Branson, MO
 

My annual convention is in Branson, Missouri this year. Has anyone ever been there? Is there anything that's a must-see or must-do? I'll only be there two and a half days.

Dixie Stampede is alright...

There are a few good restaurants. If you had a whole day, I would say Silver Dollar City.

Sorry, but Branson, for me, is the seventh circle of hell. The shows are cheesy (but expensive to make up for it), it's CROWDED, the food is virtually all cattle car style to accommodate show times, and it's (again IMO) full of rednecks and old people who think it's awesome. There are a few decent hotels there, but mostly not. If you're outdoorsy, the Lake of the Ozarks is close by. And it is in a beautiful part of the country, once you get off the strip. If you HAVE to attend this convention, you'll at least have work stuff to focus on and networking to do. And if you're very religious there are a couple shows that will probably appeal to you.

I would pass up a free trip in first class to not go to Branson again, but that's me.

I personally really like Branson, and have been going there annually for most of my life. My family and I have Silver Dollar City season passes, and its a fun little amusement park. Depending on what time of the year you come, there are different themes out at SDC. If you are there during the Fall, its Harvest; if during Nov/Dec, its Christmas. Both are neat, but during the Christmas season, they go all out with lights and such. It might be cheesy, but I like it :)

Branson Landing is a newer mall area that has hotels and some "upper" scale chain restaurants (Joes Crab Shack, Macaroni Grill, Cantina Laredo, etc). There are several stores, and there is a Bass Pro Shop at one end. Fun little place to check out 1 evening. Each night, in the middle of the mall area, there is an "end of the day" water show that is fun to watch. There is also a Tanger outlet, which is pretty good - as well as a couple of other outlets, that have only a few stores - but if you like those store they are good. There is an Amish Store that I personally like to go to, because its a little different.

Shows - I really don't do the shows (but I have young children). If you really want to do a show, I would say Shoji (http://www.shoji.com/) is the way to go. It used to be pretty hard to get tickets directly from them, but it may be easier now (?). My husband remembers going up there and seeing him. I also liked the Haygoodes when they were at SDC (its a large family of kids who all play the fiddle), and would consider going to that show.

Other things to do - this is probably another cheesy thing to do, but there is a trout fish hatchery in town that is right next to Table Rock Dam. You can buy food for a quarter and feed trout that are being raised to stock Missouri Lakes. The Core of Engineers also has a visitors center, and they are currently building a new one - so that is also a thing you can go see (and its free :)). Another "cheesy" thing is to Ride the Ducks - it will take you around Branson and show you all sorts of things.

I will say that many times you will want to stay off of 76 ("The Strip") as much as possible. It can get backed up, especially right before shows and sometimes other times of the day. There are several "back ways" around Branson, and they are color coded. Make sure and get a map and you will be all good :)

I guess I would take the "When in Branson" approach to all the cheesy/hillbilly type things that are there :) Enjoy your trip!

I'll vouch for the outlets like WavyCutChip mentioned. They're great and fun to spend a day at!

THANK you. I'd say the same thing. My inlaws love Branson, but I'm not sure if I'd go again. Then again, trough-style buffets and motels with the doors on the outside (I am petrified of staying in these) aren't my "thing". I'll never forget this show name up in lights - it was called "Jennifer!" and I never found out who Jennifer! was.

Silver Dollar City is okay if you have kids, or like dressing up in "old timey fashion" and taking sepia-toned photos.

Now, Eureka Springs is cute. I like the shops, the history.

And now you know how most of us locals feel. :)

But seriously. The shows are cheesy, and expensive, but if you're up for it they're usually entertaining. Silver Dollar City is definitely the way to go, if you have a full day - It's sort of an old-time version of Six Flags. If you're into shopping, I know a lot of people go to the Branson Landing, although I've never been there myself. Personally, I'd say it's worth going just to check it out, but it's definitely not as great as some people make it out to be.

Our hotel is booked for us (I forget which one), and the group Dixie Stampede is going to be before we get there. We have tickets (comp) for the Baldknobbers. I like the idea of the Amish store, but I don't think we have time for the Silver Dollar City. Rats!

Is there at least a Red Lobster nearby? Or even a Cracker Barrel?

Both! Red Lobster is on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, and Cracker Barrel is on W 76 Country Boulevard. I'm not sure how close these are to your hotel, but they do exist! The Baldknobbers is a cute show, I haven't been in years but everyone I know that's been has enjoyed it - otherwise, you can laugh at the hillbilly-esque that is Branson. Have fun!

If you like Cracker Barrel, you might try Bob Evans (right off of US 65 at Hwy 76) just for something different. Baldknobbers will be cute. They have been around a long time.

Here is the Amish store website: http://www.amishcountrystoreonline.com/

If you are interested in Wineries, there are a couple as well. Stone Hill has one, and I think there is another one as well off Gretna as well.

My fiance has something ugly for Red Lobster, that's why I had to ask!

The first time we went to a Cracker Barrel was outside of DC. It was so surreal - redneck city! So odd for the DC area (that I know, anyhow).
I've been thinking that this is going to be a bit like a live Hee Haw, and it sounds like I may be right. Thank you very much for the Amish Store website - I knew a lot of Mennonites in my youth, but never any actual Amish. Maybe this won't be so bad after all!

One more unconventional Branson idea. There is a group that is building a castle like they did in medieval times here: http://www.ozarkmedievalfortress.com/. It's a 30 minute drive from Branson according to the website, but it is something that I have often wondered about. Let me know if you go and if you think it is worth the trip :)