crappie: Good on jerkbaits and jigs along channel banks in creeks or suspended 3 to 20 feet deep in open water or around docks.

Mid-Lake

Water clarity: Stained. Black bass: Good on jerkbaits and Alabama rigs along 45-degree banks. Crappie: Excellent shooting jigs under docks on the main lake and in coves or on jerkbaits over brush piles.

Grand Glaize

Water clarity: Clear. Black bass: Fair on jerkbaits along 45-degree banks. Crappie: Good on jigs for fish suspended 7 to 12 feet deep around docks.

Niangua

Water clarity: Clear. Black bass: Slow on suspending stickbaits and finesse jigs along docks on main lake points and channel swings. Crappie: Slow on minnows 6 to 10 feet deep in brush.

Upper Osage

Water clarity: Stained. Black bass: Fair on jerkbaits and jigs along steep banks in creeks. Crappie: Good on jig and cork setups over brush piles 6 to 12 feet deep.

Truman Dam spillway

Water clarity: Muddy. Crappie: Good on jigs in the dead water channel. White bass: Good on jigs in the dead water channel. Walleye: Fair on jigs along the rock riprap

Sources

Guide Alfred Chapman (573-465-3810), www.lakeozarkfishingguideservice.com; Big Ed’s Guide Service (573-692-6710) www.bigedsguideservice.com; Guide Jack Uxa (573-4342570) www.lakeoftheozarksfishingguide.com; Guide John Blankenbeker (573-280-1455); Guide Terry Blankenship (573480-2835); Guide Jim Dill (573-204-9005) www.jamesdillguideservice.com; Fitz Fishing (573-693-9299); Bryants Osage Outdoors (573-374-2278); Casey Scanlon (913-449-3176) and Cody’s Bait & Tackle (660-723-5115). Tournament Results— Thanks to www.bassingbob.com.

Your guide to catching fish at LOZ!

6 ways to improve your putting skills

Golf requires mastery of a wide array of skills. Many novice players focus on improving skills related to their swings. Yet they shouldn’t overlook the importance of improving their short games as well.

In golf, short game refers to the golf shots golfers must make when they’re near or on the green. According to Golf Distillery, a golf play information and tips site, shots like bunker shots, chips and putts are part of the short game. Improving these skills can go a long way toward bettering one’s game.

1. Learn “greenreading” techniques. According to a Golf Magazine-sponsored study through Pinehurst Golf Academy, 65 percent of golfers under-read the break on a typical putt. Incorrect reads can add to many lost strokes. Reading the green involves determining the correct slope and distance. Golfers who take depth-perception tests and continually practice their skills at reading both the distance and the slope can improve their putts.

2. Change perspective. Different putts require different perspectives in order to assess both distance and slope, according to Todd Sones Impact

Article provided by MetroCreative

Golf Schools. If the putt is downhill, Sones suggests reading it from behind the hole. If the putt is uphill, read it from behind the ball.

3.Practice consistent putter travel distance. While the total length of a putt stroke depends on the length of the putt, many golf instructors recommend consistency with the distance the putter head travels. Keep the same distance on the back stroke as on the foward stroke. This will help create a nice, even roll. Most beginners tend to short their back strokes and increase their forward strokes, resulting in less ball control.

4. Focus on an imaginary channel. When putting, imagine a three- or four-inch channel from the ball to the hole. Rather than staring at the ball, golfers can track their eyes down that imaginary line, suggests the experts at Golf Digest. Keeping a simpler focus rather than overthinking things can improve putting.

5. Keep a steady head. Instead of following the ball with one’s eyes, a golfer should hold the focus on the start of the putt to foster a more steady head.

Change ball placement. Try moving to position the ball just forward of the center of the stance. This helps the putter make contact at the right moment to achieve the slight lift needed for a successful putt.

Practicing at home or with a golf instructor is a good way to improve putting skills. A strong short game can be the key to improving your overall game.

story by Doug Beck

Winter weather safety

On November 26, 2022 two lives were lost at Lake of the Ozarks. Both were visitors, both drowned. The report indicated that one swimmer began to struggle and went under and did not resurface. His friend dove into the water and he also did not resurface. Neither individual was wearing a life jacket.

This is a grim reminder, that water activities when the water temperature is low will greatly decrease the chances of survival. Typically, people in temperate climates don’t consider themselves at risk for hypothermia in the water, but hypothermia can occur in any water temperature below 70 degrees.

It was noted on the day of the drowning the water temperature was 54 degrees. That may seem warm to some, but at this temperature your body will succumb to hypothermia, and death will follow if rescue does not come quickly.

At a water temperature of 32.5 to 40 degrees, death may occur in 30-90 minutes. At a water temperature of 40 to 50 degrees, death may occur in 1-3 hours. At a water temperature of 50-60 degrees, death may occur in 1-6 hours. Trying to swim makes you lose heat faster as well. Your body will exert more energy and heat in the attempt to keep vital organs functioning.

The Four Phases of Cold-Water Drowning

1. Cold Shock Response: This response affects breathing and happens within the first minute. An automatic gasp reflex occurs in response to rapid skin cooling. If the head goes below water, water may be breathed into the lungs, resulting in drowning. A life jacket will help keep your head above water during this critical phase. Additionally, hyperventilation, like the gasp reflex, is a response to the cold and will subside. Panic will make this worse, so the key is to control breathing.

The first and most critical stage of cold-water immersion is the cold-water gasp reflex. When thrust into cold water, a human will gasp uncontrollably in an involuntary physiological response. Most of us have had this happen, such as when stepping into a cold shower or jumping into cold water. This condition is extremely hazardous and is a major contributor of drownings in cooler water. A victim begins to hyperventilate, which increases panic and compounds their inability to breathe.

2. Cold Incapacitation: This response occurs within the first five to 15 minutes in cold water. In order to preserve core heat, vasoconstriction takes place decreasing blood flow to the extremities to protect the vital organs. The result is a loss of movement to hands, feet, arms and legs. Unless a life jacket is being worn, the ability to stay afloat is next to impossible.

3. Hypothermia: Important to note, it can take 30 minutes or more for most adults to become hypothermic. So there’s

time to take action and survive. Keeping panic at bay is critical, as you have more survival time than you think. Symptoms include:

• Shivering

• Slow and shallow breathing

• Confusion

• Drowsiness or exhaustion

• Slurred speech

• Loss of coordination

• Weak pulse

4. Circum-rescue Collapse: This experience can happen just before rescue and is not well understood. Symptoms range anywhere from fainting to death. Some experts believe an abrupt drop in blood pressure may cause this final stage of cold-water drowning, post-rescue.

If you are boating, working on your dock, fishing, and doing other water-related activities, here are some tips from the National Safe Boating Council.

• Do make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket. Even experienced swimmers can experience shock within one minute in the frigid water and may lose muscle control within 10 minutes.

• Do file a float plan with someone you trust that includes details about the trip, boat, passengers, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment, and emergency contacts. Download a free float plan template at FloatPlanCentral.org.

• Do dress properly for the weather. Always wearing layers and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Remember, dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

• Do catch your breath. A sudden unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than ½ cup of water in your lungs to drown. If you remain calm, you have a greater chance of self-rescue.

• Do look for ways to increase your buoyancy. If you’re alone, utilize the H.E.L.P. (Heat Escape Lessening Position) and if you’re in the water with others, huddle together with everyone facing inwards to help everyone stay afloat and keep warm.

• Don’t panic if you fall into the water. Stay afloat with the help of your life jacket, regain control of your breathing, and keep your head above water in vision of rescuers. Stay with the boat if possible.

• Don’t apply heat to extremities like arms and legs of a rescued victim. This sudden change in temperature may cause cardiac arrest.

Recreational water activities during the winter and early spring are a lot of fun, but always remember safety first.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is encouraging the public to use caution when using MDC boat accesses in locations where water levels are low as some boat ramps have sustained damage over the course of several months due to low water levels. Notable areas where water levels are low are along the Missouri River and around the Lake of the Ozarks.

“The water levels have been too low near the ends of the ramp, so when boats are loaded back on to trailers, the propeller wash excavates a hole just below the ramp,” explained MDC Central Regional Resource Management Supervisor John George. “As a result, trailers have been damaged when the tires fall into those holes.”

MDC staff are currently working to fill holes at affected accesses, but the public is urged to use caution and report damaged accesses to MDC at (573) 815-7900.

story by the Missouri Department of Conservation

MDC warns of damaged boat accesses in locations where water levels are low.

Expo brings businesses to one location

The Home, Business, and Lake Living EXPO is the place to be for the latest innovations, offerings, and ideas related to personal and business services as well as in the home building, landscaping and remodeling industries. Each year the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts this local showcase to feature local businesses and what they have to offer.

The show will be held at The Regalia Hotel & Conference Center Friday, February 17 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, February 18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

You’ll find wall-to-wall displays and exhibits and have the opportunity to speak directly with experts and receive helpful “insiders” advice for any of your future projects or hobbies.

All attendees have an opportunity to sign up at the Chamber of Commerce registration table to be entered into a drawing. Three winners will receive a $500, $300 or $200 voucher to use for products and services from the vendors.

For more information contact the Camdenton Area Chamber by e-mail at info@camdentonchamber.com or call 573-346-2227.

Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook

New trail race coming in May

The Wandering Bobcat, a new five mile trail race, debuts on May 6, 2023, at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The Wandering Bobcat is the third race offered by Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs. All three races start and finish at Public Beach #1 on the same day, but with staggered start times. The other two races are Trail of Four Winds 25K and LOZ Traverse. The LOZ Traverse is 32 miles of running and three miles of paddling. “Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs has experienced tremendous growth since its debut in 2019. We attract runners from all over the country. Some of them are experiencing Lake of the Ozarks for the first time,” said John Shelby, race director, Ha Ha Racing Events. According to Bob Crowley in a recent article in UltraRunning.com, “Trail running has been growing approximately 12% year-over-year globally for over a decade. There are no signs of that trend abating. In fact, the pandemic has only accelerated interest in the great outdoors and trail running stands as one of several segments to benefit.”

About Ha Ha Racing Events

Ha Ha Racing Events is a trail racing company that connects trail run ners to trail racing at Lake of the Ozarks and Columbia, Missouri. Currently, the company hosts six races per year: Ha Ha Half Marathon (virtual), Wandering Bobcat 5M, Trail of Four Winds 25K, LOZ Traverse, Flat Branch 50K, Flat Branch 100K

For more information, go to www.haharacingevents.com.

story by Charis Patires

9 ways to winter at the Lake

It can be a challenge to find fun, entertaining things to do at the Lake in the winter months, but it’s a great time of year to explore some things you may miss out on during the busy summer season. We’ve come up with our favorite ways to enjoy the slower time of year at Lake of the Ozarks.

Join the Club

Several local clubs stay active during the over the winter. Pick up a hobby, learn something new or just join to socialize. The Newcomers/Longtimers Club is a women’s organization that has several events each month. Pickleball, cards and games, dinners, happy hour and other fun outings are planned for this social group. (www.newcomerslongtimers. com)

The Lake of the Ozarks Swing Dance Club meets monthly a great way to learn a few dance moves. If you are a bookworm, check with the local library to see if there are any book clubs meeting regularly. Local libraries are a wealth of knowledge and offer many adult and children’s activities including story time, yoga, cookbook clubs and other events.

Get Moving

Take advantage of warm winter days and go on a hike. There are plenty of short and easy trails that will help you shake off the winter blues. The Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park are the obvious places to start, but municipal parks also offer outdoor recreational opportunities.

The paved bike/walk paths along Horseshoe Bend offers miles and miles of trails. The 92-acre Osage Beach City Park on Hatchery Road has a playground, sports fields, a fishing pond, walking trail and other amenities.

The Magic Dragon Bicycle Skills Park, located next to the Tri-County YMCA in Osage Beach, is a 1/2 mile trail for biking, hiking, trail running or walking. A Bicycle Skills Park has been professionally designed and built that includes wooden fea-

A trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Al Griffin photo

tures, ramps, bridges and dirt rollers. A helmet is required. (www.magicdragontrails.com)

Take an Art Class

Several local art studios and groups meet regularly for a fun evening of painting at venues in the Lake area.

Faye May Creative Arts in Camdenton has been offering painting and pottery classes, as well as other artistic workshops. The studio is located at the Boardwalk on 54. (www.fayemaycreativeart.com).

Artist Suzanne Uthe offers painting classes during the winter at several venues including Just a Little Diner on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Brick House Cajun Cuisine the second Wednesday from 6-8 p.m., Rise & Shine Cafe the second Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., SQeZ Health the second Tuesday from 6-8 p.m., Osage Beach Nutrition the fourth Saturday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m., BaristaGo Coffee Company last Tuesday of the month 5:30-7:30 p.m. She also offers private parties for birthdays, bachelorette, team building and other groups. Her mobile art studio can travel to any location to put on a great class. Go to Suzi’s Sip and Painting Party on Facebook for more information.

Newcomers/Longtimers on Facebook

Artist TJ Sutton, owner of Inspired Brushes, hosts painting parties for adults and kids. Upcoming classes will be held Jan. 25: Raging Smart Axes (canvas painting), 6 p.m.; Feb. 10: Shawnee Bluff Winery (wine glass painting), 5 p.m.; Feb. 18: Phat Sals; Feb. 22: Raging Smart Axes (canvas painting), 6 p.m.; Feb. 26: Sunrise Beach Community Center (paint your pet on canvas), 12 p.m.; Feb. 26: Sunrise Beach Community Center (“Bad Moms” on canvas or wine glass), 5 p.m.; March 22: Raging Smart Axes (canvas painting), 6 p.m. The Feb. 26 event is a fundraiser for the Ozark Cat & K9. (Inspired Brushes on Facebook).

You could always join a pre-scheduled class, or book a private session with a few of your friends.

Sutton has been offering paint parties since 2012 and has been in remission from breast cancer since Sept. 2020.

“I always let my painters know they are helping my cause, she said. “I take a portion of all my parties and use it to make Warrior Bags and drop them off at the hospital for women starting their battle.”

Go for a Swim

We miss swimming in the Lake just as much as you do, so during the cold months Jolly Mon Water Park at Margaritaville Lake Resort is a great spot to visit. Open Friday-Sunday during the winter season, this indoor waterpark has everything from a relaxing lazy river to waterslides and a splash area for the kids. (www.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com)

The Westlake Aquatic Center in Laurie will keep adults active through their variety of water aerobics classes. Open MondaySaturday, this mini-Olympic sized pool has swim lessons, lifeguard certification classes, and movement/fitness classes. (www.westlakeaquaticcenter.com)

Inspired Brushes

Suzy’s Sip and Painting Party

Faye May Creative Arts

Enjoy a Spa Day

All of the Lake’s large resorts have full-service salons/spas where you can spend a few hours getting pampered. Several offer amenities such as saunas/steam rooms, meditation areas, hot tubs, and pools where you can enjoy some muchneeded, post-holiday down-time.

If you are short on time, consider a quick massage or pedicure at any of the many local businesses. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and recharged!

Indoor Activities

When it’s just too cold out but you want to do something fun, there are a few places you might want to go depending on your interests.

LOZ Golf Lounge in Osage Beach will allow you to maintain that golf swing even when you can’t hit the green. Choose from hundreds of courses from around the world, get your swing analyzed, or join a league to play this winter. (www.lozgolflounge.com)

If you have a small group, Lake Escape on the Bagnell Dam Strip is a fun outing. With four themed rooms to choose from, you’ll have to follow the clues and work together to escape. (www.lakeescapeloz.com)

Seeing a movie is always a good indoor activity, but if you want to save a few bucks check out the Winter Film Series Kids Dream presented by Marcus Theatres and American Family Insurance. On select dates through April 2, see a free movie by printing off and showing your voucher, which is available online. (www.marcustheatres.com)

Cave tours are open and you’ll beat the crowds by going this time of year. Several show caves in the Lake area welcome visitors year-round. Bridal Cave in Camdenton, Stark Caverns in Eldon and Jacob’s Cave in Gravois Mills all have unique features and a different history. Caves remain a constant temperature of about 60 degrees, so even on frigid days you can still take a tour.

Build Your Business

Looking to make new connections and build your business? Meet with other local professionals each month at chamber socials. Pass out your business card at one of the next events and start networking. Several chambers target different areas of the Lake. For more information, visit the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake West Chamber of Commerce, and the Eldon Chamber of Commerce.

Volunteer for a Good Cause

If you have a few extra hours a week, there are many local non-profits that could use a helping hand. From animal shelters to thrift stores and food pantries, these charities need volunteer’s time and donations to keep going.

Many non-profits operate thrift stores to help raise money including the Hope House, Lamb House, Raising

ON THE COVER

Hope Free Store, and Share the Harvest. Volunteers help sort through donations, and work the retail store.

If you have a soft spot for animals, there are many shelters in the area that need help socializing, cleaning, and exercising the resident dogs and cats up for adoption. Locally, the Dogwood Animal Shelter, Meowtown Animal Rescue and Ozark Cat & K9 Shelter are among the largest facilities in the area. In Linn Creek, the Missouri Forget Me Not Horse Rescue & Sanctuary helps surrendered or neglected/abused horses.

Other non-profits including Kids’ Harbor, Citizens Against Domestic Violence, Wonderland Camp, Habitat for Humanity, and many other organizations provide services in the Lake area and are always in need of a helping hand.

Visit a Cigar Bar

Ben and Dianne Sordillo opened the Ashole Cigar Bar and Lounge in February 2020. It’s a concept the couple brought to the Lake area from Boston where they are everywhere. Ben has always been a bourbon and cigar enthusiast so owning a lounge was on his bucket list.

The lounge has a large bar, fully-stocked humidor with cigars, cigar accessories and other merchandise. An outdoor area has a big screen TV, space for live entertainment and various yard games set out.

Bartenders offer a selection of bourbon, the largest around, they say. There are scotches, whiskeys, tequila, vodka, cordials, wine and a selection of beer. The most popular drink is the Ashole-Fashioned, a Smoked Old Fashioned. Non-alcoholic options are available, too. Appetizers, burgers, paninis and pizza make up the food menu. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday 3-10 p.m. with kitchen hours 5-9 p.m.

There are two cigar bars on Horseshoe Bend. Leighton’s at the Lake, located across from Bittersweet Road, is a cigar retail store with a 1,000-square-foot lounge. Open daily, during normal business hours the public is welcome to come in sit in the lounge, watch TV, play a game of pool and smoke their cigar. Since there is no bar, the ventilated lounge is BYOB, so customers can bring their favorite beverage. Choose from the nearly 100 cigars including those made by Alec Bradley, Macanudo, Oliva and Ashton.

A great place to watch the football game, meet new people, listen to jazz or talk business. Be on the lookout for events in the future such as a Cigar Social over coffee and a chili cookoff.

Memberships are available which gives you access to the lounge for extended hours, humidified lockers and special discounts.

The Regalia Hotel & Conference Center offers the 1899 Bourbon & Cigars lounge. Open Thursday-Saturday 6 p.m.-close. Crafted cocktails, fine whiskeys and a selection of cigars are on hand.

The Magic Dragon Bicycle Skills Park. Lake Media photo

1899 Bourbon & Cigars lounge is located at The Regalia. Facebook photo

Top 5 kitchen trends to try in the new year on any budget

(BPT) - When designing your dream kitchen, it’s important to balance timeless features with modern colors, patterns and textures that reflect your personality and style - especially since, now more than ever, it provides a place to cook, eat, work and entertain. A beautifully designed kitchen can also boost the home’s resale value in the future.

“Kitchen design trends for 2023 nod to the past and focus on increasing convenience, comfort and personal style,” said Kaley Galinksy, a merchant at The Home Depot. “Whether you’re planning on renovating, remodeling, or simply updating your existing space, there’s endless inspiration and affordable ways to achieve the most sought-after trends for kitchens in the coming year.”

To make sure your kitchen renovations are stylish and up to date, here are five kitchen design trends that will be big in 2023, according to The Home Depot.

1. Return to traditionalist

In 2023, you’ll see a return to classic, timeless and sophisticated black that offers a sense of comfort and familiarity of traditional designs. To update your home so that it’s always in style, choose classic, timeless palettes of black, white, creams and neutrals.

If you want to add interest to your home, use patterns and classic materials like marble, especially when it comes to your kitchen. High-contrast kitchens with classic lines and black finished cabinets and countertops are making a comeback and result in a striking kitchen makeover.

Cabinetry has a heavy influence on your kitchen’s overall design style and can help you achieve a new look in less time. With a cabinet makeover, you keep your existing kitchen layout and get allnew doors, drawer fronts and hardware, plus optional upgrades such as pull-out shelves, cabinet lighting and more.

2. Art deco revival

In the coming year, interior designers predict a renewed interest in the art deco styles of the roaring ‘20s. To achieve this trend in your home, incorporate brighter colors, geometric patterns, luxurious fabrics and shiny surfaces.

Add or replace the backsplash in your kitchen using geometric-shaped tiles in greens and golds for a sleek and elegant look.

3. Modern organic

A renewed focus on natural and organic materials will continue to make their way into kitchens in the form of warmer finishes, soft and organic

shapes, as well as mixing finishes and materials like concrete, wood, rattan and metals.

For homeowners looking to embrace this modern organic trend, interior designers recommend introducing textured white oaks paired with honed black or dark gray countertops for your next kitchen remodel. For cabinets, slab doors are still popular, but the newer thin shaker is gaining popularity. You can even use the free Kitchen Estimator tool to select your design options and get a fast estimate.

4. Home retreat

Your home should be a sanctuary from the stressors of day-to-day life. This year, many homeowners will transform their homes into personal havens that help minimize stresses and prioritize a sense of calm.

For those that retreat to the kitchen for selfcare, an easy way to remove stressors is to reduce clutter with a well-organized pantry. Custom organization systems help add functionality and streamline your kitchen with stylish storage solutions, while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite appliances whenever you need them.

5. Modern cozy

For renovators who want their home’s interior to be warm and inviting, they should opt for a modern cozy style. This trend is inspired by the shabby chic style of the ‘80s but updated with fewer over-the-top embellishments, paired with darker paints and a focus on coziness and nostalgic familiarity.

New flooring can serve as an anchor design for the rest of the kitchen. Consider installing luxury vinyl plank flooring in your kitchen - a durable, affordable and water- and stain-resistant option that’s also easy to clean. Pair it with a cabinet renovation to achieve this style in your home.

If you’re ready to update your kitchen in 2023, The Home Depot’s Home Services can help you create your dream kitchen! Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or just a few updates, they have solutions to fit any space and every budget. Their service providers can give your cabinets a facelift or install new ones, replace sinks, install flooring and update your countertops. Take advantage of free in-store and virtual design services and financing options to help make your project affordable.

All certified service providers are local, licensed, insured and background checked. To learn more, visit HomeDepot.com/Services.

3 features to focus on when designing an entertainment room

t might not take a home theater to enjoy the big game with friends or fire up family movie night, but a spacious entertainment room can certainly enhance such experiences. That’s especially true when homeowners give considerable thought to designing entertainment rooms. Film buffs and sports fans may have different notions of the ideal entertainment room, but the following are three design features that merit consideration by all looking to upgrade their entertainment spaces.

1. Screen

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of options when choosing a screen for an entertainment room. Televisions have long been a go-to choice, but projector screens merit consideration as well. If the room will be devoted exclusively to entertainment, then a television or a fixed projector screen might be homeowners’ best bets. Fixed projector screens are installed on the wall and projectors are typically hung from the ceiling. Semi-fixed projector screens provide a similar viewing experience but can be pulled down or retracted when residents are not watching a movie. Semi-fixed can even be installed in front of a television so residents can stream a movie on the projector and then watch television through a cable box when it isn’t movie night. Projectors often provide much bigger screens for a fraction of the cost of equally sized televisions. However, sports fans may prefer televisions, as live streaming sports has not yet caught up to streaming movies and TV shows in terms of reliability or even availability. As a result, many sporting events remain available via cable television only, while even those that can be streamed tend to have a few hiccups during the game.

2. Sound

Though televisions and projectors tend to come with built-in audio, the quality of that sound often leaves much to be desired. So homeowners will want to choose a sound system that provides theaterquality sound. If the room is being renovated from scratch, such as a full basement remodel, installing speakers in the ceiling can create a genuine theater experience. Ceiling speakers also can be installed in existing rooms, though that will likely cost more and extend the time it takes to complete the project. Surround sound is a must in any entertainment room. Homeowners worried about wires need not fret, as modern wireless surround sound systems are available at many different price points. Some systems are better suited to small rooms than others, so homeowners should measure the room and choose a system that best suits its dimensions.

3. Seating

Whether you’re using the space to watch the big game or fire up the latest blockbuster (or both), chances are you’re going to be spending considerable time sitting in your new entertainment room. A modular sofa might be ideal, as it can be reconfigured depending on what you’re watching and how many people are watching along with you. Comfort is indeed important, but you’ll also want seating that provides ample support so you aren’t battling any aches and pains once you leave the room. That support also can keep residents and guests from dozing off.

Everyone has their own ideas on what makes the ideal entertainment space. But sports fans, movie buffs and others can all agree that an entertainment room worthy of the big game or the latest blockbuster has a sizable screen, pristine sound and comfortable seats.

DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN/FAMILY STYLE

4 Seasons Cafe/JJ Lafata’s 4312 Horseshoe Bend Pkwy. Lake Ozark; 365-6989

5 Diner (The) 25718 Hwy. 5 Gravois Mills; 372-8146

Applebee’s 4040 Highway 54 Osage Beach; 348-9595 applebees.com

Bee’s Knees 106 W. Jasper St. Versailles; 539-2525

Bend Bourbon Bar (The) 1622 Horseshoe Bend Lake Ozark; 693-1553

Bonnies Cafe 4196 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-2468 bonnie-cafe.edan.io

Buffalo Wild Wings 200 Kestrel Ln. Lake Ozark; 693-1060 buffalowildwings.com

Chili’s Grill & Bar 3820 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-1116 chilis.com

Chuckwagon Cafe 888 N. Business Rt. 5 Camdenton; 346-5050 chuckwagoncafemo.com

Eagle View Sports Bar & Grille at Osage National 400 Osage Hills Rd. Lake Ozark; 365-1950 osagenational.com

EC’s Bar and Grill 4344 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 573-693-9168

Fire Station Bar & Grill 146 Illinois St. Camdenton; 873-2222 firestationbargrill.com

First Watch

4325 Osage Beach Pkwy. N Osage Beach; 258-4971 firstwatch.com/locations/lake-ofthe-ozarks/

Golden Corral

3734 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 693-9156 goldencorral.com

Greenside Bar & Grill at Lake Valley Country Club

367 C.C. Blair Dr. Camdenton; 346-7213 lakevalleygolf.com

JJ Twig’s 1815 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 365-9911 jjtwigs.com

Just A Little Diner 53 South Business Hwy. 5 Camdenton; 873-2243

Lake Kabob House 1255 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 818-288-1183

Lake Time Cafe 107 Hwy. O Laurie; 207-2429

Malted Monkey 1345 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 693-9792

Off the Cliff 66 North Shore Dr. Lake Ozark; 365-1655 offtheclifflakeozark.com

Outback Steakhouse 3930 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 302-4670 outback.com

Panera Bread 4840 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 302-0024 panerabread.com

Phat Sal’s West 401 N. Main Street Laurie; 207-2655 phatsalsloto.com

Pioneer Restaurant 801 W. Newton St. Versailles; 378-5886

RJ’s Family Restaurant 275 W. Hwy. 54 Camdenton; 346-6133

Rock Bar & Grill (The) at Indian Rock Golf Club 100 Indian Lake Ave. Laurie; 372-3023, ext. 15 indianrockgolfclub.com

Rocky Top Bar & Grill 16384 Highway O Gravois Mills; 372-3399

Roxie’s Roadhouse 1289 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 365-9960

Royal Catch Bar & Grill at the Regalia Hotel & Conference Center 250 Racquet Club Rd. Lake Ozark; 723-3000 theregaliahotel.com

Table 33 3797 A, 1 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 302-5106

Taboo Ice Cream and Deli 200 N. Main Laurie; 207-5202

Tonka Hills Restaurant 2598 US-54 Linn Creek; 873-2140 Facebook.com/TonkaHillsOzarks

Tuckers Shuckers Oysters & Tap 1339 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Lake Ozark; 365-9769 tuckersshuckers.com

Twisted Tony’s 5175 Osage Beach Pkwy Unit C Osage Beach; 693-1013 twistedtonys.com

Val’s Country Cookin’ and Sassy Servers 601 N. Main St. Laurie; 374-0922

Wahlburgers @ Hy-Vee 929 Hwy. D Osage Beach; 302-7977 hy-vee.com

Yankee Peddlers Tea Room 1011 Main St. Osage Beach; 348-5045 yankeepeddlerstearoom.com

BARBECUE

10-42 Bar and Que 432 Valley Rd. Gravois Mills; 372-5141

Bandana’s Bar-B-Q 4315 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 302-4500 bandanasbbq.com

Barn-B-Que Smokehouse 14 Ravenwood Dr. Lake Ozark; 693-9959 thebarnbque.com

Dierbergs Bob’s BBQ 4655 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 552-0200

HalfSauced Barbeque 4185 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-3200 halfsauced.com

Wobbly Boots Roadhouse 4705 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-2277 wobblybootsbbq.com

BREAKFAST

Bear Creek Valley Golf Club 910 MO-42 Osage Beach; 302-1000

Breezes at the Lodge of Four Seasons 315 Four Seasons Dr. Lake Ozark; 365-3000

Cozy Café (The) 1018 Hwy. KK Osage Beach; 348-3324

Hook Cafe (The) at Old Kinderhook

58 Club Pl. #2 Camdenton; 317-3573 www.oldkinderhook.com/hook-cafe

On the Rise Bakery & Bistro

5439 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-4224 ontherisebakery.com

Pancake House 5980 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-6400

Rusty Rooster Cafe (The) 3247 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 693-1778 rustyroostercafe.com

Stewart’s Restaurant 1151 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 365-2400 stewartsrestaurants.com

98 E. Hwy. 54 Camdenton; 873-2900

8779 N. Hwy. 5 Greenview; 873-3000

CAJUN

Brick House Cajun Cuisine 1333 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 573-693-9775 brickhousecajun.com

Shrimp Daddy’s 16218 N. Hwy. 5 Sunrise Beach; 374-7800

ETHNIC

China Town Chinese Restaurant 465 W. Hwy. 54 Camdenton; 346-4962

Touch of Asia

3715 Osage Beach Pkwy., Suite 1 Osage Beach; 302-7733

Wok-N-Roll

1359 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 365-2090 woknroll1359.com

Zen Asian Restaurant 5203 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 302-0088

ITALIAN

Domenico’s Italian Restaurant 4737 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-5335 domenicoslakeozark.com

Li’L Rizzo’s 2196 Horseshoe Bend Pkwy. Lake Ozark; 365-3003 lilrizzos.com

929 Premium Outlets Dr. Osage Beach; 302-1500

Shell’s Pasta Emporium 3924 Jr. Prewitt Pkwy., Suite C Osage Beach; 693-9171

MEXICAN

El Caporal 323 Hwy. 54, Suite 101 Camdenton; 317-1500 elcaporalcamdenton.com

El Patron 126 Illinois St. SW Camdenton; 873-2876

La Costenita 1030 State Hwy KK Osage Beach; 552-8674

MaMa CiTa’s Mexican Cantina 939 Chef Street Osage Beach; 693-9946 mamacitasosagebeach.com

Pablito’s Taqueria 5896 Osage Beach Pkwy. #1 Osage Beach; 552-8450

Sergio’s Taqueria

4824 Osage Beach Pkwy. #4 Osage Beach; 302-7337

2107 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 693-1771

Taqueria La Tapatia 5838 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-1161

Tres Hombres 8779 N. Highway 5 Camdenton; 873-5822

Vera Cruz 309 MO-5 Versailles; 378-5757

Vista Grande Mexican Restaurant 4579 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-1231 vistagrandemexicanrestaurant. com

FINE DINING

1932 Reserve 1202 Procter Dr. Osage Beach; 693-9197 www.1932reserve.com

Baxter’s Lakeside Grille 2124 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 365-2669

baxterslakesidegrille.com

Bentley’s Restaurant & Pub 3100 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 365-5301 bentleysrestaurantmo.com

The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar 3076 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 693-9973 theencoregrill.com

HK’s Steakhouse 315 Four Seasons Dr. Lake Ozark; 365-3000 4seasonsresort.com

JB Hook’s 2260 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 365-3255 jbhooks.com

Jeffrey’s Prime Rib & Lobster 1252 Hwy. KK Osage Beach; 348-DINE jeffreysatthelake.com

Michael’s Steak Chalet 1440 Swiss Village Rd. Osage Beach; 348-3611 steakchalet.com

The Tavern at Trails End 258 Trails End Rd. Sunrise Beach; 374-2895 thetavern-trailsend.com

Trophy Room in Old Kinderhook 56 Club Place Camdenton; 317-3560 oldkinderhook.com

Windrose Marker 26 at Margaritaville Resort

26 MM of the Lake 494 Tan Tar A Dr. Osage Beach; 348-3131 MargaritavilleResortLakeoftheOzarks.com

PIZZA

Andy’s Pizza 108 Cecil St. Camdenton; 346-8300 addyspizza.com

Al’s Chevy’s Pizza & Pub 5151 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 302-0027 lakeozarkpizza.com

Alley Cats Pizza & Pub 1263 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 964-5559

Big Ry’s Pizzeria 27574 Hwy. Y Rocky Mount; 392-5271

Casagrotto Pizza 1312 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 964-5224

DINING GUIDE

casablancalakeozark.com Godfathers Pizza Express at CG’s Mini Mart 11947 N Hwy. 5 Sunrise Beach; 374-4433

Just A Little Store 1825 State Rd. A Montreal; 873-2395

PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub 4705 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 693-1092 pappospizzeria.com

Pepperoni Bill’s 35 Camden Ct. Camdenton; 873-2365

Tony G’s Pizzeria 14160 Twin Bays Rd. Gravois Mills; 372-3600

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Casablanca 1312 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 964-5224 casablancalakeozark.com

Chances ‘R’ 310 S. Main St. Laurie; 374-8770

City Limits Restaurant and Spirits 664 Hwy. Y Eldon; 392-3105

EC’s Bar & Grill 4344 Osage Beach Pkwy., Suite C-1 Osage Beach; 693-9168 ecsbarandgrill.com

Foxxy Roxy Sports Bar at the Regalia Hotel and Conference Center 250 Racquet Club Rd. Lake Ozark; 723-3000 theregaliahotel.com

Hero’s Junction 27560 Hwy. Y Rocky Mount; 392-5850

Lucky’s 1140 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 964-6550

Lucy’s at the Lake 1311 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 693-1711

Marty Byrde’s 1286 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 240-2274 martybyrde.com

The Nauti Pirate 1165 N. Bus. Rte. 5 Camdenton; 317-9565 thenautipirate.org

Oh Tommy’s Irish Pub 6285 N. State Hwy. 7 Roach; 347-3133 ohtommysirishpub.com

The Office Neighborhood Pub 4460 Horseshoe Bend Pkwy. Lake Ozark; 693-1555

Scuttlebutt Bar & Grill 91 East Hwy. 54 Camdenton; 346-4994

S.N.A.F.U. 1275 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 693-1693

Tirebiters Peanut Pub 4704 Jayhawk St. Osage Beach; 552-8842

Viking Post 306 2097 State Rd. Y Linn Creek; 317-1109

Whiskers 944 West Hwy. 54 Camdenton; 346-6100

Whittle’s Pub & Grub 108 S. Maple St. Eldon; 392-5900

Wicked Willie’s Sports Grill 5384 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 693-1777 wickedwilliessportsgrill.com

Willowes 2010 State Rd. A Montreal; 346-6197

Woody’s Tavern 5834 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-0545

WATERFRONT

Backwater Jack’s 18 MM of the Main Channel 4341 Beach Dr. Osage Beach; 348-6639 backwaterjacks.com

Bear Bottom Resort 38 MM of the Main Channel Lake Road 5-36 Sunrise Beach; 374-6905 bearbottomresort.com

Boathouse Lakeside Bar & Grill

3 MM of the Main Channel 107 Village Marina Rd./W-20 Eldon; 552-9496

Bobber’s Restaurant at Alhonna Resort

8 MM of the Main Channel 677 Outer Drive Lake Ozark; 365-2634 thealhonnaresort.com

Boondockz at Lazy Dayz Resort 45 MM of the Main Channel 267 Runaway Dr. Climax Springs, 345-4590 runawayresort.com

Bulldog’s Beach House 33 MM of the Main Channel 121 Teton Ln.

Camdenton; 873-3311 bulldogsbeachhouse.com

Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill

34.5 MM of the Main Channel 82 Aloha Ln. Sunrise Beach; 374-5852 captainronsatthelake.com

Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill

7 MM of the Gravois Arm 15208 Red Hollow Rd. Gravois Mills; 372-6500 coconutsatthelake.com

Docknockers

4 MM of the Main Channel 245 Wheelhouse Ct. Lake Ozark; 693-1633 docknockers.com

Dog Days Bar & Grill

19 MM of the Main Channel 1232 Jeffries Rd. Osage Beach; 348-9797 dogdays.ws

Fish & Company (The)

31 MM of the Main Channel 268 Wego Fish Ln. Camdenton; 873-0022 thefishandcompany.com

Franky and Louie’s

10 MM of the Main Channel 1028 Deer Valley Rd. Sunrise Beach; 374-5750 frankyandlouies.com

H. Toad’s Bar and Grill at Camden on the Lake 7 MM of the Lake 2359 Bittersweet Rd. Lake Ozark; 365-5500 camdenonthelake.com

Halfway Inn

47 MM of the Main Channel Lake Road 135-3 (1038 Cup Tree Rd.) Gravois Mills; 374-1919 halfway-inn.com

High Tide

21 MM of the Main Channel 1700 Yacht Club Dr. Osage Beach; 693-1525 hightidepool.com

JB’s Boathouse Grill at Margaritaville Resort

26 MM of the Lake 494 Tan Tar A Dr. Osage Beach; 348-8619 MargaritavilleResortLakeoftheOzarks.com

Jolly Roger’s Grub & Grog/ Kraken Shack Seafood and Oyster Bar

4.5 MM of the Gravois Arm 28443 Polk Dr. Rocky Mount; 392-0700 grubngrog.com

Lake Burger

29475 Mill Creek Marina Rd. Gravois Mills; 207-4422 lakeburger.com

Lake House 13

13 MM of the Main Channel 98 Oasis Cir. Sunrise Beach; 372-8339 lakehouse13.com

Landshark Bar & Grill at Margaritaville Resort

26 MM of the Lake 494 Tan Tar A Dr. Osage Beach; 348-8593 MargaritavilleResortLakeoftheOzarks.com

Larry’s on the Lake

31 MM of the Main Channel 364 Galley Rd. Camdenton; 873-5227 larrysonthelake.com

Lazy Gator’s

7 MM of the Main Channel

132 Sweet William Rd. Lake Ozark; 660-441-0574 lazygators.com

Maggie’s on the Lake 8MM Gravois Arm 15251 Fleener Dr. Gravois Mills; 207-3693

Miller’s Landing

28.5 MM of the Main Channel 1431 Runabout Dr. Osage Beach; 348-5268 themillerslanding.com

NautiFish Rum Bar

3 MM of the Niangua Arm 1022 Nautica Rd. Camdenton; 286-2226

Neon Taco 0MM

1076 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 964-6064

Papa Chubby’s Food & Booze

26 MM of the Main Channel 820 Serene Valley Dr. Sunrise Beach; 374-8000 papachubbys.com

Paradise Tropical Restaurant & Bar

24 MM of the Main Channel 430 Tropical Trail Dr. Sunrise Beach; 374-4777 paradiseatthelake.com

RedHead Lakeside Grill

21MM of the Main Channel

1700 Yacht Club Dr. Osage Beach; 693-1525 redheadyachtclub.com

Shady Gator’s

7 MM of the Main Channel

132 Sweet William Rd. Lake Ozark; 365-6464 shadygators.com

Pants Lounge

Shorty

21 MM of the Main Channel 1680 Autumn Ln. Osage Beach; 302-1745 shortypantslounge.com

Tap and Grill Lake Side Brew Haus

6.5 MM of the Main Channel 31959 Dunwandrin Rd. Gravois Mills; 207-0029 tapandgrillatthelake.com

The Wet Spot Bar & Grill 59.5 MM of the Main Channel 33880 Ivy Bend Rd. Stover; 372-9903

WINERIES/BREW

Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company 6192 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 693-1993 lozbrewingco.com

Ozark Distillery & Ozark Brewery 1684 Hwy. KK Osage Beach; 348-2449 ozarkdistillery.com

Seven Springs Winery 846 Winery Hills Estates Linn Creek; 317-0100 sevenspringswinery.com

Shawnee Bluff Vineyard 8 Tolwood Rd. Eldon; 365-1100 shawneebluffwinery.com

Shawnee Bluff Winery 2430 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 365-9935 shawneebluffwinery.com

Shortleaf Brewing Co. 311 South Business Rt. 5 Camdenton; 873-2081 www.shortleafbeer.com

SPECIALTY

Andy’s Frozen Custard 4820 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 302-0020 eatandys.com

Barista GO Coffeehouse 1375 State Hwy. KK Osage Beach; 693-9273 greatstonecoffee.com

Brew Brothers Coffee 404 East 4th St. Eldon; 280-6430 brewbrotherscoffee.net

Celebration Cruises

0 MM of the Main Channel 1009 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 480-3212 cruiselakeoftheozarks.com

Coral Reef Seafood 5370 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach; 348-4000 coralreefseafood.net

Courthouse Cafe 100 E. Jasper Versailles; 434-3456

The Donut Den 2545 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Ste 211 Lake Ozark; 542-8041

Harmy’s Cheese Store & More 6378 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 693-1243 harmys.com

Higher Grounds Coffee House 498 W US 54 Camdenton; 873-2696 highergroundsloz.com

The Plant Base & Kava Bar 3637 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 552-8388 theplantbaseloz.com

Icehole 1371 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark; 693-9594

Randy’s Frozen Custard 4681 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 693-1423 randysfrozencustard.com

Sip Coffee House 932 U.S. Hwy. 54 Camdenton; 873-2565

FAST FOOD

Cree Mee Drive-in 801 S. Aurora St. Eldon; 392-5418

Culver’s 5785 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 302-0244 culvers.com/restaurants/osagebeach

Dairy Queen 619 N. Bus. Hwy. 5 Camdenton; 346-5855 dairyqueen.com

Eldon Drive-In 607 S. Aurora St. Eldon; 392-3490

Jimmy John’s 4082 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 302-7323 jimmyjohns.com

Steak & Shake 3920 Osage Beach Pkwy. Osage Beach; 348-0090 steaknshake.com

How to submit

To have your restaurant included in the Drink & Dine restaurant listing, send restaurant name, address, phone number, website and your contact information to

story by Judy Goppert

‘Guitar Man’ has diverse set

With a welcoming smile that draws you in, Jordan Isakson takes the stage and begins to play. His repertoire is wide, pleasing listeners of all ages. While he admits older country music is his favorite, he can play just about anything, and enjoys learning new stuff to wow his audiences.

“I love all kinds of music, but I especially love country music. Really, the older country music is my favorite, but I appreciate modern country as well,” he smiled. “When it comes to picking out songs that I want to learn, it usually starts with selecting something that I like to listen to, maybe a Dwight Yoakum or a Waylon Jennings song. When you go out and perform for other people though, and they start making song requests, you either fiddle your way through that song that you kind of know and make it up as you go, or you add it to your list of songs that you’re going to learn for that person the next time you’re in town. Last weekend, someone wrote ‘I Feel Like a Woman’ by Shania Twain on a napkin with a wad of cash folded up inside, and the guy playing guitar with me knew how to play the song. So, guess what? We fumbled our way through it, and now it’s on my setlist whether I want it there or not! Performing with other musicians has really expanded my musical horizons. I’ve learned so many songs just because someone else

MUSIC

wanted to sing or play them with me. To me, that’s what music is all about. There’s another country music band I play in called Sondown, and those guys have really helped me to grow as a musician. We’re hoping to get that band booked at the Lake more next year.”

Missouri has been home for Jordan his entire life. He grew up in the Ozarks, and most of his family on his mom’s side also still live in Missouri. Growing up, his family spent time on his grandma’s farm in Lawrence County.

“She had this old piano sitting in the living room of the farmhouse that she would play sometimes. She always played old songs from a hymnal that she had sitting there, and she could really play that thing,” he continued. “I used to try and play it too, and I think that’s where it all started for me.”

As fate has a way of doing, his came into view when he picked up his father’s guitar, a red Jackson Charvel guitar with a Marshall half stack. He was enamored watching his dad play and tried to figure out how he got it all plugged and turned on so he could play it too.

“Once I got it all figured out and was able to make some noise with that guitar, I was hooked. Eventually, when I was about 12 years old, I finally got my own guitar from the local music shop in Rolla,” he noted. “It was a dark blue Peavey Raptor. I don’t have it anymore, but that was my first guitar. I took some lessons from a guy in town named Jason Adams…that guy could really play! So basically, I spent my early teen years getting to know that guitar really well, while simultaneously driving my parents and siblings crazy. I still played some sports and did other activities, but I definitely preferred to be somewhere playing the guitar over anything else. To this day, I would rather be playing music than doing almost anything else.”

He recognized early on that Lake of the Ozarks has always been a hot spot in the region for live music and played his first show four years ago at Larry’s On the Lake with a group of friends called The Velvet Bricks.

Throughout the years, Jordan plays from St. Louis to Kansas City, and many spots in between, including the stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas, where he found himself behind a microphone with his guitar at a place called The White Elephant Saloon.

He is inspired by the people he meets when playing around the Ozarks and enjoys coming back to the Lake to see familiar faces and make new friends along the way.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything! Some of those people have been asking about my songwriting, and they will be happy to hear that I took a trip to Nashville this past October to check out some recording studios,” he confirmed.

He plans to record and release an album of original songs in Spring 2023.

More info.

Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, TikTok, www.JordanIsakson.com

live

January

Wednesday, January 11

Off the Cliff, Marcus Words, 4 p.m.

Thursday, January 12

Casablanca, Tim Newell, 7 p.m.

JB Hook’s, Joe Farrell, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, January 13

Casablanca, Adam Powell, 7 p.m.

JB Hook’s, Joe Farrell, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Stogies, Marcus Words, 7 p.m.

Saturday, January 14

JB Hook’s, Adam Powell, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Monday, January 16

JB Hook’s, Cheryl Lynn, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 19

Casablanca, Tim Newell, 7 p.m.

JB Hook’s, Joe Farrell, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Stogies, Marcus Words, 7 p.m.

Friday, January 20

JB Hook’s, Joe Farrell, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 21

Casablanca, Steven Scott, 7 p.m.

JB Hook’s, Drew Stevens, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Off the Cliff, Marcus Words, 4 p.m.

Monday, January 23

JB Hook’s, Cheryl Lynn, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 26

Casablanca, Tim Newell, 7 p.m.

JB Hook’s, Joe Farrell, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Stogies, Marcus Words, 7 p.m.

Friday, January 27

Casablanca, PDA, 7 p.m.

JB Hook’s, Joe Farrell, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 28

JB Hook’s, Starla & Scotty, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Stogies, Marcus Words, 7 p.m.

get listed

Attention musicians, bands, bars and restaurants: Send us live entertainment schedules to be included in our live music listing. Event information must include name of venue, name of entertainer, time, date and contact information for verification. Send information to charis.lakesun@gmail.com or call 573346-2132. The following list has been updated as of press time.