Table Rock Lake
05/22/2013 - TableRock
05/22/2013 – UNITED STATES
Table Rock Lake
A Tale of Two Table Rock Lake Resorts
I have been meaning to write about these amazing resorts for the past month, but I’ve had writer’s block and I can’t say that I am entirely cured of it just now.
I have spent a great deal of time reading instead of writing. As an avid reader, I have always felt that if you immerse yourself in someone else’s creativity, they can inspire you to rise up and create something of your own. With that in mind, I read Defending Jacob by William Landay, Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult, The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, and The Storyteller also by Jodi Picoult. While all four created beautifully written new worlds, the latter finally inspired me to attempt to start writing again…so here goes…
On April 20th, Stephen and I arrived in Tulsa, OK and drove to the Branson area to stay at the famous Big Cedar Lodge. Stephen’s company is based in Tulsa, and we needed to travel there for some meetings. I hadn’t seen my parents, who reside in Tulsa, in five months, but they had already planned a trip to Branson for the exact dates that we were going to be in Tulsa so we made an overnight trip to Branson just to meet them for brunch.
Big Cedar Lodge, built in 1921, is a premier resort on Table Rock Lake just outside of Branson. It was acquired by Bass Pro Shop in 1987 and turned into the mega adventure resort you see today.
The lodgings range from Individual family cabins to a couple of huge hotel-like lodges. The views are absolutely breathtaking! Even if you don’t have time to stay at the lodge, visit and have lunch in the Worman House just to see the property.
The drive up to our lodge had us driving through cute creeks and waterfalls. We arrived at 11pm, and at that time of night, the drive in is not for the faint of heart. (It is downright scary. The first time we came upon one of the creeks, which are actually shallow, I thought we were going to float away and drown.)
Our beautiful room in the Falls Lodge had a balcony that overlooked the majestic Ozark Mountains and the glimmering Table Rock Lake. All of the décor was rustic with furniture made out of logs and animal skins on the walls. Best of all, we booked an ordinary room and it was huge and extremely comfortable from the space to the amenities to the bed. Anyone going to Branson should consider this resort as a retreat from the lights of the city.
The next morning, we checked out and met my parents and their friends at the Worman House. The Worman House is the main restaurant on the property that is known for their brunch and formal dining… well, as formal as it can get in Branson. We had a buffet with mimosas and champagne included, a feature I dearly love. As Heather on the Real Housewives of Orange County says best, “What’s not to like about champagne? You can have it at lunch…or for breakfast…or for a celebration! It’s good for every occasion!” The brunch displayed an array of foods from salads and seafood to breakfast food and meats. A Rod Stewart impersonator crooned tunes while the omelet chef Doyle cracked jokes. Overall, the atmosphere shined as much as the food.
After the brunch, Stephen treated me to a pedicure at the spa at Big Cedar Lodge. The nail salon was located in one of the little cabins on the other side of the resort. A woman named Heather expertly pedicured my feet while teaching me all about reflexology and why it is essential to the body. It was very relaxing And informative!
Overall, Big Cedar Lodge is a great Branson resort. It is near to nature while still being near the city.
We left Big Cedar Lodge and drove around to the opposite end of Table Rock Lake to Stonewater Cove Resort, another premier Table Rock resort.
We weaved through winding roads for about twenty minutes to get there, the remoteness being one of its biggest features. The privacy reminded me of the exclusivity of a celebrity ocean side resort.
We arrived and were greeted by the owner, Mr. James Bond. He took us on a tour of the resort highlighting its quiet cove, bocce ball court, tree house spas, multiple zip lines, and very well maintained ATV courses.
Next, the tour of the rooms highlighted the exceptional amenities contrasted with the rugged peace and quiet of nature.
The resort is pretty much brand new and has five star amenities combining luxury with nature. Handmade beds and furniture in every room including the common areas give an art gallery quality. Each room has a different theme making each visit special and unique. The swimming pool and deck overlook the lake with a grotto-esque feel.
If you are looking for an exclusive, private getaway, this is your place.
Special Note: Look for my blog on Oklahoma soon. I love my home state, especially Tulsa, and am so proud to be from such a strong and resilient area. #tornadoes #prayforoklahoma
