Property at a Glance: The Lodges at Table Rock Lake

The Lodges at Table Rock Lake overlook their sprawling namesake lake between towering Ozark Mountains. Convene with nature the deck of a secluded cabin or condo, or hit the nature trails that radiate from the tree-filled property.

• Spacious condos and cabins have fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryer units, and fireplaces.
• Roast marshmallows around the fire pit or relax in the outdoor hot tub beneath a canopy of stars.
• Fit in a workout in the fitness lounge, or take a hike in nearby Dogwood Canyon National Park.
• Stay connected with friends and family via the complimentary WiFi.
• Ride a roller coaster or have dinner on a showboat at Silver Dollar City amusement park, about a mile away.

Branson, Missouri: Family-Friendly Theaters and Concert Halls in the Ozarks

If you take a drive through the Ozarks in Missouri, it might seem like an unlikely place to find glittering lights and stage shows—for the most part, it’s a rolling plateau of wooded hills, snaking rivers, and limestone bluffs. But follow down Route 76 and you’ll find Branson, which looks like a miniature, more family-friendly version of Las Vegas.

Dozens of stages and music halls line Branson’s main strip, some of which are owned by stars such as Dolly Parton. On any given night you can watch anything from country music performances to circus acrobatics to magic shows.

If you’re traveling with kids, Silver Dollar City is a safe bet; it’s located about 5 miles west of the strip. The popular theme park is built around Marvel Cave and modeled after an 18th-century frontier town. Here you can hop on a mine-car roller coaster, take a tour by lantern through limestone caverns, or watch as blacksmiths hand-forge mailboxes for the mayor’s private collection.

If you want to duck away from the lights, it’s worth it to explore the surrounding countryside. Within about 30 miles, there are two large lakes—Table Rock and Taneycomo. Each is stocked with trout and has boats available for rent. Or head to Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, where you can bike or hike along Roark Creek and through dense oak forests. Paul Henning, who was inspired to create the Beverly Hillbillies after a Boy Scout trip to the Ozarks, donated the 1,534-acre reserve.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.