MY TRAVEL DIARIES, PERSONAL STORIES

Things To Do In Branson

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Hey Everyone! It’s time for the much awaited “travelling updates” and stories of my recent voyaging! Hope you all are as excited about it, as me?

Well, finally the “dry travelling spell” broke! Thanks to the weather Gods, and the extended Labor Day weekend, we were able to spread our wings and go for the much-anticipated holiday to Branson, Missouri. The best part, we even had some company along – a “couple” friend of ours, who took the chance of exploring the city with “crazy-adrenaline-junkies” like us! *woot woot*

Branson, a popular destination for vacationers from all across the US, named after Reuben Branson, a postmaster and an operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s – is a “small-little” town with exceptionally world-class pleasure and merriment possibilities. With the collection of entertainment theaters along 76 Country Boulevard, including Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Branson’s popularity as a tourist destination has grown manifold by the years. It is indeed a vibrant city which is refreshingly unique in its own ways, offering something for everyone!
From numerous entertainment theaters to local attractions like – Hollywood Wax Museum Branson, Silver Dollar City, White Water, Mount Pleasant Winery, Curling Vine Winery, Ride the Ducks, zip-lines, cave tours, go-karts, mini golf; and  locally owned restaurants serving scrumptious food – BRANSON is a perfect little place to spend some harmonious “family time!”

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Of “twinning” and “travelling!”

Well, it took us 4 h 48 min to reach our destination from Memphis, Tennessee (Distance covered – 278.7 mi/448.5 km) via US-412 W/US-62 W. With some exaggerated bends and picture-perfect scenic views – the drive for sure gets better by the hour.

Our abode for this trip was Chateau on the Lake Resort, Branson’s only AAA Four Diamond resort hotel, sitting high upon a hill overlooking the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake in the Ozark Mountains. Voted as #1 Missouri Resort by US News & World Report and known as the “Castle in the Ozarks,” this resort is dramatically located at 8 miles from downtown Branson and within 4 miles of the famous Theater Strip and Celebration City, making it a perfect place to experience and appreciate!

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Our adode! (PC – Chateau on the Lake Resort)

With lake-view-dining at the popular “Chateau Grille”, offering award-winning cuisine and an extensive wine list to be savored in an elegant setting, to “Downstairs Deli” serving a quick snack or pre-ordered picnic lunch and an “Atrium Cafe & Wine Bar” featuring an indoor waterfall and comprehensive adult beverages; plus also a “Sweet Shoppe” provisioning freshly baked pastries, hand-dipped ice cream, cookies, candies and classic soda fountain drinks – this place was all that we could ask for!

“Castle in the Ozarks” – feel come true!
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Our “Lakefront” KING Room!

Offering gorgeous views of the surrounding Table Rock Lake and the Moonshine Beach – Chateau on the Lake Resort was indeed the best place to unwind and RELAX extravagantly!

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From our balcony!

Did I tell you it also houses – an “Outdoor pool”, a “24-hour indoor pool”, a “Full-Service Marina” and a “Spa” – where signature treatments blend rich elements of the Ozarks with luxurious therapies. Sadly, due to the Labor Day rush – we couldn’t get an appointment for ourselves at the ever-so busy Spa. (Hopefully, next time!)

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The classic interiors!
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Oh, the old world charm!
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Making the most of the best!

Highlight – A super courteous staff and the awesome “fire-work” show on Labor Day eve! *It was BOMB*
The restaurant service was great too with attentive waiters and bartenders, though our favorite part was the indoor swimming pool with the hot tub! With specialty cocktails and unlimited choice of wines all day long – poolside was were we hung out the most! *shibby*

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Let there be light! Of celebrations and merriment!

WHAT WE SAW

When it comes down to family fun, there are a plethora of options and SO much to explore, see and do in Branson. Here’s what we did –

1 TALKING ROCKS CAVERN

Talking Rocks Cavern is the perfect destination for kids (and inquisitive adults like us) to experience the fun of playing explorers! This incredible wonder of nature, once called “Missouri’s Most Beautiful Cave” provides a different rhythm from that of the usual shows and roller coasters. Named “Fairy Cave” by the early cave developer, Truman Powell, after he first explored the cave, a tour down the “natural effects” is  a “must-do” in your Branson itinerary!

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Nature at it’s best!

The tour is almost an hour-long and since it is a “vertical cave”, we are talking about a lot of stairs (both-ways). However, with a tour guide so delightful and informative (explaining the nitty-gritty of cave formations and other geological facts) – Talking Rocks Cavern was definitely worth going to see!
YES, it’s definitely worth a try, unless you are claustrophobic like my husband! *hard luck*

Note – There are a lot of steps with tight turns and impasses that are tight, too. Be careful and wear the right shoes! *not for the faint hearted*

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How a Stalactite and a Stalagmite – grows, drop by drop, over a million of years to form a “Column!”
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The wings of an angel!

Fun Fact – The caves name was eventually changed to “Talking Rocks Cavern” in 1969 when Silver Dollar City purchased the cave. They chose to change the name based on a quote from Waldo Powell (son of Truman Powell), who would spend a lot of time looking at the rocks and mineral deposits in the cave, noting how the physical evidence in the cave would tell him a story about how it formed. Thus, it was inspiration for the new name “Talking Rocks Cavern!”

2 THE SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE

Aptly called “America’s Most Entertaining Lake Adventure Cruise”, Showboat Branson Belle is another recommended “must-do” for anyone/everyone visiting Branson. To be honest – This may have been the highlight of the trip for all of us! *first ever experience*

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Our ride – Showboat Branson Belle!

Themed after the majestic show-boats of the 1800s, the Showboat Branson Belle takes you on a “two-hour cruise” across the waters of Table Rock Lake, dinner (delicious three-course meal prepared fresh in the ship’s galley) and entertainment (live music, dancing, comedy and magic) included. The whole experience was superbly awesome – with panoramic views of the lush Ozark Mountains adding to the “on-the-cruise” charm.

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The crowd! 650 people to be precise!
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Here comes the food!

Note – After dinner and before the show begins, you can roam the upper decks and soak yourself in the magnificently breath-taking views. You get around 25 minutes to check out the boat and take the necessary “selfie” break!

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The view from the showboat!
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Our hotel spotted from the cruise! Sitting pretty!

Highlight – We were extremely surprised and blown away at the quality of singers/dancers performing on the riverboat, Branson Belle – top-notch BROADWAY quality for sure! My personal favorite being – Tap Dance routine, Gospel music and the American salute at the end. Christopher James was a wonderful host – hilarious and quirky. The food was good too, though being vegetarian kinda “s***s” everywhere!

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Of BROADWAY feels and frolic!
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The “exceptional” artists!

3 TABLE ROCK LAKE – MOONSHINE BEACH

Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is a very popular sandy swimming beach along the shores of “Table Rock Lake”. Unlike the smaller swimming areas at the surrounding camp-grounds, this beach is spacious enough to make you forget that you are actually on a lake and not at the ocean! A perfect place to just sit back, relax, swim and embrace the beauty around.

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Welcome to the beach!
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What a view!
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Of view and cool breeze!
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Of calmness and natural beauty!
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Caught in action!
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Of ferry boats and all things beautiful!

Note – The current cost is $5 per car, which is an excellent price. Also, I would recommend water shoes/slippers – as the shoreline and lake bottom is a little rocky, though the beach itself is pretty soft and sandy.

4 RUTH AND PAUL HENNING CONSERVATION AREA

Located 5.3 miles west of Route 65 on Branson’s strip (Route 76), this 1,534-acre area invites visitors to take a walk on one of several trails that cross this mostly forested site and enjoy the natural beauty that has drawn visitors to this area for generations! The views are scenic and absolutely worth your while.

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All the details!

We took the trail to “Stream-Side” – hoping to catch the waterfall, but sadly the stream was all dried up, thanks to the harsh summers this year! Nevertheless, the whole experience of walking through the unknown, into the wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of a city life – made it an experience to cherish and enjoy.

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Road to wilderness!
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Rest if you need to!
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Of tails and adventure!

Note – Trails are open to foot traffic only. Bicycles, horses and all types of motorized vehicles are not permitted. Pets on leash only.

5 BRANSON LANDING

Branson Landing where the adventurous shop, dine, play and stay! Located on the waterfront of beautiful Lake Taneycomo in downtown Branson, at Branson Landing, you will have a whole new world to explore, with Belk Department Store, Bass Pro Shops and over 100 specialty stores and restaurants, plus, the NEW Hilton Promenade!

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Branson Landing’s Crown Jewel!
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Crossroads!
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Branson Scenic Railway! You beauty!

At the heart of the Landing is a vibrant town square terracing down to the $7.5 million spectacular water attraction that features the first-ever merging of water, fire, light and music. You will be amazed by the dazzling interplay of “water-fountains” shooting 120-foot geysers and fire cannons blasting, all choreographed to light and music.
The water and fire spectacle is a creation of internationally renowned Wet Design, the producers of world-class shows for Downtown Disney marketplace in Orlando, Universal City Walk in California and the Bellagio in Las Vegas. *talk about indulgence, right!*

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The famous “light-water-music” show at Branson Landing! (PC – Google)

Other places to see – With a great deal of historic and scenic attractions to appreciate, experience and visit, you might need more than just four days for Branson! In fact, I already have my itinerary prepared for our next visit which includes The Branson Scenic Railway Tour and a trip to The Silver Dollar City!

So there you go folks – 4 days of unadulterated fun and experience!
Yes, Branson definitely offers a lot of things to do, attractions to see, and places to eat at! Undoubtedly, it is the easiest city to love and the hardest to leave. No matter who you are and where you from, there is always a part of you that can fit in here comfortably and snugly. If you’ve never been to Branson, now is the time to add it to your “cities to see” list! From outstanding panoramic views, adrenaline pumping adventures, enthralling garden landscapes to lethargic “jacuzzi” sessions and electrifying live shows – this city in the Ozarks is the place to be at!

PS – Stay tuned for “Part Two” coming soon, where I’ll tell you about “Where To Eat” in Branson. To be honest, I actually didn’t anticipate the endlessness of this post (thanks to a zillion photos!) and hence, it’s better that I break it up for your convenience and mine.

Also, in case you get the urge to know more about my past travel shenanigans and adventures, you can visit my “Travel Diaries” categories page on the blog. Informational and laden with pictures, it’s “the” place to satiate your wander-lust soul!

Here’s to travelling, discovering new places and crossing borders! Cheers!

Love,

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95 Comments

  1. Wow – you were just an hour or so away from where we lived in our yurt. It’s beautiful country but oh boy does it ever get hot and humid there in the summer! We’ve only been out to Branson a couple of times. Once to look at possibly moving there (that fell through), and a second time to take our son to Silver Dollar City – we had a great time there.

    Looking at that cave I’m wishing we’d gone there or to some of the other ones in the region. I love exploring caves and there are a ton in that area. Maybe if we make it down that way again…

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    1. Thank you so much. Yes.. It was indeed a place to cherish. Loved it for the simplicity! 🙂

      Oh yes, I highly recommend you doing the caves! There is something so serene about them. 😉

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  3. Looks fun! Great room, and I love that cavern! We live within an hour drive of Mammoth Cave National Park. There’s really nothing like that environment. Fascinating, and sorta creepy. But loads of fun. 😃

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    1. Thank you so much. I agree, I love them caves too – there is something so “magical” about them all!❤

      Oh yes, Mammoth Cave is on out to-do list.. Hopefully soon! 😉

      Reply

  4. Awesome – Branson is one of my favorite Midwest destinations. Been there several times. I have family that lives near there and Branson will always hold a special place for me. Love seeing the photos of places I’ve been to and places I’ve only seen but not been.

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  7. Wow ! This is really an amazing place to visit. Never heard about such a cave before, it seems to be out of the world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post.

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  10. Great photo selection of your getaway! Love the hotel, hate caverns(!), love the passenger train (train guy), love the steamboat, Walking on trails–getting old for that. Wonder if I could fish?

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  15. What. A. Trip! From the railroad engine to the synchronized water show to that wooden staircase to everything else! This is a trip I would love! I hope to visit one day! Wonderful post!

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    1. Oh yes, you’ll absolutely love this place Aixa! Especially with the kind of photos you take!❤

      It was an excellent trip. Thank you so much!❤

      Reply

  27. I went to college in Springfield, MO and have visited Branson but that was many years ago. It sounds like it has changed a lot but in wonderful ways! Thanks for sharing!

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  31. It’s good for the soul to luxuriate, once in a while. Branson seems to have much to offer, both in the luxury class and for those on a budget. The Talking Rocks area would especially appeal to me.

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    1. Thanks much. Yes.. You are so right – this was a much needed break for all of us!❤

      The cave was superb and mystical – I’m sure you’ll like it! 🙂

      Reply

  34. This is what I have waited for all this time, and yet I didn’t see it until today? Something weird is going on with my stuff… Anyway, You do know how to pick the perfect spots to stay. Branson is already a blast, but that resort made it twice as awesome!

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    1. You bet! That resort was just AWESOME and we all really really had a great time!😍

      Thank you so much for stopping by – better late than never!❤️

      Reply

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