VACATIONING IN BRANSON, MISSOURI

Travel, Accomodations, Attractions, and Entertainment in Branson, Missouri


Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets for vacation destinations in the United States is Branson, Missouri. You have probably heard of their world-famous theaters where entertainers of all types come to perform, but did you know there are plenty of other attractions in the area that are well worth your time when visiting? This article will describe some of the attractions and recreational opportunities in Branson and nearby locations. Looking for some sporting and recreational activities? With three nearby lakes, you can enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, or rent a house boat. Golfing is great here, there are water parks, go carts, miniature golf, and history museums. If you enjoy shopping, you'll enjoy shopping in the historic downtown area or in the new Branson Landing on the waterfront. Of course we'll highlight some of the shows and entertainment you can see, as well as lodging and dining choices and how to get there. Space is limited as to what we can cover, but for more detailed information, be sure to check Branson's official web site, branson.com



Getting There Is Half The Fun


Branson is located in the southwest part of Missouri, about 35 south of Springfield. The closest airport serving Branson is the Springfield-Branson National Airport. Airlines serving Springfield-Branson include Allegiant Air, American Connection, American Eagle, Delta Connection, Northwest Airlink and United Express. Fly direct to Springfield-Branson via these airlines from Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas/Ft Worth, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Memphis, Minneapolis, Orlando, Tampa and St. Louis. At the time this article was written, Branson Regional Airport was under construction and scheduled to open in the Spring of 2009. It's location is just south of Branson, making getting there even easier. Most major car rental agencies serve the Springfield-Branson Airport, and there is shuttle service from some of the area hotels. Branson is within a day's drive of 1/3 of the country's population, so travel by car is easy for many. In 2006, 82% of the visitors to Branson traveled there by car, and 65% of the visitors were from 300 or more miles away.

You're Here, Where Will You Stay? Where Will You Dine?

Lodging and dining accomodations are plentiful. No matter what your budget or favorite types of accomodation may be, there are a lot of choices for you. According to branson.com, Branson and vicinity is home to 34 bed and breakfasts, 44 cabins, 39 campground and RV parks, 31 condos, 168 hotels and motels, and 32 resorts.

You also have a great many choices when it comes to dining. Traveling with your family? There are at least 36 family restaurants in Branson or nearby. Fine dining establishments number at least 6, or if you're looking for something in the fast foods category, there are 15 such restaurants. You'll also find bbq, ethnic, pizza, buffet, and steak houses.

Things To See And Do In Branson And Vicinity

It's doubtful you'll be bored at any time while visiting Branson and the surrounding areas. Here's just a small sampling of attractions and activities to occupy your time while you're here.

Theme Parks
A few choices include Silver Dollar City, The Track Family Fun Park with its bumper cars, go-carts, mini golf, kids rides, etc., or Celebration City, with more than 30 rides and attractions, including mini golf, midway, Wildcat Wooden Coaster.

Museums, Other Attractions
Don't miss '57 Heaven if you enjoy the oldies. The world's largest collection of memorabilia from 1957, features '57 automobiles, drive-in movie, barbershop, gas station, Cadillac dealership and more. Another museum you might enjoy is the Branson Titanic, a permanent, two-story museum shaped like the original. Any dinosaur lovers in your party? They'll love it at the Dinosaur Museum

Outdoor Recreational Activities
If you like golf, you'll find clubs such as the Paine Stewart Golf Club, Don Gardner Golf Course, and Holiday Hills Golf Club. Enjoy the water? You'll find plenty of water activities on one of the three area lakes--Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake, or Bull Shoals Lake. Fishing for bass or trout, swimming, canoing, boating and water skiing, house boat rentals, entertainment cruises are all featured activities. And since Branson is located in the Ozark Mountains, you'll also find opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the scenery on leisurely walks.

Shopping
If you'd enjoy a little shopping during your visit, be sure to try Historic Downtown Branson, which is home to Dick's Old-Fashioned 5 & 10, boutiques, and many specialty shops. Branson Landing is a brand-new, 95-acre development along Lake Taneycomo, featuring more than 100 retail shops, dining, a riverwalk, lodging, and more. And there are three Outlet Malls with more than 200 retail stores.

The Shows
You may be visiting because you've heard you can see some of the best shows in the country right here. Nearly 7 million people annually visit Branson and take in shows ranging from Country to Rock-n-Roll, Comedy Acts, Musical Theater, small shows and world-class productions. There are more than 40 stages in Branson, and some of the acts you may have an opportunity to see include Andy Williams, Bill Medley (one of the Righteous Brothers) with Paul Revere and the Raiders, or Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction--to name just a few. Be sure to check out branson.com for other performances as well as schedule information for these and all other entertainers who will be performing in one of Branson's theaters.

In Conclusion

As is usually the case, we can't hope to tell you about everything there is to see and do while vacationing in Branson and the vicinity, we hope you will use this as a basic guide. Be sure to check out branson.com for more detailed information about these and other things to see and do. Enjoy your trip!

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes