The Big Cedar Lodge Cedar Creek Spa is the most relaxing experience you’ll treat yourself to. This spa at Big Cedar Lodge will leave you feeling refreshed and polished for your Branson, Missouri adventure.
This post is all about my experience at Big Cedar Lodge Spa – Cedar Creek Spa
Cedar Creek Spa is part of Big Cedar Lodge Resort, however, you don’t have to be a guest at the lodge to book the experience. Anyone is able to book a spa day!
Cedar Creek is located at: 190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739
The Spa Experience – the cost and value.
To be real with you, the spa is not exactly what I’d call budget-friendly. I spent $250 for a Swedish massage + tip and three glasses of wine. However, you aren’t paying for just the massage.
This price includes a women’s room private hot tub, a grotto complete with a heated pool and ice room, a sauna, outdoor showers, and a full changing room including showers and a fully stocked vanity.
Making sure we got the biggest value for our money, we booked our massages at 12pm and spent five hours relaxing in the grotto and drinking wine. We probably could have spent even longer there, I never wanted to leave!
The Grotto
All guests who book a spa service such as a massage or facial will have access to the grotto. Note that salon services alone do not grant you access, it must be a spa service.
We decided to have our massages first and then relaxed at the grotto afterwards. Though you can choose to go to the grotto before your spa service or after (or both!)
The Massage
The massages are of course one of the best parts of the experience!
While I enjoyed mine greatly, I will say that I booked a Swedish massage and received more of a neurological massage where pressure point therapy occupied most of the time.
I’m pretty sensitive (which I voiced before the massage) and would have rather just had a light rub throughout. I truthfully was in pain most of the time, though afterward it definitely helped some of my back and neck issues. Overall it was still a great massage, I may just request a different masseuse next time.
Tips before booking
I highly recommend booking as early in the day as possible because you will want to spend several hours relaxing in the hot tubs. I do believe you can arrive as early as you’d like to enjoy the pools, in case you can’t get a booking until later.
You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
Automatic gratuity is included in your booking price. However, your masseuse only receives 10% of the massage price, which is fairly low in comparison to other massage therapists. I tipped an additional $10 on my $160 massage.
Food and drinks can be ordered at any time.
Robes and towels are provided. Changing rooms include private changing spaces, stocked showers and vanities, lotion, hair dryers, and really thing you’ll need!
Make sure to bring your swimsuit!
Cedar Creek Spa at Big Cedar Lodge is truly a luxury experience worth every penny.
This luxury spa experience is perfect for special occasions, vacations, or just to treat yourself! I can’t wait to book another spa experience at Cedar Creek in the future .
Feel free to comment below or message me on Instagram if you have any questions!
Looking for a way to end a perfect day in Branson? Check out Bear Creek Winery to end your evening with wine, small plates or pizza, and live music.
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
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by Natalie | Published on Dec 5, 2020 | Last updated Jun 16, 2021 | Blog, USA travel
Hot cocoa / hot chocolate often seems like the stepchild of coffee. Frequently forgotten about, cast away to the bottom of the menu in small print.
Who goes to a coffee shop and orders hot cocoa? Small children, my mother, – and that’s it.
Because going to a coffee shop and ordering coffee makes the most sense… But what if I told you that some of the best hot cocoa I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting, resides right here in the 417?
Honestly, I never even knew I liked hot cocoa and I don’t even think about it until the holidays roll around. I typically drink black coffee, maybe with a tiny bit of cream if I’m feeling really fancy. Hot cocoa just always seemed too sweet to me, probably because I ordered it at places like Mc. Donalds or iHop. Rookie mistake I tell you!
Local Springfield cocoa is different though. I can confidently say after completing this Springfield MO hot cocoa extravaganza, my tastebuds changed forever.
I’ve scoured high and low searching for the very best hot cocoa in the 417. All the way from Ozark to Commercial Street, and everywhere in between.
The Average Cost of Hot Cocoa in Springfield
Expect to pay approximately $4 depending on where you go and what size you order. For me, it was an average of four dollars, and most of the time I ordered a medium-sized drink.
In no particular order, here is where you can find the best hot cocoa in Springfield, Missouri.
Coffee Ethic
The Coffee Ethic is located right in the heart of downtown at 124 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806.
I frequently camp out at Coffee Ethic with my homework or a good book. It’s a wonderful quiet little spot to get work done or chat with friends. Not to mention, their drinks and pastries are delicious!
What I loved most was the thick and creamy texture. While the cocoa of course had a chocolate flavor, it was not overpowering and was the perfect amount of richness.
European Café
European Café is also located in the heart of downtown at 207 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806.
This is one of the most stunning coffee/pastry shops in Springfield. It has a light and airy feel, which is different in comparison to most coffee shops that have more of a darker setting. It’s the perfect place to brighten your day when it’s gloomy outside.
Their hot cocoa was so good, I had to talk myself out of getting another cup! However, I could not refrain from getting a delicious vanilla bean macaron. The perfect snack to pair with their creamy hot cocoa.
Everything at European Café is as beautiful as it is delicious. Just look at some of their adorable holiday boxes full of goodies.
The Workshop is such a dreamy place to enjoy literally the best hot cocoa I’ve ever had in my life.
I couldn’t believe how tasty it was, I actually did order a second cup! Don’t make my mistake by ordering the small – you’ll definitely want the largest size they offer, I promise.
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MudLounge
Mudlounge is located downtown at 321 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806.
Offering seating both indoors and outdoors on their heated patio, MudLounge is the perfect cozy bar to enjoy a cocktail or spiked hot cocoa. Mudhouse is a coffee shop owned by the same owners, and offers a great traditional non-alcoholic hot cocoa.
This scrumptious cocoa is more of a mild flavor. So if you don’t like a rich chocolate taste and are looking for a more creamy milky flavor, this is the perfect cocoa for you.
Their cocoa is actually sourced from another Springfield Commercial Street business, Askinosie Chocolate.
Dunkin’ Donuts
The Dunkin’ Donuts in Springfield is located at 4020 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807.
Dunkin’ is not a small business, but they do have a drive-thru which makes it a quick and easy option to snag a cup of hot cocoa if you’re on the run.
The cocoa was very, VERY sweet. Truthfully, I didn’t think it even compared to any of the local cocoa served at the coffee shops. However if you love a super sweet hot drink, Dunkin’s cocoa may be the drink for you!
This holiday season, I would recommend venturing to your favorite Springfield coffee shop and treat yourself to a cup of gourmet hot cocoa!
If you don’t feel like getting out of the house for a cup of hot cocoa, here are my Hot Cocoa Essentials that you can use at home!
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
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Bear Creek Winery is tucked away in a secret corner of the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri.
This Winery is a gem only true Missourians know about!
If you’re looking for a luxurious and charming rustic escape for the evening, look no further than Bear Creek Winery.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
My Winery Essentials
Growing up in Springfield, I have a pretty good grasp on the best spots in the area.
Living alongside “The Birthplace of Route 66” makes the 417 a total foodie’s heaven on earth, which makes it tricky to choose where to dine with so many great options.
After hearing so much hype about Bear Creek, I just had to check it out myself.
Planning your trip to Branson? Visiting the Big Cedar grounds is a must! I’m obsessed with Cedar Creek Spa.
Or if you’re looking for family fun activities, I love the Titanic Museum and the Dixie Stampede.
Bear Creek Winery – Things to Know
Bear Creek is a Winery, Restaurant, Lodging, and Small Batch Brewery.
You can pick and choose what suits you out of their extensive offerings, opting to stay a whole weekend or just simply enjoy some pizza at their restaurant.
Be sure to check out their website here to get a detailed look at what they offer.
Bear Creek is located in Walnut Shade, Missouri which is about 20 minutes from Branson or Springfield.
The hours do vary, but here are their current hours listed for the season –
Sunday – Thursday 10-6pm *Sunday live music 2-5pm
Friday & Saturday 10-9pm *Live music 2-9pm
Food & Wine Selections
What I didn’t expect to find at Bear Creek, was some insanely delicious pizza!
I ordered the fresh and delicious “Bear Ass Pizza”. The prices are reasonable and the servings are huge.
Wine samples are offered, and you can enjoy a glass of your favorite for $6. My favorite wine is the Hillbilly Persuasion, which is a nice light crisp wine, close to a Chardonnay.
Dinner with a view
What better way to enjoy pizza and live music than sitting on a terrace? Bear Creek has both indoor and outdoor seating to suit everyone’s dining preferences.
The Ozarks are stunning. If you are looking for a rustic getaway in the woods, Branson area has many spectacular lodging options such as Bear Creek, Big Cedar Lodge, or Chateau on the Lake.
Bear Creek is the perfectly charming and rustic getaway for your date night or friend’s outing.
If you plan a trip to Southwest Missouri, consider spending an evening at Bear Creek Winery.
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
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