I wanted to give an everyone update on a few upcoming events at Branson so you can mark your calendars and plan your trips accordingly.
June 6 - August 9, 2009 is Kidfest at Silver Dollar City. You can be a kid again during Silver Dollar City's Kidfest. Interactive exhibits and multitudes of entertainment for the entire family during this summer festival. The magic of Pete Gossamer will return as will JEERK! a Swedish rythmic and percussion group that has been a real hit in the past at Silver Dollar City. Check out the video at this link. Here is link to the Kidfest brochure. Veggie Tales will be back presenting their Invention of Silliness. There will also be many other events going on for the entire family. All of this for the price of admission to Silver Dollar City. Remember, you can Create your own vacation packages at ReserveBranson.com
June 20-21, 2009 over at the Titanic Museum you will find the Father's Day Boat Show. Yes, believe it or not Father's Day is just around the corner. If Dad is a boat lover this is the place to be. You can read my post about the Titanic Museum.
July 14-17, 2009 is the Branson Gospel Music Convention. If Gospel music is your thing this is where you want to be. There will be performances by Marcey Wall, Blackwood Quartet, Chuck Wagon Gang, Eric Hinson, Crossway, Shannon Bunch, Samaritan Revival, Young Harmony, Jay Stone Singers, Minister’s Quartet, The Parish Family and The Ladds plus many, many more. This will be held at the Branson Convention Center. You can find out more at the Gospel Music Convention.
Create your own vacation packages at ReserveBranson.com
Well, we have covered a lot of ground on our Branson vacation. We visited Silver Dollar City where we had a really good day. We watched live shows there as well as enjoyed the local craftsman showing us how to do everything from blow glass to blacksmith.
We spent a day shopping Branson visiting the both the local crafts and antique stores as well as the Outlet Malls and Branson Landing on Lake Taneycomo.
Let's not forget the food you can find in Branson. There are numerous restaraunts, cafes, and buffets to insure that you do not go hungry.
We also took a look at some of the exciting upcoming events. Things that will give a reason to go or to go back! Just a side note here, I believe the 1st annual Branson Air Show is going to be a great success. If you love aircraft or enjoy being entertained for an entire day without spending a ton of money you need to get to Branson for this event.
These last several posts on Branson will hopefully give you an idea of the myriad of things to do at Branson Missouri if you have never been. If you have been, I hope these posts will make you want to go back. Not only is Branson a place you can vacation but it is a place where you can spend time with your family in a laid back environment. Slow down a little and enjoy yourself! See you in Branson Missouri!
Oh, by the way. Do yourself a favor and stop by the Panera Bread Company on the way out of town and pick a loaf of fresh baked bread. And, if you happen to be driving south on Hwy 65 on your way home make a stop at Coursey's Meat Market just outside of St. Joe, Arkansas. They have the best smoked ham and turkey you can find. And if you like Beef Jerky don't leave there without some of their's. You will be glad you did!
You can find great savings on your Branson Vacation by clicking on the small banner below.
Branson Missouri has numerous restaraunts to choose from for your dining pleasure. You can get everything from home style cooking to fine dining. Let's face it. You came to Branson either to have fun for the weekend or for a family vacation. So, let's make the most of our dining experience by having a little fun along the way!
For breakfast I usually do one of the following options:
- The first option is to eat at the continental breakfast provided at the hotel. You can do this if your hotel has a breakfast feature.
- Another choice, not personal favorite but one the kids always enjoy, is the Krispy Kreme donut shop located right on Hwy 76 near the entrance to the Tanger Outlet Center which I discussed in a previous post. Just look for the sign in the window to be lit indicating that hot, fresh donuts are available.
- A personal favorite, and a family favorite as well, is the Panera Bread Company. They have wonderful muffins, pastries, cinnamon rolls, bread, breakfast sandwiches, and very good coffee. I'm picky about my coffee and Panera Bread has very good coffee. Panera Bread is on Green Mountain drive. Turn left at the McDonalds off of Hwy 76, if you are heading west, and follow the road about 1/3 of mile to the bottom of the hill. Panera is on the right.
- Finally, if I'm looking for a big, hearty breakfast I usually drop in on the Cracker Barrel and have the Uncle Herschel or Mama's Pancake breakfast. Either of these meals will last you until late in the afternoon, unless your out lumberjacking or maybe you run a marathon a couple of hours after breakfast. Cracker Barrel is on Hwy 76 farther down the strip. It is near Olive Garden (across the street).
I'm not one for a big lunch. I usually try to stay reasonably light.
- One of those fun little places to have lunch is the Hard Luck Diner. The Hard Luck Diner is located in the Grand Palace Shops next door to the Grand Palace Theater. Now, you can go their for dinner if you like but my recommendation is for lunch. They have good cheeseburgers, club sandwiches, chicken sandwiches and thick shakes. This is a 50's style diner and that is pretty cool in itself. It even has a soda fountain. But the fun thing about the Hard Luck Diner is the waiters and waitresses sing between orders. You will hear everything from gospel to country to oldies to pop! Most of the them are pretty good too! And of course they sell their CD's at the checkout counter.
- Now, I know we listed this folks for breakfast but I like them for lunch as well. That's the Panera Bread Company. (Trust me folks the one in Branson is really good) Sandwiches, salad, and soup are on the menu. I usually will grab a half sandwich and a cup of soup. If it's summer time or warm out I usually order a salad. The food is always fresh and well prepared.
- Another place for lunch is Fuddruckers. Fudd's is fairly new to Branson but I like it. They have wonderful hamburgers, sandwiches and salads. I also like their milk shakes. Fudd's is located near Dixie Stampede. It is closer to Hwy 65 than the other dining establishments discussed so far.
- There are many other places for lunch I just hit on a few of my favorites here.
For dinner you again have numerous options. You can have dinner and a show, or you can just focu on dinner. We will focus on dinner here. Click on the link in the last sentence that will take you to my post on entertainment where I recommend two dinner/show choices.
- One of my personal favorites is the Outback In Branson Grill. I don't think these folks are associated with the Outback chain. Their steaks, chicken, and shrimp are all excellent. Most entree's are served with a salad or soup, a side, and fresh baked bread. I don't make it by the Outback in Branson everytime I go but I sure try! It is located across Hwy 76 from the Hwy 76 Shopping Center.
- Another place for dinner is Joe's Crab Shack. It is located in Branson Landing. I would suggest an early evening their and ask to be seated on the patio so you can enjoy the night breeze off of Lake Taneycomo. You know about Joe's I'm sure. Fresh seasfood, entertaining wait staff. I have not personally eaten at the one in Branson but I have eaten in 2 or 3 other Joe's. The one in Destin was really good. The one in San Diego was pretty good. My wife and daughter have eaten and the one in Branson and said it was a little smaller than the other Joe's Crab Shack's but the food and service were excellent. A
- Another great place for lunch or dinner is McFarlain's. McFarlain's is located in the Imax Entertainment Complex. You will find homestyle cooking at McFarlain's. If you are going for the first time or if you have been before and are taking some Branson newbie's with you be sure and ask for the "rising table". It start's out at normal table height. It gradually move upward until it's up around your chest. This is very gradual so it's a really good prank. McFarlain's is located just off of Shepard of the Hills Expressway.
There a large number of dining establishments in Branson. I suggest you visit DineBranson.com at the link below to review their extensive listing of restaraunts in advance.
Branson Restaurant InformationRemember, book all of your hotel and entertainment needs for Branson at Reservebranson.com.
There are several upcoming events in Branson that you may be interested in participating in or attending.
Currently underway is the WorldFest at Silver Dollar City. This began on April 4 and runs through May 3. So you still have a couple of weeks to catch this. This is on Wednesday through Sunday's only. International performers and craftsman from around the world gather at Silver Dollar City to peform and share their craftsmanship.
Coming up this weekend is the Missouri Wine Festival. It is April 25 and April 26. It is held at Chateau on the Lake resort. If you can't make it this year then mark it on your calendar for next year.
If you like motorcycles then you will have plenty to entetain you in Branson. The Goldwing Motorcycle Riders gathering is April 30 - May 3. This is sponsored by Area 57 events. In addition the following weekend is the 8th annual Branson Motorcycle Rally. This will be held near the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater complex.
Something new for Branson, and always a big draw at the local air force base, is the 1st annual Branson Air Show. As usual Branson does events like this first class. They will have the USAF Thunderbirds as well as USArmy Golden Knights parchute team. Additional high performance military aircraft will be performing as well as on static display. This event will be held at the new Branson airport and will be held May 8 - May 10.
Finally if you are an adventurous soul and a have a desire to be on television the Wheel of Fortune will be holding audtions May 9 - May 10 in Branson at the Welk Resort. Go early and get in line if you want a chance to audition for the show.
The original shows of Branson, The Presley's and The Baldknobbers, are still in production today. The Baldknobbers have been performing now for 50 years. Both of these shows are country music (both old country and new country hits) as well as slapstick country comedy. You will leave either of these shows laughing and feeling entertained.
If your prefer dinner AND a show then I would encourage you to check out either the Dixie Stampede or the Branson Belle. The Dixie Stampede is Dolly Parton's showcase. You will be served a 4-course meal and then entertained by a mock battle of the North and South. The audience gets to participate and it is a fun time. The Branson Belle is a dinner cruise on Table Rock Lake followed by an entertaining show featuring ventriloquist Todd Oliver and his talking dogs!
If you prefer something a little different in the musical category try Shoji Tabuchi. He is a world renowned fiddle player that will absolutely amaze you with his ability play the fiddle. Many times his wife and daughter perform with him. These tickets always go fast.
Do you prefer to be impressed by magic? If so check out Kirby and Bambi VanBurch. Their show is quite good. They incorporate the use of tigers. They also usually have one really big illusion like making a car or helicopter disappear from the stage before your very eyes.
There is literally a show for everyone in Branson (prefer a dance show..check out Spirit of the Dance). The ticket prices will vary but you can put categorize most of them into the $30 - $50 range per ticket for adults. Most shows have a teenager price that is about $10 cheaper and a children's price that is anywhere from free to $10 depending on the show.
Everyone wants to know if you can get discounts on the show tickets or get free tickets. Well, if you want to go to a 2 or 3 hour condo tour/sales presentation you can often get a free ticket or two. But is this how you really want to spend your vacation? You can also pick up coupon sheet and coupon books all over Branson that will save you a couple of dollars on each ticket.
The best way to get you tickets and the best price is to buy them in advance. You can do this by clicking on the banner in the upper right corner of this blog or click Branson Missouri Shows. Be sure and select the tab for Branson Shows to get the best prices on your tickets.
You have found your hotel or condo and gotten properly settled. You spent a day at Silver Dollar City enjoying the rides, watching the craftsmen, taking in shows, and of course enjoying the good home cooking there.
Now, for your next adventure, if you so choose, I suggest spending a few hours enjoying the shops and shopping malls. Branson originally had a few local crafts stores and the normal grocery and shopping stores you find in most small towns. Once Branson began to catch on as a tourist destination one of the first things to go Big in Branson was outlet mall shopping.
The first of the outlet malls to be developed was the Factory Merchants Mall. This is known to Branson regulars as the red-top mall. (Three guesses as to why it's called the red-top mall). The Factory Merchants Mall is still open in Branson. It's a nice very open and spread out mall. There are a couple of different levels since it's built onto a hill-side. If you want to see a detail list of stores click the link provided in the previous sentence.
The second outlet mall is the Tanger Outlet Center. The Tanger Center is known by Branson regulars as the blue-top mall. Yes, it has a blue-top. This mall is newer than the red-top mall and tends to be preferred by the younger crowd because of the store line-up. You can find a Nike store, Bannana Republic, Reebok, Aeropostale, American Eagle and Old Navy just to name a few. They have some really good prices especially if you catch them at season change (back to school and spring).
The other outlet mall is The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, which also has a movie theater attached. This is located a little off the beaten path on the northside of Branson. If you can see the big white water tower on the hill to the north of Hwy 76 then The Shoppes is just below the water tower. The last time I was in Branson this particular mall had only a few shops open. There were many vacant stores. So, I'm not sure if it is to be closed or the owners are going to try and obtain new tenants. The one store that I really liked at The Shoppes was the VF Factory outlet. There was also a nice little bookstore that had mostly books that were not new releases.
Now, the newest shopping establishment in Branson is Branson Landing. Branson Landing is much more upscale and is not an outlet mall. It is has first run merchandise and many of the newest stores. Please click the link to see a complete list. One of the nice things about Branson Landing is that it's on Lake Taneycomo and there seems to always be a nice breeze into this open air shopping facility. There is also a Bass Pro Shop on one end that can keep most men entertained for at least an hour or so. The other big plus with Branson Landing is that there are real restaraunts and other places to get a coffee or ice cream. The other outlet malls are really lacking in this area. I would suggest you either go early and finish up with lunch at Joe's Crab Shack or maybe end your day at Branson Landing and have dinner at Garfields or Macaroni Grill.
If you prefer to shop for something a little more "crafty" I would suggest the Engler Block or the Branson Craft Mall. Either of these will let you get a feel for the local craftsmanship and provides and opportunity to purchase unique items.
Don't forget. Before you head out on your trip to Branson you will want to Create your own vacation package at ReserveBranson.com !
- What is your budget for lodging for the trip?
- How much time do you plan to spend in your room?
- How long are you going to be in Branson?
If your trip is short and you are going to be busy shopping, going to shows, and taking in the sites of Branson I suggest you pick a clean, moderately priced hotel. Basically you are going to be there to shower, sleep, and maybe take a nap. Try the Branson Towers Hotel. You can usually get a room there with 2 queen size beds for between $65 and $100 per night depending on the time of year you are going. I have stayed there many times and I probably averaged around $58-$65 per night. Now, for this you get a clean room, 2 queen beds, indoor swimming pool, indoor hot tub, continental breakfast, on-site restaraunt (Whispers), and the opportunity to participate in the ice cream social that usually starts around 9 or 10 pm in the evening. The picture shown above is the Branson Towers Hotel.
If you are going to be in Branson for a longer period of time, say a week, and you want to spend a little more time in your room and have a little more space I would suggest a condo. Someplace like Indian Point Resort on Table Rock Lake. Indian Point is located near Branson on Table Rock Lake and it is away from the hustle and bustle. But only a few minutes by car to Silver Dollar City and the shows of Branson. Your room here will run from $99 to $150 per night depending on the number of bedrooms, the day of the week, and the time of year you are traveling.
You can book both the Indian Point Resort and Branson Towers or Create your own vacation packages at ReserveBranson.com by clicking the link.
What better way to begin a stay in Branson than with a trip to Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City is located just a few minutes west of the Branson Strip on Highway 76. At Silver Dollar city you will find many rides and shows for the entire family. They now have the Giant Swing, which is literally a giant swing. The Powder Keg which is a roller coaster that will take your from 0 to 53mph in 2.8 seconds, wow! You can see a short video of the powder keg here. For those a little more laid back you can ride the Silver Dollar Line Steam Train and the kids can enjoy Geyser Gulch (warning somebody will get wet)!
If you have never been to Silver Dollar City you need to plan to spend the entire day there. Go early and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Have a pastry or cinnamon roll at Eva and Delilah's bakery. Then take a stroll around the park and enjoy the many demonstrations of craftsmanship. Then when you are ready take on some of the rides. Surely by now you need a bite of lunch. Try Big Jack's Sandwich Shop or one of the many other eateries inside of Silver Dollar City. A few more rides and you will want to sit down and rest a bit. There is plenty of shade and plenty of places to sit in Silver Dollar City. Why not take in a show while you are resting? There are over 49 live shows daily! Everything from comedy to bluegrass to Chinese Acrobats. After the show(s) take in a some more rides or just walk and enjoy the shops and the craftsman that are demononstrating their skills.
You are certainly welcome to head back to town for dinner but I would encourage you to check out Molly's Mill restaraunt or Aunt Polly's Fried Chicken. You will be glad you did.
Before you head out on your trip to Branson you will want to Create your own vacation package at ReserveBranson.com !
