We have traveled extensively throughout Europe for many years. Due to the rise of the euro and dramatic drop in value of the U.S. dollar we decided to do something different in the United States this
We have traveled extensively throughout Europe for many years. Due to the rise of the euro and dramatic drop in value of the U.S. dollar we decided to do something different in the United States this year. We are considering a venture to Branson, Missouri. We have heard that it is a fun place. This will not be an inexpensive motorhome or automobile trip for us. We must fly (and I haven't found any "deals") to Springfield, Mo. and then rental car to Branson. We are planning for one week. How about sharing your Branson experiences with us and any suggestions such as shows that must be seen, good places to stay and eat -- and their costs? Is it going to be worth our time and money to do Branson?
I'm from Missouri and I wouldn't set foot in or around Branson again if you paid me. What a dump. Maybe it's the right kind of place for some people, but if you're accustomed to European travels you would be sorely disappointed, I think. It's basically strip mall hell, with some tacky country music performance halls. The food is generally chain restaurant slop. It is a region of great natural beauty, but like most of the Ozarks, it's been marred by rampant development with no consideration given to asthetics. (Billboards galore, etc.) I can think of many other places in the States and even the midwest and state of Missouri that would be better holiday destinations. (Anywhere in New England, the area around Asheville NC, Memphis, New Orleans, the lakes of Minnesota, Santa Fe, CA wine country, Alaska, a Chicago/Oak Park architecture exploration, anywhere in the Rockies...the list goes on.) Even in MO, a week exploring STL and the little towns along the MO and Mississippi Rivers would be much more rewarding, in my opinion.
I haven't been to Branson, so I can't say, but I will say that you should check www.skyauction.com for lodging for wherever you're going in the U.S. You can find some amazing deals there on some very nice condos/hotels. Also, consider Priceline.com Do your homework first by going to http://www.biddingfortravel.com
Read 1) their list of hotels Priceline uses in any given locale; they group them by location and by accomodation * level 2) their advice on how to bid and get the most hotel for the least money 3) their forum where people "report back" on what hotels they got for what bid amount. You can save a great deal on really nice hotels throughout the U.S.----or for that matter London. We stayed in a 4* London Hotel for $85.00 (yes, that's dollars!) a night, and the Sheraton at Heathrow almost always goes for $50.00 (dollars) a night.
I agree that it depends what you are looking for. We have been there twice; last summer & 25 years ago. It has grown drastically & is a cheesy, tourist trap with flashing lights & way too many billboards. We can drive there in one day, so that is not expensive for us, (until gas rose to over $2.00!!!) We took our 16 & 19 year old daughters. We all enjoyed Silver Dollar City Amusement park, which has water rides, roller coasters & unique shops along with tourist-type features. We played mini golf on the strip, but went to no shows. If you like country music or dance shows, you may enjoy Branson. Hotels are often less than $50 and are clean & comfortable. We talked to the locals and found a fabulous pizza place & restaurant located off the strip in tiny nearby towns. I have heard that Eureka Springs Ark. would make a nice daytrip from Branson. It has antique stores, etc. The scenery would be beautiful. Personally, I am glad that we went once, but would not go back again for several years.
we have been to BRANSON 3 TIMES AND FIND THAT IT IS WORTH THE EXPENSE.WE DROVE THERE IN OUR OWN CAR EACH TIME. THERE ARE MANY SHOWS TO SELECT FROM AND THEY ARE ALL GREAT. THE TRAFFIC IS VERY BUSY . ALL SHOWS WERE GOOD AND WELL ATTENDID. I WOULD RECOMEND THAT YOU GET ADVANCE RESERVATIONS AT THE MOTELS
A friend asked me to go to Branson with her and her mother two weeks before Thanksgiving. Since I do not like country music and huge crowds I was not thrilled with the idea. However, I was surprised that I enjoyed the trip. We can drive in 12 hours, so I did not have the expense of flying, and the costs were split three ways making it more "do-able". I enjoyed the Mark Twain re-enactment; the champagne brunch on the boat; the scenic railway ride; Shoji's Tabochi (spelling incorrect); and the Trail of Lights, which was a beautiful drive through the hills with Christmas scenes everywhere. Cirque was sensational, as well al the Chinese Acrobats. I probably would not go back except to explore the countryside, take the brunch boat and maybe one show. It is commercial, but I enjoyed the trip. However, if I had to spend the kind money you are talking about, I would have been disappointed.
The shows are generally good and inexpensive. Between shows, about all Branson has to offer is discount outlet malls and antique shops. The Chtistmas light display in December was beautiful, but it's a seasonal thing. SInce you have to incur a lot of expense, I would suggest you look elsewhere.
You have to love country...to enjoy Branson....My mother lives about an hr from there...so I've been many times....One of the best shows there is Shoji....I know it doesn't sound like he would be good....but hes excellent...oriental with country shound...but very professional.....a must see are the restrooms in his theatre...
The way we get to Springfield is fly into St Louis...there are always good deal on airlines to St louis....usually Southwest Airlines
You have to rent a car anyway...it's only 2-3 hrs drive from St Louis. and worth it because of airfare cost... Motels in Branson are very inexpensive and we've never had to reserve early....Of course, we never go in the heat of the summer either.
You can have fun there especially if you like country. Good luck!
We also had to fly from PA. This was a last minute trip that we did about 6 yrs ago. My husband, (not a country music fan), was making fun of my choice..until we arrived. We did not stay in Branson, but about 15 miles or so outside right on Table Rock lake. Crystal waters, wonderful local folk, beautiful caves, silver dollar city-fun! We went to all the local restaurants that were recomended by people we met while there. The scenery was breathtaking. We drove all over, saw a play, and Shoji Tabucci (sp) a show in Branson was amazing. We still talk about him! My in-laws also came with us and are NOT into country music, but appreciate culture of all sort. They along with my husband were thrilled with this trip. Go and experience it...even if it is only once.
I have not been to the branson area for a few years; did a TV installation there.
But I second the general comments. I would not personally go there for pleasure, as it was all tacky glitz and tourist-trappy stuff I saw.
Occasionally they do have named shows, if you are devoted to the Country-Western music idiom.
I prefer places like Glacier National Park, or Yellowstone, or the Theodore Roosevelt Park on the Montana-North Dakota Border. And Ashville, NC has beautiful stuff. Especially in the fall.
I have heard good reports from the Vermont-New Hampshire areas also summer and fall...fall is gorgeous.
Depends on what you are looking for. Tourist traps, or natural beauty, or high life, or small town life, or...??? The USA can supply!
My husbnd and I are not Country music fans so our stop in Branson was very brief. (It was not our destination.) There was not much else to do but go to "has been" country singer shows.
I was in Branson two years ago...and couldn't wait to leave. If you don't mind strip malls, highway amusement parks, and chain restaurants--go for it. The only attraction are the Las Vegas-like entertainment, but that's in the country genre only. Also you better be white and over sixty to really feel at home. There isn't much "color"--if any!!! To be fair, the actual old town of Branson was charming and the people were friendly. And some people I've met absolutely love Branson and are going back. But if you like Europe, you're going to be disappointed in Branson. I was there taking a seminar--otherwise I would have been bored to tears.
I am 61 and went with a tour with our local farm bureau. My expectations were mixed. The people on the bus were wonderful as was our tour guide with us and the one we hooked up with in Branson. The place we stayed was o.k. but we weren't there long. Two or three shows per day was the norm and they were all good - some excellent. We did not see much scenery which would have added another dimension. Many people we were with have done this trip MANY times and love it. You don't have to do country-western to enjoy. Go - hve fun!
I'm heading for Branson this morning with way too many shows to see and not near enough time. If you like country, comedy and Americana then Branson is your place. Branson is THE place for wholesome family entertainment. I'll never go to Las Vegas but I'll return to Branson many times in the future because that's where I find the entertainment I like best. BTW: The Bradford Inn on the hill overlooking Branson is the best place to stay for the money.
Hokey. If you're looking for entertainment, go on to Las Vegas. If you're looking for beautiful surroundings, go to Napa Valley and San Francisco. Cross Branson off your list of "places to visit."
I am from Missouri and Branson is definitely not worth it unless you like tacky, crowded, touristy, stupid hillbilly shows and $2 T-shirt shops. It is probably one of the worst places on earth in my opinion. Table Rock Lake right there is beautiful and if you can do that and avoid Branson it is worth it. That is what my husband and I did but made the mistake of going to Branson for dinner and hated every minute of it. But to do Table Rock Lake by flying in probably isn't worth it. I would avoid Branson and not waste your money. There are plenty of other places to go visit that are much better than Branson. Even your own backyard.
I live a couple hours away from Branson. We are not into country music, but have enjoyed Jim Stafford, Paul Harris (a young comedian who is very funny), Shoji Tabuchi, and Cirque. Most shows have a variety of entertainment, most of it very good. If money is no object, stay at Big Cedar, a beautiful resort on the lake owned by the same gent who owns all the Bass Pro stores. Dine at Top of the Rock for a great meal with a spectacular view - they offer pizza to sandwiches to steaks. Silver Dollar City offers an interesting day's entertainment. A side trip to Eureka Springs is interesting and the scenery is very pretty. I haven't been to Dogwood Canyon, which is close to Big Cedar, but have been told that is also very nice. If you are a sporting enthusiast, a trip into Springfield to Bass Pro is a must, with a visit to their wildlife museum (which is a little pricey, but interesting). Don't come expecting sophistication - but you can have a good time in Branson and the surrounding area.
