From the highways, hills, prairies, cities, countryside, and across the seas, the masses flock to Branson, Missouri.  Families, singles, young people, old people, thin people, hefty people, and people of all colors come to Branson, Missouri not only to enjoy the shopping malls, beautiful lakes, four star resort hotels, heart-warming food, lively festivities, and a myriad of entertainment, but to seek an ethereal presence of wholesomeness and an atmosphere of goodness and clean fun. 

It all began in the 1900’s when a God fearing man found Branson as a place for retreat and reflection.  He sought his life’s calling, whether to be a writer or a preacher.  After seeing his book “Shepherd of the Hills” as an international sensation, perhaps he was a little of both.  His readers began to fall in love with the personalities of the people mentioned in his book as well as the beauty he described of the land and waters of the Ozarks.  So people came to see if his book was accurate.  And it was.  The Ozarks exuded hospitality and a cloaked coziness that seemed to envelop those who stood in awe of nature’s majesty.  From the early morning mountain fog to the sun dappled rivers filled with jumping trout, what started out as an annual pilgrimage to enjoy the scenery and the Ozark hospitality has turned into a multi-million dollar enterprise for that ever hard to find “good wholesome fun for everyone in the family.” 

As time went by, many of those revolving travelers brought their trades and skills to the small town of 5,000, and settled down to make Branson their “little place of heaven on earth.”  Now in the 21st century, over seven million annual visitors grace the town of Branson.  Like-minded people have settled Branson and made it into one of the most popular places in the United States to visit.  Talented singers, dancers, musicians, magicians, comedians, chefs, and performers of every kind host and perform in over 100 shows daily.   Branson is built to accommodate “group” tourism.  Whether from a local church group  hosting a relaxing get-a-way for its leadership or a convention of hard working entrepreneurs, blocks of rooms can be reserved at discount rates for those in your group.  The city of Branson has been improved to handle the crowds.  Major highway renovations now include $200 million work of highway repairs, road improvements, and fifty new roadways including Highway 65 which is a connecting four-lane highway diminishing the traffic snarls of the past.

When preparing to visit Branson, be sure to research which shows are scheduled to be playing.  With so much to do and see in the USA’s hottest new show town, you’ll have to plan revolving trips to this beautiful fun place.   Listed below is just a scratch on the surface of websites to help you plan your incredible vacation to Branson, Missouri:

www.silvercity.com

www.morningsidedemo.com

www.hotwinterfun.org

www.americanbandstandtheater.com

www.dixiestampede.com

www.bransonvarietytheater.com

www.bransonfuntrip.com

www.dinoplayspiano.com

www.titanicbranson.com

www.greatpassionplay.com

photo #3 Dixie Stampede

While in Branson, make it an adventure to find the South’s buxom blonde beauty and Branson’s most fun place to eat – Dolly Parton’s  Dixie Stampede   for dinner and a show.  Remember to look up the famous Russian comedian, Yakov Smirnoff.  He and his sidekick “Slim Chance” will have you laughing your Yakov (yak-off)!

Happy traveling to one of the most wholesome places a family can visit!

(photos courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Eureka Springs Visitor Bureau)