Looking for a fun seasonal destination? Love a good show, but stuck in the midwest? Looking for some fun family entertainment between all the shows? Never fear, there's a place in southwest Missouri for you.
Welcome to Branson, Missouri: The Live Music Capital of the World. Branson is a small city about 35 miles south of the famed Route 66 via the city of Springfield. Branson is nestled right within the rolling hills of the Ozarks along one of the major tributaries of this area: the White River. Once you make it to Main Street, a choice exists. Head east, and you'll visit the historic Downtown district, with many quaint shops and the first of the show attractions for which Branson is famous, the Owen Theatre. Head west, and you'll come across a multitude of theatres founded by many celebrities such as Dolly Parton, Yakov Smirnoff, Shoji Tabuchi, and Andy Williams. Before seeing one of these shows, perhaps visit one of several visitor centers which, like the eastern counterpart in Times Square of New York City, offers discount tickets to several shows in town.
If live shows aren't your thing, or you need something to do in the daytime, then never fear, because Branson has plenty for you. Visit a museum dedicated to the most famous oceanic mishap of the 20th century: the Titanic. Ripley's and Hollywood have also established a few of their brand of museums along the way. Maybe go to one of many family fun centers for a round of mini-golf, some go-karting, or ride the roller coasters that take advantage of the natural steep hills of the Ozarks. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of tourists, head outside the city for some spellunking. Southwestern Missouri is filled with many cave centers and other natural wonders for you and your family to explore. Grab a bite to eat at Paula Deen's famous restaurant downtown, some barbecue at several locations along the western Main Street, or at the ice cream and novelty shops throughout downtown and the west. Whether you're six or sixty, you're bound to have fun everywhere in Branson.
If you plan to take a trip to the area, remember that Branson is very much a seasonal location. The winter finds many of the venues and restaurants closed, while the retailers to the north of the city continue to service the locals. Once spring rolls around, everything begins to open in anticipation of the tourist season running through the summer. Plenty of hotels are centrally located along the theatre row of western Main Street, with RV parks and campgrounds around the outside. Springfield isn't far up US Route 65 if larger box retailers are needed for a re-supply.
So while your internal compass takes you southwest, maybe make a stop in Branson. Good times await all on your adventure.
Copyright 2021-24 Freedom Rolling.
Logo Image Courtesy Clipartmax.com
United States Image Courtesy Simple Maps