My husband and I just celebrated our 2nd anniversary (July 2nd), but unfortunately he had to work that day. We had decided that since we didn’t really get to celebrate our anniversary last year (he was working, again) that we were going to do something this year. So we planned a 3 day getaway to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
So on Thursday (July 3rd) we packed up the “Burbie” (Suburban) and started our trek to the lake. This wasn’t our first time — I’ve been going to the lake for 27 years; my daughter for about 5 years and this is Steve’s 3rd year. However, we love it there. My parents have a boat there and they were out of town in Napa Valley so they offered us their boat as a hotel (it has 2 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc.) — I jumped on it.
Missouri State Capitol
During our drive we decided to stop at Jefferson City, Missouri (our state capitol) to get a bite to eat. We stopped at Arris’ pizza for some tasty gyro’s (they are awesome!), but happened upon the city’s 4th of July celebration.
There was hardly any parking available, but fortunately a nice guy who was getting ready to leave let us know that his spot would soon be available. So we parked and walked up the street to Arris’. There was a 30 minute wait so we decided to walk over toward the capitol building as it was an opportunity to show it to my daughter for the first time. She wanted to walk down there, but I was afraid the little buzzer Arris’ had provided us with (to let us know our wait was over) wouldn’t reach that far. So we just stood at the front and glanced around.
Arris’ Pizza (and Gyro’s)
We headed back over to Arris’ and within a few minutes we were buzzed to let us know that our wait was over. They were packed, but the service and the food were fantastic. Steve and I ordered their gyro’s and Alexis (being the chicken tender loving child she is) ordered their chicken and fries. They’ve expanded on the restaurant quite a bit and the decor was pleasant to look at it while waiting for our food. I highly recommend a trip there — the gyro’s, alone, are worth it.
We were done and ready to finish our trip back to the lake within 45 minutes. We didn’t arrive until about 10pm on Thursday so we uncovered the boat, turned everything on and allowed the cabin to cool off from the A/C while we sat on the deck and relaxed. The marina is in a quiet cove so it’s a nice view at night with all of the lights reflecting off of the water and the sounds of fish jumping out of the water at random.
The next day we decided to visit my aunt and uncle so we went over there for about an hour and a half. My aunt was thrilled to see Alexis and was excited that I had brought her some pictures that I had been saving for her. She has an entire album dedicated to Alexis; it’s adorable. She made certain to warn Steve to take good care of her ‘babies’ (Alexis & I) when we walked out the door. She cried as she waved goodbye and while it made me sad to see that it’s nice to know that you’re loved so much.
After that we headed down to the strip as I was looking for the airbrush t-shirt guy who had designed a t-shirt I had made for my cousin Bryan about 23 years ago. Unfortunately he had closed his shop just the year before so I had to settle on a new place that didn’t offer airbrushing, but only the standard press. I had 2 custom shirts made for Bryan’s son and daughter, one each, as both of their birthday’s are coming up soon. I tried to duplicate the t-shirt that I had made for Bryan when he was little, but while it’s cute…it’s not the same. I have to give the girl credit for trying because she spent almost an hour designing it; it wasn’t easy. Fortunately she was very nice about it and extremely patient.
Waiting for Li’l Rizzo’s deliciousness
After we left we decided it was time for dinner so we went over to Li’l Rizzo’s in Lake Ozark. We were hoping that we could sit on the deck to watch the fireworks, but unfortunately we were a little earlier than anticipated so we opted to eat inside. The wait, for 4th of July, was only 30 minutes (45 minutes if you wanted to eat on the deck that overlooks the lake). Steve ordered their pizza, Alexis ordered their chicken strips (go figure!) and I ordered their broccoli con pollo (fettuccine with broccoli and grilled chicken). All three meals were perfect and our waitress was amazing. Be sure to order the potato cups (potato skins) as they are absolutely one of my favorite appetizers there (or anywhere for that matter) and so incredibly tasty. Not too many places make them anymore, but Li’l Rizzo’s is still doing so and doing so right!
Fireworks on the lake
After dinner we decided that we should find a place to watch fireworks. We had a spot that we sat at for the last couple of years (it was an old vacant restaurant) on HH. Unfortunately someone purchased the building so the idea of finding a spot there seemed nearly impossible. We ended up on the vacant parking lot next to JJ Hook’s (restaurant on Hwy 54) and it was perfect…even better than the old spot. Unfortunately I forgot my tripod (for my camera) at home so the pictures turned out a little blurry. With that said, you can still see all of the boats on the lake watching the fireworks…it was so beautiful!
Frozen goodness from Randy’s Frozen Custard
After the fireworks we decided to head over to Randy’s Frozen Custard. This is a staple to the lake as much as Ted Drewes frozen custard is to St. Louis. There is always a line (I don’t think that I’ve ever been able to just walk right up to the window and order without waiting), but it’s worth it. Steve ordered their “Strawnana”, I ordered a simple fudge sundae and Alexis ordered a fudge sundae as well. They were delicious as always. From there we headed back to the boat to get some rest. The next day we had a lot planned and knew that rest was in order.
After getting plenty of sleep, we woke up, ate breakfast and took showers. This was the scheduled ‘fun day’ as we planned on doing things that usually only tourists do. When we go to the lake any other time we generally spend the entire time at the dock, on the boat or in the lake…not this time. This time would be different.
The first thing scheduled was the go karts at Leman’s on 54. It’s $14.00 for a double gokart or $12.00 for a single. A little pricey, but they are good at what they do and give you ample amount of time to drive the track. Alexis rode with me while Steve rode by himself. This was Alexis’ first time and mine in over 20 years — we were laughing the entire time! After we left there we headed on over to Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf in Osage Beach.
Waterfall at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
We’ve been to this particular one before and I love it because there is water everywhere; including 2 waterfalls. You know me and my love of water by now! They also take such great care of their course and it’s phenomenally clean and perfectly landscaped — it always impresses me. You don’t find a lot of places that take such great care of their property’s now a days, but they go out of their way to do so. Within an hour we were done, Alexis was given pirate prizes (how fitting!) and we headed over to Culver’s (almost directly across the street) for a late lunch. And yes, Alexis ordered chicken strips (this kid, I tell ya!) again. They’re super friendly at this particular Culver’s and greeted us before I had even stepped past the threshold.
She loves her Daddy!
On the way back we stopped at a scenic view of the lake to take some pictures. It’s right next door to Baxter’s a little up the street from HH & 54. If you want a great background for a family shot at the lake…this is the place. Ironically we saw a helicopter swoop down on a boat right after this picture was taken… I have no idea what that was about, but it was interesting to watch!
Her 1st time on a bumper boat
From there we drove back toward the Leman’s (across the street from the other) so Steve & Alexis could ride the bumper boats. I used to ride these all the time, but I really wanted to be able to take a picture of Alexis riding one because it was her first.
The first thing we were asked, “Can she swim?” I thought to myself, “She can outswim you…trust me” lol We let him know that she could swim and he loaded them on their bumper boats. The laughter coming from my daughter was nothing short of contagious and had us both cracking up. Naturally Steve kept bumping into her and splashing her with water…and she giggled every time.
Miniature Go Kart for the win!
We also happened to notice that they had a miniature go kart for kids her size so we decided to let her try it on her own. At first she was really nervous and after a couple of minutes she started to get the hang of it. From there you could see the confidence building up…she lifts her hand to wave and CRASH (no worries, they have guards on the track). Instead of getting scared she starts laughing hysterically and keeps on going. Steve and I were standing there almost doubled over in laughter. I vowed at that very moment that she would never drive my car LOL
Alexis enjoying her TropicalSno
Our next stop was to visit a tattoo parlor on the strip to inquire if they would pierce her ears (she’s been wanting them done for a while now). Unfortunately the tattoo parlors, in the State of Missouri, are required by law to make sure the minor is at least 16 years of age and are only allowed to use needles (not the piercing gun). Alexis heard this and let us know, under no certain terms, that she was NOT getting them pierced there (not like she could anyway) so we left and headed down the street to TropicalSno. I figured it would calm her down and put her back on the happy track.
Fortunately the plan worked and her PowderPuff Girl TropicalSno (thin shaved ice) was just what she needed; whew! It also brought an adventurous day to a pleasant end.
Alexis & Mavery
We left there and headed back to the marina where Alexis made friends with a little girl named Mavery. They played around an hour until we left to play some arcade games at Dogpatch on the strip (well they did, I was feeling sort of ill and decided people watching was the most I could muster), bought some fudge, then left for dinner at a place called Wobbly Boots (not recommended per our experience), in Osage Beach, and decided to call it a night from there.
We headed back home early yesterday morning because I woke up sick, didn’t feel like dealing with the rowdy bunch on the dock that day, and figured after our fun few days at the lake that it was time to go back home a few hours earlier than planned. No one complained…we had officially worn ourselves out and were ready for our own beds, at our own house, and to pick up our dog from the vet.
The marina
Overall we had a GREAT time. All three of us were able to act like kids, enjoy the tourist attractions and enjoy time being a family. From my perspective… that was just what we needed. A family that plays together…stays together 🙂
As always my reviews of each place we visited will be listed on TripAdvisor.com While they haven’t approved them at the time of this posting, once they are approved you will be able to find them here (if applicable): https://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/MrsJerome
Every new school year I get all geared up and ready for my favorite time of year — Disney on Ice shows!
