Known for its flashy, family entertainment, people take Branson vacations when they want to set out on the town. Even with the serene and scenic Ozark Mountains surrounding the area, this city is anything but quiet.
Most landmarks fall along Highway 76 better known simply as "The Strip" and my Branson timeshare rental sits perfectly centered near the famous stretch of theaters, dinner shows and attractions. Ask me about availability for your upcoming Branson rental.
A lot of the action along The Strip tends to start up after sunset, so spend the day covering all of your entertainment bases at one of the theme parks in the area.
At Silver Dollar City, family fun is taken to a whole new level with more than 30 rides and attractions, including thrilling roller coaster rides through the trees and fun houses for all ages. Singers, dancers and actors can be found all over the park whether you are sitting down for an afternoon show or simply roaming the streets. And from Sept. 10-Oct. 29, 2011, dont miss the National Harvest Festival taking place in the park where hundreds of craftsmen come to set out their wares and demonstrate their skills.
If you come back for a Branson vacation in the summer months, be sure to stop by Silver Dollar Citys sister park, White Water, for a wet and wild adventure under the sun.
For some friendly competition during your Branson vacation, a trip to Track Family Fun Park is in store. Go-karts, bumper rides, laser tag and miniature golf can all be found at this entertainment spot. For an extra rush, ride on the high-flying Ozark Mountain Skycoaster before taking a pit stop to chow down in one of the on-site eateries, or try your hand at a few of the 200 arcade games located in the three indoor gaming centers.
Travelers who are looking to learn a little while on vacation in Branson have a number of museums nearby from wacky and weird to historical and insightful.
Take a step back in time at the Titanic Museum Attraction and touch a real iceberg, browse through recovered artifacts, see ship replicas and hear the emotional stories of survivors. Dog lovers can meet Molly and Carter, the museums official mascots and tributes to the dogs that were on board.
For history and fun, visit the Worlds Largest Toy Museum and Harold Bell Wright Museum. All in one place, you can reminisce about your childhood while viewing thousands of toys from the 1800s to today and then learn about one of Bransons early residents and the author of "The Shepherd of the Hills."
Want to take your picture with some of the hottest stars in Hollywood? Find all your favorites in one place: the Hollywood Wax Museum. Life-size wax figures of everyone from contemporary celebrities like Johnny Depp and Gwyneth Paltrow to famous figures from the past including Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley are on display.
When you first walk by Ripleys Believe It or Not!, you may think that it is nothing more than an abandoned building in ruins. But inside the cracked façade are loads of unusual and interesting exhibits displaying oddities from around the world, like a twoheaded calf and a human unicorn.
Want to relive your glory days? With the help of some of Bransons popular shows and shops you can do just that!
Whether or not youve had the privilege of seeing The Beatles live in concert before, youll be sure to catch yourself singing along with Bransons own Liverpool Legends, a tribute band put together by George Harrisons sister Louise. Although they sometimes tour outside of Missouri, Branson is home to these four actors and musicians who will take you through the entire evolution of one of the worlds most popular bands from Abbey Road to their solo careers, and everything in between.
See even more tributes to some of your favorite artists at Dick Clarks American Bandstand Theater. In their "Legends in Concert" live show, talented performers belt out hit songs from artists like The Blues Brothers, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Ray Charles. And after the show head over to Dick Clarks American Bandstand Grill for an extra taste of nostalgia.
At the east end of The Strip is a local legend: Dicks Oldtime 5 & 10. A staple in historic downtown Branson, this potpourri of gifts, candy, puzzles and more has been around for 50 years. Get lost among the 50,000 pieces of memorabilia and collectibles that line the shelves and view the stores collection of wartime, sports and Ozark artifacts. You can easily spend an entire day picking out the perfect souvenir or finding the long lost trinket youve been looking for.
They dont call Branson the "Live Music Show Capital of the World" for nothing. You've got to be sure to spend some of your Branson vacation enjoying these live shows that will make you laugh outloud, sit on the edge of your seat, and leave you wanting to hear and see more.
For a big stage show full of dancing, singing and colorful costumes and characters look no further than Branson Variety Theater. Enjoy "Hooray for Hollywood," a performance full of glitz and glamour that runs through Oct. 23, 2011, and features musical numbers from some of your favorite films.
At The Starlite Theatre you never know what kind of show you might see. Whether its an acrobatic demonstration or an inspirational holiday production, it is sure to be star-studded. September and October feature the father-daughter duo of the Righteous Brothers Bill Medley and his daughter McKenna.
Prepare yourself for knee-slapping entertainment when you visit the Jim Stafford Comedy Show A classical guitar player, Stafford shares hilarious stories through song and even offers up a joke of the week that he receives from his fans.
A family show in every sense of the word, the Hughes Brothers Show features five brothers and their large families singing and dancing together on stage. At 47 family members and growing, there is a huge amount of talent at this jam-packed show perfect for all ages.
Southern comfort isnt hard to find during your Branson vacation when traveling along Country Boulevard its here that Bransons great entertainment and hospitality truly shines.
and all at a family-friendly pace perfect for all ages. For a musical adventure that gives Memphis a run for its money and dazzling shows fit for the Vegas Strip, look no further than the Midwestern gem that is Branson, the "Live Music Show Capital of the World."
One of Bransons original country shows, Baldknobbers Jamboree Show, has been on The Strip since 1959. A mix of gospel music, popular country tunes, classic favorites and a few silly clowns keep the show going. More than 15 performers, many of them family members of the original owners Jim and Katie Mabe, belt out sweet Southern melodies in a show that is revamped every year.
Another family that has been serving up country classics in the city for decades can be found at Presleys Country Jubilee. Four generations of the Presley family put on a fantastic show where they do it all: sing, dance and play a myriad of instruments, all with a Western flair. The perfect balance of country and comedy will bring out the kid and country music lover in you!
Set aside one evening of your Branson vacation for a Southern adventure like no other. At Dolly Partons Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show you can watch an action-packed performance filled with Southern belles, herds of buffalo, horse tricks and a friendly competition between North and South all while enjoying a delicious home-style, four-course meal. Exciting numbers featuring dancers and parades of horses are choreographed perfectly to upbeat and entertaining country jams and end in a spectacular display of music and fireworks.
This article about Branson vacations appeared in my timeshare owner's magazine.
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