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 7, 2020 | Last updated Jun 16, 2021 | Blog, USA travel
Now more than ever, shopping local is vital to the success of our local economy.
I’ve lived in the Springfield area for nearly twenty years. I grew up in Ozark, attended college at MSU, and have always been very active in the community.
Between my passion for my hometown and supporting local businesses, it only made sense to compile “The Ultimate Springfield Holiday Gift Guide.”
The Ultimate Springfield, Missouri Holiday Gift Guide
*I want to add that these are just suggestions based on my experiences and interests.
There are so many fantastic local businesses in the 417 and I truly wish I could add all of them to this guide!
Is there a local business that isn’t on this list that you love? Please drop it in the comments below!
For the Foodie
Maybe I’m biased, but the 417 is filled with some of the most amazing local restaurants. How are we so lucky!? A gift card to any of these restaurants will make the perfect present for a true foodie!
Your favorite classic steakhouse! Jimm’s is famous for their juicy steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, salad bar, and wine selection. Pro tip: they run a holiday gift card special every year.
Located in the heart of downtown, Civil Kitchen offers a modern spin on your favorite classics. Known for it’s made from scratch menu, burgers, fried chicken, beer selection, and unique dishes.
Cherry Picker is a coffee bar, lunch counter, neighborhood bar & package store. They have a wide variety of wines and their employees are always helpful in picking the perfect bottle. They even have a wine club you can join (if you’re cool enough!)
A chef based restaurant and communal wine house. Along with complimentary wine tastings, Cellar + Plate offers a variety of wines sold by the glass or bottle. Women-Owned.
Bear Creek Winery is located slightly outside of Springfield in Walnut Shade, MO near Branson. They are a family-owned winery and small-batch brewery with fantastic selections.
For the Women
Boutique clothes and accessories or a relaxing spa day makes the perfect gift for your lady.
Dapper is the swankiest barbershop downtown. They offer signature haircuts featuring essential oil-infused towels and cold cucumber eye peels.
For the College Hipsters
Springfield just wouldn’t be the same without all the hipster college students jazzing the town up with their vibes. Here are some local gift ideas that your hipster will love.
Consider buying a gift card to The Moxie, a non-profit arthouse movie theater. Or if your hipster is really the ultimate movie lover, you can even gift them a membership to the coolest cinema in Springfield.
For the Earthly
Shopping for someone who loves plants, tea, or just has that earthly vibe to them? Here are some spectacular gift ideas.
Wheeler Gardens is a family-owned business that has everything you need for your plant lovers: shrubs, flowers, garden décor, and so much more!
For the Active
Buying a membership to any of these local gyms & studios is a perfect present for someone who loves fitness, or hopes to adopt a more active lifestyle.
The Studio by Jamie Kinkeade is the sexiest, most encouraging, and fun workout studio anyone could join. A wide variety of classes are taught from yoga, dancing, high and low intensity, and low impact. In-person and online classes are available. Women-Owned.
Equipped with climbing walls for a variety of skill levels, training area, yoga studio, and gear shop. No prior experience is needed at Zenith and beginners are welcome!
Culture Flock is a super cool boutique that specializes in colorful and inclusive apparel, goods, and accessories for friends of every shape, size, color, gender, and orientation. Women + LGBTQ owned.
A fine craft gallery and community clay center. Springfield Pottery offers beautiful handmade pottery for purchase, pottery classes, and gift certificates.
Springfield, Missouri is filled with the most incredible local businesses. This holiday season, show your support to these small business owners.
Do you have a favorite locally-owned business in Springfield, Missouri that isn’t on this list? Drop it in the comments below and give a short description of what they sell!
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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This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
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Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023 | Asia Travel, Blog
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