Not Just For Seniors!
Written: Aug 04 '00 (Updated Nov 16 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Variety of things to do.
Cons: Traffic
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| littledebby's Full Review: Branson |
Review Topic: Sights & Attractions
I have often heard Branson, MO referred to as a place for senior travelers. Yes there are countless busses bringing in many retired people who are coming from miles away to see many older singing idols such as Andy Williams and Mel Tillis. What many people do not realize is there is so much more to this great vacation area.
A few years ago my husband and I lived in a small town just outside of Branson. Although we did not go out of our way to see many of the shows, we found that there was so much to do in this booming travel destination. Branson is filled with fun for all ages and I will try to describe a little something for everyone about this great weekend getaway.
Most of Branson is on one long strip where a variety of attractions are located. There are a few destinations however that are on side streets or just a little drive from the town such as Silver Dollar City and Table Rock Lake. Here is a brief description of things you will find in and around Branson.
THE RESTAURANTS: There are several restaurants in Branson. They range from your low budget McDonalds and Dairy Queen to the more expensive McGuffey's Restaurant(Yum-Yum)! There are some restaurants with medium budget menus, like Mazzios for you pizza lovers or the Uptown Cafe for anyone looking for a great burger followed by a big hot fudge sundae. My personal favorite and one that shouldn't be missed is Outback Steakhouse. This Australian style restaurant offers some of the best steak and seafood in Branson. And of course you can't visit this restaurant without trying some alligator tails for an appetizer.
THE SHOWS: The shows are what Branson is most famous for. I worked in a hotel across from the Shoji Tabuchi Theater and that show was always packed. In the time I worked in Branson, 1992-1995, this show was by far the most popular. Some of the other big name theaters are Andy Williams, Mel Tillis and Jim Stafford.
ACTIVITIES: If you are not interested in the shows there are so many other activities to choose from. Along the strip there are several place with go carts, arcades and miniature golf. I suggest Pirates Cove for an afternoon of miniature golf. The course here is so well set up and fun to play, with miniature pirates boats and waterfalls built onto the course. There is also an arcade and go carts on the property.
SILVER DOLLAR CITY/WHITE WATER: Silver Dollar City is a great place to spend a day of play. For those who enjoy a thrill there are several rides including a roller coaster that you can ride backwards. They have a great play area for toddlers and for anyone who likes art, there are many booths and shops that are fun to look through. Everyone here is dressed in old settlers outfits and the atmosphere is very fun! White Water is owned by Silver Dollar City. They are located on the strip in Branson and have a variety of water rides. Not interested in the rides? Well they also have a large pool and with an adjoining area for anyone just wanting to lay out and soak up the rays!
THE LAKES: For a day of water skiing and swimming it's off to Table Rock Lake! This Lake is much warmer and larger than most of the other lakes in the Branson area. The water is relatively clear and there are many boat rentals around the lake. If you are not interested in staying at a hotel in Branson there are several places around Table Rock that rent Cabins. (Visit www.Branson.com for more information.) If you are looking for a fishing adventure, however, you better head to one of the colder lakes such as Taneycomo. There is a fish hatchery that lets out Trout on this lake and the fishing is very good here.
SHOPPING: Branson has some great shopping, especially if you like crafts. If you are going to visit Silver Dollar City there are, of course, many great crafts to purchase there. Otherwise, the streets of Branson are lined with many shopping areas. One of my personal favorites is the Apple Tree Mall. This large building hosts booths for dozens of area craftsmen. Be prepared to spend some time in there. It does take awhile to make it through the many rows of crafts. The Grand Village Shops are a gathering of shops beside the Grand Palace. This is set up like an outdoor mall and has a variety of shops to choose from. Outlet shopping is another favorite among visitors to Branson. There is the Red Roof Outlet Mall and the Tanger Outlet Mall. Both offer a variety of shops with some good bargains.
THE TRAFFIC: If there is one thing I could say was bad about Branson, it would be the traffic. Residents of the area learn to use the back streets to get to many destinations since the main strip can often get very backed up and move really slow. The city has expanded many of the back streets and I would suggest picking up a map of Branson to be able to make use of these short cuts.
I really enjoyed my time down in that area and my husband and I try to get back to visit when we can. Branson offers a variety of events for all ages and I highly recommend it for a weekend getaway!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
littledebby
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Location: Kansas City, MO
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 25 members
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