Why You Should Visit Branson, Missouri

As a Springfield, Mo., native,�I have seen Branson evolve over the last 20 years.� Branson was the place we would visit when we simply wanted an escape from the ordinary.� It is one of the biggest tourist towns in the U.S. and if you have ever been there, you know why this is true.

The live musical shows have been a staple here for quite a number of years, beginning with the first two shows, the�Baldknobbers and Presley's.� From there, many country music legends decided to come see what the rage was all about, and many of them opened theaters here as well.� Glen Campbell, Mel Tillis,Tony Orlando, and Roy Clark were some of the big names you would expect to see.��Glen, Mel, and Roy no longer have theaters here, but�still continue to perform.��Mel Tillis tours the country,�as does Tony, but every so often you might catch them back in the town of Branson, because it has�a home-town feeling like no other place.� Glen Campbell does a show here now(at certain times of the year)�with Andy Williams.��There are over one hundred shows in town in many varieties like music, gospel, comedy, magic, Broadway style, and more.� If a show isn't a good one, it doesn't last long in Branson.� For information about shows in Branson, visit www.bransontourism.com.

More than shows, there is fantastic shopping with the exciting new�Branson Landing, featuring�great water-front shopping along Lake Taneycomo.� You will also see thousands of�different�street performers (performing at various times),�beautiful fountains, an ampitheater with the Motown Experience Show, and even a playground for the little ones.� Malls like the�Branson Meadows Mall, the Red Roof Mall, and the Tanger Outlet Center will thrill any shopaholic, not to mention all the specialty and gift shops to browse.� There are also many great restaurants to choose from, and of course lodging of every kind from cabins, to luxury hotels, to RV parks and more.� If you love to fish, you can't beat Lake Taneycomo, and Table Rock Lake, offfering great fresh-water fishing, and water sports like swimming, snorkeling, and boat and water craft rentals.� A great place to swim is the Dewey Short Visitor's Center (417-334-4101), and located close to Table Rock Dam. The beauty of the Ozark hills will entrance you, offering hiking trails, sightseeing,�and hunting. �Access to both lakes are just minutes from Branson.�

Cruises that excite the senses are available too:� the Showboat Branson Belle (800-952-6626), offers lunch and dinner cruises with a show to thrill and entertain you.� Before the show starts, you can wander at your leisure around this beautiful steam-boat to enjoy the breath-taking views of Table Rock Lake.��The Polynesian Princess (417-337-8366) also offers an exciting dinner cruise with live entertainment.

Theme Parks like Silver Dollar City and Celebration City offer fun and excitement for the entire family.� Silver Dollar City has been a major draw to the area since 1964, and offers a glimpse back into a simpler time with live master craftsmen displays, country music shows, and the smell of that�great home-cooking in the open air is simply unmatched.� Try some kettle corn, shop the one-of-a-kind shops, then brave the many rides�like the American Plunge, Lost River, and my favorite, Fire in the Hole.��Many new rides have been added, too! �For more information about shows and the schedule, visit: www.silverdollarcity.com.

Celebration City offers all the fantastic rides you love, including a brand-new wooden roller-coaster,�an incredible laser show, fireworks, great specialty shops, shows for kids, and a wide variety of eateries after you work up an appetite from all that fun.� For more information and schedule visit: www.bransoncelebrationcity.com.

There are so many fun and exciting things to do here, it is impossible to list them all, and it seems new ones pop up every day.� I have yet to check-out the new Dick Clark Variety Theater, which features some of the great legends of Rock-n-Roll like Bill Haley's original Comets, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers,�and more.� I have been hearing rave reviews about this place.� It is not just a theater, but�also a museum(The Patch Museum)�featuring classic cars from 1957, and more.

Once you visit Branson you'll want to return every year.� WIth all the excitment and fun things to do, you can be sure there will enough to keep you busy for quite some time.� For information on attractions, theme parks, and Branson in general, visit the official Branson website: http://www.branson.com/branson/.