Central Missouri might seem like one of those obscure, out of the way places where people live but rarely plan to visit. Savvy Middle Americans know that there's more to the story than this, however, as the Lake of the Ozarks is a tried-and-true vacation destination known for encapsulating all that is relaxing. Getting away doesn't have to mean heading to the coast to find a remote beach or disappearing into a bustling foreign city; it could be as simple as going to the lake for a few days and letting the peace and quiet of a low-profile destination buoy your spirit and erase your cares.

There's something about being near a lake that trumps other attempts to leave the world behind. Whether taking an exhilarating spin in a speed boat, skimming the surface in a pair of water skis, casting a line from a canoe or settling down for a nap on a sun-dappled dock you can be sure of achieving a higher level of freedom and escape than many other vacation spots can provide. A deeper silence, a broader calm and an array of activities that take advantage of it all are a few features that make the Lake of the Ozarks a prime place to settle for a few days.

For a fine sampling of all that this region has to offer, visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park. A funny name, it's true, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously as a lush and lovely landscape filled with trails, caves, shelters and playgrounds. Sixteen miles of hiking terrain and the unique karst topography make for lots of calorie burning and photo-taking opportunities. Exploring a new place by foot, checking out the indigenous flora and fauna and spending quality time with your companions amidst the surprisingly beautiful Missouri scenery could be the perfect way to spend a day.

The Cave State, as its known, invites visitors to head underground for yet another viewpoint. About 300 caves surround the Lake of the Ozarks, including Bridal Cave, Jacob's Cave and Ozark Caverns. These show caves are open to the public and accessible even to first-timers. You don't need special gear or equipment to make your way through these oddly inviting below ground expanses brimming with pools, stalactites and stalagmites, and prehistoric bones. History and mystery complement the natural wonders, explaining why many people choose to be married at Bridal Cave.

For another serious foray into the wilderness don't overlook Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The largest in the state and located south of Osage Beach, this designated parkland has 85 miles of shoreline and tons of family and fun-friendly facilities. Horseback riding, an ?aquatic trail,? geological anomalies and a helpful Visitors Center all make it worth the trip and will further enhance your ever-expanding viewpoint of this destination as a truly worthwhile one.

If you're not quite convinced that middle Missouri is the place to be, then listen up. Several professionally designed golf courses, top-notch fishing, casinos, live music, great shopping, movies and more should cause you to cast aside any doubts that remain. The Lake of the Ozarks region is truly multi-dimensional and hardly a risky place to visit, especially if you're already in the general area and don't want to deal with the hassle of flying, renting cars, getting a passport, etc?Missouri highways are easy to navigate and will surely take you right where you want to be.

In particular, a good place to be is in fact a . Cabins, condos and lake houses are the best venue for capturing the spirit of serenity already touched upon, and being a little bit off the beaten path yet in full reach of many conveniences is the best of both worlds. Large houses invite family reunions and such ? allowing room to socialize and interact without the fear of claustrophobia setting in. If it's just a few people there's an appropriate place, too; imagine a cozy cabin right on the lake with your own boat dock.

Vacation rentals tend to be crowd-pleasers wherever they are located, but there's something about being on the lake in an original and ultra-comfortable home away from home that really hits the spot. Explore the options as you begin to plan, and watch your Missouri vacation as it starts to come together quite nicely.