Big Cedar Lodge Review

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  Glad you stopped by to see what I am thinking out loud about today.  Hope you link up below and share what's on your mind.

This year, Eric and I decided to take a week off in December to get ready for Christmas in a slow and leisurely way.  To put us in the right frame of mind,  we decided to begin our vacation by visiting Silver Dollar City to fully get in the Christmas spirit.  Their light display is amazing and definitely worth the trip.

We also decided to splurge just a bit on our hotel accommodations and stay at Big Cedar Lodge.  Best decision ever!  Our home away from home was a one-room cabin tucked in the Ozark Mountains overlooking Table Rock Lake and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.  Big Cedar has a way of making sure every detail is covered, down to putting a Christmas tree in every room!

  

We arrived after dark and were enchanted by all the Christmas lights in and around the Big Cedar grounds.  Checkin was a breeze and we were off to find our cabin.  Upon walking in, I wondered if we would want to leave the cabin or just hibernate there for a few days!

Wondering what there is to do at Big Cedar in the winter?  Well, there is PLENTY to do!  From ice skating to bonfires to checking out board games, there are always options.  A visit to Fun Mountain, which is located on the property, can have you bowling a game or two or honing your pinball skills.  Of course in the summer there are even more things to do like swimming in their five pools or taking a ride on the lazy river.  We are definitely thinking a trip back when the weather warms up is a must-do!

If you were so inclined, the kitchen is stocked with all the pots, pans and dishes you would need to cook a complete feast.  We didn't do any cooking ourselves but did enjoy heating water in the provided teapot to make hot chocolate and hot tea to enjoy in front of the fireplace.  Provided for you to partake were tea bags, instant hot chocolate, and coffee.  Sodas were also provided in the frig.

See that basket of goodies on the table?  What a fabulous touch!  And they were great to munch on after a full day of being out and about.

Each night, the staff leaves a bag of gingersnaps on your pillow.  They were delicious with hot tea!

Eric built a fire each evening with the provided firewood and starter supplies.  Sitting in front of the fire was a perfect way to wind down and relax.  

There was a big luxurious tub in the bathroom that would be perfect for a long, soaking bath.  The bathroom was perfect for two people to get ready in with double sinks, a big mirror and plenty of room to walk around.  If you want more pampering than a long, soaking bath there is a full-service spa on site.  

The view from the cabin was beautiful both day and night.  I especially liked looking across the lake at night to see the hillside lit up.

We checked in on Sunday night after a full day at Silver Dollar City.  Monday we were up and out fairly early to visit Dogwood Canyon and Lost Canyon.  More on those locations will be coming at you soon.  Tuesday morning we sadly checked out of the cabin and came home.  I have to admit, I wish we would have stayed a few more days!  But we do have to get ready for Christmas so back to reality we went.  

If you're looking for a getaway, you should definitely check out Big Cedar Lodge.  Big Cedar is located just south of Branson in Ridgedale, Missouri.  It's about 4 hours outside of St. Louis.  My only regret is we didn't stay longer!

That's what I'm thinking out loud about today.  Now it's your turn - what are you thinking about?  Link up and share!

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