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PrintBig Cedar, Big Fun
After a half-tank car trip from Johnson County, I’ve arrived at my very own log cabin in the woods. I’m here to unravel some knots, get back to nature, and rediscover what down time is all about. I’m not fully prepared for the transformative—and surprising—travel moment that’s about to unfold in the Ozark Mountains.
I quickly find out what guests who repeatedly make this slice of heaven on earth a part of their annual vacation already know: Big Cedar Lodge can’t help itself. It’s irresistible, charming, and magnetic.
This popular 800-acre premier wilderness resort, located in Ridgedale, Mo., near Branson on picturesque Table Rock Lake, is out to win your heart. From the cedar tree-shaped spice treats delivered nightly to each room by an aproned Cookie Lady to the Elf Tuck-in service for kids available during the holiday season to the sheer beauty of the surroundings, Big Cedar Lodge doesn’t hold back its here-to-please-you personality.
Just like one of the fat rainbow trout that anglers from across the world flock to the lake to catch, it doesn’t take my heart long to be hooked by Big Cedar’s allure. A blend of stylish and rustic Zen-like accommodations that range from free-standing family-sized cabins, to snuggly lodge rooms to a well-appointed 2,500-square-foot Governor’s Suite that boasts a commanding view of Table Rock and the surrounding hills, Big Cedar exudes intimacy.
Nestled into rugged countryside that once was home to Native Americans and roaming herds of wildlife, Big Cedar’s rich history dates back to 1921. That’s when two visionary men—business entrepreneur Jude Simmons and railroad executive Harry Worman—carved out 300 acres of lush, forested acres. Following the damming of the White River in 1958 that created Table Rock Lake, the lodge was poised for growth. Bass Pro Shop founder Johnny Morris—cut out of the same ambitious cloth as his predecessors—acquired the property in 1987 and set out to recapture Big Cedar Hollow’s natural magic.
I decide Morris and his team have succeeded in creating the grand dame of captivating wilderness resorts as I enter Big Cedar’s boundaries and drive down a windy path to the registration desk. Along the way I make short stops to revel at the sight of waterfalls spilling across the road, quaint bridges arching over ponds, well-manicured grounds that dip and rise and roll, and a scenic pool set against a majestic expanse of trees unlike any I’ve seen since a trip to the Adirondacks.
The car windows are open and the air rushing in tickles my nose—it’s a nostalgic smell I remember from a long time ago, at a kid’s camp in the woods. Without meaning to—or perhaps in spite of itself—Big Cedar has started to get under my skin, in a good way.
Nature’s Playground
Like any well-seasoned, five-star resort, Big Cedar makes everything—from renting a kayak to taking a cooking class to lounging in the hot tub—effortless and pleasurable. If I want to stay in for dinner, I can order from one of the restaurants or, if I want to take the high-end gas grill on my deck for a spin, I can request a Backyard Basket stocked with everything for a proper cookout.
That’s precisely what is so agreeable about Big Cedar. You can rely on their exquisite services, hospitality and amenities—fishing lessons, golf, an adventure to nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, horseback riding, a plein air art workshop—or relax on your own agenda.
Once I’ve checked into a picture-perfect cabin with a stone fireplace, full kitchen, cushy feather bed, and tantalizing peek-a-boo view of the lake, I set off to explore Big Cedar. I choose to use the shuttle service rather than drive my car—“Pick up for how many? To where?” asks the soothing voice on the other end of the phone.
The pick-up bus is the ideal way to be whisked to the gift shop, spa, fitness center, or restaurants on the property and each shuttle driver, I learn over the course of my five-day stay, is passionate about what they do. They’re personable, informative, enthusiastic and polite—“I’ll just wait until you get in”—a driver tells me after dropping me at my cabin following a fresh trout dinner at Devil’s Pool Restaurant and a nightcap at the Buzzard Bar.
On the short drive to the main part of the resort, we pass a family taking a leisurely stroll, several joggers, and couples walking arm-in-arm, hand-in-hand on the bridge and paths. There’s a corporate retreat at the state-of-the-art Grandview Conference Center, and fathers and sons headed down to the lake for an afternoon of bonding, courtesy of two fishing reels and a fully loaded Tracker bass boat.
I order a latte at the Truman Coffee and Café and sit on the stone patio, soaking in the view of wall-to-wall trees and the shimmering lake. With nowhere to be at a specific time—except an appointment with a fishing guide—and my regularly scheduled avalanche of e-mails on hold, I’m finding my Big Cedar state of mind. Apparently everyone around me is finding their sweet spot, too, because the mood is festive at this too-good-to-be-true resort.
But later tonight, following an enchanting dinner executed by the expert culinary team at the historic Worman House (decades ago it was the country retreat for Harry Worman and his family) where I’m left in a pleasant sugar trance following a slice of the famous Gooey Butter Cake, I come to a realization. Big Cedar Lodge isn’t just a place from which to send a postcard to friends saying “Wish you were here”—it’s the best possible place to channel your inner nature boy or girl, erase all the furrows from your life, connect with your mate or your children, and make some memories.
After all, isn’t that what life is all about?
For information on lodging and Big Cedar Lodge Holiday 2011 activities, visit www.big-cedar.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BigCedarLodge.
Big Season’s Greetings
The lucky Big Cedar traditionalists—couples and families who return to the environmentally friendly resort to celebrate holidays and other occasions year after year—know the joy of spending time amongst the tittering birds and chattering squirrels regardless of the season. And the approaching season is no exception. A winter’s snowfall instantly transforms Big Cedar and its acres of trees, knotty pine cottages, and log cabins into a sugarcoated picturesque landscape.
Big Cedar Lodge decks out for the holidays—trees and trimmings, thousands of lights and evergreens—and pulls out all the stops on New Year’s Eve. Plan a jaunt down the road to ring in 2012, and don’t forget the kids. In addition to a grown-up party in the spectacular Grandview Conference Center featuring food stations, Champagne toast and fireworks at midnight, the kids have their fun, too.
The Little Cedar’s Kids House New Year’s includes all-you-can-eat pizza and dessert buffet, crafts, games, movies and a wagon tour of the twinkling property. Teens can enjoy a DJ dance party, free play at the Big Cedar Lodge arcade, and pizza and dessert.
The Worman House, Devil’s Pool Restaurant and the Buzzard Bar will feature New Year’s Eve dinners and party favors for revelers.
