Rep. Rocky Miller introduced a genuine resolution in the Missouri statehouse. He asked voters to add the Osage River to the list of rivers where casinos are authorized.

Miller said in an interview that he has long believed it was unfair that the state constitution only allowed riverboat gaming on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

That has been the case since Missourians decided in 1992 to reintroduce gambling on the state’s two major rivers.

This isn’t the first time he’s mentioned it.

Miller has claimed he consulted on the Netflix program Ozark. A show which follows the Byrde family’s efforts in Osage Beach to launder money for a Mexican drug gang.

The second season focuses on their efforts to establish a riverboat casino on Lake of the Ozarks.

According to Miller, he also informed the show’s creators about the legislation.

He has stated that the concept would be useful in real life as well.

The resolution would not necessarily result in anything happening in his region right away.

It would not go above the limit set by voters in 2008 for casino licenses; all of which are presently in operation.

However, if one becomes available, he believes his location would become a fantastic opportunity to generate some income.

Miller believes it has a possibility of passing the House. But the Senate, which is notoriously unpredictable, is a bigger uncertainty.

He did say, though, that he felt leaving the cap alone would assist with the casino lobby. He also mentioned that demanding a public vote on the topic may be a method to sell the measure.

Miller is not the first person to propose putting casinos on the major rivers.

A similar amendment to legalize floating gaming facilities on Lake Taneycomo in Rockaway Beach was on the ballot in 2004 as a result of an initiative petition.

This concept was met with criticism from Branson business leaders such as Silver Dollar City co-owner Pete Herschend. Herschend expressed worries about the impact a casino might have on Branson’s family-friendly reputation. At the same time as they supported a ban on homosexual marriage, voters rejected the notion.

Marty and Wendy battle in the TV show to secure the necessary number of senate votes to enact the law. They enlisted the aid of a powerful right-wing senator named Wilkes. In reality, according to a 2010 story in the St. Louis-Post Dispatch, there was some fear that if the number of casinos in Illinois expanded, Missouri would suffer as a result of the losses. At the time, there was concern that the state might be compelled to raise the ceiling in order to compete. But, for the time being, Ozark appears to be abiding with Missouri law.

Rockaway Beach hasn’t given up, but efforts to resurrect the concept have thus far been futile.

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It’s a gigantic man-made lake with more waterfront (1,150 miles, to be exact) than California, as Marty finds. Another notable points are that it extends 92 miles from end to end and draws 5 million visitors each year.

The condominiums, resorts, restaurants, and bars are all located on the lake, which really appeals to Midwesterners. Most American lakes do not permit this. But the Lake of the Ozarks is a private reservoir owned by a hydroelectric corporation.

They also enjoy it because summers in Missouri are extremely hot and humid. The Lake’s cold, quiet waters are also particularly appealing. Aside from surfing, you can participate in almost every water sport, including kayaking, rowing, wakeboarding, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing, waterskiing and parasailing. There are also some fairly massive houses to gawk at as you race by in a rented speedboat.

In fact, because the Lake of the Ozarks is so famous, Netflix had to film the majority of the drama in a completely different state; Allatoona and Lanier in Georgia.

However, you will notice a few Lake of the Ozarks sites throughout the show. Here’s where you can locate them…

The Lover’s Leap

Marty and his family get their first look of the Lake of the Ozarks from this magnificent viewpoint. It stands roughly 200 feet above the water towards the conclusion of the trailer in the first episode.

One of the lake’s most iconic attractions is Lover’s Leap. This is located on the west shore near the town of Linn Creek. It’s very popular with high school students who come here to smoke and drink. In fact, before they could film here, the Ozark team had to undertake a huge cleanup of all their garbage.

Some believe it was named after an Indian girl who threw herself off the bluff rather than abandon her boyfriend, who subsequently met the same death. Others say this fantastical story was concocted by a local newspaper editor.

Bagnell Dam and The Strip

You can’t visit the Lake of the Ozarks without visiting the massive Bagnell Dam, which started it all. This dam was erected in 1929 to impound the Osage River, producing America’s largest artificial lake at the time. Bagnell Dam is 148 feet tall and is even more remarkable when you consider it took over 20,000 laborers working nine to twelve hours per day to construct it.

You may drive or walk over it (like Marty’s son does in the series), or you can enjoy it from below by taking a boat – Celebration Cruises is docked at one end.

Bagnell Dam Strip is the pulsating heart of the Lake, and it’s delightfully kitsch. Whether you’re looking for a tattoo, sunglasses, or ice cream, this vibrant boulevard of pubs and businesses has it all. Netflix shot a scene at the arcade as well as at Stewarts Restaurant, a no-frills restaurant where you can order an enormous Cinnamon Roll, which is the size of a human head and arrives dripping in icing.

Jason Bateman also loved Trucker’s Shuckers, a famous oyster tavern that serves a fantastic Bloody Mary.

Alhonna Resort

Ozark was written by Missourian Bill Dubuque, who worked in the Lake of the Ozarks during the summers when he was in high school. He worked at Alhonna Resort & Marina, which is located at mile eight (everything is mapped in respect of its distance from the dam).

It’s a family-run establishment directly on the water’s edge, like many of the Lake’s resorts. You don’t have to be a visitor to moor your boat and enjoy a burger and a beverage at the relaxed restaurant though. You won’t see Alhonna on the show but it did inspire the Ozark resort Blue Cat Lodge.

The Blue Heron Bluff

The second major viewpoint in the show is just next to the Blue Heron, an upscale restaurant with panoramic views where you can enjoy a local delicacy: battered, deep-fried lobster. It’s at 180 Blue Heron Hill Lane, just off the Horseshoe Bend Parkway, not far from the Strip.

To get there, avoid the righthand turnoff to the restaurant and instead take the lefthand one – the one with the “Dead End” sign. A short stroll will lead you to a panoramic sight all to yourself, but be cautious: there are no rails and it’s a long way down.

The Glory Hole

Finally, keep an eye out for The Glory Hole, which can be found at 77 Mockingbird Beach Drive in Camdenton. Be forewarned though, this is no hipster bar. Normally, you go to a pub and tell the bartender your issues; there, the bartender tells you her problems, a local explained.

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Margaritaville Lake Resort

Long-term Lake of the Ozarks travelers will recognize this property as Tan-Tar-A; one of the first and finest resorts in this vacation town. However, the resort was renamed Margaritaville in 2019, as part of the Jimmy Buffett brand.

Tan-Tar-A still has a 27 holes championship golf course, an indoor waterpark for year-round family entertainment and the Driftwood Spa & Salon.  The Landshark Bar and Grill is the focal point of the fun on the water. It has three pools, a swim-up bar, a sundeck, and a boat dock for over 52 boats.

Margaritaville offers over 500 guest rooms, including basic rooms, suites with kitchenettes, and condominiums. With lyrics painted on the walls and some of the furnishings, you’ll be singing your favorite Buffett tunes and maybe learning some new ones.

Lodge of the Four Seasons

The Lodge of the Four Seasons is one of Lake of the Ozarks’ iconic resorts. It is home to the lake’s biggest marina and two of the region’s best golf courses. The Four Seasons can provide whatever you require for a family holiday or a romantic break for you and your spouse. Choose from a variety of condos, suites, and regular hotel rooms, as well as three restaurants.

As an Asian-inspired spa, Spa Shiki is well-known for its authenticity. To get the knots worked out and the health flowing, try a Himalayan Hot Stone Massage. Stretching, a Swedish massage, and a nutritious lunch delivered to your apartment are all part of the Journey to Wellness package.

Camden on the Lake

The Lake of the Ozarks has over 1,100 miles of shoreline, and Camden on the Lake is located in a prime location known as Horseshoe Bend. The guest rooms in this hotel are suites with spectacular views. During the warm weather seasons, there is a DJ at the swim up bar that keeps the party on the weekends.

If you’ve come to the Lake with a fishing rod, you’ll want to look into the fishing excursions available. The professional guides know all of the Lake’s nooks and crannies and can almost promise you a hefty haul.

You can rent a boat at the marina or hire a boat and skipper for the day if you don’t have one. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Lake is the abundance of restaurants and bars located directly on the lake. When it’s time for supper, contact the water taxi and they’ll get you there.

Old Kinderhook

Properties in the Lake of the Ozarks have two addresses: one for land and one for the point where they are accessed by water. The historic lake resort of Old Kinderhook is located near the 12 mile marker on the Niangua Arm of the Lake. The marker indicates the distance you are from Bagnell Dam.

The three salt water swimming pools at Old Kinderhook, the only location in mid-Missouri that enables salt water swimming, are a real treat. One of them is an indoor pool that can be used all year. The outdoor pool and hot tub provide a spectacular view of the golf course.

While most people associate the Lake with summer activities, Old Kinderhook celebrates Christmas and the winter season all year long with horse-drawn sleigh rides, an ice skating rink and a Christmas village.  In the summer, the ice rink converts into a beach volleyball court. Enjoy s’mores over the fire pits at any time of year.

The Regalia Hotel & Conference Center

Immerse yourself in luxury at this charming 82-room boutique hotel in the Lake’s Horseshoe Bend region. While not located by the sea’s edge, the Regalia Hotel more than compensates for it with the Midwest’s biggest swim-up bar. The outdoor pool also hosts some of the greatest music in the Midwest, with performances scheduled throughout the year. The indoor and outdoor pools are popular for water aerobics and yoga programs supplied by the fitness facility.

The Royal Touch restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t miss out on its renowned sea bass dish and one of the greatest steak dinners in the area. It is one of three restaurants in the Regalia.  When the day is over, relax in the bourbon and cigar bar.

Lakeview Resort

Beaches are not common at Lake of the Ozarks resorts, but this family-owned property is an exception. The  Lakeview Resort is excellent for everything that it provides for your family’s lake holiday. The kids will be happy a hopscotch court with two playgrounds and a kiddie swimming pool.

The game room, sand volleyball fields and swim docks will be appreciated by your teens. During your trip unwind with a hot tub, a sauna, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

There is no restaurant in the resort but who needs one when there are so many wonderful establishments surrounding the lake? If you want to cook for the family, there are barbeque grills and picnic tables dispersed across the site. Aside from that, each room features a kitchen where you can make snacks. 

Inn at Harbour Ridge

The Inn at Harbour Ridge is a friendly B&B that is one of the most romantic spots in mid-Missouri. Each bedroom boasts a jacuzzi tub as well as a fireplace.

Breakfast is always a pleasure, and the proprietor Sue Westenhaver is always happy to accommodate special requests. Baked French Toast and Baked Pineapple are two of her specialities. Take your time wandering the grounds and admiring the award-winning garden.  

While you’re staying at Harbour Ridge why not go shopping and visit the outlet shopping area, where there are also many excellent restaurants and other activities.

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This region of the country, known as the Ozark Mountains, is a heavily wooded territory covering around 47,000 square miles. With limestone cliffs towering high above the crisscrossed paths and streams and hamlets previously home to moonshine producers.

The Missouri side is charming and relaxing, brimming with Americana appeal. The side in Arkansas is thriving as a result of an increase in companies settling in the northwest region; it’s particularly great for art connoisseurs.

Here is a guide to visiting the area; beginning with the northernmost region and a grand hotel as a home base. Then heading south, ending with a visit to one of America’s greatest modern museums.

Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge is the pinnacle of a luxury wilderness lodge, nestled in its own forested glen on 800 acres of craggy Ozark Mountain wilderness. Johnny Morris, the owner of Bass Pro Shops, bought the modest property only 10 minutes south of Branson with the intention of establishing a small fishing camp for his workers. The final renovation resulted in a hideaway overlooking Table Rock Lake’s blue-green waves. It would be a waste not to cast a line here, since there are lots of expert guides available, as well as boat rentals for a no-doubt beautiful day on the lake.

However, if fishing isn’t your thing, there’s also a world-class spa. Accommodation ranges from lodge bedrooms with jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces to a handful of cabins with stone fireplaces, hottubs, and private decks with grills. These are popular with returning visitors. Top of the Rock, the lodge’s newest feature took Morris more than five years to complete. There are two restaurants, a bar, a wine cellar, a huge nature path, a cave and waterfall. As well as a Jack Nicklaus-designed floating golf course.

Copper Run Distillery

Moonshine has undoubtedly become a trendy product in bars these days. Bootlegged booze has a long history in the Ozarks however. Because of the caves, this part of America became a popular spot for manufacturing white lightning. Copper Run was founded in 2008 by master distiller Jim Blansit and co-owner Aris Aristidou, who joined their tiny crew in 2012. Both Jim and Aris have boyth been distilling for a long time, long before they were legally permitted to drink it. They both saw the process as more of an art form than a business. When visitors come to the small-batch distillery, they notice it feels more like a comfortable little cottage than a factory.
There are tours every couple of hours where the employees show off the operation consisting of two stills and a an assortment of other equipment. Small-batch bottles of moonshine, aged whiskey, rum, and limited release bottles. Make sure that you try the hopped wheat whiskey which is sold in smaller numbers. These liquors are very drinkable as a result of the limestone present in the area’s water. Nothing beats a drink prepared with fresh apples, vanilla, cinnamon, and moonshine in the fall.

Downtown Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs, in the highlands of northern Arkansas, has long been a place for outsiders and misfits. These days a lively mix of bikers, accountants, artists, and a strong gay community all live here. The downtown area’s beautiful streets are peppered with lively restaurants and beautiful hotels, many with original Victorian architecture. Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot of art to look at in the local galleries and stores. Also tarot readings and spas that utilize the therapeutic waters of the town’s natural springs.

Dickson Street in Fayetteville

This bustling city, which is home to the University of Arkansas, has a busy vibe as a result of the ever-growing big corporations that have come in and enhanced economic growth here. You could spend a full day visiting the entire town, which is home to top-tier independent design stores that are enthusiastically supported by local vendors. But it’s Dickson Street, on the outskirts of the campus, where you should park your car for the day. The street is lined with trendy restaurants and bars, galleries, upscale shops, independent bookshops, and, of course, a thriving food truck culture.

The Hive 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville

This hotel is one of an art-focused mini-collection that has garnered awards across the United States. The Hive, the restaurant on the first level, is also first class; sleek and quirky, with modern touches like neon green penguins, but still deeply anchored in Ozark culture. Under the supervision of head chef and Arkansas native Matthew McClure, the restaurant pays homage to the South with refined country cuisine.

Expect the menu to feature ingredients such as locally milled corn, hickory-smoked meats, sweet onions, peaches and black walnuts. The offerings are sophisticated but accessible. He bakes cornbread topped with rich mascarpone. Pickled shrimp with salt-cured country ham and mustard greens, or zesty pimento cheese topped with sweet bacon preserve. The cocktail menu is creative and the wine selection is excellent. It’s not uncommon to order a PBR in an ice-cold glass though. Again, it’s refined, but it’s still the high South around here.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art was conceived by architect Moshe Safdie at the foot of a natural ravine in the Ozarks. It was built at the bequest of Alice Walton, an heir to the Walmart empire. The museum gets its name from the adjacent Crystal Spring, as well as the two massive copper bridges placed across the pond when the edifice was completed. The museum, which lies on 120 acres of land and is bordered by 500 dogwood trees, was designed to allow visitors to enjoy both nature and art at the same time. After a day of admiring paintings by Norman Rockwell, Gilbert Stuart, Andy Warhol, and Charles Sheeler, spend the afternoon hiking one of the museum’s five trails.What to do in The Ozarks

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