If I tell you how wonderful it is, will you promise not to go?
Written: Apr 21 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful outdoors, awesome shows, great shopping, good food, nice people!
Cons: Trying to decide which (of soooo many) things to do!
The Bottom Line: We like Branson because it is G-rated, tons to do, in beautiful surroundings. It's fun for couples, families, or groups of friends.
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| highlighter72's Full Review: Branson |
If you are prepared for the traffic, it won't bother you. It's actually kind of nice, as a passenger, because it allows you time to see all of the interesting buildings and signs along "the Strip." But there is much more to Branson than the Strip. Branson is nestled in the friendly Ozark mountains, with tall trees and sparkling lakes. It is beautiful year-round.
The nearest "city" is Springfield, MO, 45 minutes north. Here, you will definitely want to check out the Bass Pro Shop and Wildlife Museum. It's a 3-story lodge-style store full of camping/fishing gear, and outdoor scenery. The Springfield area has some great cave-tours, and is close to Laura Ingalls Wilder's last home in Mansfield, MO. We also love the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, MO. You could enjoy several days in southern Missouri before you ever get to Branson. But on your way south from Springfield, don't forget to stop at Lambert's Cafe, where some meals are served in huge skillets! Rolls are tossed over your head, and servers come by with bowls of extra food for you. After you eat, you will enjoy the scenic road (highway 65) to Branson. Read the billboards and admire the smooth highway through cut-away mountains.
Branson itself has a main road (Highway 76 - hello traffic), and several back roads "alternate routes." Most of the shows and attractions are along the main road. At the eastern end of the main road is downtown Branson, not to be missed! Lots of little shops, cafes, the Scenic Railway depot, and some lake/riverboat attractions.
Some of the shows/attractions that we've enjoyed...
* Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Cruise: You'll forget you're on a huge boat, as you watch incredible performances on the elaborate stage, and singing waiters carry out Flaming Alaska dessert to your table. There is time to go out and walk around the deck, too.
* Silver Dollar City: Mountain music, tasty food, shady trees - a sprawling, turn-of-the-century mountain "city" of rustic shops. Watch craftsmen work their magic; buy old-time soaps, candles, glassware, candy; and ride a few rides. Be warned: half of the rides are "get wet" rides. Also, SDC is hilly terrain. Wear good walking shoes, or strap-on waterproof sandals, and take lots of money to buy yummy food and handcrafted gifts, books, tintypes, etc. They will send your purchases to the front gate for you, so you won't have to carry them around. Be sure to take the tour of Marvel Cave while you're there, as it's the origin of SDC and an important part of Branson's history.
* Dixie Stampede: Another must-do. Go early enough to see the horses (in their stalls) outside and also see the pre-show (inside). When you arrive, you will be assigned to either the North or the South side (think Civil war). Once you are seated around the big arena, you will be served a delicious dinner. The show is actually a competition between North and South stunt-riding performers, while you eat and cheer for your side.
* SHOPPING! Outlet malls, nice outdoor malls, and numerous shops of miscellany along the Strip... Many quilts, book stores, rock shops, specialty stores, Amish products, gaudy souvenirs... You'll find tons of great deals.
* Hard Luck Cafe: A little restaurant where the servers take turns singing, and you can join in from your table. It's fun.
* Ripley's Museum: Very INTERESTING! Believe It or Not!
* Ride the Ducks: These amphibious military vehicles climb steep hills and plunge right into the lake, while the driver gives a funny, educational tour of the Branson area. Passengers get little duck-bill-blowers, to quack along the way, especially when you pass another passenger-filled Duck. Kids are given a chance to drive the Duck on the lake.
* Branson Scenic Railway: Being train-enthusiasts, we liked exploring the old cars. They needed some care/repair, though, and the scenic tour was rather dull - just trees. You go several miles down the track, then stop, go back along the same track to the station.
* Baldknobbers Hillbilly Jamboree: I remember when this was one of the very few shows in Branson. Like the other Jamboree show, this is good music and comedy, ending with a patriotic finale. Branson is very patriotic, and military people, veterans are highly honored. In our global-economy, it is nice to remember our American (U.S.) heritage and pride. You might shed a tear as aged veterans stand up for recognition, and everyone sings God Bless the USA.
* Shoji Tobuchi: Make sure to use the bathroom here! The restrooms are gorgeous. Shoji is an incredible, wonderful musician, and puts on a great show with a cast of dancers. Lots of things fall from the ceiling onto the audience - balloons, confetti, etc. If you want to be dumped on, sit front and center. If you want to watch other people get dumped on, sit along the sides. We enjoyed watching many senior citizens get happily dumped on, experience being kids again. The most touching performance was Shoji playing One More Day in memory of his son.
* The INCREDIBLE Acrobats of China: I don't know if anyone actually "enjoys" this show... I mean, you're kind of breathless and on the edge of your seat the whole time! It is absolutely impossible, what these young acrobats can do without falling or getting seriously hurt! Very inspiring, what can be mastered with dedication and practice.
* Shepherd of the Hills outdoor theater: We only went for dinner and the show, but the site offers much more. The dinner was picnic-style BBQ/beans. We like outdoor theaters, with horses and singing. The book, Shepherd of the Hills, was actually written in the Branson area, making the play of particular interest to Branson visitors.
* Stone Hill Winery: Here you can tour the wine-making process, and participate in a round-the-bar sampling of the different wines, which are available for purchase along with wine accessories.
* The Bradford Inn: This is a family-owned B&B-type inn that you will fall in love with. When we stayed there, we were handed the keys to different rooms, to choose our favorite (they're all different, with separate entrances and access to decks overlooking the valley). The breakfast is unbelievable - sausage, eggs, pancakes griddled by a cheerful man while you wait, tables spread with other breakfast foods. You can eat in a home-y dining area, or go out to the sunny deck and look out over the green valley and see Branson in the distance. The rooms were not expensive, but they do book up quickly. There is a journal in each room for guests to leave messages for future guests. Filled journals are kept on a shelf in an accessible loft-room. Interesting to read, and fun to leave your mark. It's nice to be away from the noise, lights, and crowds. The inn staff go to great lengths to make you feel at home, and you do.
My husband and I are in our early 30's. We honeymooned in Branson, and celebrate our anniversary there each year. This summer we will be taking the kids for a family vacation - I will have to update with the new attractions. In our experience, the kind of people who live in and visit Branson are friendly, family-oriented, fun-loving folks (how's that for alliteration). The pace is slower than other vacation destinations, but you can use that time to relax and meet interesting new friends.
One thing that someone has noticed is that Branson is dominantly White. I do not think Branson is prejudiced, but it does glorify the Civil War era and also takes pride in its Hillbilly-ness. If you are Southern (white) or of hillbilly =o) descent, you will feel especially at home in Branson. But Branson strives to make every visitor comfortable and happy. Knowing about its (wrongful) reputation as "a place for old people," the town is making efforts to draw in the younger generations. Silver Dollar City recently opened its new theme park, called Celebration City, which celebrates the earlier decades of the twentieth century. I will have to let you know how good it is!
What I haven't mentioned yet are the attractions just outside of Branson. Hiking, fishing, camping, boating... There is Big Cedar Lodge, if you can afford the luxury! And Dogwood Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., where you can ride a scenic tram, or bike, or even kayak.
There are many time-share resorts in and around Branson. By touring these, you can receive free lodging, show tickets, meals, and a discount coupon book. But be warned, you will definitely want to buy a share! We did - we bought into the Bluegreen Vacation Club. That's a different review, but I can tell you that we've had no regrets, and love using the Branson resorts. Branson is a place where you come annually, for a week at a time, and do new things each year - because it would take months to do everything in one visit. Each season has different appeals. We like Fall and Christmas best, ourselves.
Do some Branson research online and find lots of print-out coupons. Buy your tickets in advance. There are lots of good package deals. Call the different places if you have any questions. I've always received friendly help when I call or email with my own inquiries.
I hope my review has been helpful. For Branson's sake, I hope you will want to go. Of course, the more people who go, the more crowded it will be! Oh well. It's worth it.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
highlighter72
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Reviews written: 1
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