With a population of about 7,000 and a quaint, historic downtown, Branson attracts more than eight million visitors a year, primarily retirees, families, and RVers drawn by the irresistible lure -- and improbable pairing -- of outdoor recreation and big-time entertainment. Surrounded by three pristine lakes in the scenic, wooded, mountainous region of the Ozarks in southern Missouri, Branson offers fishing, swimming, golfing, and boating, and is also home to big-name entertainers who present everything from country music to comedy and magic acts in more than 100 live shows daily. Branson also boasts theme parks such as Silver Dollar City, unique museums, and Branson Landing, a shopping-and-dining complex on the shores of Lake Taneycomo.
