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