Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Branson, Missouri for a Fun Family Vacation

If you have never traveled to Branson, Missouri for a vacation then you're just missing a perfect opportunity to create some exceptional lasting memories for you and your family or friends. This past summer we headed for Branson in July, we usually pick mid May or early September, it's cooler.

Being only 35 miles south of Springfield, it took us only a few hours to hit our destination; of course we had to stop at the flea markets along the way, just to stretch our legs...you know? Once in Branson we went to one of the outlets. They have several to choose from. We chose the Tanger outlet and shopped til we dropped. We then went to our hotel, Seven Gables Inn. It's close to the "strip" (the main drag). They usually have a continental breakfast which includes biscuits and gravy and we like it.

There are so many things to see and do in Branson. This time we rode the "Ducks" and had a great time. In all the years that we vacationed in Branson we never had the time to squeeze "Ride The Ducks" in until this year. They are located on the "strip", believe me they're very hard to miss.

We had planned to go to the Butterfly Palace this year but couldn't squeeze it in. It will be on our list of places to go next year.

Branson is an ideal place to visit if you want a choice of activities within a few miles radius. You can catch a lot of activity right on the "strip". They have the "Liverpool Legends," which is a group of young men portraying the Beatles. Those guys put on a great show...it was excellent and hours of entertainment. Last year we saw "Lost in the 50's" at Starlite Theatre. It was fabulous, so much talent. It's on our list to re-visit. We also saw John Wayne. Actually it was a very talented man portraying John Wayne. My parents were John Wayne fans and really would have enjoyed seeing the show. He did a great job.

If you like a little educational adventure the Titanic was wonderful. You will get a passport and actually take on a personality of one of the passengers on the Titanic. As you travel through this huge ship you will see what the Titanic was like on board, be able to view different rooms, go up the staircase, and listen to some of the passengers who were on board. This is a trip that is excellent. Wear walking shoes that are comfortable. It's not ideal for very small children unless you have a stroller. It really gives you a different aspect of the emotions of those aboard on that fateful night. At the end of your trip you will be able to see if you are one of the survivors. Another educational adventure is "Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum". It's really something to see, inside and outside.

It's been a few years since I've been to Silver Dollar City which is located a few miles outside Branson. This is a hot spot for every age. The last time we went was when they had a Bluegrass Festival. Silver Dollar City has lots of activities such as an assortment of amusement rides, various entertainment, specialty shops, craftsmen, candy making and baking, photographers, quilters, soap makers ....the list can go on and on. While at Silver Dollar City don't forget to visit the Marvel Cave, which is included in the price of the admission. It is a wonderful tour and a nice way to cool off at the end of a hot day. This is a full day or two of activity. They do sell season passes.

Old downtown Branson is one of my fave spots to go. They have flea markets, one of my hobbies, an old fashioned "dime store" that sells old fashioned fudge and taffy along with anything imaginable, a quilt shop, and several other novelty type shops. Old downtown Branson is usually buzzing with people. They used to have the Lake Queen Riverboat Cruise at the end of downtown Branson, where you could stand on the dock and feed the ducks and then take a trip on the Lake Queen. It was nice after a warm day to lay back on a lawn chair and float down the lake with the breeze and spray of water on your face. After you docked you could ride on an old fashioned carriage pulled by a couple of beautiful horses. These may be gone since they built the Branson Landing.

The Branson Landing is a new addition to Branson. It's almost like a town within the town. Basically it's a large outdoor mall right on the banks of the Taneycomo Lake with lots of name brand stores which includes a Bass Pro shop, Belk Dept. Store, and over 100 specialty stores and restaurants, including the Helton Promenade. Branson Landing also has special events and concerts. Be sure to see the $7.5 million water fountain display, which includes synchronized light, music and fire.

At night the lights on the "strip" just sparkle in the dark. At the west end of town is Celebration City, a huge amusement park, which has a wonderful fireworks display each night. It can be seen from many locations on the strip. We usually like to fill all the hours of the day, so we take off to "The Track" at the end of the day to play arcade games, ride bumper boats or go-carts. It's a couple hours of fun. Then of course we have to wind it all up with some ice cream from Maggie Moo's: oh, what a treat!

A trip to Branson doesn't have to empty your pocketbook. Our motel rate is generally $35 to $45 a night. Meals are reasonably priced, unless of course you are looking for high class dining, which is also available.

Include time in your next vacation to visit this little wonderland in the Ozarks.