A premium outlet mall, including some of your favorite brands, with more than 100 stores, is enough to make any shopaholic happy. Add in The Strip’s fun Ozark-themed stores, and the many boutique shops around the Lake of the Ozarks, and you have created a shoppers heaven.
In a hurry, grab an item from their bakery, but if you have time to sit and enjoy, try one of their specialty French toast recipes like baked vanilla bean or bananas foster. Open Wed.-Sun. for breakfast and lunch.
5439 Route 54, 573-348-4224.
Kay's Restaurant
Known for their breakfasts, this is a great place to find home-cooked food in the Lake of the Ozarks area.
4196 Route 54, 573-348-2217.
Bagnell Dam Strip
Head to Bagnell Dam Blvd., also referred to as Business Route 54, and visit a wide array of stores, many with an Ozark theme, including Osage Candle Factory, Copper Fox, Baskets ’N Bows, Dogpatch Store and Pauline’s Ozark Crafts and Gifts.
Don’t forget to stock up on the sweet stuff at Grandma’s Candy Kitchen before you leave the Strip. Offering 20 flavors of fudge and 40 flavors of old-fashioned salt water taffy, there is more than enough to choose from for all even sugar-free options.
1470 Bagnell Dam Strip, 573-365-2624.
Cajun cuisine served lakeside is found at Shorty Pants Lounge. For a light meal, share some appetizers of alligator eggs, crab cakes or garlic hot oysters. They offer soups, salads, wraps and sandwiches.
Arriving by water, Shorty Pants is located at the 21.2 mile marker; by road take Route KK to the end of Three Seasons Road, 573-302-1745.
Burger fans enjoy the choice of a bison, prime rib, Black Angus or turkey burger, and the many options available to build your own burger at Dog Days. Or for the more adventurous, try one of the chef’s burgers like the Miami Burger, The Frenchy or Cheddar En Fuego. If tradition is what you want in a burger, then stick with the Old Fashioned Cheeseburger.
19 Mile Marker by water; 1232 Jeffries Road, 573-348-9797.
A shopper’s paradise, the Osage Beach Premium Outlets offers 110 outlet stores including your favorite brand names like Banana Republic, Coach, J. Crew, Nautica and so much more. When you are ready to take a break, enjoy a dish of ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery or grab a pretzel at Auntie Anne’s.
4540 Route 54, 573-348-2065.
The Landing on Main Street
Another great shopping area is the Landing on Main Street, offering everything from clothing to art, pet supplies, Ozark candy, eateries and even a Music Hall for nightly entertainment.
5845 Highway 54, 573-348-5101.
Right next door to The Landing on Main Street is a quaint store and country tea room. Yankee Peddlers offers a large selection of fun and unique gifts. Need a break from shopping? Enjoy a cup of tea or indulge in an item from their Sweet Finale menu.
5831 Route 54, 573-348-5045.
Looking for silk trees, plants, flowers and home accessories? The showroom showcases beautiful arrangements and provides decorating ideas. Next, stop by the warehouse for all the necessary elements to create the arrangements you have just seen.
6711 Route 54, 573-346-2286.
Elegant dining with a bluff-top view of the Lake awaits at the Blue Heron. Signature items include batter-fried lobster tail, Dover sole and “secret recipe” onion rings. The Menu includes seafood, poultry, lamb, beef, veal and pork.
1 Blue Heron Hill. (Take Bus. Route 54; go west on Route HH, turn left on Blue Heron Hill, 573-365-4646)
In the mood for a lighter evening meal? Try the soups, sandwiches, cheese trays or bread and dipping oil at Seven Springs Winery. Have a glass of Missouri wine, sangria or microbrew while enjoying the food and the views from the covered porch and patio.
846 Winery Hills Estates, 573-317-0100.
Not ready to retire for the evening? If you want live music and an even livelier atmosphere, head to H. Toad's Bar and Grill. Indoor and outdoor seating are available. Local bands play throughout the year.
2359 Bittersweet Road, 573-365-5620.