Thrifty Romantic Getaways in the Ozarks

It’s that time of year again! You know, when you see Valentine’s merchandise around every corner. You start craving chocolates and little candy hearts! Everyone is brainstorming gift ideas, romantic dinners, travel plans, etcetera. Everything is booking up fast! You should really start planning so check out these thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks.

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product or service links and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. I only recommend products and services that I personally believe in. For more information, click here.

NOTE: The way you plan and execute your romantic getaway will ultimately determine its expense. Every single destination on this list has the potential to be super thrifty. Inversely, every single destination on this list has the potential to be insanely expensive. Let me help you optimize your travels with some of my tried-and-true advice. I have personally been to each and every destination on this list.

Packing for thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

Packing lists vary from one trip to another. For example, you pack much differently when traveling to a beach as opposed to a ski resort. The same rings true when packing for a romantic getaway. You’ll want to consider adding some special items to your luggage that you wouldn’t ordinarily pack. Below are some suggestions that will help you save money without compromising romance!

• Battery operated flameless candles that flicker (for that romantic dinner for two)
• Silk flower petals (for decorating the bed)
• Chocolates
• Champagne/Wine
• Romantic playlist (for dancing the night away)
• Romantic movies (cuddle up and enjoy)
• Massage oils (Why book an expensive professional massage when you can massage each other?!)
• Romantic gift
• Lingerie
• Intimate items

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

People travel to Eureka Springs from miles around for romance. It’s a popular destination for weekend getaways, marriage proposals, weddings, and honeymoons. I promise you won’t run out of romantic things to do if you book a stay in this quaint little town. It should certainly be at the top of your list when planning thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks.

Imagine walking hand in hand marveling at Victorian architecture, Ozark Mountain views, mineral springs, the White River, beautiful lakes, and scenic overlooks. Sounds amazing, right?

There are a ton of budget friendly (free or cheap) things to do here, there’s no possible way I could cover them all in this post. So, I will limit it to some “must visit” places with interactive maps to help you find your way!

Thorncrown Chapel

The image below is Thorncrown Chapel which you should definitely make time to visit, whether you’re religious or not. It’s well known for its unique architectural design and is a highly sought after wedding destination. It doesn’t cost anything to visit, and it’s a great place to take a few pictures while on your romantic getaway to Eureka Springs.

See the interactive map below for directions from Eureka Springs to Thorncrown Chapel. Use the plus sign to zoom in and the minus sign to zoom out.

Lake Leatherwood City Park ~ thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

This is a very peaceful, beautiful place to visit with a lot of recreational potential. You can easily spend days here hiking the trails, admiring the unique features and scenic views. It’s also a great place to enjoy a romantic picnic, watch wildlife, sky-gaze, and simply enjoy being together.

You’ll want to bring your camera! It’s certainly a picturesque place to take some photos of your romantic getaway.

See the interactive map below for directions from Eureka Springs to Lake Leatherwood City Park. Use the plus sign to zoom in and the minus sign to zoom out.

Inspiration Point

The image below is a beautiful scenic overlook that’s 6.5 miles northwest of Eureka Springs. It’s totally worth a little of your time and you just may see some Bald Eagles soaring above the White River. Read my post on Inspiration Point for more information including an interactive map so you can find your way.

Onyx Cave Park ~ thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

When you get tired of exploring above ground, drive 7.2 miles northeast to Onyx Cave Park! Walk hand in hand on a self-guided tour. Trust me, it’s worth the short drive and reasonable admission fee! Take your time while you’re in the cave and truly enjoy the experience.

See the interactive map below for directions from Eureka Springs to Onyx Cave Park. Use the plus sign to zoom in and the minus sign to zoom out.

Historic Downtown Eureka Springs

Tired of being outside? Why not venture inside the many shops, art galleries, museums, spas, pubs, wineries, etcetera that call Eureka Springs home. There’s something fun for everyone so you should be able to plan a mutually beneficial itinerary.

A few pro tips for your thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

Saving money getting around

Don’t try to navigate downtown Eureka Springs by car. It will add unnecessary stress and expense to your otherwise relaxing getaway! The streets are narrow and usually very busy. Furthermore, Eureka Springs is a “parking fee trap” (which I usually avoid like the plague). So, what do you do?

You walk or take the trolley! You can get an all-day trolley pass for a super thrifty price. Click here for more information about Eureka Springs Transit!

Saving money on lodging

There’s a TON of competition here when it comes to lodging which means you can get excellent deals on pricing. There are traditional hotels, hotels and spas, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, RV camper sites, and more.

You probably have some idea what you want in terms of amenities which means it’s time to start the arduous process of price comparison. I highly recommend using booking.com for this. They have a great filtration system that will save you a ton of time. Additionally, they’ll help you get the best deals possible.

If you’re looking specifically for a private vacation rental, I recommend VRBO. They have an easy-to-use platform with a lot of rental options.

NOTE: Some accommodations here provide free shuttle service and free continental breakfast for their guests. You’ll want to take that into consideration when comparing prices. Also, pay close attention to cleaning fees! While you may find a cheap apartment for $30 a night, you’ll realize there’s an insane cleaning fee added right before checkout!

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

When you think of Lake of the Ozarks you think about water sports and summer fun. It doesn’t initially jump out as a romantic getaway destination. BUT maybe it should?!

Imagine a room with a lake view, a fireplace, a jetted tub and a balcony for grilling. Romantic? 100% YES!

Combine the aforementioned with the recreational potential of the area and you can definitely have thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks!

There are a lot of budget-friendly (free or cheap) things to do here that you should consider adding to your itinerary. Below are a few “must visit” places with interactive maps so you can find your way.

Ha Ha Tonka ~ thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

The scenic views here are unforgettable! Imagine walking hand in hand along a boardwalk looking at seemingly blue waters and listening to the sounds of water flowing across the rocks. You’re in no hurry to do anything except enjoy each other’s company and take in all the serenity nature has to offer. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

I recommend you take some time to check out the carriage house, the water tower, and the old castle ruins. The European style castle was constructed with stone from the area. I promise this was no easy task in the early 1900’s given the lack of heavy equipment and difficult terrain they had to navigate.

Take some time to enjoy gazing at the meandering waters below from various vantage points atop the bluff. Watch the birds soar gracefully above the waters proving they are masters of the sky.

You may also want to make some time to hike to the natural bridge. It’s really neat and makes for some cool photography. I actually have pictures of my husband pretending to hold it up.

Ha Ha Tonka tips for your thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

Backpackers!! There are 3 designated camp sites here! YAY! It doesn’t cost anything at all to hike in and camp. BUT you must register with Missouri State Parks and follow the Ha Ha Tonka Backcountry Camping Rules outlined here.

You can explore Island Cave during certain months. This is a “restricted access” cave, and you must have a permit! More information on the caves at Ha Ha Tonka here!

316 steps of OMG my thighs! A sign is posted that warns hikers about a section of the Spring Trail. It lets hikers know the boardwalk ascends up 200 vertical feet and that only persons in good physical condition should hike this portion. With that being said, you should plan your route accordingly before hitting the trails.

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the many picnic areas at Ha Ha Tonka. It’s a great way to keep your trip thrifty and get the most out of your nature experience.

You can learn more about Ha Ha Tonka State Park here!

Ha Ha Tonka Accessibility

The castle ruins are accessible for those with handicaps and disabilities so don’t let that stop you! You can find information on the Castle Trail at Ha Ha Tonka here!

You can find more information on the accessibility of Ha Ha Tonka State Park here.

Ha Ha Tonka directions for your thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

See the interactive map below for directions from Lake of the Ozarks to Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Use the plus sign to zoom in and the minus sign to zoom out.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

This is another incredible place you should consider visiting. Imagine spending days here hiking the trails, enjoying scenic views, and getting lost in nature together. You can enjoy peaceful picnics and romantic sunsets without a care in the world.

Ozarks Caverns ~ thrifty romantic getaways

When you’re done exploring above ground, I highly recommend you tour Ozarks Caverns. The entrance fee is reasonable, and it’s totally worth an hour or so of your time. You’ll be in awe of the Angel Showers inside this cave. I certainly was!

Furthermore, we were quite impressed with our tour guide! She was really knowledgeable and did a fantastic job leading our group. She had us turn off our handheld lanterns and surprised us with a complete blackout in the dark zone. Super cool and allows you to truly understand why echolocation is necessary for bats.

Accessibility

Don’t let handicaps and disabilities stop you from planning your trip! You can find accessibility information on Lake of the Ozarks State Park here!

Lake of the Ozarks State Park directions

See the interactive map below for directions from Lake of the Ozarks to Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Use the plus sign to zoom in and the minus sign to zoom out.

The Strip

There’s no shortage of things to do on The Strip! Walk the streets hand in hand and visit the many businesses that call Lake of the Ozarks home. It doesn’t cost anything to walk around and explore. If you have a little extra in the budget for entertainment, stretch those funds by choosing cheap activities like playing pool, throwing darts, listening to music, dancing, and so on.

Just keep in mind, The Strip can get expensive if you’re not careful.

A few pro tips for your thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

Getting around

Driving is by far the cheapest option for getting to and around Lake of the Ozarks. If you don’t want to drive your personal vehicle, Discovercars.com can help you find the best deal on a rental car.

Saving money on lodging

There are a couple ways you can really save money on lodging in the Lake of the Ozarks area. Most of my “fancy condo stays” in the Lake of the Ozarks area are in the off season. Cheaper rates, less people, less noise, less traffic, etcetera. It’s perfect!

When I am traveling in the on season, I usually book with a hotel that has a pool and a continental breakfast. I opt for a basic room, nothing special. If you’re looking to book a hotel room, booking.com will help you find the best deal possible. When I have a need for more privacy or simply want to avoid people at busy hotels, I book a modest vacation rental. VRBO can help you narrow down options.

It’s amazing how much money you can save by simply paying attention to “what” types of lodging you book “when”.

Also, split the cost of lodging with your travel companions! This is a great way to stretch your travel funds.

Saving money on food

I will be blatantly honest. You will not find reasonably priced take out here unless you settle for fast food. I don’t eat fast food very often because it is so unhealthy. A total lack of planning on my first trip here taught me more than a few “lessons”!

After spending way too much time driving around looking for reasonably priced take out, I gave up and settled for Subway. It’s probably the healthiest fast food, and the service was great. While eating, I did some quick internet searches and meal planning for the remainder of my trip.

I was able to locate a grocery store and come up with a budget friendly meal plan. I spent an hour shopping, but it was worth it! Meal prep from my hotel room saved a ton of money, and I was able to eat a bit healthier.

If you need some ideas, check out my post Eat Well from Your Hotel.

Beaver Lake, Arkansas ~ thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

I intentionally left Beaver Lake separate from Eureka Springs, even though you can add it to your Eureka Springs itinerary if you so choose. I did so for one reason, we booked a stay on Beaver Lake for a week and NEVER left the resort we were staying at. You probably wouldn’t want to leave either!

The romantic possibilities and the recreational potential are insane. One of my favorite things about our stay at Beaver Lake was wildlife observation. Not even kidding! I took so many pictures of birds, deer, squirrels, etcetera!

In fact, they are quite used to people. Imagine drinking your morning coffee while a squirrel eats birdseed on the same balcony. Or watching the deer munch on acorns while you’re eating dinner. Pretty cool, right?

Want to explore? You can go hiking above ground in search of scenic views or caving underground in search of hidden wonders. Both are incredible experiences for couples while on thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks.

Also, the fishing here is absolutely amazing! We caught a variety of different fish during our stay, and most were very nice in terms of size. Beaver Lake is now on my list of favorite fishing spots.

Romance? Imagine evening strolls and romantic sunsets. You can slap your dinner on the grill and enjoy a Bloody Mary while it’s cooking. Light some candles and dance to music on a balcony. Soak in a jetted tub and let your muscles completely relax. Cuddle up in bed and binge watch romantic movies. It’s amazing!

A few pro tips for your thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

Our choice of lodging for this trip was a cabin at a luxury resort for “couples only”. This option tends to be quite expensive! In fact, you may initially look at pricing and go “absolutely impossible”! So how did we make it affordable?

First, check the rate and availability calendars for all potential lodging options. Look at the rates for Tuesday-Thursday during the off season. You will save hundreds of dollars (YES! Hundreds!) on your romantic getaway doing this. In the end, you won’t be paying much more for an entire cabin at a luxury resort than you would a small hotel suite with a jetted tub.

Second, make a thrifty meal plan for your trip. You can purchase your groceries slowly, hit sales, use coupons, take advantage of rewards programs, etcetera. Store your groceries in your pantry or freezer at home until time for your trip. Make use of the kitchen and grill where you’re staying. You will save a ton of money on food doing this!

Branson, Missouri ~ thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

Now, Branson doesn’t exactly scream romance. It screams family fun! Right? But I promise it can be quite romantic depending on how you plan your trip.

There’s an insane amount of lodging options so you will be able to get something that fits your budget. Booking.com can help you with that! Keep in mind that you can make any space romantic with a few added touches like fairly lights, battery operated candles, silk flower petals, etcetera.

Activities for your thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

There are many free or cheap activities in Branson for couples. Plan ahead and build a romantic itinerary for your trip. Perhaps the suggestions below will help!

You can take a stroll down the boardwalk with that special someone and watch the Fire and Water Show.

Hike scenic trails in search of stunning Ozark Mountain views! Trust me, you’ll be impressed and they’re not hard to find! Maybe even watch the sunset together from a scenic overlook?

Visit Table Rock State Park and have a romantic picnic. Maybe spend a little time here enjoying outdoor recreation. There’s something here for everyone, and it’s a thrifty way to optimize your itinerary.

Walk hand in hand while exploring one of the free museums or visitor centers.

Take a free tour of a distillery or winery. Enjoy free samples!

Book a Branson scavenger hunt on Viator! The scavenger hunts are very thrifty and a ton of fun.

Grove, Oklahoma ~ thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

When you think of the Ozarks, you don’t necessarily think of “Grove, Oklahoma”. But, I promise, it is part of the Ozarks. If you’re planning thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks, you may want to give it some consideration.

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees

This is an insanely large lake that boasts a ton of recreational potential and scenic views. People travel here from miles around for watersports and fishing tournaments. There are lakeside parties, music, games, and so much more. It can be a pretty busy place in the warmer months. However, when things calm down it can be a very romantic and peaceful destination.

Imagine cuddling up next to each other around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and watching the sunset over the lake. Doesn’t that sound nice?

Not a fan of camping? Book a cozy cabin on the lake through VRBO and let the romance begin.

Lendonwood Gardens

If you are a nature lover, you’ll want to add a trip to Lendonwood Gardens to your itinerary. It is reasonably priced and you can do a self-guided tour. Imagine walking hand in hand as you stroll through acres of beautifully landscaped plants, trees, and shrubs.

You can find more information on Lendonwood Gardens here!

Casinos

Before you decide to add gaming to your itinerary set a spending limit so you don’t spend more than you can comfortably afford. Casinos can be fun for couples, especially if it’s a new experience.

There are a couple casinos in Grove that you may want to check out.

The Cherokee Casino and Hotel is one option. See the interactive map below for directions. Use the plus sign to zoom in and the minus sign to zoom out.

The Grand Lake Casino is another option. See the interactive map below for directions. Use the plus sign to zoom in and the minus sign to zoom out.

Lodging options

If you’re looking to book a hotel room, booking.com will help you find the best deal possible. If you need more privacy or simply want to avoid busy hotels, consider booking a modest vacation rental. VRBO can help you narrow down options.

It’s important to mention that the lodge at Grand Lake Casino offers Stay and Play packages. If you plan on gaming, you may want to take that into consideration.

St. Francois Mountains, Missouri

This is one of those geographical areas you could spend months in and never be done exploring! I absolutely fell in love with this area, and you will too! There are mines, shut-ins, mountain views, springs, waterfalls, elephant rocks, beautiful valleys, historical battle sites, driving tours, and so much more.

This area is seriously perfect for thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks. The romantic possibilities are endless, and you can fill your entire itinerary with free activities. That’s a WIN WIN!

Below are some “must visit” places with interactive maps so you can find your way.

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

Want to be alone in nature together? This is a great place! Rugged terrain hiking with scenic mountain views and Missouri’s tallest waterfall.

PRO TIP: Make sure the region has had plenty of rainfall before you hike the Mina Sauk Falls Trail.

Learn more about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park here!

Accessibility

Living with handicaps and disabilities? Don’t let that stop you from seeing scenic mountain views and exploring the top of Missouri! Learn more about accessibility at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park here!

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park directions

See the interactive map below for directions to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.

Elephant Rocks State Park

This place offers a really unique hiking experience with beautiful Ozark Mountain views. You could spend a lot of time here exploring the unique rock formations and the engine house.

Want to try something new and fun as a couple? Bouldering is allowed here! It’s so much fun and this is an excellent place to learn.

A few pointers for those new to this form of free style rock climbing. Do not try this in the heat of July and August in this region. The rocks can get insanely hot, and no amount of chalk will help you maintain your grip. You’ll spend more time on your bouldering pad than you will on the rocks. Also, make sure you have a really good pair of shoes made for climbing.

There are picnic tables available if you want to pack a picnic lunch. Some are very close to the parking area, so you won’t have far to carry your food.

Accessibility

The trails here are very accessible so plan your visit! Learn more about the accessibility of Elephant Rocks State Park here!

Elephant Rocks State Park directions

See the interactive map below for directions to Elephant Rocks State Park.

Silver Mines Recreation Area

This is one of those lesser-known places that have a LOT to offer. A last-minute change in our itinerary brought us here. We were actually here with our children, but I promise this place has romantic potential. Read my blog post about the Silver Mines Recreation Area! There’s detailed information about the mines as well as an interactive map to help you find your way.

Pilot Knob in the Arcadia Valley

This is a really unique place you should consider adding to your itinerary. There’s a ton of historical value and a really neat driving tour (free and self-guided). You can enjoy learning and exploring together in an incredibly scenic area. Don’t forget to stop by the visitors’ center and museum!

Learn more about the visitors’ center at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site here.

Read my post on Destination Linking for my St. Francois Mountains & Arcadia Valley itinerary.

Read my post on Driving Tours to learn more about the Battle of Pilot Knob Driving Tour and see images of our 2 favorite stops!

For your convenience, here is a link to the Battle of Pilot Knob Driving Tour instructions.

Pilot Knob directions for your thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

See the interactive map below for directions to Pilot Knob.

Lodging options

Finding lodging in this area can be a bit tricky. However, booking.com can help you filter your options and find you the best deal.

NOTE: We really like to stay at the Fort Davidson Hotel in the Arcadia Valley. It’s an older hotel that’s family owned. There’s a welcoming feeling here that you simply don’t get with corporate establishments. Our rooms are always spotless, and the jacuzzi suites are nice. They also have an outdoor pool that is open in the warmer months. It’s one of the cleanest I have ever swam in.

If you’re looking for a private vacation rental, VRBO can help. They have a nice filtration system that can help you find the right place for you based on your budget and individual needs.

Van Buren, Missouri ~ thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks

You can obviously tell by the imagery below that my Van Buren adventures began years ago. You know, back when you had to take your film to the nearest store and wait patiently for it to be developed. Yea…that long ago.

In any case, Van Buren boasts endless possibilities when it comes to both recreation and romance. It would take an entire blog post to cover all the information you really need to know, and I suppose that gives me an excuse to plan a trip! Afterall, I need better imagery and updated information. Right?

Activities

The time of year you’re planning thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks determines possible activities in the Van Buren area. If it’s warm enough you should go canoeing here! The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Read my post on Canoe Trip Tips before heading out!

Additionally, this is an excellent place to camp. I have spent many nights camping in the Van Buren area, and it’s such a peaceful experience. Imagine campfires and cuddling under the stars.

Backpacking and hiking won’t disappoint here either! The potential is endless! In fact, you can explore until your legs feel like jelly. The scenic views and memories will be etched in your mind forever.

Whatever you do, don’t miss out on visiting Big Spring! See the interactive map below for directions to Big Spring.

Worthy of notable mention ~ Sedalia, Missouri

I am fully aware that Sedalia isn’t exactly in the boundaries of what’s considered the “Ozark Mountains region”. However, it is really close in proximity, so I decided to include it!

How many people have fallen in love at the Missouri State Fairgrounds? Held hands there for the first time, hugged for the first time, or kissed for the first time? Sedalia love stories and memories that last a lifetime…

Activities

There is no shortage of romantic things you can do here! Below are some ideas that may help you plan your getaway.

You can start by walking hand in hand through the Sedalia Historic District. Take some time to visit some of the shops, admire some of the cool architecture, grab a drink, play some pool, etcetera. Also, make sure you get over to Katy Depot! There’s a lot of history there, and you can do a self-guided tour.

Sedalia is also an excellent place for recreation! You can literally fill an entire itinerary with activities available at various parks in the area. Learn more about Sedalia Parks and Recreation here!

Make sure you find time to visit the Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site! You can take a tour of the lodge and go hiking. There is a small fee for the tour, but it’s well worth it!

Learn more about area events here => Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau!

Lodging

There’s certainly a ton of lodging options here!! If you’re looking to book a hotel room, booking.com will help you find the best deal possible. If you need more privacy or simply want to avoid busy hotels, consider booking a modest vacation rental. VRBO can help you narrow down options.

I hope this information helps you when you’re planning thrifty romantic getaways in the Ozarks. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section of this post or reach out to me by email. Wishing you many blessings and as always, Safe Travels!