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Branson [1] is in the Ozarks and the southwest region of Missouri.

[edit] Understand

Branson is a city in Taney County, Missouri, United States. It was named for Rueben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s. The population was 6,050 at the 2000 census. The Branson Micropolitan Statistical Area embraces Stone County, Missouri and Taney County, Missouri.

Today it is sometimes referred to as a "family-friendly Las Vegas" because of the numerous shows and attractions, as well as the flashy building decorations and neon lights. The "strip" as it has been named, draws people from far and wide.

If shows are not your thing then check out one of the three lakes Branson has to offer. Lake Taneycomo's clear cold waters provide some of the finest trout fishing available anywhere in the world. Table Rock Lake as well as Bull Shoals Lake offer a variety of recreational activities including hiking, sightseeing, hunting, skin diving, fishing, and water sports such as swimming, boating, water skiing etc.

Maybe it is Golfing that swings your attention. Branson has an array of golf courses sure to please the newest beginner to the most professional golfer.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

• M. Graham Clark - Taney County Airport [2], for private plane traffic, is located adjacent to Branson in Point Lookout, Missouri, next to the College of the Ozarks.

• Branson Airport [3], only eight miles south of Branson, Missouri, is Branson's major carrier local airport and began official operation effective May 11, 2009. Currently, AirTran Airways provides nonstop service to its main hub in Atlanta as well as Milwaukee. Sun Country flies to Minneapolis/St.Paul and Dallas/Fort Worth nonstop.

• Springfield-Branson Regional Airport [4] is about 50 miles from Branson, servicing the following air travel providers:
  • Allegiant Air [5] (non-stop service only to/from Las Vegas, Tampa, and Orlando; no connections)
  • American Eagle [6]
  • Delta Connection [7]
  • Northwest Airlines [8]
  • United Express [9]

• Boone County Regional Airport [10] in Harrison, Arkansas, is closer (31 miles), but has only one carrier (Mesa Airlines [11]).

Other options include NW Arkansas Regional Airport in Bentonville, 97 miles or about a 2 hour drive away though the Mark Twain Nat'l Forest (includes some steep curves over hilly terrain -- this is the only airport whose land route is through the forest). The nearest major airports are Tulsa 216 miles, Kansas City 233 miles, and St. Louis (Lambert) 255 miles. St. Louis has some international flights, as well as some major tourist attractions of its own to see.

[edit] By car

From most locations, take I-44 to Springfield, then south on US 65 (exit 82A). From the west, use the US 60/160 connector just before entering Springfield (exit 69).

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

Branson Landing is a year old mall on Lake Tanneycomo with 100 stores and restaurants. Very cool Water/Lights/Sound Show in the middle of the mall at dark.

Riding the Ducks is very popular. They are WWII amphibious vehicles that take you around town and then into the lake for a short cruise.

The Branson Belle is a "river boat" that was built next to Table Rock Lake and has lunch and dinner cruises with entertainment.

The most popular attraction in Branson is Silver Dollar City a theme park similar to "Dollywood" in Tennessee. It has arts, crafts, rides and restaurants. You should plan on spending at least 2 days at Silver Dollar City

If you have spare time between shows or just need to sit and relax, try stopping by the Branson Mall where you can watch a free show or two.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Cedar Mountain Stables, 612 Devil’s Pool Rd, ☎ 417-335-2777 ext. 7107, [12]. Located at Big Cedar on Table Rock Lake, this stable offers a variety of activities and events including: pony rides, horseback rides, carriage rides, campfire wagon tours & holiday light tours.  edit
• Top of the Rock Golf Course, 612 Devil’s Pool Rd, ☎ (417) 335-2777, [13]. Part of Big Cedar, this Jack Nicklaus signature golf Course is located at Table Rock Lake, just outside of Branson, MO. The Par 3 course is also part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.  edit
• Big Cedar Spa, 612 Devil’s Pool Rd, ☎ 417-339-5201, [14]. This spa near Branson, MO offers a variety of services including luxury spa treatments, nail service, certified personal trainers, & more. Treatments for guests under 15 years old are also available.  edit
• Silver Dollar City[15]
• The Grand Palace [16]

The most popular attraction in Branson is Silver Dollar City a theme park similar to "Dollywood" in Tennessee. It has arts, crafts, rides and restaurants. You should plan on spending at least 2 days at Silver Dollar City.

The Branson Belle is a "river boat" that was built next to Table Rock Lake and has lunch and dinner cruises with entertainment.

Riding the Ducks is also very popular. They are WWII amphibious vehicles that take you around town and then into the lake for a short cruise.

Branson has over 50 live entertainment theaters, as well as the largest Titanic museum in the world. Shows range from singing (Andy Williams for example) to Chinese Acrobats. One of the better and more popular shows is SIX, 6 brothers who do a variety show including accompanying their songs with the sounds of musical instruments produced by the voices of the brothers.

Branson Landing is a year old mall on Lake Tanneycomo with 100 stores and restaurants.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• A Taste of Missouri [17] 417.338.WINE, 9308 E. Hwy 76, Branson West
• Gifts of Distinction Located at the Branson Landing

There are 3 outlet malls with over 200 stores.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

Grand Country Buffet has a wide selection of well prepared food. There are coupons for buy one get 2nd meal at 1/2 price. Total cost for 2 is around $14.00.

Another bargain is Culver's a regional chain that has a good selection, excellent quality and very reasonable prices.

[edit] Mid-range

• Worman House, 612 Devil’s Pool Rd, ☎ 417-335-2777, [18]. This Missouri steakhouse at Big Cedar features USDA prime steak, freshwater fish and seafood and extensive wine list. Rooms available for small celebrations or family gatherings.  edit

• Truman Smokehouse, 612 Devil’s Pool Rd, ☎ 417-335-2777. A specialty shop at Big Cedar offering freshly baked pastries, sandwiches and sides. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the summer. Wireless internet available.  edit

• Top of the Rock Restaurant, 612 Devil's Pool Rd, ☎ 417-335-2777, [19]. Located on the Top of the Rock Golf Course at Big Cedar, this restaurant features homemade pastas, Signature Rotisserie Chicken and grilled steaks and seafood.  edit

• Buzzard Bar, 612 Devils Pool Rd, ☎ 417-335-2777, [20]. Located at Big Cedar, this bar near Branson, MO features live entertainment, specialty drinks, comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and a great selection of sandwiches and salads.  edit

• Devil’s Pool Restaurant, 612 Devil’s Pool Rd, ☎ 417-335-2777, [21]. This casual dining restaurant, located at Big Cider, features southern home-style fare in a comfortable, rustic setting. Breakfast buffet and Champagne Sunday Brunch available. Sunday Brunch (10AM-2PM), Breakfast (7-11AM), Lunch (11AM-2PM), Dinner (5-9:30PM), Breakfast Buffet (Saturday/Sunday only)  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show [22] 800.520.5101

Dixie Stampede provides dinner and live entertainment including wild west riding with excellent food and beverages.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Branson has a plethora of condos. You can get a nice condo for $100/night or less. There are also MANY motel rooms generally for $25-$40/night during the winter season.

[edit] Budget

• Branson Garden Inn, 1420 West Highway 76, Branson, Missouri 65616, [23]. Located across from Dixie Stampede & Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.

[edit] Mid-range

• Honeysuckle Inn & Conference Center, Toll Free: 800-942-3553, 3598 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, Missouri 65616, [24]. Four Acres of Fun with 210 Immaculate Rooms featuring King, Queen & Double Beds, Jacuzzi Suites, Indoor Pool, Hot Tub & Spa, Outdoor Pool, On-Site All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet, Complementary Continental Breakfast, Conference & Catering Facilities, Ticket Services, In-Room Coffee, Remote Cable Television, High Speed Hot Spot Wireless Internet, Free Local Calls, Guest Laundry, AAA and AARP Discounts, Children Under 11 Stay Free. Located between the IMAX Complex and the RFD-TV Theater, within one block of five major restaurants, only a block off the Strip, and two blocks from the Celebration City Theme Park and the Roy Rogers Museum and Theater.

• Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center, Toll Free: 888-333-LAKE (5253), 415 North State Highway 265 Branson, Missouri 65616, [25]. Your search for Branson, Missouri Hotels ends here! Luxury, old world charm and refined amenities await you in Branson, Missouri at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa.

• Westgate Branson Woods Resort and Cabins, 2201 Roark Valley Road Branson, Missouri 65616, [26]. Traditional resort hotel lodging and accommodations to lodging cabins on 145 wooded acres offering a variety of amenities and access to many activities.

• Westgate Branson Lakes at Emerald Pointe, 750 Emerald Pointe Drive Hollister, Missouri 65672, [27]. Westgate Branson Lakes at Emerald Pointe on Table Rock Lake features lodging accommodations with a fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining and family room, and a washer/dryer. Some suite villas offer whirlpool tubs and private decks facing Table Rock.

• Anchor Inn on the Lake Bed and Breakfast, 100 Hurtville Ln., ☎ 1-877-307-9140, [28]. Bed and breakfast on Table Rock Lake.  edit

• Falls on the Lake Bed and Breakfast [29], 417 Dale Ave, Branson, MO 65672 (866) 448-9760. A luxury bed and breakfast that provides affordable lodging.

• Ramada Limited Branson, 2316 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway Branson, 417-337-5207, 417-335-4258, www.iRamada.com[30].

• Vickery Resort, [31], Located on Table Rock Lake near State Park Marina and the Show Boat Banson Belle. 1-3 bedroom condos, swimming pool, boat slips and boat rentals. 800-662-0552.

[edit] Splurge

• Big Cedar, 612 Devil's Pool Road, 1-800-225-6343, [32]. A family-friendly resort on Table Rock Lake outside of Branson, MO. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options including lodges and private cabins. Featured on-site activities include fishing, golf, horseback riding and hiking.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Get out