White River Lodge

SUMMER ON TABLE ROCK LAKE AND WHITE RIVER LODGE 11 May 2012, 7:24 am

Spring Break Getaway to Branson and Table Rock Lake 4 Mar 2012, 8:18 am

Need a break...get away to White River Lodge...15 miles SW of Branson, MO on beautiful Table Rock Lake.  The birds are singing (and eating), trees are blooming (Ahhhh--choo), the sun is shining (today), your college team is on the big screen winning (maybe), fish are biting (save $25 on guide service), and we've got gasoline (cheap --er than Chicago).  Branson turns 100 in 2012 and has plans to celebrate--visit Branson100.org for more.  The new Branson Travel Planner is out.  We've put copies in our guest rooms and you may get your own free copy at the Branson chamber.  Many shows and attractions start their new season in March--SIX, Dixie Stampede, Acrobats of China, Ziplines, SDC.  The rest follow in April or early May--Branson Bell, Liverpool Legend, Shoji.  Check out ExploreBranson.com/spring for more and the "What's New in Branson" tab, too.  The opening of the Dewey Short Visitor Center is set for April, the group Sawyer Brown on April 20, and "Joseph" at the Sight and Sound Theater, are a few that caught my eye.  To make planning your time easier when you're here, we're adding a "What's Happening Today in Branson" widget on our Area Info page.  You can also find links and google maps to some of White River Lodge guest's favorite things to do and places to visit like Silver Dollar City, Dogwood Canyon, Branson Landing, and Eureka Springs, AR.

Need a "home base" to relax and reconnect?  White River Lodge would like to offer you added value with our Spring Getaway special running through May 10.  Enjoy the Table Rock Lake view and the signs of Spring from our decks or flagstone patio with outside fireplace and gas grill, Marquis Spa, exercise/game room, theater room, and choose from 5 well-appointed lake view guest rooms that include a homemade breakfast each morning and save an extra $60-$160, on multiple nights by calling 800-544-0257 or using our on line "Webervations" system.  Put some spring back in your step!

Log Home Lovers Welcome 20 Feb 2012, 12:28 pm

When we started to look for property in the Branson Table Rock Lake area, our dream home vision always had BIG logs, timbers, rocks, and window views.  We were fortunate to find a local builder with a Colorado log connection--dead standing Englemann Spruce cut in D-logs.  Log by log up went 10,000 sq. ft. White River Lodge!  And now, we share our dream with others at our 5 guest room bed and breakfast.  If you love logs, come lodge with us--there's even a big comfortable cedar log bed  to sleep in but don't be surprised if you hear snapping and popping--log homes are "alive" but not haunted--except perhaps by critters looking for a nice hollow tree!  We have lots of building pictures, stories, and log home magazines too!  If you can come this weekend Feb. 24-25, the Log and Timber Home Show is at the Branson Convention Center.  Check out our Log Lovers Special too.

Winter Happenings at White River Lodge and Branson 14 Jan 2012, 5:41 pm

Where did everyone go?  If you don't like crowds, now's the time to come to the Branson area.  In addition to shopping and dining, there are some shows and attractions open.

• Cosmic Cavern daily 9-5
• Talking Rocks Cavern 9:30-6
• S of H fish hatchery 9-5
• Zipline USA 9-3 F Sat Sun
• Dewey Short Visitor Center 417-334-4101
• Feb. 26 Dogwood Canyon opens

• Veteran's Memorial $10 off adult admission 417-336-2300
• C or O Ralph Foster Museum M-Sat. 9-4:30
• Branson Auto Museum 9am-7pm daily
• Antique Toy Museum 417-332-1499
• Ripley's Believe It or Not Sun-Thur 9:30-6:00 Fri-Sat 9:30-8pm
• Hollywood Wax 10am-8pm daily
• Titanic Museum 9-4 daily  Feb.4-5 Ice Carving association champions

The Log and Timber Home Show is in Branson Feb. 24 and 25.  For other shows and Winter Fun activities, check at ExploreBranson.com.

Here at the lodge, we use January to catch up on projects, paperwork, B&B conferences and couple time.  February brings others looking for their own winter escapes or couple time.  How about warm fires, fresh-ground coffee and hot breakfast, sparkling blue lake, hot tub on a moon-lit night, comfortable beds in well-appointed rooms and you don't have to do anything but enjoy.  This fall we added a HD projector with a 142" screen to the theater room--great for sports and even a movie.  The game room is nearby with billiards, darts, exercise equipment, and sauna.  Enjoy the sunny side of the greatroom fireplace for puzzles, reading, and watching the birds at the deck feeders--Bill keeps them full..Speaking of Bill--trout fishing on Taneycomo has been good.  We even have a fishing/lodging package.  Check it out in addition to our Winter Savings on our Specials page.  You might also be interested in our last year's video Blogs on fishing and warmth.

White River Lodge and Branson for the Holidays 4 Dec 2011, 11:43 am

When we first opened back in 2005, I was surprised by the number of folks that traveled over the holidays.  Now we know it's a great opportunity for us too.  We provide a friendly, stress-free, homey, comfortable atmosphere as well as a location with easy access to food and fun.  At White River Lodge, we start you off with breakfast--alternating between a sweet and savory main entree, seasonal fresh fruits, varieties of coffees, teas, cocoas, and juices.  For other meals, there's fine dining and holiday specialties at Big Cedar resort, Candlestick Inn, Hilton, Level 2, Chateau on the Lake and The Keeter Center.  There's plenty of popular chains and some unique local dining too.  Several shows come with meals like Dixie Stampede and The Branson Belle.  There are Christmas light tours and Silver Dollar City's famous "An Old Time Christmas" that runs from Nov.-Dec.  You may also check out This Week in Branson for particular shows and attractions.  When you're ready to relax--come back to the lodge where you'll find a warm fire, cookies, warm or cold drinks, games, movies, birds at the feeders, beautiful Table Rock Lake and Ozark scenery, comfortable bed, and sweet dreams....Happy Holidays.  December lodging specials running now.

Honeymoons, Anniversaries, and Couple Getaways on Table Rock Lake White River Lodge 18 Sep 2011, 4:18 pm

We love our couples at White River Lodge and want to help them anyway we can with their celebrations.  In addition to our well appointed rooms, amenities, and area attractions, we offer romance add-ons like flowers, bubbly & berries, and coffee & handmade pottery cups--check them out on our specials page.  You may order them over the phone or when making a reservation on line.

Recently we had a returning couple in celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary which she tells me is traditionally celebrated with a gift of wood--White River Lodge has lots of wood!  Her husband said for their first anniversary (paper) he had a puzzle made with one of their wedding photos.  Another "first" couple had an old-time photo taken in Branson when they were here.  When I don't know what the "gift" is, I just tell Bill I think this year it's diamonds but here is the list of traditional and modern wedding anniversary year gifts.

One of the newer couple getaways is the Babymoon--a getaway before the birth of a baby.  Ask me to tell you the story of the Bat and the Babymoon couple!  Whatever your reason, get away together so you'll make it to that Golden Anniversary (may not be able to afford any gold in 16 years!)  Feel free to share your great ideas for a couple getaway or special gift.

Getting Married near White River Lodge Branson, Mo 18 Sep 2011, 3:41 pm

The first year White River Lodge was open, a nice, young couple found our property while driving around the area.  They were looking for a log style place with a Table Rock Lake view to get married.  We didn't know if we did weddings or not but since it was to be a small family wedding and they would be renting all the B&B rooms, we said "Yes" and they had a beautiful late morning September wedding on our main deck.  Since then we have hosted a few of our guests small elopement style weddings where the couple provided their own wedding official and used one of our common areas for their ceremony.  Besides the main deck, some have used our flagstone patio and outside fireplace covered area and the area in front of our great room fireplace inside.  Many have inquired about bigger weddings and receptions, which we do not do but here are some area options to consider:  Dogwood Canyon, 10 miles west of us on 86 hwy, has a log chapel with four wedding packages for up to 20, 40, 80, or 100 guests.  They also host receptions.  North of Branson off 65 hwy. is Log Chapel of The Ozarks--they have a marriage package starting at $250.  Integrity Hills has a European style stone chapel overlooking Table Rock Lake off of 86 hwy just 5 miles back east of White River Lodge.  They have a variety of options for a wedding ceremony and receptions with professional planners and vendors.  And remember, White River Lodge for lodging, honeymoons, anniversaries, and couple getaways.

White River Lodge and Ozarks Shopping 9 Aug 2011, 2:55 pm

Shopping...a great American pastime is always available rain or shine--and here in the southwest Ozarks it's no exception.  Here at White River Lodge (15 miles SW of Branson, MO) we enjoy buying from the locals.  At the junction of UU and 86 hwy. is Shirley's Rag Rugs and home-made soaps.  Yes, every room at the Lodge has one of her Rag Rugs--she often displays them outside draped over the fence and we go by there almost every day and now my guests do too!  We get hand-made coffee mugs from Mark Oehler of Omega Pottery in Reed Spring, MO.  His shop has cups, plates, bowls, fountains, lamps, and he does custom work as well.  While you're in Reed Springs there's also Hess Pottery famous for their red clay pie plates.  If you go through Kimberling City, stop at Outdoor Rooms By Design; we got most of our outside deck furniture and our Marquis Spa there--Randy knows it all!  Across the street is Rustic Timbers Furniture Company which has a nice selection of log cabin style furnishings.

Now let's go East on 86 highway and Ridgedale Road south for two miles to the Wild Bill's center for State Line Flea Market--we and our bed and breakfast guests have found some "treasures" there or at least spent time well.  Go North on Highway 65 to Branson, Missouri, take a right on 76 and go into "old" downtown to check out Dick's 5 and Dime, quilt, shoes, antiques, knicknacks shops and more.  Go all the way down toward Lake Taneycomo to the new Branson Landing for Bass Pro Shop and many mall type clothing etc. stores.  Check out the Fire and Water show at the fountain in the middle before you go.  If you go North on Branson Landing Blvd. over the top of 65 highway following 248 highway to Gretna Road, you will go by The Meadows outlet shoppes then The Branson Mill, with booths of local artists/crafters' work for sale.  On down Gretna you'll go by the Amish store with grocery and furniture products.  Keep going west through the light and turn left at the four-way stop to The Tanger Outlet Mall--probably my guests most favorite outlet mall then another mile on Gretna to the right is The Red Roof Outlet Mall.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that one more exit North on 65 (Branson Hills Parkway) is where the new Walmart Super Center is located.  In this area there is also Kohls, Bed Bath and Beyond, Michaels, Books A Million, Target, etc. and our new favorite store, Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop,  --we hope to be displaying more of their shop here at the Lodge if you know what I mean!  Well, I'd better go do a little more research on my topic.  Happy Shopping to All!

Outdoor Activities for White River Lodge and Branson area 29 May 2011, 12:04 pm

It's the start of the summer vacation season here at White River Lodge and thoughts turn to the great outdoors.  One of the newest area outdoor activities is ziplining.  North of Branson, Missouri, off 65 in the Wolfe Creek Preserve, is Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours.  Off Gretna Road in town is Adventure Ziplines of Branson. Shepherd of the Hills has a Vigilante Ziprider and while there enjoy the Ozark Mountain views from Inspiration Tower.  Get "historical" with a tour of Old Matt's Cabin homestead or see a live performance of Harold Bell Wright's bestselling book or enjoy the Son's of the Pioneer Chuckwagon dinner show.

If you like to keep your feet (or wheels) on the ground, Track Family Fun Parks offer tracks and karts for all ages. Hey, if you're at the one with an Andy's Custard next door, have some!

For those that like to "swing a club" there are seven 18-hole, and two 9-hole golf courses in the area.  Prefer a "pole"?  There's fly-fishing or spincast on the cool waters of Taneycomo for trout or jump on Table Rock Lake for bass.  I know a great fishing guide (but don't tell him I said that).  If you'd like to get your own boat to cruise around the lakes with, try Lilleys' Landing on Lake Taneycomo, on Table Rock Lake try Creek Side Marina (nearest the Lodge) or State Park Marina and Dive Shop near the dam.  Speaking of Table Rock dam, check out the Dewey Short Visitor Center and a free walking trail over to State Park Marina.  The Corps of Engineers also has several parks with boat launches and swim beaches.

You can also get on both lakes by taking a Ride the Ducks tour which is also affiliated with Silver Dollar City, White Water Park, and The Showboat Branson Belle.

White River Lodge is not far from the Arkansas border.  About 20 minutes away in Lead Hill, AR is Ozark Medieval Fortress.. A castle in the Making.  On the way to Berryville, AR is Cosmic Cavern which is open all year.  And in Eureka Springs, AR is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge which is the largest Big Cat refuge in the world!  Outside of Eureka Springs is War Eagle Mill.

And don't forget a guest favorite, Dogwood Canyon, only 10 miles from White River Lodge, which is a great place to just sit outside on the decks and enjoy the view!  Check out our summer savings specials .

White River Lodge / Branson Lakes Area Dining 15 Apr 2011, 2:25 pm

"Where's a good place to eat dinner?" is a question we get often from our bed and breakfast guests.  The answer depends on a multitude of factors.  Here's a few favorite possibilities but feel free to ask us when you're here too--we love a good meal.  Google Map of Branson/Lakes Restaurants in Blog

Going toward Branson one mile on 86W is Twin Island market, deli, and restaurant.  The diner is open most days from 6am-2pm with specials and from the menu, but on Friday nights 4-8pm is their catfish dinners.  They have a Two for $20 special that includes drink, soup or salad, 3 pieces fried catfish, choice of potato, roll and choice of dessert--a local country-style favorite. 417-779-0319

Continuing on 86 for 3 more miles is the entrance for Bass Pros' Big Cedar Lodge.  Take a left on Devil's Pool Road for almost 2 miles until it takes a hard right for Devil's Pool Restaurant and Buzzard's Bar (eat inside or out).  For a more fine dining experience you may prefer The Worman House.  They also have Truman's Smoke House.  Check out menus from Big Cedar's website. You must ask to be connected to one of these when calling for a dinner reservation or we'll be happy to call for you  417-335-2777.  In less than a mile more you come to the junction of  65 where you will take a left going North.  (You may notice the Top of the Rock entrance on  the left,  right before the light--this is also part of Big Cedar and when the golf course is completed they will open the Top of the Rock restaurant again which was an excellent place to eat and mostly likely will be again!).

Heading North on 65, the next light is 265 (which runs into 165 and goes across Table Rock Lake dam.  If you take a right at the light, just past Fall Creek Road is one of local favorites, Dana's BBQ.)  But if you continue North on 65 on the right is the entrance to Branson Creek and Murder Rock Golf courses, and the new Branson Airport.  Murder Rock's club house has a great Ozark hills view and Glenn's restaurant 417-239-1900.  If you continue on 65 N, the next exit is Hollister.  Turn left after exiting for McDonalds, Harter House fine meats, and College of the Ozarks, Keeter Center--inside the beautiful log lodge is Doblyns Dining Room 417-239-1900.  If you take a right at the exit and a left at the light, there's Country Mart grocery store which has a deli and there's an Oscar's BBQ (bring it back to the lodge--there's also an Oscars at the 65/86 Cedar Junction), Elenitas Mexican, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Sonic, Subway and Pizza by the Chef.  If you continue on the back road and to the right, down the hill, into old Hollister and take a left onto Downing Street, stop at Little Hacienda--great Mexican and mmmm frozen drinks.  You can also continue along 65 left across the new bridge onto Branson Landing Blvd. There are many restaurant choices and shops along the "promenade" or go along the other side of Taneycomo to The Candlestick Inn --a romantic fine dining restaurant with a view of The Landings' fountains.  Old downtown Branson has Rocky's Italian and Mr. G's, Bleu Olive, and several country style diners.  Along the 76 strip our favorite chinese buffet and sushi "Great Wall of China".

If you go west on 86, we like Nicole's at the Pier (Kimberling City-20 min.) 417-739-4311 and our favorite steak house is at Shell Knob (45 min. drive), The Steak Inn 417-858-6814.  There's also great food at Eureka Springs but I'll save that for another blog.  There are many  good chain type restaurants in the Branson area that maybe a good choice when you're coming or going to a show.  Some shows come with meals.  Please feel free to ask if we can help you--sometimes guests tell us about ones they liked.  Maybe some will comment on this blog.