As the warm summer sun fades away and the crisp, cool autumn air settles over Lake of the Ozarks, the bustling scene of high traffic and vibrant activity transitions into a quieter, more serene atmosphere. The change in seasons brings a noticeable shift in the dynamics at local businesses, where workers now find themselves adapting to a slower pace, with some employees even having to go find different jobs.
Summer Hustle and Bustle
During the peak summer season, Lake of the Ozarks is a hub of activity. Brody Spriggs, who works at Point Randall Resort, describes the scene as “high traffic,” with guests filling up the resort and the lake buzzing with boaters and vacationers. “Weekends [now] are still busy if it’s nice out,” Brody notes, highlighting the influx of visitors still seeking fall weekend getaways.
Genevieve Ribaudo, working at Kelly’s Port gas dock, echoes Brody’s statements. The summer months see a constant flow of boats coming in for fuel, supplies, and a friendly chat. However, “[boating traffic and water activities are] extremely slow compared to summer,” she remarks, reflecting on what the fall season has to bring.
Carter Moesch, a cook at Boathouse Bar and Grill, experiences the summer rush firsthand in the kitchen. Since the transition from summer to early fall, however, “the restaurant was busy one week and off the next, and this has continued till we recently closed,” Carter says, pointing out the inconsistency that comes with the changing seasons. The fall season brings a more unpredictable pattern of dinners.
Nick Joiner, who works at Kwik Kar, a local car wash, also sees a significant drop in customers. “From the summer months, it’s a lot slower and a lot less people are coming in to get their car washed,” he shares, noting the decrease in traffic as the tourist season calms down.
Autumn Calm
As the leaves begin to turn and the days grow shorter, the Lake of the Ozarks takes on a different charm. Brody observes, “Work currently is slow and there is not much activity going on around the lake. [It’s] mostly just fishermen and golfers right now.” With fewer guests at the resort during the week, Brody finds himself doing more handy work around the property.
Genevieve’s experience at the gas dock mirrors this slow activity. The once-busy docks now see fewer boats, and the hustle of summer gives way to a peaceful quiet. “It is extremely slow compared to summer,” she states, adjusting to the new pace.
At the Boathouse Bar and Grill, Carter navigates the fluctuating fall crowds. The restaurant’s tourist support becomes more unpredictable, reflecting the changing habits of the lake’s visitors. The energy in the kitchen shifts from the frantic frenzy of summer to a more relaxed rhythm.
Nick’s car wash also sees a decline in customers. The steady stream of vehicles looking for a summer shine dwindles, and the focus shifts to maintaining the business during the slower months. “It’s a lot slower and a lot less people are coming in,” Nick observes.
Goodbye, Summer
The transition from summer to fall at Lake of the Ozarks brings a notable change in the daily lives of those working at local businesses. From the bustling summer weekends to the quieter fall weekdays, each worker adapts to the ebb and flow of the seasons. As the lake’s vibrant summer energy fades, a new, calmer rhythm takes its place, offering a different kind of beauty and tranquility to both residents and visitors alike.