SUMMER ON TABLE ROCK LAKE AND WHITE RIVER LODGE

Spring has been great but summer is coming and beautiful Table Rock Lake is calling your name. The new ten million dollar Dewey Short Visitor Center at Table Rock Dam has the history of how it all began as well as other information and beautiful grounds.  You may arrive by car or boat.   It is free and open daily from 9-5.  There are also tours of the dam for $14.50 per adult and don’t forget the paved walking trail along the shore through Table Rock State Park and over to the marina—sounds like a picnic opportunity to me. 

State Park Marina also has lots of ways to enjoy Table Rock Lake.  They have boat rentals, scuba diving, para-sailing, and the Spirit of America Catamaran excursions.  The Showboat Branson Belle which is docked between the dam and State Park Marina has dinner cruises with entertainment—sometimes we even see it cruising near White River Lodge.   Yes, we do have our summer lodging special running that will save you 10%-20% on multiple night stays and it’s good over the summer holidays too.  White River Lodge is located across the lake from Big Cedar Lodge and we can see their fireworks display over Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.  The picture above is from last year’s Fourth of July celebration—it’s fun to watch the boats gather too.  Table Rock Lake also has bass fishing—be prepared to go VERY early, or below the dam on Taneycomo, there is trout fishing.  If you’re staying at White River Lodge, you can get $25 off fishing guide service with Bill (White River Outfitters).

In addition to State Park for boat rentals there is one at Long Creek near the bridge, and just across the AR line is Cricket Creek Marina.  We have room to park your boat at the lodge or if you wish to keep it on the water, Cricket Creek does have nightly rental on boat slips.  Area Corp. of Engineers parks do have boat launches and/or other amenities that can be used for a $4 fee or with your yearly pass.  The park closest to the Lodge, Old 86 Campground is closed for repairs from the 2011 flood but the one at Long Creek is open.  Most of the parks have access to lake swimming and don’t forget the “famous” Moonshine Beach between the dam and Chateau on the Lake.

We’d love to see you “on the lake” this summer!

Spring Break Getaway to Branson and Table Rock Lake

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

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

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

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

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

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.