Wild about Branson, Missouri? You should be; it’s positively entertaining. When the sun comes up in the scenic hills of southwest Missouri’s Ozarks, visitors are getting ready for showtime. It’s is all about entertainment, 100’s of shows and there’s never a dull moment. The Branson experience is for all ages and it’s a positive way to celebrate music and mirth from morning to night. Planning takes priority here, since there is so much to do. There’s a small town family atmosphere with friendliness and activities that provide unforgettable moments for family and friends seeking get together vacations to celebrate romance, reunions and special events.
Many options for accommodations fit all budgets; make a deal to fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay and play at Thousand Hills Golf Resort in their luxury 1 & 2 bedroom condos, B & B’s like The Branson House, hotels & motels and inns galore and swanky like the Hilton Branson or Chateau on the Lake. It does take arranging to make each day meaningful, check out the most popular shows, adventures and accommodations and jot down the schedule. You can be as busy as a bee or free to wander and drop-in to shows or theme parks.
My recent visit to Branson was a first for me. Curiosity brought me here after hearing so much about it and I have met many performers, who return yearly like Tony Orlando. Country music gets me going and the tributes to those country favorites inspired my trip. Autumn is so colorful with breathtaking views of rolling hills and three lakes. I am told Christmas is exceptional with special lighting and shows.
No kidding, this was My Typical Branson Day:
Morning breakfast in my spacious condo at Thousand Hills Golf Resort, the large kitchen was a plus for having a bite to eat or a cup of coffee at leisure.
10 A.M. Started my day with A Tribute to John Denver as James Garrett, a friend of John’s, who sang all his hits and shared anecdotes of the late great John Denver. My all time favorite was “Country Roads.”
12 P.M. Lunch break at Branson Landing, the newest waterfront shopping and dining experience. The casual atmosphere and distinctive good food lakeside at Black Oak Grill made it friendly choice. There was even time to drop by some shops and grab a chic new dress to wear out to upcoming shows.
1:30 P.M. Headed up from The Landing to historic downtown Branson for a visit to Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10, the merchandise here is overwhelming with items from times gone by and collectibles that you thought you would never see again at bargains that you wouldn’t believe. There were plenty of antique stores adjacent on this main thoroughfare.
3:30 P.M. A luxury Table Rock Lake cruise on the Show Boat Branson Belle offered another show and three-course dinner. It was a daringly different show MADE IN THE USA, on an Americana paddle boat moving along the Lake as Master magician and comedian Christopher Jones, was an intriguing Master of Ceremonies, joined by aerial violinist Janice Martin and The Showmen Singers, enhanced by breathtaking exterior views of the Ozark Mountains.
8 P.M. Hooray for Hollywood, a nostalgia voyage through the magic of movies and those favorite musicals of all time. Wildly original, it’s been considered the #1 show in Branson with scenes from movies we all know like “My Fair Lady,” “Mary Poppins,” “Singin’ In The Rain,” “Les Miserables,” “The Lion King” and so many more. As film clips grazed the big screen, talented singers and dancers presented a glittering salute and spectacular live performances from those great films. It was a must see for this movie buff and exhilarating to watch top notch dancers with routines from “Flash Dance,” “Footloose,” “Dirty Dancing” and “Fame.”
Our veterans and active military are always honored at every show, there is an ongoing sense of patriotism in Branson. There’s even a Veteran’s Museum,which exhibits wartime items and stories of courageous men and women in the military. Our American flag is prominent in Branson.
You can’t forget our musical legends, as you hear them up close and personal at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre. LEGENDS IN CONCERT is where celebrity look alikes actually sound and perform as Diana Ross, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, The Blues Brothers, Brooks & Dunn with every familiar movement to the last detail. A rotating line-up captures the very essence of their stars you love: Johnny Cash, Marilyn Monroe, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Cher and more surrounded by elaborate sets and effects. Outdoor adventures, another source of Branson entertainment with Zip line, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Segway tours in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and more.
A world of adventure and delight is at Silver Dollar City, which continues with Shows plus handicrafts and demonstrations in pottery making, homemade bakery, candy and ice cream delights. A must see here is the Marvel cave a natural wonder 300 feet below the surface with a total of 600 stairs to reach this deep limestone cave. Home-style restaurants galore can be found on the extensive grounds. Also it has its own railway and the Wood Roller Coaster that twists upside down.
Good times can be found at Branson theme parks, water rides, family adventures, caves and caverns, as well as riverboat cruising. One visit to Branson and you are sure to return to see the shows you missed like ABBA, Frankie Valli, The fabulous Twelve Irish Tenors, an Eagles Tribute and all the activities you didn’t have time to experience.
Find out everything about Branson by contacting Branson CVB or Branson/Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention Bureau at 800-296-0463 (toll free) or http://www.ExploreBranson.com. A few facts about Branson:
100+ live shows
240+ restaurants
Moderate climate with four distinct seasons
Top Industries: Tourism, Healthcare, Retail and Education, Housing/ Real Estate
3 area lakes with hundreds of miles of pristine shoreline
Local airport served by Air Tran, Frontier and Branson Air Express, Southwest Airline
Real Travel Adventures 