LODGE PROVIDES FAMILIES A FALL GETAWAY
Having already placed a few orders of pumpkin spiced lattes this season (extra hot, no foam), I’m looking forward to the changing fall colors and crisp temperatures.
Autumn also signals the time to start planning a cozy rustic getaway to our family’s favorite fall destination — Big Cedar Lodge, one of America’s premier wilderness resorts just 10 miles south of Branson, Missouri.
The travel industry also agrees with our go-to getaway choice, because Big Cedar Lodge was just named the No. 1 Midwest Resort in Travel + Leisure’s 2017 World’s Best Awards for the second year in a row!
Although this gem of a property is off the beaten track, it’s an easy five-hour drive from Oklahoma City on Interstate 44 East. Several major airlines also serve Branson Airport, which is 8 miles away from the famed entertainment district.
We discovered the fall months were perfect for a trip to the Ozarks to enjoy the pleasures of the lake and mountain living at this Bass Pro Shops resort. It also made the perfect destination for one of our family’s most memorable Thanksgiving celebrations.
That’s because Missouri’s ruggedly serene Ozark Mountains, overlooking the sparkling 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake, makes a tranquil backdrop for a special fall retreat.
It’s an ideal place for reconnecting your family to the outdoors this season, especially when planning an extended weekend or Thanksgiving week visit.
At Big Cedar Lodge, we found ourselves surrounded by vibrant foliage, scenic vistas and refreshing mountain air. Plus, visitors can enjoy all the creature comforts of a worldclass resort with a collection of grand lodges and cottages.
Since my crew is more of an outdoorsy lot, we prefer the country chic log cabins with mom-friendly amenities like rustic-elegant furnishings, spalike bathrooms with luxury soaking tubs, decks with grills and jaw-dropping woodburning fireplaces.
The resort also offers four restaurants, an alluring spa measuring 18,000 square feet, five swimming pools, more than 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, more than 20 breathtaking wedding venues, and dynamic land and water adventures, including hiking, bass fishing, water skiing and much more.
What to do
Although there’s an array of opportunities to create your own fall fun at Big Cedar Lodge, here are some of our favorites for fun Halloween, Thanksgiving and fall experiences at Big Cedar Lodge:
• Just in time for Halloween is the first-ever “Haunted Lost Caverns,” which made its debut this month at Big Cedar Lodge. It runs through Oct. 31 and features the most spine-tingling and immersive haunted Halloween experience to unfold in this amazing resort setting. The Top of the Rock cliff top outpost is transformed into a spooktacularly ghoulish graveyard and haunted cave experience called Haunted Lost Caverns. This thrilling Halloween adventure features more than 100 animatronic displays, historical haunts and fun surprises along a bone-chilling ride through a four-story cave with a waterfall. This adventure is perfect for ghouls and goblins ages 13 and older.
• Follow my family’s lead and enjoy an unforgettable Thanksgiving at one of the resort’s restaurants. Arnie’s Barn, Osage Restaurant, Buffalo Bar, Devil’s Pool Restaurant and the Worman House will all offer Thanksgiving buffets. But if you don’t want to leave your lodge or cottage, Big Cedar has got you covered. They will serve a full meal through In-room Dining called Turkey Baskets. It’s a whole turkey with all the trimmings.
• Check out Fun Mountain, a new 50,000-square-foot indoor adventure wonderland for the young and young at heart. Fun Mountain has an array of activities, including underwater ocean bowling, bumper cars, Wilderness Fort Laser Tag, golf simulator, hightech climbing wall and more.
• Create your own adventure — from fishing, archery and three world-class golf courses to s’mores around a campfire, sunset dinner cruises on a vintage yacht and serenades from the Singin’ Cowboy.
• Capture Instagram-worthy sunsets overlooking the lake and hills at the resort’s iconic cliff top outpost, Top of the Rock, and an unforgettable two-and-a-half mile ride in an electric cart along the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Nature Trail that winds through handbuilt Amish bridges, dramatic natural rock formations and stunning waterfalls.
• Hit the links at the Mountain Top Course by Gary Player. This course brings a more accessible experience to families, juniors and golfers who are learning the game. The course routes through unforgettable rock formations and includes some of the best vistas in the region, while delivering a rewarding experience for all skill levels.
• Take a hike: Outdoor lovers can follow along the trails on the property to enjoy the vibrant fall leaves. You’ll enjoy the rustic harvest decor, all nestled across the resort’s serene wooded hollow overlooking Table Rock Lake. It’s a great backdrop to get family photos for your Christmas cards.