mcs

Going to Branson, Missouri for a few days on the way to visit family. Any sites, restaurants, ect... that should not be missed?

kay

Lambert's is outside of Springfield on the way to Branson. This is a restaurant that throws rolls to the customers. It serves HUGE portions! They have a thing called "pass arounds" before your meal comes (fried okra,etc.). It can take a long time to get in if you go during a rush time but it is worth the wait for the atmosphere.

ohbrother

If you're a white conservative male you should love Branson. They'll let the little woman in, too. Minorities need not apply.

Keith

ohbrother,

That is odd, the person at work that suggested I go to Branson is African American. He has been there before and is talking about going down there again this Christmas time.

Oh, and he is in his early 30s.

KEith

travleis

I think ohbrother was being sarcastic and using extreme examples in an attempt to be humorous.
Branson is stereotypically thought of as attracting a redneck crowd.
That's an oversimplification, no different than saying that Miami is a city of Cubans or that only kids love Disney World. (But there's often a kernel of truth in stereotypes, too).

SusanCS

There was a travel review in frommers a couple of years ago that mirrored ohbrother's comments exactly.

Redbud

Branson is the best drive-to family vacation destination in the country. We have been to Disney, Vegas, you name it, but what we love about Branson is we don't have to fly so no hassle with airlines, we can decide to go on a whim, and everybody finds something new each trip. Table Rock Lake is awesome and should not be missed. You can spend your days boating, swimming or fishing, and your nights going to great live shows. And no they're not all country shows. There is a young family called the HAYGOODS who are like the Osmonds, even more talented, 7 brothers and 1 sister. Great show that everyone loves. Lost in the 50's and 50's at the Hop are two of the best shows in Branson. Andy Williams has partnered with Ann Margaret this year, 1st class theater and show. Dixie Stampede is great fun. Spirit of the Dance and Broadway, the Star-Spangled Celebration are high energy dynamite shows in a beautiful theater. Did I mention Table Rock Lake? It's the best thing to do in Branson. Rent a boat or take a boat ride. You will fall in love with this lake surrounded by the beautiful Ozark Mountains. It's huge! So much to do in Branson you'll find yourself going back again and again. Millions do each year. I'm from Chicago, and did not expect to fall in love with this place. We are hooked and we go back every year. Hope this has been helpful to you!

salgal

I would recommend Silver DOllar City. IT's an amusemsnt park but not your typical Disney World. It is themed from the 1800's. Good shows, food, rides, etc. Lambert;s is excellent, too. IT is located on 65(I think) in Springfield about 1/2 hour north of Branson. I recommend the Dixie Stampede. It includes dinner which you must eat with your hands. (no utensils)

gplimpton

**"Branson is the best drive-to family vacation destination in the country".

You mean you'd recommend that people from New York, Florida and California (most of the US's population) drive to Branson for their family vacations?

Patrick

Yea, I thought that was a strange comment, too. Best drive-to vacation spot for whom? I live four hours from Disney World. Are you saying Branson, which is a two day drive from here would be a better drive-to family vacation spot than Orlando for us???

jwc

We spent a week in Branson last May. To call it the best drive in vacation spot is really stretching it. I live in California and can think of at least 6 or 7 places that are far better. I suppose the poster doesn't realize that not everybody lives near Branson.

Branson is good if you like a lot of shows. We saw 7 shows during our week there. It is true that they are not all country and western though that is the predominate theme.

Branson itself is not very attractive. It is very junky to say the least. Our favorite show by far was Shoji Tabuchi's. The theatre alone is worth the admission price.

As far as the politics go, just consider that it is rural Missouri so make your own opinion. It is certainly not a particularly friendly area.

I am glad that we visited ONCE but would never go again.

mona

We enjoyed Branson as a family twice in the last three years. There is lots to do, although if you are looking for casinos, you are in the wrong area (smile). We ate at Lambert's Cafe, enjoyed the Acrobats of China show (truly amazing!), and loved the Dixie Stampede dinner/show. Also, nearby Springfield has a Bass Pro shops and Wildlife Museum, plus a cave that gives tours. I'd get the Branson area visitor's guide and start narrowing it down. Have a great time!

mona

Okay, now I looked at the date of the original post. Why did anyone drag this out again? Just to start people arguing?

Wednesday

"Our favorite show by far was Shoji Tabuchi's. The theatre alone is worth the admission price."
Ok, I was waiting to hear those words...here is my funny story....I used to order free interesting or weird information addressed to coworkers for fun...I saw an ad for this theater family where the Japanese father plays the violin, his wife who looks like Barbara Mandrell sings and their daughter dances...They do everything from Christmas songs, to contemporary "hits" if you will with rope swinging, and polkas, etc. Well, we thought it was a very interesting set up and had their brochure. Well, a couple of months later my co-workers surprised me with a birthday cake with his (the dad)picture on it ! Turns out my friend's aunt had been to the theater and after telling her about my fascination with the act, she got an autographed 8X10, autographed ticket, a t-shirt and had her photo taken with him, his sequin jacket, and violin. It was too funny ! They are quite an act I'm sure...