The Ozarks of Eastern Missouri

THE OZARKSOne of the gem getaway locations toplaces to visit in the Ozark region. One of the more
visit in the United States that might not come to mindpopular destinations is the Lake of the Ozarks in south
at first-thought lies nestled in the Midwest stretchingcentral Missouri. Here you can swim, boat, and ski in
from central Missouri into Arkansas. This, of course, isthe water all day long, or sit on the shore and let the
the area known as the Ozarks.First time visitors asworld go by, or drive into town where there are
well as the many people who make this area annumerous activities for people of all ages (e.g.,
annual pilgrimage cannot help but notice the abundantboutiques and shops, mini-golf courses, movie theaters,
beauty of the natural surroundings. Rising hills, oftengo-cart tracks, etc.)When driving throughout the
described as mountains, dense greenery that turns intoOzarks, take time to notice the rolling hills, the forests,
an explosion of color in autumn, crystal blue lakes, wildthe lakes and rivers, and national parks. For something
flowers and grasses unite a web of highways anddifferent, visit one of the animal sanctuaries in which
country roads connecting rural life with cities, smallthe people stay in their cars moving along at a parade
towns, and villages.Throughout the region, you canpace 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 numberheading south, a stop over at Branson, MO might be
of stores and outlet locations.For the lover of antiqueswhat you need. This country entertainment capital
and collectibles, dealers abound everywhere, andhosts a mix of stage shows featuring famous singers,
genuine items greatly outnumber reproductions. Ifdancers, comedians, magicians and the like performing
you're not looking for a lot of activity up front, theyear round with a family audience in mind, so you do
comfort and serenity of the Ozarks will encouragenot have to worry about the appropriateness for the
you to just as easily sit back and relax, letting life'syoungsters.
everyday tensions drain out of you.There are many