Our day in Branson was relaxing and we were able to enjoy some of the sights. I remember hearing about Branson years ago when they used to talk about how terrible the traffic was and to drive down the main road would take hours. I can tell you we didn’t have to worry about any of that. We talked with some local people and they said that it hasn’t been that crowded in years, and this week (week after Labor Day) is one of the slowest weeks of the year. We also learned starting next week is “bus season”. I can understand why, the summer family vacations are over, and you definitely want cooler weather when visiting here. Again it was hot today and that really limits how much you want to do outside.
There is certainly a lot to do for families as I do believe Branson could actually hold the record for the most Miniature Golf Courses and Go-kart tracks, and what most people come for, the Live Shows. The Shows are very family oriented. We saw 1 show called Pierce Arrow and we really enjoyed it. There were 4 singers who harmonized very nicely, a lady singer and a really great comic. It was the type of comedy that had no swearing in it and was just good old fashion humor.
Nearby is Table Rock Lake and Dam. There is a brand new visitor center that is very nice, has a good 20 minute movie that tells about building the dam. They also offer a dam tour. Right now the tours are at 10AM, 12, 2 and 4PM. We didn’t have time for the tour, but from watching the movie I think it would be very good, disappointed we missed this one.
In historic downtown Branson they have a new development called Branson Landing. It is a dining, shopping and entertainment area. Many restaraunts along Lake Taneycomo (which to me seemed to be a river) and they did a mini version of the Dancing Waters that are in Las Vegas. Every hour they have a programed music show to the water and at nights they add lights. There is a very nice walking area along the lake. Also downtown is Dicks 5 & 10, well worth the trip as it will bring back many memories. I saw many games and just stuff that I remember from when I was a kid, and you just can’t find anymore, was fun to rummage around. It’s open late so when you get done with dinner it’s in walking distance of Branson Landing.
There are boat trips, and fishing, and Live shows, and shopping, shopping and shopping. The Grand Village shops are worth the trip. Many one of the kind shops but the two outstanding ones were Peter Engler Woodcarving and Kringles Christmas Store, must see. Most theaters have Christmas shows which we heard are during the month of November and only until about mid-December, than as one of the locals said, a lot of people get laid off until business starts picking back up after the first of the year. With all the trees in the area the Fall foliage must be absolutely spectacular.
If you come this way, remember the shows are not inexpensive, especially if you want to go to 3 or 4 shows. The average prices are $25.00 – $40.00 per person. There are coupons books everywhere, but typically only $2 – $5 savings per person. They have booths selling Show tickets for $5 per person, but comes with a catch, be prepared to sit thru a Timeshare presentation. There are dinner shows that cost a little more. Branson has been here a very long time and in all the travels across our Country I have done, this is one place I had not been to before. We enjoyed the day, and if nearby again we will probably stop by to see another Show and take in the sights, hopefully when it is cooler.
We’re off on an early day on Thursday as we have a long drive to the Chicago, about a 10 hour drive. So will write about our drive down this road soon………
A New Road to Travel 