I. SMOTHERS

We're planning a trip to the Ozarks in the fall.
Will be driving from Orlando. Where exactly are
they? Arkansas...Missouri??? Is it worth the trip.
Would love ideas on things to see and good places
to stay/eat.

Cindy and Steve Sheltmire

The Ozarks really encompasses an area from mid-Missouri to northern Arkansas. A lot of nice country with good fishing, boating, water sports, and pretty scenery. Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals are the least commercially developed with a greater draw for fishing. These lakes are near the Missouri-Arkansas border. Branson and Silver Dollar City are good family places in southern Missouri with lots to do and see . Big Cedar Lodge, owned by Bass Pro Shops, is a great place to stay just south of Branson and overlooking Table Rock Lake. Bass Pro Shop Headquarters in Springfield is a must-see for any outdoorsman with acres of camping, fishing, hunting, boating, and a host of other sports and recreational paraphernalia. Another hour and 1/2 north of Springfield is the community of Lake Ozark which is more commercialized but has some good shopping, boating, and small family resorts. Let us know if we can address any specific questions.

Donald R. Fuller

The Ozarks are found predominantly between southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. The larger mountain ranges are in Missouri, with the Arkansas portion being mainly foothills. I don't know much about the Missouri part, but in Arkansas, I would suggest a visit to Blanchard Springs Caverns, Mountain View Folk Center, and Eureka Springs. These areas are among the finest Arkansas has to offer. Email me for more specific information.

L. Vermeis

The Ozarks are in southwest Missouri and Arkansas. They are beautiful in the spring and fall. The winding, twisting roads lead to some spectacular views when you get to the top of a ridge.
The quaint little town of Jasper sits in a wilderness setting on scenic highway 7 in northern Arkansas.
Eureka Springs on highway 23 in Arkansas is worth going out of your way to see. The town is full of beautifull victorian homes,(most are open to the public.) They are even more spectacular at night when they are all lit up. There are many art galleries and craft shops. You may want to visit the Crescent Hotel which is over 100 years old, and claims to have a ghost.
In Missouri, setting in the most beautiful part of the Ozarks is the town of Branson. The live music shows are pure enjoyment. There is a wide range of entertainment. From country, to gospel, to Andy Williams, or even Yackov, you will have fun. Branson offers something for everyone. There are three great fishing lakes, lots of arts and crafts, and beautiful scenery.

Jennifer Marsh

Branson, Missouri, located in the heart of the Ozarks is called the "Live Music Capital" of the world. We have 35 live performance venues with a combined total of more seats than Broadway. We have dozens of motels, lakeside resorts and camping and RV parks. We have most of the major chain restaurants and many mom and pop places. More than 6 million people visit Branson each year. Our resident population is less than 5,000. You really have to see this place to believe it. Prices are low, crime is virtually non-existent and the weather in the fall is perfect. If you want to know more please e-mail me. We'd love to host you and your family.

J.M.

I spent many years growing up in Arkansas, but now live overseas. Reading all these messages about the Ozarks reminds me of when I went to camp one summer near that area. It was gorgeous, and I had the time of my life! You'll enjoy your trip - the foliage there in the Fall is really spectacular!

Don't miss Eureka Springs if you can help it. Have fun!

Bill & Jean Hillis

Poplar Bluff, Missouri is known as "The Gateway To The Ozarks". It is located in the Ozark Heritage Region in Southeast Missouri, with many things to see and do. Absolutely beautiful area springs, rivers, lakes, horseback riding, scenic drives and not far from the highest point in Missouri. Poplar Bluff is a nice safe place to stay with great lodging, restaurants, and a great campground just north of town across from the Highway Patrol Headquarters. We have been lifetime residents of Poplar Bluff, MO and know the area very well. Poplar Bluff is also known as the halfway stopping point for travelers going between Nashville, TN and Branson, MO. The town has build a large coliseum with live shows and events throughout the year. The best route across Southern Missouri is US 60. It will allow you to look upon the beautiful ozarks.
Enjoy the Ozarks!
Bill & Jean

al

The previous posters are right except they seem to forget the lake which I think is the nicest of all & is the one that is the least commercial lake in all of the ozarks(lake norfork) which is the sister lake to bull shoals both of these lakes make up the area known as the twin lakes area around mountain home,ar.