Shop the Lake Area's Farmers Markets

Farmer's markets are opening up all around the Lake of the Ozarks area. Every weekend you can find them out, bright and early, offering fresh, tasty produce.  There are quite a few to choose from near the Lake of the Ozarks waterfront homes at Mission Bay.

Farmer's markets often feature the tastiest, freshest food that you can purchase, edging out even the best of grocery stores.  Here are just a few reasons that you should pay a visit to one of these local vendors.

Fresh, seasonal food

The items sold at farmer's markets are straight from the farm.  You will get the food that they are producing right after it has been harvested, instead of buying items from a store that have been on a truck or in a warehouse for days to weeks before making it to you.

A larger variety than most grocery stores

Since grocery stores have to rely on what can be shipped to them and only order the items that they know will sell, their variety can be limited.  Local farmers often bring foods that you don't normally see in a store to the market.  You can sometimes run across foods that look familiar, but are offered in colors you have never seen them in.  On the other hand, you may see shapes that you have never encountered.  All of this variety gives you a chance to expand your taste buds.

Support local farming families.

You know exactly where your food is coming from and who the money you are spending is going to. More than likely the person selling to you is the person that actually grew it, or is directly connected to them and can answer your questions knowledgeably.  Shopping locally is great for the economy too.  

Advice and tips from the experts

As stated above, the person selling to you is most likely very involved in the growing of the food that is being sold, so they should know all kinds of details about it.  How often have you gone into a grocery store and seen something interesting in the produce section, but had no clue how to eat it or cook with it?  You probably picked it up and put it right back down.  The farmers at the market can tell you what you are buying, how to eat it, and probably even give you some great recipe ideas for it.  Occasionally you can even ask for a sample.  It's a great chance to try something brand new.

It's healthy

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is a great way to stay healthy.  Shopping at a farmer's market with lots of fresh choices and bright colors tends to make you want to buy more than you might pick up in a grocery store aisle where everything kind of looks the same all of the time.  Also, most farmer's try to stay away from the pesticides and herbicides that big companies use.  You are very likely to get truly "organic" produce from a farmer's market.  The best way to find out is to ask these experts all about it.



Here are a few of the markets that you can find a short drive from your home at Mission Bay.

Camdenton Farmer's Market
Open Saturdays, May-October, from 7 am - noon.  It is located at the intersection of Hwys. 5 & 54 by the courthouse in Camdenton.  You will find fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, baked goods, flowers, crafts, and more.
Farris Fruit and Vegetable Market
Open Monday-Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm & Sundays 8 am - 5 pm.  They are located at 1725 N Business Rte. 5 in Camdenton, and offer fruits, vegetables, crafts, flowers, and more.
Osage Beach Farmers Market
Open Saturdays May-September, 9 am - 1 pm.  They are located in the Stone Crest Mall on Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach.  They offer fruits, vegetables, honey, meat, baked goods, crafts, and more.  This market features a kids' club where children can do activities to earn tokens to spend at the market.  All vendors agree to a "Pure Food Pledge" and must farm within a 100-mile radius of the market.

Get there early for the best choices.  Ask questions.  Get to know your local vendors.  After a few visits, you will know more about what you are looking for, and the farmers will know what you want and like.  Having these wonderful markets so close to the Lake of the Ozarks waterfront development of Mission Bay is one more reason that this is a wonderful place to make your home.  Happy eating!

Your new home is waiting for you at Mission Bay!

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237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

5 Fun Things To Do This Memorial Day Weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks

Memorial Weekend is here!  Summer is just around the corner and this holiday weekend seems to make people want to get out and play like Summer has already started.  Living in a waterfront home at the Lake of the Ozarks especially makes a person ready for the warmest days of the year.  Looking out of your window at Mission Bay and seeing that gorgeous water with boats cruising back and forth is living at its best.

This holiday weekend, get out and try a few of these entertaining activities.
  

1.  Fireworks

There are lots of places around the Lake of the Ozarks to watch fireworks this year, and many host extra events to go along with the show.  The best part about watching fireworks in this area is that if you see them near the water, you not only get fireworks in the sky, but also their reflection in the water, and the lake is usually dotted with lighted up boats.  Such a beautiful sight! 

Saturday, May 23: 

• Bear Bottom Resort in Sunrise Beach, 38 MM of the Osage Arm
• (573) 374-6905

Sunday, May 24:

•  Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, 26 MM by water
•   (573) 348-3131
• The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, 13 MM by water
• (573) 365-3000
• Village Marina in Lake Ozark, 3MM on the Northshore
• (573) 348-3433

2.  Cookout

This is a perfect time to phone up all of your friends and host a barbecue.  You can choose to grill right in your own backyard, or head to one of the many beautiful State Parks.  The State Park covers a very large amount of land, but you can get to the beaches and picnic areas from Osage Beach Parkway or Highway 42.  Ha Ha Tonka in Camdenton is a favorite for anyone that has ever lived or visited the Lake of the Ozarks.  You can find out more information about these on the Missouri State Parks website. 

3.  Swimming

There are lots of places to swim when you live on a lake.  Both of the beaches mentioned above are popular spots to lay out your towels and lounge for an afternoon. If you aren't in the mood to get into that large of a body of water, Mission Bay has it's very own pools to play in right on property.

4.  Boating

Another exciting way to enjoy the Lake of the Ozarks is to get your boat into the water.  Not to worry if you don't own one, because there are plenty of places to rent from in the area.  You can spend the day hopping between the numerous waterfront restaurants and bars or pick a quiet cove and just chill out.  Tubing, water skiing, and wake boarding are a few more adventurous ways to spend your day.  

5.  Family Time  

A holiday is a wonderful time to get the entire family together, especially if the kids have grown and moved away.  All of the above ideas are family friendly, and you can add a backyard Olympics or board game championship to the weekend itinerary.

     

Most importantly this Memorial Day, don't forget to remember those that defend this amazing country of ours.  They are the reason that we can enjoy a weekend like this with the freedom that we don't want to ever imagine living without.

Of course, if you live at Mission Bay's waterfront development at the Lake of the Ozarks, even a few quiet days at home can be enjoyable.  However you choose to spend your holiday, have a wonderful and safe weekend.    

Your new home is waiting for you at Mission Bay!

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OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

     

8 Ways to Stay Safe in the Pool This Summer

As Summer draws ever nearer, outdoor pools are beginning to open up everywhere.  Mission Bay's waterfront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks offer residents two different areas to swim with our indoor and outdoor pools.  Our homes are also built right on the water, so water safety in every form is very important to us.

Here are a few tips to make sure that you and your family stay safe when you spend a day playing at the pool.

1. Use the buddy system.

No matter what your age, it is always wise to have someone with you when you are in a pool.  If you get hurt or knocked unconscious, your buddy can get help right away.

2. Learn the rules for the pool you are using.

Most pools' rules are very similar, but it is always wise to check. Rules are usually posted on the fence or wall near the entrance, and it only takes a moment to read through them.  If it's a new pool to you, there may be something important that you need to be aware of.

3. Teach children to stay away from water without an adult.

A child should never be near the water unsupervised.  An accident can happen in the blink of an eye.  Teach them how dangerous that it can be and to never go near water without first asking permission from the adult in charge.

4. Make sure there is a phone nearby.

If something happens and you need to call 911, you don't want to have to go very far to get help.  If there are only two of you, you may not be able to leave at all.  If the pool does not have a phone of its own, make sure that you have a charged cell phone with your belongings.

5. Know where the pool rescue equipment is located.

Every pool should have a shepherd's hook and a life preserver.  Using one of these to pull a drowning person out of the water is much safer than going in after them.  They could pull you under.  A quick glance around the pool when you first arrive should let you know where these items are kept.

6. Avoid entrapment.

Never use a pool if the drain cover is broken or missing.  Suction from pool drains can trap a swimmer underwater.  If the pool you are using does not look safe, report it and find someplace else to swim.

7. Don't run.

We've all heard lifeguards repeatedly yelling this phrase at children our entire lives.  Well, you grow up and realize that they weren't just trying to spoil the fun, but it's actually a very dangerous thing to run around a pool.  A small slip can lead to a very large gash in the head, or worse.  There should also be no pushing or horseplay for the same reasons, and if you are jumping or diving in, make sure that it's not against that pool's rules.  If the water isn't deep enough, it may not be safe.

8. Wear sunscreen.

Water isn't the only danger at an outdoor pool.  A sunburn is not a souvenir that you want from your day out.  A sunscreen with at least SPF 15 is suggested, even on a cloudy day.  It should be reapplied every 2 hours, and after swimming and sweating.

As an added precaution, take a class to learn CPR for both children and adults.  This can help you in many dangerous situations other than the swimming pool.  It's one of those things in life that is very good to know, but you hope that you never need to use.

Doing these things won't spoil any of your fun, and it assures that you will be around to have fun for many more days at the pool.  Mission Bay's homeowners have access to both our indoor and outdoor pools, as well as some beautiful park areas, a pond, and the gorgeous Lake itself.  When you live in one of our waterfront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks, there is plenty of outdoor fun right where you live.  Have a wonderful summer outside, and stay safe.

Your new home is waiting for you at Mission Bay!

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Phone: (573) 873-3465

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OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

7 Tips For Making the Most of an Open House

An important part of the home buying process is getting inside and really looking at the property, up close and personal.  Open Houses are a perfect chance to do this in a casual way.  Mission Bay hosts open houses of our beautiful lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks every weekend.  

Sometimes walking into a new place can be a little intimidating, but if you do a little preparation before you go, it will make a world of difference.  Knowing what to look for and how to see it will make the entire process a little less overwhelming.  




1.  Do your homework.  

 Have an idea of what you are looking for before you go in.  Even if a house looks amazing, if it doesn't fit your living needs, then it's not right for you.  If you have children, check out the school district that it is in.  If you have furniture that you want to move into the new house, know the measurements so that you can see if your stuff will fit.  Come up with a list of questions that you want to know about your new home and the neighborhood that it is located in.  

2.  Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

You're not trying to impress anyone, so no need to get all dressed up.  Wear something comfortable, especially comfortable shoes.  You may be bending and stretching looking closely at details.  A lot of walking will also be involved and possibly stairs.  

3.  Bring some "tools"
It will be very helpful to have a tape measure, a notebook, and a camera with you.  If you are seriously interested, you will want to know a few measurements around the house.  The notebook will help you remember all of the important details that discover, as will the photos that you take.  Sometimes the photos will even show you things that you may have overlooked in person.  

4.  Ask quetions.
The realtor on site is not just there for the home seller, they are also there to help you, the buyer, get a clear picture of what they are offering.  Ask them as many questions as you need to really get to know the house you are looking at.  

5.  Don't be shy.
Open closets and drawers.  If the appliances come with the house, open those up too. The purpose of the open house is so that you can get to know what you may be buying.  This is the time to look every nook and cranny over.  If someone is currently living in the home being shown, they should expect this, but in this case it is polite to ask first.  

6.  Look outside of the home.
Take notice of what landscaping is already done and what you will have to do yourself if you buy.  Look for any areas on the exterior that may need repair.  Make sure that the adjacent lots are not too close for your comfort.  If you have a strong opinion on pets, notice if any of the neighbors have them.  Another important thing to do is look at the outside through the windows from inside.  A bad view is something that usually cannot be changed.  

7.  Listen to other buyers. 
The other buyers at the open house are there for the same reason that you are. They may notice something that you didn't, or may have some questions that you did not think to ask.  


These tips should make the entire open house experience a little more productive than just going in blind.  Buying a home is a very large, highly important purchase. Decide what you really want, and weigh all of the pros and cons of what you find out.  

Mission Bay invites you to stop by and see our incredible new housing development at the Lake of the Ozarks.  We host our open house every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 pm. You can view a site map of the entire community here, and see pictures of the properties you will be visiting on the Mission Bay website.   

    

Your new home is waiting for you at Mission Bay!

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CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020