Branson, MO....what to do?

[eranslow]

So we are going to Branson for our 8 yr anniversary in September. We've never been - this trip is basically free. We are trying to figure out what we want to do while we are there but are kind of at a loss since we don't like country music (so the shows don't really interest us too much lol). So anyone have any suggestions?! Fun things inside and outside? TIA

[kscwgirl]

okay I'll weigh in and then maybe Miss Kim will come by. You don't have to like country to go to the shows. There are plenty of shows down there that aren't country.

Kirby Van Burch is a fabulous magician. There's several comedy shows and quite a few musical acts that aren't country. so really, take a second look at the shows.

There's also go karts, silver dollar city, mini golf, the titanic museum (except you can't take pictures, which annoyed me, so i didn't go), ride the ducks...

Lots of fabulous places to eat too.. I really recommend Danna's.. they have amazing bbq and hamburgers.

We go there a lot.. at least once a year.

If you have any other questions, let me know!!

[Sharon Kay]

There is one go kart place (maybe someone will remember the name...it's been 6 years since we went) that is multi-level ... the boys and dh loved it!! ...and I loved taking pictures!!

[taracotta7]

Sharon, I was thinking of the same place. I can't remember the name of it either but it is the FUNNEST go cart track made of wood and goes up several stories.

I would also recommend doing a Duck tour and eating at Lamberts (they throw you dinner rolls to you!). We really liked going to Dixieland Stampede also.

[Libby Pritchett]

Oh I LOVE Branson! Haven't been in a few years, but we used to go regularly.

I agree with what the other girls said. You don't have to like country music to enjoy the shows.

The Dixie Stampede is super fun!

Pirates Cove mini golf is always at the top of my kids' lists.

I LOVE that go-kart place, too, but I can't think of the name of it. It's right on the main strip, isn't it?

We want to go to Ripley's Believe It Or Not next time. And definitely check out the Titanic Museum... I LOVED that.

Lots of good shopping areas if that interests you. Check out the Branson Landing.

Ummmm... gosh there's so much more, but it's all slipping my mind right now. You definitely won't be bored though. Lots of options!

[pewtertm]

Originally Posted by kscwgirl

okay I'll weigh in and then maybe Miss Kim will come by. You don't have to like country to go to the shows. There are plenty of shows down there that aren't country.
There's several comedy shows and quite a few musical acts that aren't country. so really, take a second look at the shows.

That's what I was going to say LOL. The last time we went, we stayed in a cabin on Table Rock Lake, so we enjoyed alot of hiking by the water. We did a duck boat tour (Rachel and DH really got a kick out of that) and we went to the Titanic museum. Boo on not being able to take photos, but they do take your photo on the grand staircase in hopes that you will buy it from them. It was an interesting museum, but kind of pricey IMO.

As far as the go-carts that were mentioned, I THINK this is them...hubby really wanted to do them but we didn't have time: http://www.bransontracks.com/go-karts.asp

If you're into outdoor adventure, there are a couple of zipline adventure companies. That's on our to-do list for the next time we go to Branson.

All-in-all, it's a fun place, but be warned...the traffic can be really bad (especially on the main strip where most of the shows are...we avoided driving that street as much as possible). Make sure you check out Branson's website...they have alot of info on shows and attractions.

[MissKim]

We just got back from Branson yesterday! This was our 4th week there this year; we love the place.

Silver Dollar City is a nice place. Lots of shade, shows, and they may be having their crafts festival in Sept. I'm not sure. Don't go just for the rides, but if you like to ride, they have some good coasters.

The Tracks has several go-kart tracks around Branson, including 2 multi-level wooden tracks.

I love Branson Landing. Could spend hours there. Great places to eat -- Cantina Laredo is my fave -- and some fun bars. Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano bar is so much fun. Good shopping, too. Also check out Tanger Outlet mall for shopping.

Non country show options -- BucketsNBoards (my new favorite show, not a bit of country in it, it's hilarious), Cat's Pajamas, The Haygoods.

Hm. We go so often that I don't know what to suggest to a new visitor. I guess if you're going to do the Ducks, I'd do the ones at Branson Landing. I found the Titanic interesting, but the Wax Museum is a complete waste of time.

The thing about Branson is that people have such different opinions. Some people love the wax museum, we were so mad that we spent money on it. I can't stand Kirby van Burch, and Sara loves him. I think Cat's Pajamas are just great, and others find them lacking.

Just go with an open mind and have fun.

[eranslow]

Thanks Ladies!!!

I'll definitely be sharing this thread with my dh! Mini-golf - we love playing so I'm sure we'll be hitting up Pirates Cove. As for the Ducks - I've been on them in Wisconsin Dells but different scenery different experience. And we actually talked about doing the ziplines I'll definitely be checking out the shows listed I'm getting excited!!!

[Scrapper007]

All of the above (you have received some great suggestions)! I went to Branson for the first time last year with my mom and we had a GREAT time!! Lots of shopping, a train ride, and a show every night. Oh, and we also went out on the Showboat Branson Belle: http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com/ We had dinner and watched a show...lots of fun!!

[HeatherKS]

I don't have anything new to add, just wanted to second and third a couple of the other suggestions. We loved the Ducks, Silver Dollar City, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Lamberts, and Branson Landing. There are TONS of things to do and it's definitely not just for country music fans.