| THE OZARKSOne of the gem getaway locations to | | | | places to visit in the Ozark region. One of the more |
| visit in the United States that might not come to mind | | | | popular destinations is the Lake of the Ozarks in south |
| at first-thought lies nestled in the Midwest stretching | | | | central Missouri. Here you can swim, boat, and ski in |
| from central Missouri into Arkansas. This, of course, is | | | | the water all day long, or sit on the shore and let the |
| the area known as the Ozarks.First time visitors as | | | | world go by, or drive into town where there are |
| well as the many people who make this area an | | | | numerous activities for people of all ages (e.g., |
| annual pilgrimage cannot help but notice the abundant | | | | boutiques and shops, mini-golf courses, movie theaters, |
| beauty of the natural surroundings. Rising hills, often | | | | go-cart tracks, etc.)When driving throughout the |
| described as mountains, dense greenery that turns into | | | | Ozarks, take time to notice the rolling hills, the forests, |
| an explosion of color in autumn, crystal blue lakes, wild | | | | the lakes and rivers, and national parks. For something |
| flowers and grasses unite a web of highways and | | | | different, visit one of the animal sanctuaries in which |
| country roads connecting rural life with cities, small | | | | the people stay in their cars moving along at a parade |
| towns, and villages.Throughout the region, you can | | | | pace while free roaming animals (e.g., moose, deer, |
| enjoy bicycling, hiking, in-season hunting and fishing, | | | | ostriches, sheep, etc.) come up and look at them.While |
| boating, swimming, golfing or shopping at any number | | | | heading south, a stop over at Branson, MO might be |
| of stores and outlet locations.For the lover of antiques | | | | what you need. This country entertainment capital |
| and collectibles, dealers abound everywhere, and | | | | hosts a mix of stage shows featuring famous singers, |
| genuine items greatly outnumber reproductions. If | | | | dancers, comedians, magicians and the like performing |
| you're not looking for a lot of activity up front, the | | | | year round with a family audience in mind, so you do |
| comfort and serenity of the Ozarks will encourage | | | | not have to worry about the appropriateness for the |
| you to just as easily sit back and relax, letting life's | | | | youngsters. |
| everyday tensions drain out of you.There are many | | | | |