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Love and Romance Warm Up Winter Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. – For a romantic rendezvous, a wonderful wedding or a heavenly honeymoon, the perfect setting is Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. Sure, the Lake is a popular destination for families, fishermen and golfers. But more and more couples are discovering – and coming back to – the Lake of the Ozarks to spark or rekindle romance. And with Valentine’s Day on the way, followed a few weeks later by the return of spring, now is an ideal time to heat things up with a winter getaway just for two to the Lake of the Ozarks. Winter Wedding What could be more romantic than a fairytale wedding by the Lake? Throughout the area, couples can find a variety of settings to make their wedding dreams come true. For example, the Inn at Harbour Ridge, a bed-and-breakfast in Osage Beach, recently was named a Top Wedding Destination by Missouri Life magazine. “By the end of 2007 we will have hosted more than 30 weddings and countless engagements in our seven-year history,” says Sue Westenhaver, who owns the Inn with her husband, Ron. Love is definitely on the menu at the Inn at Harbour Ridge, where guest rooms have names like the Love Nest, Happily Ever After and A Roll In The Hay. Romantics can get things going with the Inn’s Proposal Package, including silk rose petals, fresh flowers, chocolate truffles, soft robes, a flickering fireplace and private hot tub or “twosome tubby” whirlpool. After your sweetheart says “I do,” Westenhaver will help you plan the wedding – from lavish to an elopement – as well as your honeymoon at the Inn at Harbour Ridge. The cozy fireplace, beautifully landscaped lawn (Westenhaver is a Master Gardener) or the lovely wedding gazebo will provide a gorgeous backdrop for the ceremony. You bring the marriage license and Westenhaver will take care of the minister, music, a wedding cake for two, a wedding portrait, flowers, silk bouquet and boutonniere and a bottle of champagne plus two souvenir glasses for your first toast as Mr. and Mrs. The next morning you’ll enjoy a scrumptious, award-winning breakfast in bed. Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach is another popular Lake-area wedding spot. Wedding Coordinator Susan Miller says the resort hosts more than 40 weddings a year, from a private ceremony for two to a gala event with 250 guests. For smaller weddings, up to 30 people, many couples like to hold the ceremony in the resort’s Little Stone Chapel by the Lake. “It’s very quaint and rustic,” Miller says. “A lot of couples also like to be married outdoors with the Lake for a backdrop,especially when there’s a spectacular sunset. Whether you want a casual or formal wedding, we can help make it memorable for you.” Miller helps couples plan their ceremonies and receptions at Tan-Tar-A and she also can assist with flowers, entertainment, food and beverages, the wedding cake and photography. What’s more, the bride and her attendants will enjoy being pampered and coiffed at the resort’s Windjammer Spa & Salon. Probably the most unusual setting for a wedding at the Lake – or beyond – is Bridal Cave in Camdenton. The cave gets its name from an Osage Indian legend involving a kidnapping, a suicidal leap off an Ozarks cliff and a wedding ceremony held inside a cave – thereafter named Bridal Cave. The attraction continues to live up to its name, hosting more than 2,070 weddings in its Bridal Chapel since 1949, says Superintendent David Thomas. “We average about 40 weddings a year,” he says. “Couples come from all over Missouri and the United States and even from overseas to get married here.” Bridal Cave offers two wedding packages. “Package A” includes use of the chapel, a minister and music for the 20-minute ceremony, a bottle of sparkling cider and two souvenir glasses plus a lifetime pass to the cave, all for $400. “Package B” includes all of the above plus a photographer and flowers, for $550. “The cave formations make wedding pictures something special,” Thomas says. Bridal Cave is open year-round. Permission to Play If you’re already hitched but your love life could use a lift, you also ought to consider a romantic getaway to the Lake of the Ozarks. Again, Sue Westenhaver comes to the rescue. Named “one of the Best Undiscovered Inns for Romance,” (www.BnBFinder.com), Harbour Ridge’s “Happy Hearts” special includes two nights in a romantic guestroom with a private hot tub, fresh flowers, complimentary wine or sparkling juice, dinner for two at a fine local restaurant, a $100 shopping spree at the 110-store Osage Beach Premium Outlets, incredible breakfasts, a turndown truffle, “and lots of special happy heart extras!” adds Westenhaver. For a few dollars more, she’ll include a basket full of bath bubbles, rubber duckies, body lotions and potions and a bottle of champagne. Or a long-stemmed rose, chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne and souvenir wine glasses. Or even a balloon bouquet. Another romantic hideaway is the Cliff House Bed & Breakfast in Osage Beach. Innkeeper Gary Brooks says, “We’re fortunate that we’re in a very scenic location with the sunset right across the Lake. It sets 365 days a year so we benefit from that.” Brooks notes each of the Inn’s three suites has its own entrance and deck access, and two have cozy fireplaces. “We get a lot of honeymooners and couples who like to celebrate their anniversaries here,” he says. “It’s a romantic, laid-back setting. You can have all the privacy you want.” Garden House Bed & Breakfast in Rocky Mount advertises itself as the place “Where Romance Blossoms” and “The finer things in life await you and your loved one.” Innkeeper Lilliana Meyer says her B&B “will surpass your expectations, from the finest linens and china to the gourmet food and fantastic views of Lake of the Ozarks. All the pampering you want is awaiting your indulgence.” Meyer also can arrange massages and a romantic boat ride for two. Other love-ly Lake-area B&Bs include Buck Creek in Laurie, Bass & Baskets and Ginger Point in Lake Ozark, and Castleview in Camdenton. Cozy Condos, Romantic Resorts Perhaps you prefer a romantic getaway to a vacation condo on the Lake or in the woods. Then Lake Ozark Vacations/PMG’s “Winter Romance Getaway” is for you. This specially priced package features a beautiful one-bedroom condo with a fireplace, deck and whirlpool, welcoming flowers and chocolates, and dinner at a fine Lake-area restaurant. At the Eagle’s Nest Resort in Sunrise Beach, lovers are invited to “run away to your hideaway and create wonderful memories while enjoying the beautiful Lake view,” says owner Sky Johnson. The “Love at the Lake Romantic Special” includes lodging in a deluxe condo with a whirlpool, champagne and chocolates, and dinner at a charming local restaurant. The Kapilana Resort in Osage Beach also offers condo lodging with its “Days of Wine & Roses” package. The deal includes two nights’ stay with a welcoming toasty fire in the fireplace, fresh flowers and a gourmet gift basket, plus engraved wine glasses and lunch or dinner at the an area winery/microbrewery. For couples who enjoy the resort scene, The Resort at Port Arrowhead in Lake Ozark offers two specials. “Romance for Two” includes a night in a Lake-view room with a king-sized bed and whirlpool, a welcome bottle of champagne and gourmet gift basket, plus breakfast for two in the room or the award-winning Portside Restaurant. “Just the Two of Us” features two nights lodging, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne upon arrival, breakfast in the Portside Restaurant or in the room each morning and a 30-minute in-room massage for two. Honeymooners and long-time-marrieds enjoy Tan-Tar-A’s Honeymoon/Anniversary special. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate their life together in a place where elegance and luxury meet the incomparable beauty of nature,” says Susan Miller, the resort’s wedding coordinator. The package includes two nights in a deluxe Lake-view room, champagne, breakfast buffet and dinner each evening, plus a special souvenir gift. At the Country Club Hotel & Spa in Lake Ozark, “Your key to a romantic getaway” includes champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival at your luxurious suite, in-room breakfast, dinner at the acclaimed Bourbon Street Grill, plus a voucher for a free VIP coupon book at Osage Beach Premium Outlets. Hopeless romantics are invited to indulge themselves at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark. Its “Romance at the Lodge” package includes two nights lodging, dinner for two at the award-winning HK’s restaurant, breakfast both mornings, souvenir bathrobes, a 50-minute Couples Massage at Spa Shiki and a one-hour scenic cruise in season. Candlelight Dining With its vast variety of options, you’re sure to find romantic dining at the Lake of the Ozarks. For example, Bentley’s in Lake Ozark is a cozy English country inn specializing in prime rib, steak and ocean fresh seafood. Dark oak dominates the three dining rooms and quaint bar; white cloth napkins accent red tablecloths; wait staff are neatly attired in tuxedo shirts and black bow ties; and in season, a warm fire glows in the fireplace. The Blue Heron in Lake Ozark offers “wining and dining for romantic adults” who enjoy sipping cocktails and wine in the gazebo overlooking the Lake. Chef Joe Boer’s European-influenced restaurant specializes in seafood, poultry, lamb, beef, veal and pork, but is best known for its famous Batter Fried Lobster Tail. The acclaimed restaurant frequently has won the coveted Wine Spectator Annual Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, presented to only 100 restaurants around the world for the most elaborate wine list. Award-winning Andre’s On The Lake in Lake Ozark sits atop a wooded bluff and boasts a spectacular Lake view with breathtaking sunsets, as well as the only Certified Executive Chef in the Lake area – Chef Andre Torres, a member of the Academy of Culinaire de France. Born in Algeria, Torres worked in Europe, Africa and Asia before landing at the Lake of the Ozarks. As a result, the menu reflects global influences with an emphasis on French Mediterranean cuisine. “We make our own sweets too,” says Torres. “Everything is made from scratch like our bread pudding, flourless chocolate cake and crème brulee.” The incredible presentation of each dish is worth a trip. Then there’s The Duck in Lake Ozark. Its intimate atmosphere features white tablecloths and candlelight. Owner Matt Holt says, “In our opinion, it’s the best setting to watch the sunset on the Lake. And since we are The Duck, one of our specialties is duck a’ l’orange.” Another is rack of lamb, plus seafood and steaks. All of the amazing desserts are home-made. The Duck has won numerous awards from both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Now what could be more romantic than dining directly on the water? March through September, Celebration Cruises’ comfortable, 80-foot, climate-controlled motor yacht offers traditional or continental dinner during a leisurely moonlight cruise. Celebration is docked at Kirkwood Lodge in Osage Beach. In addition to lodging and dining, the Lake offers other romantic pleasures, like a stroll through the woods at Lake of the Ozarks State Park or exploring castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park; enjoying live music together, such as Lynn Zimmer and The Jazz Band at the Country Club Hotel & Spa; tasting fine Missouri vintages at the Lake area’s scenic wineries; or shopping for a special gift (like an engagement ring or other diamond bauble) at the exceptional malls and boutiques located throughout the Lake of the Ozarks. Remember, for romantic memories you’ll treasure, plan a getaway to the Lake of the Ozarks for Valentine’s Day or to make any day something special. For more information about Lake-area lodging, dining, shopping, events, attractions and more, contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253), or visit www.funlake.com.
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