In Branson, fun and adventure await you around every bend. From beautiful outdoor recreation in the Ozarks to ziplining to skydiving, thrill rides at Silver Dollar City to down-home cuisine that will just whet your appetite for more to exciting live shows. Touting more Broadway seats than Broadway, Branson is the live entertainment capital of the world! And wait, Christmas starts early in Branson… November 1 until the first of the year. Every year, the city tries to outdo itself with more Christmas trees, more decorations, and more holiday spirit than you ever imagined!
Silver Dollar City Rings in the Holidays
Silver Dollar City celebrates the holiday with more than a million sparkling lights, magical performances of “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” and hundreds of artisan crafts. Look for their new 8-story, state-of-the-art Christmas Tree in Town Square, guaranteed to amaze you with color, music, light and animated imagery. Of course, Silver Dollar City is known for its thrill rides like Time Traveler, the fastest, steepest, spinning roller coaster in the world. Or, Thunderation, the runaway mine train.
What sets Silver Dollar City apart from other amusement parks is watching craftsmen at work as they blow glass, throw pottery, do leather works and create woodcarvings. They showcase daily live demonstrations, which are both entertaining and informative. You’re sure to find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for everyone on your list.
It’s not opening until next year, but you can get a sneak peek at Mystic River Falls now being built. This awesome new water ride follows an epic rafting journey that explores the Ozark waterways in search of hidden passages.
Hop Aboard the Branson Showboat Belle
One of Branson’s most popular experiences is the Showboat Belle that cruises around Table Rock Lake. Enjoy a fabulous three-course meal, walk around the four decks for exquisite views and enjoy an afternoon of singing and dancing by their talented troupe. Special Christmas shows, too.
Where to Eat
Branson takes great pride in their down-home Southern cooking and warm, friendly hospitality. Have breakfast at the Sugar Leaf Bakery & Café in the Grand Village Shops. Their fresh-baked muffins and quiches are out of this world. Come back later for lunch and try their signature paninis or café sandwiches.
New in town is Paula Deen’s Family Restaurant at the recently expanded Branson’s Landing, where I guarantee you won’t leave hungry. Meals are served family-style with everything from appetizers to desserts from Paula’s own Southern-style recipes. Choose from fried-green tomatoes to Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken to Poppyseed Salad to Broccoli Casserole. Leave room for the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Deen’s signature dessert. The gift shop is adorable, filled with unique gifts, cookbooks and kitchen items.
Gettin’ Basted, Branson’s award-winning BBQ restaurant is just plain fabulous. Winning accolades year after year for their mouth-watering BBQ, everything is cooked over live, Missouri hardwood coals in their Gateway Smokers. Start with the Basted Nachos or Championship Wings. Go with the Judges Plate featuring brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, sausage, four sides and more. Or try the Burnt End Plate.
Andy’s Frozen Custard is tops for cool treats. Chill out with their Custom Concrete, vanilla frozen custard blended with your favorite toppings. Try the seasonal pumpkin pie with a whole slice of pumpkin pie mixed right in…yum!
Fly Like the Wind
If you’re hankering to try skydiving while really only about six feet off the ground, Fritz’s Aerodium is for you. After brief training in Flight School where you’ll gear up for flight, you’ll go to the outdoor wind tunnel, one of only two outdoor tunnels in the world. Then the wind begins and you’re up in the air! This dynamic adventure is for anyone who dreams of flying for an instant adrenaline rush! Opens again in May 2020.
Dick’s 5 and 10 – From Nostalgic to Novelty
One of the last remaining dime stores in America, Dick’s 5 and 10 emporium is an experience unto itself, which is one reason they get over a million visitors each year. You name it, they got it… home décor, Branson gifts, old-fashioned candy and soda, and so much more. You’ll be impressed with their collections of baseball memorabilia and G-trains running overhead. It’s a fun stop you don’t want to miss.
Hop aboard the Branson Ferris Wheel for spectacular views of the famous entertainment sites as well as the gorgeous Ozarks. The beauty of Branson is that it’s a year-long destination that changes with wonderful new things to do in each season. Find out more about Branson and make Branson your next vacation destination!
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