Summer Fun 2009
92 ways to have fun during the 92 days of summer.
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This much we know is true: It’s hot, the days are longer, and we could all use a break from the everyday. Lucky us—there are three months of summer ahead and plenty to do in 417-land. And to help you fit it all in to one season, we’ve gathered 92 summer activities to keep the fun going every day until the leaves turn. Plus, find 11 ways to get wet (local surfing, anyone?), 12 entertaining ideas for rainy days (strap on your roller skates) and 16 creative tips for free fun (go ahead, bottle up those fireflies). So lather on some sunscreen and step into your flip-flops: Things are about to heat up.
1) BRAVE THE RAPIDS Add a rush of excitement to your summer days by taking a float trip. There’s something about packing yourself in a small aluminum canoe and floating miles downstream that gets your blood pumping, no matter how quick the current. Here are a few nearby floating options.
- PARTY RIVER If your idea of a float trip equates to a weekend of sipping adult beverages as you casually paddle along, check out the Niangua River. You can rent a canoe at the Niangua River Oasis (171 NRO Rd., Lebanon, 417-532- 6333), and you can even plan to camp there, which we hear usually turns into quite the affair.
- LAZY RIVER The North Fork of the White River is classified as a class I/class II river, which means some areas consist of smooth, flat water and other spots have a slightly quicker current and small rapids. It’s a great river to take the family to. Pick up a couple of canoes at Twin Bridges Canoe & Campground Inc. (HC64, Box 2300, West Plains, 417-256-7507) and get paddling.
- SERIOUS FLOAT RIVER If you’re looking for the fast-paced, kinda-challenging type of canoeing experience, you’ll want to venture a little outside of 417-land and check out the north portion of the Buffalo River. You can rent your ride at Lost Valley Canoe (Ponca, Arkansas, 870-861-5522).
2) ROLL YOURSELF SILLY Dim lights, loud music and a huge slippery floor… roller skating rinks are the perfect recipe for fun on a rainy day. Head over to Skateport (3820 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfi eld, 417-887-9421), and strap on some of those non-fashion-friendly brown and orange roller skates for a chance to enjoy some indoor entertainment. In addition to skating around and around and around, the kids (or the grown-ups) can also enjoy arcade games and grab a bite at the snack bar at this roller rink.
3) CATCH AND… DON’T RELEASE Don your best waders and reel in the catfish at Beaver Creek PayLake (10936 Hwy. AF, Mountain Grove, 417-453-6153, beavercreekpaylake.com). For $3 plus $1.75 per pound of fi sh you catch, visitors can fish all day. If you’ve had enough mess for one day, just ask the staff to clean your catch for you ($1 per fish). And for those who’d rather eat fish than catch it, the Fish Fry—located right on the lake— serves up fish fresh and more. Meals are served picnic-style with disposable plates, so diners can feast on the outdoor gazebo.
4) GET HIGH Take to the sky at American Parasail (State Park Marina, Hwy. 165, Branson, 417- 334-2628), and soar more than 200 feet above Table Rock Lake. And don’t worry—you’re in good hands. Captain Sam Sandt has flown parasailers all over the world, including celebs like Sammy Hagar and Stevie Wonder. (Not in Branson, though.) the price is $79 per person, and the company is certified to fly single, double or triple riders.
5) GET YOUR WADDLE ON Ride the Ducks starts on land then splashes into Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo on two 70-minute tours. (2320 W. Highway 76, Branson at the Branson Landing, bransonducks.com, 1-877-887-8225)
6) VIEW ALFRESCO Catch a free flick at Founders Park (330 E Water St., Springfield, 417- 864-1049) every Friday and Saturday night from July 10 through August 29. A few classic movies are sprinkled in with the newer releases. PG- and G-rated movies are shown on Friday Family Nights, and PG-13 movies are shown on Saturday Date Nights. Make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair, or you’ll end up snuggling up on the concrete. (Free tickets available at Busch Municipal Building, Mediacom Ice Park, Chesterfield and Doling Family Centers and the Mediacom offices. Otherwise, it’s $5 at the gate.)
7) RENT SOME FUN If you feel a tinge of jealousy every time your co-workers mention the fun they had with their wave runners and pontoons last weekend, you might consider renting some toys of your own. Wave runners, speed boats and pontoons are available to rent at most marinas, including: Table Rock State Marina, 380 State Park Drive, Branson, 417-334-3069. Beaver Creek Marina, Beaver Creek Drive, Kissee Mills, 417-546-5121. Scotty’s Trout Dock, 395 North Lakefront, Branson. 417-334-4288.
8) ESCAPE TO THE GRAPE Make it a weekend tour, and hit six local wineries. Now that’s what we call bliss.
Le Cave Vineyards6696 Jasmine Rd. Don’t worry about fancy wine lingo here. The laid-back winery hosts horseshoe tournaments and pig roasts and was renovated from an old dairy farm. | Mount Pleasant Winery3125 Green Mountain Dr. The walls of Mount Pleasant are lined by work from local artists Sam Stang and Brian Hynes. | Oovvda Winery5448 N. Berry Ln. Satisfy your sweet tooth with wines made from the estate’s homegrown fruits. With names like Cherry Tart Pie and Black Raspberry, you’ll think you’re sampling desserts. |
Stone Hill Winery601 State Hwy. 165 Sip your way through Stone Hill’s six tasting rooms. | Whispering Oaks Winery520 Lucky Rd. The family-owned winery has a quaint picnic deck for sipping at sundown. Or a post-wine nap. | White Rose Winery13001 Journey Rd., Go ahead—drink another glass. The winery’s staff loves to host overnight guests at the bed and breakfast and serve a full Irish breakfast that’ll cure anything. |
