I'm looking for suggestions on shows and activities for Branson. We're getting together for a family reunion at the end of October. Lots of tourist-oriented web sites make every show sound great, but
I'm looking for suggestions on shows and activities for Branson. We're getting together for a family reunion at the end of October. Lots of tourist-oriented web sites make every show sound great, but I'm more interested in what real people think. Is Silver Dollar just for kids? Are the coupon deals for restaurants or shows really a good deal? Is it better to get show tickets in advance, and if so, where? Any thoughts would be welcome.
Branson is indeed for the entire family and you all will have a great time there. There is indeed something for everyone! Of course, no trip would be complete without a trip to Silver Dollar City. Be prepared to spend at least one full day there as there is so much to see and do, rides for the kids, artisans for the whole family, shows, great food, etc. We purchased our tickets directly through the box office and avoided the discount places so I don't know if they were a good deal or not, but the shows are worth the price. If he is there, be sure and see the Andy Williams Show, it is a real treat and our entire family loved it. It is a variety show, and the acts he has booked are all amazing! His auditorium is fascinating to walk through, so get there early so you can look at all the pictures on the walls, the kimonos in the auditorium, and just enjoy the beautiful gardens around the complex. Another not to miss show is at the Sight & Sound Theater and is called Noah. The theater is amazing and the kids will love it! You can see it from all over Branson, set high on a hill, and it is a musical that puts you right smack down in the middle of the ark amidst the animals and all. It is an experience you will not want to miss. The lobby alone is an adventure, so go up there to pick up your tickets and look it over. For both these shows, we went and picked up our tickets our first day in town, and bought them for later in the week, and we had no trouble getting tickets, but you might call in advance just to make sure that will work this time of year. Then there is the massive Titanic Museum which really is amazing. You will see you when you drive down the main strip and it is an incredible sight to behold. The inside is something everyone will enjoy, with reproductions of many of the rooms that were in the Titanic including the captains deck where you can see what was his perspective that night which is really amazing in itself. I can't even begin to tell you all of the fascinating exhibits they have, but it is well worth your time, even if you have seen previous traveling exhibits before (this is so much better). Cakes n Creams Dessert Parlor is a great 50s dinner with burgers and shakes and all the normal fare, and you may even see an Elvis impersonator while you are there. Our hotel did give our coupons for this restaurant and we used it, and loved it. Fun place for the family to relax a bit, but get there early or the lines get pretty long. If you want to drive a bit out of town, Lamberts is the best restaurant ever! Those thrown buns, hot okra, sorghum molasses, chicken fried steak and a meal big enough for an army make it worth the drive. Also, if you are interested in Precious Moments, their visitors center is not that far away and it is a delight to see (and free). You will have a great time, and while we didn't purchase any tickets in advance, you might want to call on any that you really don't want to miss just to be sure. It can get very busy there, but just beware, we talked to many a native who had come there just for vacation, and never went home.
Silver Dollar City is for all ages - they have rides, crafts, food, shows. Be prepared for a lot of walking, some of it pretty hilly. Marvel Cave is a neat tour, it's just inside the front gate. It's a walking tour and some of the stairs are steep. If you are adventurous, Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours is awesome! There are several zipline companies in the area. Now is a great time to zip line with the trees starting to change color. The Branson Landing is a great place for shopping, including a Bass Pro Shop. However, if you are into that, the original Bass Pro Shop is in Springfield (only about a 40 minute drive from Branson). I don't get to the shows much but Shoji Tabuchi has a good reputation and Andy Williams will be there through Oct 20th with Ann-Margaret.
I recommend going to TripAdvisor and ckicking on Branson attractions. That will give you a good idea of what people who have attended the shows think. Not sure about the discount places....never used them. However, I do know that if you visit a timeshare talk they will give you free tix to a show (however, not sure if thats how you want to spend your time)! I recommend Andy Williams and Silver Dollar City also. Have fun!!
I would recommend seeing the Oak Ridge Boys. There aren't always there, but they do put on a great show for all ages! This is the 30th anniversary of Elvira! :-) Plus they have some great new songs too. I also liked Branson Landing for shopping. You should definitely eat at Cantina Laredo there if you like mexican food. Although it is better than any mexican food I have had! The table quacamole is to die for! So are the mango margaritas and shrimp flautas. If it is nice, you can sit out by the river. I agree on going to Lamberts as well! I loved that place, but huge portions! If you like turquoise or other stones and jewelry, you definitely need to check out Phillip Zachery in the Grand Palace shopping area. He is very talented and does one of a kind work.
I did not read all those that posted to your question.
As for SDC, for the price you pay, I say it is worth it. You get the park, cave, night show, and NO parking fee, all for one price. If you want to come in the day before at 3:00 PM, the next day is FREE.
Someone mentioned SIX, yes it is a great show too, as we just seen it, along with dinner there not too long ago.
Someone mentioned that several shows have "some" CHRISTIAN songs, etc. going on there, it is not all that way. What is wrong with that???? Afterall, Branson is know for a Family area, not like Las Vegas!
If you want to see about coupons for shows ahead of time, check at the back of I-Max, as they have all kinds of coupons there.
There are a lot of things to see/do in Branson, that DOES NOT cost anything.
There are several places that offer discount prices (like 2-for-1 prices). Make sure it does not include a presentation for condos! There is a very good place that offers discounts at the intersection of 76 (the main drag) and Roark Valley Road--a very bright colored building, but I can't remember the name right now. It is on the south side of the road. It is quick and no pressure--and no presentations. You see what they have, buy, and leave. I live very close to Branson, and we go many times each year. Branson is safe, friendly, and very family oriented. There are no bad hotels that I have found--just some that are better (and less expensive) than others. Nothing is very far away, but learn to get off 76!! It moves at a snail's pace. I would be happy to answer questions if you have them.
