If you “don’t know the reasons but have stayed here all season,” then you have found your destination at Margaritaville Lake Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Story by Ann Butenas | Photos courtesy of Margaritaville Lake Resort
With spring finally settled in and the anticipation of summer right around the corner, wouldn’t it be great to have a place easily within reach to which you can escape and step out of your daily routine? Well, thanks to the newly-unveiled Margaritaville Lake Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri, you do! The managing directors of Kansas City Homes & Style magazine recently enjoyed a red-carpet style, sneak-peek, and first-hand look at what will certainly become a coveted destination for many people over the coming years and are excited to unveil a bit of the excitement for you. It wouldn’t be fair for them to share everything about this fun-filled playground in the Ozarks. You’ll just have to enjoy this quick peek behind the curtain yourself and then prepare to make the journey to Margaritaville yourself.
Formerly known as Tan-Tar-A, one of the largest and most popular resorts at the lake, Margaritaville offers more than just a facelift to the area; it provides a whole new personality and ambiance. If you’ve been down here before, your next visit just might feel like the first time. If you’ve never visited the heartbeat of the Ozarks, then get ready to add somewhere new to visit on your list of vacation ideas.
“It’s a real beauty, and how you got here, you should have a clue!”
Once you find your way to the idyllic shores of the Lake of the Ozarks, you will have encountered a unique lakeside escape that offers a bounty of opportunities for relaxation and fun. Sure, this is a great vacation spot, but more than that, it is a vacation experience. If you are looking for a reason to leave your worries behind, this is it.
Among its many exciting amenities include a variety of dining establishments, two championship golf courses, a fitness center, bowling, an arcade, horseback riding, three outdoor pool complexes, a full-service spa and…drum roll, please…a 20,000 square foot indoor water park. Plus, with more than 89,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space and outdoor venues, consider this resort as a prime location for that next corporate meeting, social function, incentive retreat or wedding.
At the recent, invitation only preview event, the managing partners of Kansas City Homes & Style were honored to be the only Kansas City area media company at the celebration and enjoyed networking and socializing with other radio, TV, and print personalities from the region.
“The secret’s out now,” smiled one of the managing partners. “This place and the surrounding areas have it all and it could take a lifetime to explore everything it has to offer.”
But, that’s okay, as when you get here, consider yourself on Margaritaville time. Let the clock slow down to a leisurely pace while you toss your cares away and just relax.
“Watching the sun bake, all of those tourists covered with oil…”
Are you ready for the fun to begin but can’t decide what to do? Then hurry on over to the Port of Indecision Marina. This is where you may start scratching your head and tapping your feet in enthusiastic anticipation, as so many opportunities for recreational bliss are at your beck and call. Pontoon boats? Check. Ski boats? Check. Paddle boats? Check. Wave runners? Check. Water skiing? Check. Tubing? Check. The list goes on, but you get the general idea. No matter what your choice of fun in the sun means to you, you will probably find it here.
“You haven’t been to the Lake unless you’ve done something on the water,” chuckled one of Kansas City Homes & Style’s managing partners. In other words, there are plenty of opportunities to get wet and no excuses not to at Margaritaville! This place even offers complimentary boat launches and free trailer parking for resort guests.
“Strumming my six string on my front porch swing.”
Before you sit back and put up your feet for the day, be sure to fill your agenda with more than something that requires a swim suit and goggles. Love video games? Welcome to the state-of-the-art arcade, offering classic favorites and electronic simulators. Love to bowl? This place has eight lanes, all of which can be accommodated for bumper bowling. If you enjoy a bit more pizzazz to the game, jump in for some cosmic bowling. No matter what you desire, Margaritaville has your idea of a family-friendly good time in mind. Nestled on roughly 1,300 miles of shoreline upon which to play, Margaritaville will undoubtedly become the welcome mat of the Ozarks.
“When you walk in this place, the music just hits you,” shared one of the managing partners, referring to the Jimmy Buffett and Buffett-like tunes that dominate the soundtrack of the resort. “As soon as we got there, we felt like someone was going to run right up to us and hand us a margarita!”
And what’s a better complement to a great libation than a mouth-watering meal? No matter what your taste buds crave, there are plenty of places to kick back and enjoy outstanding food. Go ahead and indulge. Among the go-to places at Margaritaville are JB’s Boathouse Grill, LandShark Bar & Grill, License to Chill Bar, Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria, The Oaks Bar and more. If your plans include a premier fine dining experience, then consider a stop at Windrose, where Chef Brandon Oker will make you a dinner to remember.
While we all enjoy a few extra nibbles while on vacation, those can easily be worked off with horseback riding, a workout in the fitness center, indulging in a round of miniature golf, or getting out on the court for a rousing game of basketball or tennis. (Having fun here is expected, but sweating is optional.)
“But I know, it’s nobody’s fault.”
This is the place of which vacation dreams are made. Full disclosure? If you have a great time at Margaritaville and begin making memories along the way, you have no one to blame except yourself. You’ve been warned about the possible side effects of fun, laughter, relaxation, and the potential for an incredible assault on the senses. No matter what you see, hear, do, feel or touch at Margaritaville, it can tend to leave a lasting impression.
“This is the fun lake,” noted one of the managing partners. “They definitely put some money into this, as it is a fun, fun party.”
“Don’t know the reasons; I stayed here all season.”
Although the Lake of the Ozarks area is typically frequented in the summer, this is a place for all seasons, and Margaritaville is no exception. In fact, many people choose to retire down in this area, and while the summer sun invites a ton of fun, spring and fall are equally gorgeous, and when the winter holidays roll in, the festivities are still on full throttle. Doesn’t it make sense to schedule a visit to Margaritaville and Lake of the Ozarks sometime soon?
For more information on the new Margaritaville Lake Resort at Lake of the Ozarks including special offers, please visit MargaritavilleResortLakeoftheOzarks.com and follow the resort on social media at Facebook.com/MVLakeResort, Twitter @MVLakeResort and Instagram @MVLakeResort.
