Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 22)

This entry is part 22 of 30 in the series Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah

April 22, 2024

Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 22)

By Simon J. Lau

We’re currently in Branson, nestled deep in the Ozarks. This region stretches across Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas and is known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and clear streams. From what I’ve seen so far, the forests certainly live up to that reputation. And judging by the amount of roadkill I’ve passed while driving across Missouri, I’d say the critter population is thriving, especially armadillos.

In Missouri’s Ozarks region, two destinations stand out: Branson and Lake of the Ozarks. Branson made more sense along my route and is the more developed of the two, so that’s where I stopped. Since arriving, I’ve realized it’s geared toward families and travelers looking for a packaged vacation with live music shows, theaters, and an endless lineup of family attractions. Unfortunately, none of that appeals to me.

Lake of the Ozarks, from what I’ve gathered, offers a completely different vibe. The massive lake winds through wooded hills and limestone bluffs, creating coves perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply anchoring a boat and relaxing. I wish I had gone there this time, but maybe it’s worth saving for another trip!

Despite Branson not being quite my scene, we made the most of our time here. This morning, we visited Table Rock Lake, a large reservoir just outside of town that was formed by the construction of Table Rock Dam on the White River. The lake covers 43,000 acres, and while the weather felt relatively chilly today, I could easily imagine how perfect it would be in warmer months to hop on a jet ski and explore the water.

The town also put up these neat “bird condos.” Two full complexes were set up, and plenty of birds were flocking to feed from them.

In the afternoon, we visited an abandoned homestead once owned by Dr. Lyle Owen, a retired professor from the University of Tulsa. The property was entirely self-sustaining: there was no plumbing beyond an outhouse, rainwater was collected for daily use, and the only source of heat was a fireplace, and a giant chicken coop. Dr. Owen and his wife, Stella, embraced a sustainable lifestyle long before it became fashionable!