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Vacations are meant to be fun, whether solo, with family, or a friend’s trip. They’re the only time you can log out of your daily routine and focus on enjoying yourself. They allow you to relax, recoup and feel rejuvenated, especially if you’ve been harboring immense stress from work. A popular vacation resort that is well-loved and favored by tourists is Branson – a small city in Missouri almost 40 miles south of Springfield and near the stunning Ozark Mountains.
Southwest Missouri is a sight to behold. It’s home to breathtaking fields, gorgeous flowers, and natural scenery that will leave you breathless. Branson also gives Missouri its good name since out of all the places in Missouri, no city comes close to the type of entertainment, scenic views, and family fun that you can find here. So, let’s check out some fun ways to make your time in Branson truly unforgettable.
1. Visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Who doesn’t know Dolly Parton? This Southern singer and philanthropist is a well-loved icon of Tennessee whose reputation precedes her. Apart from producing some of the best country music, Dolly Parton is also responsible for the spectacular Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
If you’re looking for entertainment in Branson and like live shows, music, and food, you’ll have a grand time at this fun-filled show. This show is a treat for all ages, so if you have children, you should bring them to this extraordinary venue.
The show is held at a large arena-style theater where various performances occur, including live music and comedy acts. You also get to witness thrilling horse-riding stunts. The show also includes special effects, pyrotechnics, and lighting, which enhances the environment and adds to the experience. Dolly Parton’s Stampede is quite popular, so try booking your tickets early to get the best seats in the house.
2. Go to Silver Dollar City
The Silver Dollar City is one of the best amusement parks in the US – a perfect blend of thrilling and entertaining rides. Hence if you’re looking for rides that will leave you screaming or thoroughly amused, visit Silver Dollar City. Popular attractions include the Fire-In-The Hole roller coaster, the Frisco Silver Dollar Steam Train, and an indoor coaster that runs through the amusement park over a town-like prop that extends towards a fiery, adrenaline-pumping bridge.
There are over 100 craftspeople with whom you can learn about heritage crafts, including showcasing blacksmithing. While you’re here, you can take home unique souvenirs, such as a blown glass, which is not easy to come by. You can also dig into homemade candles and candies. The meals at the Silver Dollar City include buffets and skillet meals.
Silver Dollar City is also popular for its shows, which include the bluegrass pickers and gospel performers. While anyone can interact with the rides at Silver Dollar City, it is recommended that children should be 36 inches or taller due to a height restriction on most of these rides. These are in place for the child’s safety and to ensure they don’t fall off while riding. You can also bring food and beverages to the park, adding to the fun of roaming around.
3. Head Down to the Butterfly Palace
The butterfly palace house is an exotic and incredibly stunning aviary with more than 1,000 butterflies that represent the 60 different species that live in the rainforest. When you visit the butterfly palace, you will be provided with a nectar-filled flower to lure in the butterflies. It allows you to see these beautiful insects up close. There are also new butterflies hatching at the aviary daily, which means you’ll be greeted with new butterflies every time you pay a visit. The palace also aims to educate you on butterflies.
You’ll witness exciting monarch migration lessons in the 3D rainforest theater. It also has another resource for learning known as the living rainforest science center, which features about 25 reptiles and amphibians from the rainforest that you can see in person. The palace also has an indoor activity area called the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze, a fun nature-inspired activity. If you want these beautiful butterflies to land on you, wear bright clothes since they naturally attract butterflies, and there’s a high chance they will sit on you. For an ideal visitation, inquire about the butterfly tour beforehand.
4. Ride the Mountain Coasters
Branson has a few mountain coasters that you can choose from. You can ride them individually or with a friend. These coasters are built on the side of the Ozark mountains and require natural elevation; this allows the rider to get suspended on top properly. It also uses gravity, which controls rides up to 30 miles per hour. The carts also have a braking system if you think the ride is too fast and can’t keep up, making these coasters the ideal place for thrill seekers.
While you ride these coasters, you also get a beautiful view of the Ozarks as you cruise around. Some coasters also have a 100-foot drop that can be immensely adrenaline-inducing. If you visit the park at night, you’ll get a spectacular display of LED lights that can Illuminate the amusement park, making it seem more fun to interact with.
Final Thoughts
Picking a good vacation resort is hard work, but you can never go wrong with Branson. This humble part of Missouri can give you the ultimate holiday experience. Whether you’re going alone or with family, there’s an activity for everyone. These include the impressive Dolly Parton’s Stampede, a live show offering a front seat to music, laughter, and fun. Or visit Silver Dollar City and ride on the various coasters and trains running through the park. If you feel like being close to nature, you’ll have a good time at the butterfly palace. But if you’re a thrill seeker and want to catch glimpses of Branson, ride the mountain coasters. These not only offer you a view of Branson but also take you on a memorable ride. While the list is exhaustive, these places are a good starting point.
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