Branson, MO

[DubaiSis]

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.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

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.

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.

[MST62]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

Sorry, but Branson, for me, is the seventh circle of hell.

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.

[honeychile]

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?

[MST62]

Originally Posted by honeychile

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!