Should you happen to find yourself in the live entertainment capital of our nation, and deep in a lush, rolling, forested region, well, would you know you know it, it’s the middle of America and you’re in Branson. Many of you are heading home to family and friends this spring and summer. Here’s just a quick list of why to make extra time for Branson.
This is a little gem. People overuse the term, but it might be the most suitable description for this town of 10,000 people. It’s small, but quite almighty in terms of family entertainment, affordability, value, scenery and outdoor recreation.
- First of all, late April through May are optimal. You avoid the crowds, I know, you are thinking, what crowds? Keep reading. The weather is pleasant and in the mid 60s to 70s, it might be a bit stormy, but the lack of heat, bugs and humidity this season make it ideal. Come Thanksgiving through the holidays, Christmas reigns and it’s a bit more crowded. However, holiday extravaganzas and mild winter temperatures are alluring. September and October are also ideal, but for the blooming flowers and buzz of excitement, spring is best.
Where to stay. You stay on the promenade if you are there for business. With a family, up on the strip of 76 Country Boulevard is convenient and located close to activities, food and shows. I enjoyed the recently remodeled Hilton Promenade, spacious, and one block from old town Branson. I always prefer the in-town, non-chain hotels when not with work. But the opposite holds true and we look for pools and complimentary breakfast with kids in tow. For families, look into the clean and plentiful independently owned motels on the “Strip.”
- I love Margaret “Molly” Brown. Colorado legend and survivor of not one, but two ship wrecks and a fire, this woman was a force not even nature could reckon with. The largest museum in the nation dedicated to Titanic, even the building and exhibition is ship-like with different decks and viewing sports, this is certainly worthy of a stop to experience a sensational collection and also a true part of Coloradoans fabric. For what made the Unsinkable Molly Brown infamous on the ship that fateful night is only a small amount of change and progression this women accomplished. A wonderful, hands-on approach to a tragic disaster. titanicbranson.com
- The College of the Ozarks is worth a stroll and a must stop in their ice cream shop at the Keeter Center. Home to one of America’s only FREE universities, that is, all students have on-campus employment to defer costs, this 1,400-student; liberal arts university on 1,000 acres overlooking Lake Taneycomo is gorgeous. Just a little outside the town of Branson, campus highlights include the overlooks, the Church and the Keeter Center, a giant lodge, that has 15 hotel suites, food and various forms of entertainment. My pick choice was a dinner hosted by the students, of course, that featured their farm-to-table meat and produce. Well executed! cofo.edu
- So, Branson has a few shows, just about 50 every night. The little Vegas has been hosting performers for over 50 years as well. From the popular Starlite Theatre with concerts every night to the obscure Owen Theatre downtown, this place is your family version of Las Vegas for live shows. explorebranson.com/shows
- Showboat Branson Belle. Call me a water fan, but this boat was one of my favorite memories of Branson. It was my first riverboat show and certainly not my last. We boarded the 4 story, 700-seat ship and were immediately seated for an enormous meal: salad, prime rib, veggies and dessert. It was plenty for two people, yet I was only one. The show began and it was phenomenal. From an all-male tap troupe performance to Cassandre the singer, everyone in the audience had something to latch on to; Disney, Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, etc. Go! Anytime of the day! bransontourismcenter.com/shows/info/showboat-branson-belle
- Historic Downtown Branson. I have an extremely large and special place in my heart for towns of yesteryear. From the homey Branson Café, Clockers Café and Downtown Diner & Bakery to the several antique stores where I scored some incredible toys for my children, to the quintessential Dick’s 5 & 10, Historic Downtown is only three blocks by two blocks, so it’s easy to navigate and accomplish. Don’t forget the free trolley also leaves from the Train Depot right in town as well. downtownbranson.org
- Branson Landing. The city’s newest entertainment/shopping district is all new construction of 1.5 miles on Lake Taneycomo (looks more like a river), offers many chain and regional stores, restaurants and window browsing,
but most importantly, it has the Fountains which cost $7.5 million alone! They shoot 120-foot geysers into the air, and it’s really a spectacle. There is choreographed to light and music, designed by the same group that did the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Fountain shows start at noon daily, but my favorite was America-themed show after sunset. bransonlanding.com
- Silver Dollar City. I’ve never been the biggest fan of amusement parks; water parks have always been my gig. However, I found myself three months pregnant and queasy as ever at this massive attraction. It was the most radiant of surprises. Founded in 1960, this Park has been going strong, due to its diversity. I didn’t have to ride one of their 30 thrilling rides, but rather could stroll through the 40 craft shops and demos and suck on the most division of peppermints from the candy shop. Lunch at the park was Southern classics and delicious! We had fried chicken and all the fixin’s. I followed this by a nap at my hotel I was so satisfied. For kids, this is a full day and a huge draw for the city. The Marvel Cave is onsite for touring, there are live shows, demonstrations in the crafts area, reoccurring shows, and ten different areas to explore. silverdollarcity.com
- Outdoor adventure. Try your athleticism at hiking and biking through these Ozark hills. Or zip lining at Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour or golfing at Top of the Rock or Buffalo Ridge or swimming at one of the many hotels with outdoor pools. The Ozarks and the remarkable lush green belts of the area offer up endless outdoor and camping adventuring. Boating on Table Rock Lake where many residents flock is popular for much of the year.
Author: Julie Bielenberg
Julie is a mama of three who travels in search of fields, farms, families and more. Sometimes . . . she finds herself in often uncovered, or understated locales, which has since become her niche.
