Looking for a place to escape for a long weekend? Don’t miss Branson, Missouri. The city and the surrounding area has something that will interest just about everyone.
Branson is known for live music and shows, but the city has much more to offer.
I thought visiting Branson would be all about seeing nostalgic shows of live music, but I was surprised. The area has evolved into a mecca of indoor and outdoor entertainment for all ages.
Presley’s Old Time Building in Branson, Mo.
The city’s reputation as the place for live entertainment was born in 1959 by the Mabe brothers, who called themselves the Baldknobbers. In 1963, another local musical family, the Presleys, began playing shows and built the first live music theatre on Highway 76 in 1967 — Branson’s original country music theater. This area is now the heart of the Entertainment District and generations of Presleys still perform at Presleys’ Country Jubilee.
But there is more than country music in Branson — there’s a huge variety of live music from the 1960s to the 1980s to SIX to MJ to Legends in Concerts, which is promoted as the world’s greatest live tribute show. In addition to music, there’s entertainment like the Shanghai Circus Amazing Acrobats, Dolly Parton Stampede, magicians, comedians and award-winning dance troupes.
The region is more spread out than I expected, stretching from historic downtown Branson to the entertainment district and further to Table Rock Lake.
Historic downtown district in Branson, Mo.
Historic downtown Branson has a free trolley for exploring the quaint streets and shopping, including the long-running Dick’s 5 and 10 general store at 103 W. Main St., overflowing with retro toys, old-fashioned candy and more. The Branson Landing is full of retail stores and restaurants and sits along Lake Taneycomo. There is a moderately priced Hilton Promenade in this part of town.
The entertainment and theatre district, “the strip,” is West 76th Country Blvd., lined with restaurants and attractions like the Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, The Track Family Fun Park featuring the Branson Ferris Wheel and The Butterfly Palace rainforest adventure.
Branson Aquarium in Branson, Mo.
The city is also home to Branson’s Wild World animal adventure park and aquarium and The Shepherd of the Hills adventure park featuring Missouri’s highest and fastest zipline, the Inspiration Tower scenic overlook, indoor and outdoor shows and restaurants. There are several economy-priced hotels along the strip.
In Branson, the food options are limitless, from donuts to diners, family-friendly to steakhouses, locally owned places to familiar chains. I found an authentic Indian restaurant — one of my favorite cuisines — and had lunch at the India Clay Oven Fine Indian Cuisine at 2005 West 76th St. I ordered my favorite dish: Lamb Korma with rice, naan bread and raita sauce. It was some of the best Indian food I’ve eaten.
Lamb Korma, rice, butter naan and raita at India Clay Oven restaurant in Branson, Mo.
For outdoor recreation, Table Rock Lake is great for boating, fishing, waterskiing, tubing and more. Boat and other rentals are available at various marinas. Lodging options include private rentals and a few resorts.
Branson has plenty for the golfer. There are at least a dozen golf courses in the city, several courses designed by renowned golfers like Tom Fazio, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
For an upscale experience any time of year, Big Cedar Lodge, about 15 minutes south of Branson, is your best bet. The Osage Restaurant at Top of the Rock on the property is phenomenal, with fine cuisine, a warm setting and scenic views of the valley and the lake. They have a special sunset ceremony, where a Civil War cannon erupts and everyone raises their glass for a toast.
Big Cedar Lodge outside Branson, Mo.
The lodge bills itself “America’s Premier Wilderness Resort” and offers cabins, cottages and lodge rooms. Some of the amenities include swimming pools, a fitness center, spa, marina, lake cruise, six golf courses, several restaurants and Fun Mountain, 50,000 square feet of action-packed activities. Childcare is available.
Also at Big Cedar is the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail and the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, which has one of the most significant collections of Native American and Civil War artifacts, plus a woolly mammoth from Siberia. Big Cedar Lodge is located at 190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, and for a fee, non-guests can take advantage of some of the amenities.
Helpful tips for visiting Branson
The Titanic Museum in Branson, Mo.
- Determine how you want to spend your time in Branson, whether that be outdoor recreation, theatre shows and attractions or shopping, etc. before choosing your lodging to limit travel around the city.
- Be prepared for traffic. There are main routes through the city, but with all of the attractions, it can become quickly congested.
- Wear or carry comfortable walking shoes. Once landing in an area like the Branson Landing, historic downtown Branson or the entertainment district, you’ll likely park and walk around to shops, restaurants and attractions.
ExploreBranson.com is the official website of the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, where those interested can find information to shows and attractions and purchase tickets. Be aware that the numerous brick-and-mortar businesses with “visitor center” type signage are not affiliated with the official visitors center but are independently owned travel agencies.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.shreveportbossieradvocate.com ’
