Friday, June 30, 2017

How Much Do You Know About Independence Day?

One of our favorite holidays is upon us, and people will be celebrating for 4th of July all weekend long! Whether you're excited about the fireworks or the food with family and friends, enjoy your freedom this weekend. Here are few Independence Day trivia questions from your favorite Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental company you can toss around at your BBQ this weekend!

4th of July Trivia Questions


1. On what day did the legal separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain occur? 


A. July 4, 1776
B. July 3, 1776
C. July 1, 1776
D. July 2, 1776


2. Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence? 


A. George Washington
B. Thomas Jefferson
C. Abraham Lincoln
D. John Hancock

3. Who was the oldest person to sign the Declaration of Independence? 


A. Benjamin Franklin
B. John Adams
C. George Washington
D. Thomas Jefferson

4. How many people signed the Declaration of Independence? 


A. 40
B. 56
C. 32
D. 13

5. What are the first words in the Declaration of Independence? 


A. "We the people of the United States..."
B. "We hold these truths to be self-evident..."
C. "Governments are instituted among Men..."
D. "When in the course of human events..."

6. In what city was Independence Day first celebrated? 


A. Boston
B. Philadelphia
C. New York
D. Richmond

7. In what year did Congress declare the 4th of July a national holiday? 


A. 1776
B. 1892
C. 1870
D. 1908

8. Approximately how many people lived in America on July 4, 1776? 


A. 2 million
B. 1.5 million
C. 2.5 million
D. 4 million

9. What is the title of the National Anthem of the United States? 


A. America the Beautiful
B. The Star Spangled Banner
C. God Bless America
D. Oh, Say Can You See

10. How many stripes are on the American flag? 


A. 13
B. 50
C. 10
D. 12

11. On our country's first flag, in what pattern where the stars placed? 


A. Square
B. Lines
C. Triangle
D. Circle

12. Who sewed the first flag? 


A. Betsy Johnson
B. Betsy Ross
C. Sally Ross
D. Annie Johnson

13. Which country gave America the Statue of Liberty? 


A. France
B. Spain
C. England
D. Russia

14. Who invented fireworks? 


A. the Japanese
B. the Chinese
C. Americans
D. the English

15. On average, how many hot dogs are consumed on the 4th of July each year? 


A. 100 million
B. 500 million
C. 150 million
D. 50 million

**SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS**


Happy 4th of July Weekend from Your Lake Vacation! We hope you enjoyed these trivia questions, and that you have a wonderful holiday weekend with friends and family. Book your summer vacation reservations at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks by calling 877-284-0267. We've got the best selection of private homes and waterfront condos at the Lake of the Ozarks!

ANSWERS: 

1. D - July 2, 1776
2. D - John Hancock
3. A - Benjamin Franklin
4. B - 56
5. D - "When in the course of human events..."
6. B - Philadelphia
7. C - 1870
8. C - 2.5 million
9. B - The Star Spangled Banner
10. A - 13
11. D - Circle
12. B - Betsy Ross
13. A - France
14. B - the Chinese
15. C - 150 million

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  



Friday, June 23, 2017

Pat Pinzke Surpasses $1 Million in Sales!

On Monday June 5th, 2017, Your Lake Vacation reservationist, Pat Pinzke, joined the Million Dollar Club for surpassing $1,000,000.00 in sales for her career with the leading vacation rental company at the Lake ofthe Ozarks. Pinzke is only the second member of the exclusive club in the 31 year history of the company.

Pinzke, who is 78 years old, joined the Your Lake Vacation team in February of 2012 after a chance meeting with the owner of the company at a local restaurant. She was having lunch with her husband when Russell Burdette went over to say hello. Pat’s children and Russell had gone to high school together and Russell’s mom had previously worked with Pat at Water’s Edge Condominiums. Russell asked Pat what she was doing and she told him that she had just lost her job at the Chamber of Commerce where she had been working part time. Knowing that she had previous experience in the vacation rental industry, and with her experience of working at the Chamber, Russell invited her for an interview and the rest, as they say, is history.

Interestingly, Pat is primarily a part-time employee and was able to produce a million dollars in sales over the course of about five and a half years. Her accomplishment speaks to her dedication and longevity. Her motto is, “I have to book at least one reservation each day or I don’t feel like I am earning my pay.” The only other employee to achieve the same level of sales was Jennifer Powers (Garske) who worked full time for four years with Your Lake Vacation.

Pat was totally shocked and surprised as she was awarded her plaque at lunch, where she thought everyone was gathered to celebrate another employee’s birthday. The birthday celebration was halted and a cake was brought out. Pat was presented with her plaque and a $100.00 gift card for her achievement. Through tears she said that this was one of the best things that had ever happened to her.

Unfortunately, her husband Roy didn’t get to share in her achievement, as he had passed away in February. But we know that he would have been proud of her achievement. He was part of the company family and quite the character at the annual company Christmas party, where he could beat anyone at arm wrestling, even at over 80 years of age. And as a Chicago native, he was able to see his beloved Cubbies win their first world series in 108 years!

After the celebration, Pat said that she would start working on 2 million dollars in sales! Stop in at our vacation rental company in Osage Beach across from the outlet mall and congratulate Pat on her achievement!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  


Monday, June 12, 2017

Join Us for 4th of July at the Lake of the Ozarks

The 4th of July holiday is just 3 weeks away, and there's no better place to celebrate than the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks! From festivals and fireworks, to live music and more, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Today's blog from your favorite vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks features what to do and where to stay this upcoming 4th of July weekend!

What to Do


Fireworks: June 30 - July 4 
Fireworks are a 4th of July tradition that the entire family can enjoy! Here's a comprehensive list of where you can watch amazing firework displays at the Lake of the Ozarks:
  • June 30, 5 pm (Fireworks @ Dusk): Fireworks Fun Fest @ Old Kinderhook 
  • July 1, 9:30 pm: Fireworks at the 5 MM of the Main Channel  
  • July 1, 9:30 pm: Runaway II Resort & Campground or the 45 MM
  • July 1 & 4, 9:45 pm: Bear Bottom Resort or the 38 MM of the Osage Arm  
  • July 2, All Day (Fireworks @ 9 pm) : Freedom Celebration at Windermere
  • July 2, 8 pm: Celebration Cruises Bagnell Dam  
  • July 3, Dusk: Captain Ron's Bar & Grill or the 34.5 MM
  • July 3, 9:15 pm: Point Randall Resort or the 2 MM
  • July 4, 10 am (Fireworks @ Dusk): Eldon 4th of July Celebration
  • July 4, Dusk: Lake Valley Country Club  
  • July 4, Dusk: The Lodge of Four Seasons or the 13 MM
  • July 4, 7 pm: Celebration Cruises Grand Glaize  
  • July 4, 8:30 pm: Tan-Tar-A Resort or the 26 MM
  • July 4, 7:30 pm: Tropic Island Cruises 
  • July 4, 8:30 pm: Playin' Hooky Fireworks Cruise - departing from Millstone Marina

Live Music: June 30 - July 3 
There's no shortage of live music at the Lake of the Ozarks during the summer months. You'll be able to find someone playing at almost every waterfront bar on the weekends, but here's some great acts you won't want to miss: 
  • June 30 - July 2, 9 pm: Contagious and SoulRoot @ The Horny Toad Entertainment Complex 
  • July 1-2, 9 pm: The Black Diamond Experience @ Boathouse Lakeside Bar & Grill 
  • July 2, 8 pm: The M80s @ Captain Ron's Bar & Grill 
  • July 2, 5 pm: Party in the Stick 2017 Featuring Cold Ford @ Ozarks Amphitheater 
  • July 3, 9 pm: SoulRoot @ The Horny Toad Entertainment Complex

Where to Stay 

Your Lake Vacation has the BEST selection of Lake of the Ozarks condos and homes for you to stay in during your holiday weekend getaway! Take a look at a few of the properties we still have available for the 4th of July weekend:

Break Water Bay 805 - 2 Bedroom Waterfront Condo 
Located on Route KK in Osage Beach and the 22 MM by water, this 2 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront condo sleeps up to 6 guests. Enjoy a great lake view, screened in deck with grill and more!

Lazy Days Resort
Located in Osage Beach and at the 3 MM of the Grand Glaize Arm, Lazy Days Resort features 2 outdoor pools, a playground, on-site boat launch, trailer parking, 2 pavilions and a public brick BBQ pit. We only have a couple 2 and 3 bedroom condos left here for the holiday weekend, so call 877-303-1968 to book now!

Runabout Drive - 3 Bedroom Waterfront Home
Located in Osage Beach at the 28 MM, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath waterfront home sleeps up to 8 guests. Enjoy the comforts of home with plenty of seating, a fully-loaded kitchen and screened deck. This home also includes a boat slip and swim platform!  

Osage Vistas - 3 Bedroom Condo
Located in Four Seasons off Carol Road, this 3 bedroom condo sleeps up to 8 guests. While this condo is not on the water, the condo complex offers 6 outdoor pools! The home boasts plenty of space to spread out and is in a great location to easily get to Bagnell Dam and other area attractions.

The Knolls Resort 
Located off Route KK in Osage Beach and at the 28 MM by water, the Knolls Resort features an indoor and outdoor pool (with hot tub and sauna), a clubhouse, a game room, tennis courts (one indoors), a basketball court and a playground. We do still have several 2 and 3 bedroom condos available for the holiday weekend! Call 800-648-0339 to make your reservations today!

Falls Townhome 64 - 4 Bedroom Waterfront Home
Located on Horseshoe Bend and at the 2 MM by water, this 4 bedroom townhome sleeps up to 10 guests. The home offers plenty of room to spread out, with a big deck overlooking your private dock in a large cove. The location offers great access to anything and everything you want to do at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Newport 107 - 4 Bedroom Waterfront Condo
Located in the heart of Lake Ozark and at the 1 MM by water, this 4 bedroom condo sleeps up to 10 guests. Enjoy 2 master suites and 2 living areas! Entertain in the full kitchen, downstairs at the wetbar or on the screened deck. The unit comes with a 14 x 36 covered boat slip.We also have other condos in this complex, making it a great option for larger groups. Call for more details!

If you haven't already found a place to stay, now's the time to book your reservations. Give Your Lake Vacation a call at 877-284-0267 to lock down your Lake of the Ozarks accommodations for 4th of July Weekend today! We can't wait to host you for one of the biggest weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks all season! 

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

The Damage Dilemma

When you choose to rent your property as a vacation rental at the Lake of the Ozarks, you run the risk of property damage. From understandable accidents to wild parties, we've seen our fair share of property damage caused by renters. In the past, a damage deposit was collected on every rental, but luckily Your Lake Vacation has a better solution!

Trustworthiness of Guests


When it comes to short-term rentals, some type of property damage is inevitable. Many guests claim property damage as an accident or even deny that it happened on their watch. In addition, some guests have been known to glue things back together, hide broken items in closets, etc. Others would claim that the item was broken before they got there. (That's one of the reasons that we ask you report anything you see upon your arrival. We also do an inspection before your arrival.) In the early days of the company, we would collect a $300 damage deposit from our guests. In the event something was broken, we would pay for it out of that deposit. The issue however, is that it's not always easy to determine who actually broke or damaged the property in question. If the guest tried to hide damage, it may not be discovered until several other guests have stayed in the property. While some guests would admit to the damage when asked, others would seem flabbergasted that we would even think such a thing. In both cases, neither guest felt that they were responsible for the damages.

Damage Deposit Costs


One of the first questions asked by most owners when inquiring about our Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental program is, "How does damage work and who pays for it?" In the past, the answer revolved around that damage deposit. Unfortunately, no one was really benefiting from that strategy, not the guest, not the owner and not us. Not only does a damage deposit system cost the guest more, as they have to have the funds available prior to their arrival, but it was costing our property management company a ton of money each year in credit card processing fees. We had been spending nearly $5,000 per year just on processing fees for those deposit transactions. In addition, we were losing otherwise good customers when we kept their deposit or even a portion of their deposit. So how do we fix the problem, keeping both us and the customers happy?

Damage Waiver Program


Our travel insurance company told us about a damage waiver program they offer. The way it works is that each guest purchases a damage waiver for a small fee and that plan covers them up to $3,000 in accidental damages during their stay. Not only were we saving costs, but our guests were happy they weren't shelling out cash for the lamp their kid broke or the kitchen chair that's missing a leg. Accidents are bound to happen and this damage waiver program allowed for those mishaps to not affect us, the owners or the guests as much. Once we implemented the plan, more guests would report accidents and we stopped finding as many hidden items. The damage waiver plan saves us in credit card fees, while also allowing us to cover those "accidents" that tend to happen to even the best of renters. Our guests are happy, our owners are happy and so are we!

When you choose to rent your Lake of the Ozarks home or condo as a vacation rental on our program, you can rest assured that it's in good hands. In the event that property damage does occur, we have a program in place to get your property back to normal in no-time, at no cost to you as the owner. For more information on our property management company at the Lake of the Ozarks, give us a call at 573-365-3367.

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  


Friday, June 2, 2017

Family Fun Events at the Lake of the Ozarks Throughout June

Summer is here at the Lake of the Ozarks, and that means tons of family fun events! From boat races to golf tournaments, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Today's blog from your premier Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental company offers information on some of the best events happening throughout the month of June!

Lake Race 2017 - June 3 

Watch Power boats from all across the nation compete for their share of the money! Viewing is available at Beaver's at the Dam and surrounding locations on the Bagnell Dam Strip. Opening ceremony begins at 10:30 am, and the races will commence promptly at 11 am. Races will conclude around 5 pm, and the awards ceremony will take place at Beaver's at the Dam around 6:45 pm. Stick around for the after party on the strip!

39th Annual HK's Hospital Benefit Golf Tournament - June 2-4 

The tournament will take place June 2-4 at The Lodge of Four Seasons. The 3-day event, the premier tournament at the Lake of the Ozarks, kicks off Friday, June 2 with a VIP Party for major sponsors. A highlight of the weekend is the Pairing Party and Silent/Live Auction, taking place 5 p.m. Saturday, June 3, in the Lodge’s Campana Hall. There will be an auction of memorabilia, golf packages, fine jewelry, trips and more. The tournament, a four-person scramble, is Sunday, June 4, at The Cove Golf Course. More than $100,000 in prizes will be available for participants.

24th Annual Testicle Festival - June 3 

The Testicle Festival is a huge day long cook-off of deep fried turkey testicles, booths, dancing and carnivals. Located in the heart of Olean Missouri, this festival draws thousands of locals and visitors. The festival will take place from 10 am to 7 pm in downtown Olean, MO.

Hot Summer Nights - June 9 

Hot Summer Nights on the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark will take place Saturday, June 9 from 6-11 pm (rain or shine). Free admission and participation. All makes and models of cars, trucks, and motorcycles will line the Strip and cruise around. 

LOWA June Paddlers Meet-Up - June 10

Join the party Saturday June 10, 2017 at the Ha Ha Tonka State Park from 8:30 am to noon. The LOWA Paddlers will be there to encourage and assist anyone interested in learning the tranquility of kayaking at the Lake of the Ozarks. Experienced paddlers will enjoy the opportunity to paddle with and exchange information with other Lake of the Ozarks area kayak paddlers. SUP's are welcome as well!

Lake West Chamber Golf Tournament - June 11

The 25th Annual 4 Person Scramble Lake West Chamber Golf Tournament will have a shotgun start at 1 pm. Call the Lake West Chamber at 573-374-5500 for more details.

Dam Jam 2017 - June 15-17

Dam Jam is an event featuring 3 nights and 2 days of great live music combined with vendors and camping at the base of the Bagnell Dam. The facility offers a stage, shaded camping, shower house, and a great view of Bagnell Dam with the Osage River rolling by. There will be a vendor village set up in the campground featuring food and cool merchandise. Tickets are $60 for the weekend.

Osage River Pow Wow - June 16-18 

The mission of this event is to give a place for Native American children & adults to practice our culture through dance, singing, drumming, crafts and food. The Pow Wow will be right next to the Osage River in Tuscumbia Riverside Park.  Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for children 4-12, and free for children 3 and under. The public is welcome, and bring lawn chairs. The Pow Wow will take place Friday, 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Canine Cannonball - June 16-18 

How far can your dog jump? The annual Dock Dogs jumping contest will be held at Dog Days again this year. Canine athletes compete in Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve at this family friendly event. For information on entering your dog, contact Dog Days at 573-348-9797. This event is free admission to the public.

Welcome to Summer, A Free Community Event - June 17

A fun family event featuring live music, kids activities, and spectacular fireworks will take place at the Osage Beach City Park from 5-10 pm. The free concert will feature The Cherry Pistols and a Fireworks Show by Pyrotecnico! The band takes the stage at 7:30 pm and fireworks will start at 9:15 pm.

10th Annual Support Our Troops Poker Run - June 23

See all the big boats gather at Lake of the Ozarks for this fun filled poker run! All proceeds go to H.E.R.O.E.S. Care. Participating locations include Camden on the Lake, Dog Days, Bear Bottom, Paradise, Captain Ron's, Redhead Lakeside Grill, Franky & Louie's, Nauti Fish, Larry's on the Lake, Shorty Pants, Fish and Co, and Backwater Jack's.

What are your favorite annual Lake of the Ozarks events to attend? Now's the time to book your desired dates - give Your Lake Vacation a call at 877-284-0267. From waterfront private homes to condos at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have accommodations to fit any group's needs. Come join us at the #1 recreational lake in the country!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076