Deep Dive From Arthur and Irene about Beachy Lakefront – Lakefront Retreat in the Heart of Osage Beach!
March Madness – March 15th St. Patricks Day – Lake Ozark
Get Ready for the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Lake of the Ozarks!
It’s time once again for the Wearing o’ the Green! Mark your calendars because the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is returning to the Lake of the Ozarks on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM on Bagnell Dam Strip.
This beloved tradition brings together locals and visitors alike for a festive celebration of Irish heritage. Whether you’re proudly Irish or just love the holiday spirit, this parade is the perfect way to immerse yourself in all things green!
A Sea of Green and Irish Cheer
Grab your best green outfit, don your shamrocks, or even go all out in an Irish-themed costume—because at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the more spirited, the better! The parade will feature beautifully decorated floats, lively music, and plenty of Irish cheer as participants make their way down the Bagnell Dam Strip.
Spectators can expect to see everything from traditional Irish dancers to decked-out vehicles tossing candy and goodies to the crowd. Local businesses, organizations, and community groups come together each year to make this event a truly special experience.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
- Community Spirit: It’s a chance to celebrate with friends, family, and fellow parade-goers in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy bagpipers, Irish music, and dancing that will have your feet tapping in no time.
- Great Photo Ops: Capture the vibrant floats and energetic performances as they roll through the parade route.
- A Time-Honored Tradition: The parade has become a must-attend event at the Lake of the Ozarks, growing in excitement and participation each year.
Join the Celebration!
Whether you plan to participate in the parade or simply watch from the sidelines, this is one event you won’t want to miss. So, dig out your best green attire and come be a part of the festivities!
Short Term Rentals vs Hotels
Why a Short-Term Rental is a Better Choice Than a Hotel
When planning a trip, many travelers automatically consider hotels—but short-term rentals, available on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Google Vacations, often provide far more value for the same price. Here’s why choosing a short-term rental over a hotel can enhance your travel experience:
1. More Space for the Same Price
Hotels often charge premium rates for small rooms, while short-term rentals provide entire apartments, condos, or homes for a similar cost. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, having a living room, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor space can make your stay much more comfortable.
2. Full Kitchens Save You Money
One of the biggest advantages of a short-term rental is access to a full kitchen. Eating out for every meal adds up quickly, but with a rental, you can cook your own meals, store snacks, and even try local ingredients from nearby markets.
3. Unique and Personalized Stays
Hotels can feel generic, but short-term rentals offer a variety of unique accommodations—from rustic cabins and beachfront villas to stylish city apartments. Many rentals also reflect the local culture and charm, making your stay more memorable.
4. Better Amenities for Longer Stays
Short-term rentals often include in-unit laundry, private patios, dedicated workspaces, fireplaces, and entertainment options like streaming services, board games, outdoor games such as putting greens, cornhole, ringtoss and even outdoor fire pits or heated patios. These extras make longer stays more convenient and enjoyable.
5. Ideal for Families and Groups
Booking multiple hotel rooms for a group can get expensive fast. Short-term rentals allow everyone to stay together in a shared space, creating a more social and comfortable experience without breaking the bank.
6. More Privacy and Flexibility
Unlike hotels with noisy hallways and scheduled housekeeping, short-term rentals give you the privacy to relax on your own terms. You won’t have to worry about thin walls, crowded lobbies, or early-morning wake-ups from housekeeping.
7. Pet-Friendly Options
Many short-term rentals welcome pets, while hotels often have strict pet policies or expensive fees. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, a rental can be a much more accommodating option.
8. A Local Experience
Staying in a rental often means being in a residential neighborhood rather than a tourist-heavy hotel district. This gives you a more authentic experience, with access to local restaurants, coffee shops, and parks that you might not find in a hotel’s immediate surroundings.
Final Thoughts
For the same price as a standard hotel room, a short-term rental offers more space, better amenities, and a more personalized experience. Whether you’re traveling for work, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, choosing a rental over a hotel can give you a more enjoyable and cost-effective stay, a home away from home.
Local Osage Beach Golf Courses
Osage National Golf Resort: Lake Ozark (near Osage Beach). A 27-hole Arnold Palmer-designed course. Offers three 9-hole layouts, River, Mountain and Links. Known for its scenic views and challenging terrain.
Bear Creek Valley Golf Club: Located in Osage Beach. A 6,800 yard par 72 course with rolling fairways and creek crossings. Offers a casual and relaxed golfing experience. Includes a full-service restaurant and bar on-site.
Sycamore Creek Golf Club: Located in Osage Beach. A semi-private 18 hold course with well-maintained greens and fairways. Features challenging holes with water hazards and bunkers.
Lake Valley Golf & Country Club: Location Camdenton (about 15 minutes from Osage Beach). A traditional 18-hole course that is both fun and challenging. Open to the public with a great reputation among locals.
The Oaks Golf Course: Located at Margaritaville Lake Resort. A beautiful 18-hole championship course. Features rolling hills, tree-lines fairways, and water hazards. Designed for both beginner and advanced golfers. Amenities include a pro shop and driving range.
Old Kinderhook Golf Resort: Located in Camdenton (15-20 minutes away). A stunning 18-hold Tom Weiskopf signature course. Known for its picturesque setting and well-designed holes. Includes a full-service resort with dining, lodging, and spa options.
Lake of the Ozarks State Parks
Lake of the Ozarks State Park: Located just south of Osage Beach (the largest state park in Missouri). Features over 17,000 acres of forest, hiking trails, caves, and waterfront. Popular activities include boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Trails like Coakley Hollow Trail and Rocky Top Trail provide stunning views of the lake.
Ha-Ha Tonka State Park: Located 15-20 minutes from Osage Beach in Camdenton . Known for its castle ruins overlooking the lake. Offers hiking trails, sinkholes, natural bridges, and caves. The Spring Trail leads to one of Missouri’s largest springs.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways: Located about 2 hours southeast of Osage Beach. A national park preserving the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, and hiking through the Ozarks.
Mark Twain National Forest: Located roughly 1.5 hours south of Osage Beach. A vast forest, offering hiking, camping, and mountain biking. Features scenic drives and access to wilderness areas.
Harry S. Truman Birthplace State Historic Site: Located about 1.5 hours west of Osage Beach. A historic site preserving the birthplace of the 33rd U.S. president. Offers historical tours and insights into Missouri history.
Traveling to Lake of the Ozarks
By Car
Driving is the most popular and convenient way to reach Osage Beach, as its centrally located in Missouri:
- From St. Louis: About 2.5 – 3 hours (170 miles) via I-70 W and US-45 W.
- From Kansas City: Around 2.5 – 3 hours (170 miles) via I-70 E and US-65 S.
- From Springfield: About 1.5 hours (85 miles) via MO-5 N and US-54 E.
By Air
- Columbia Regional Airport (COU): Located about 1.5 hours (70 miles) away. Connects to major hubs like, Dallas, Chicago, and Denver.
- Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF): Approximately 1.5 hours (85 miles) away. Offers more flight options and larger airline carriers.
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL): About 2.5 – 3 hours (170 miles) away. A major airport with many domestic and international flight options.
- Private Airport/Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport: Located in Osage Beach and accommodates private planes.
By Bus
- Greyhound or Megabus: Can get you to larger cities like Columbia and Springfield. From there, you’d need a rental car.
By Train
- Amtrak: Travel to Jefferson City, MO (the nearest Amtrak station, 50 miles away). From Jefferson City, you’d need a rental car.
Lake of the Ozarks is a major tourist destination, estimating more than 5 million people annually. Major happenings on the lake include…
Lake of the Ozarks Shootout – Largest Boat Race in the United States -August 23-24, 2025 Dog Days Bar & Grill, near Mile Marked 19, Osage Beach.
AquaPalooza – Lake of the Ozarks largest family-friendly boating event, featuring live music, vendors, and a variety of water activities – July 19, 2025, Dog Days Bar & Grill.
BikeFest Lake of the Ozarks – Motorcycle Rally on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip – Event draws over 125,000 participants annually. September 10-14, 2025
Big Bass Bash – April 12 -13, 2025 and October 4 -5, 2025 – $100,000 prize for the biggest bass.
Fourth of July Fireworks – Fireworks can be viewed from multiple marinas around the lake. You can also choose from firework cruises, from luxury yachts to casual pontoon outings.
The Art of Communication with Guests for Hosts
Great communication is the backbone of a successful short-term rental experience. As a host, your interaction can make all the difference in creating a smooth and enjoyable stay. By communicating at the right times and with the right balance and support and respect for their privacy, you can create a guest experience that earns a glowing review and repeat bookings. Here’s a guide to communicating effectively with your guests to ensure they feel supported and cared for.
- Before Booking – Respond promptly to inquiries. Guests often compare multiple listings, so a quick and friendly response can help secure the booking.
- Answer questions thoroughly – Address their specific needs, whether its about amenities, location, or policies.
- Set expectations- Be transparent about your house rules, check-in/out times, and other important details.
- After Booking – Once a guest has confirmed their stay, its time to provide them with everything they need to feel prepared.
- Send a welcome message – Thank them for booking and share your excitement about hosting them. This would be a perfect time to share your online guest book. Your guest will be able to scroll through and start to plan their day trips to the local hot spots, wineries, or amusement parks.
- Send a friendly message a few days prior to their arrival as a reminder and give them information on when you will be providing details like check-in instructions, parking arrangements and door codes.
- Day of Check in – Check in day can set the tone for the entire stay.
- Morning of check in – Send detailed instructions of when the guest(s) can check in, the gate code, door codes and any specific instructions on how to get to your property. Add in some specific house rules, like quiet times, no animals, smoking etc.
- Arrival Time – Send out a message on specific instructions, such as turning on the water, hot water etc. Let your guest know that you are available for any questions.
- During their stay – While it’s important to give guests their space, staying available and approachable is key..
- Check in the first morning – Send a quick email and check in with your guests, asking them if they are enjoying their stay, let them know that you are available and wish them a nice day.
- Day before check out – Send your guest a reminder of when check out is and let them know how they need to prepare your home for departure, i.e., start the dishwasher and take all trash out. Be sure to let them know where the trash bins are located. Add a friendly message about rating their stay, and ask them to let you know if they had any issues during their stay.
- Day of departure – Send a quick note 30 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time and thank your guest for their stay, and ask them to send you a message when they depart so that you can let the cleaning team know your home is ready for them to begin. Wish them safe travels.
- One day after departure – Send a friendly reminder note thanking them again and inviting them to leave a review. Rate your guest at this time. This allowed enough time for your cleaners to clean and let you know if there were any issues noted.
Achieving 5-Star Rating Guide for Hosts
In the world of short-term vacation rentals, a 5-star rating is more than just a badge of honor – it’s a ticket to attracting more bookings, standing out among the competition, and maximizing revenue. Guests rely heavily on reviews, and earning those coveted star requires thoughtful planning, excellent execution, and attention to detail.
- Clear and Honest Communication – Be prompt, professional and provide friendly communication.
- Be responsive – Answer inquiries quickly and thoroughly.
- Provide detailed instructions – Include check in & out times, directions, and access codes.
- Provide rules, but don’t be aggressive – Clearly outline house rules (e.g., quiet hours, parking, smoking, or pet policies) in a friendly, non-confrontational tone. Focus on setting expectations rather than sounding punitive.
- Pristine Cleanliness – Cleanliness is super important. Even the most beautiful decorated property won’t receive high marks if it isn’t spotless. Hiring a reliable and detailed oriented cleaning team ensures your property consistently meets (or exceeds) guest expectations.
- Deep clean regularly – This includes window cleaning, baseboards and fans. Make time to visit your property and double-check that the cleaners are maintaining high standards. This is also a great opportunity to inspect for maintenance issues. Staying at the property occasionally can help uncover items not easily noticed during a quick walkthrough.
- Find the right cleaner or company – Partner with a cleaner/cleaning service willing to go above and beyond standard expectations. While occasional oversights may happen, they should be rare, and your cleaning team must act quickly and professionally to address issues.
- Accurate and engaging listings – Your listing is your property’s resume. A clear and enticing description can make your home stand out and help the guest picture themselves vacationing in your short-term rental.
- Know your avatar – Understand your target audience and design your home to appeal to them. Whether it’s families, couples, or solo traveler’s, tailor the decor and amenities to their preferences. A well-crafted listing not only captures attention but also sets the stage for a memorable and enjoyable stay.
- Make your home warm and inviting – Aim for the feel of a model home – beautifully styled, cohesive, and welcoming. Think about the last time you walked through a model home and how it made you wish you could buy it exactly as it was. That’s the feeling you want to create for your guests. Do not use old items ready for goodwill!
- Hire a professional photographer – Professional images with natural lighting make a huge difference. Highlighting a 5″ faux plant with the background blurred is not a picture your guest remember or care about.
- Highlight 5-star reviews – Intermingle glowing guest testimonials with your listing photos, makes your listing more compelling and builds trust with potential guests.
- Thoughtful Amenities – Amenities and thoughtful extra touches often leaves a lasting impression, and guests are wowed by making their stay more enjoyable.
- Essentials – Comfortable beds with quality linens and pillows, fast and reliable Wi-Fi. quality smart televisions, fully stocked kitchens with basic spices, soaps, hair products, laundry soaps, quality towels, plenty of toilet paper and paper towels.
- Extra Touches – Coffee, sugar, creamers, board games, toiletries (toothpaste, make-up wipes, lotion, tampons, toothbrush, sunscreen, q-tips, etc).
- Conclusion – Achieving and maintaining a 5-star rating requires dedication and commitment to excellence. Focusing on communication, cleanliness, design, accuracy, amenities and attention to detail, you can create a memorable experience that keeps guests coming back and telling others about your property. It truly is very rewarding when a guest appreciates and enjoys your property. If you ever need tips, reach out I would be happy to help. Happy Hosting and always reach for 5-Star Service!
LJ VACATION RENTALS 