Branson, Missouri

[MScott1851]

Come on, you guys...we're trying to expose Dana to new things, like polyester, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee press-on nails, and Dixie Outfitters tee shirts. I threatened to take her on a tour of Orange Mound, Frayser, and Southeast Memphis next time she came into town and raved about BBQ and Beale Street.

Branson will be an experience, to say the least...but I'm sure she'll be a trouper. I actually liked going to Branson with my grandparents and parents, it's a much more laid-back, relaxing type of trip than our annual full throttle WDW trip.

Hillybilly hell or not, it's a chance to see somewhere new and will broaden horizons (as well as waistlines from eating all the chicken fried steaks with gravy). Plus it will make for some good stories when she gets back home.

 

[nativetxn]

My mother loved Branson. I thought it was "okay". Dana, I'm thinking that you won't be impressed but if you keep an open mind you can be entertained.

Katholyn

 

[jensenba]

Funny thing about my family and Silver Dollar City. Growing up almost every year my parents would say that we were definitely going to Disneyland this year. Only problem is something would come up and we would need to go and visit my grandparents. Well my grandparents live in Wentworth MO about 2 hours or so away from Branson. So we always ended up going to Silver Dollar City instead. This became known to my family as Sliver “Disney” City. I have been there more times then I have been to DL (which is weird since I have lived in Idaho all of my life and DL is closer) anyway it was not until my dad had friends come over from England on their first US trip that we were able to go to DL!! But Silver Dollar City still holds a spot in my heart (though not as big as DL does) and I would love to go back and go on the 3 new coasters they have added since I was there last. But right now I’d rather go to DL!

 

[swilphil]

Okay, totally off the subject of the post, but since there seems to be a lot of Missouri residents on this thread let me ask a question.

Any of you heard of Sedalia?

I was born there and lived there from the time I was 5 until I was 10 and spent most summers there after that. Whenever I meet someone who says they come from MO I tell them I lived there and where and they have never heard of it.

I'm from Kansas City and have driven through Sedalia hundreds of times on our way down to the Lake of the Ozarks. (My parents had a place there in the 70s, as did my inlaws until a few years ago.) My husband and I have become fascinated with some of the restaurants in Sedalia. I like Dickie Doo's Bar-B-Que, only because as a kid the rhyming alliteration tickled me. Dickie Doo had a houseboat on the lake and you could drive your boat up to it to pick up your food. How cool is that for a 10 year old? I also believe my dad told numerous off color jokes about said restauranteur. My husband likewise has always been intrigued with Joe and Frenchie LeMaire's Cajun Catfish & Seafood House. We stopped to eat there once and it was pretty good. My husband loved his blackened catfish and the shrimp was tasty, as I recall.

Then there's our favorite-- the Wheel Inn. It's an old-fashioned drive-in restaurant where they bring the food out to your car. There's also a counter inside where you can sit. I LOVE the peanut butter chocolate milk shake. They are known for their Goober Burger (peanut butter on a hamburger), but I don't have stomach for that.

 

[Beth76]

Any of you heard of Sedalia?

yes, isn't that where the state fair is. I've never been there though.

 

[I Intrigue You]

Hillbilly checking in here . My DH and I both grew up in a very small town in S.E. MO. As I child my family vacationed in Branson every year. I always had a great time and never knew the Ozarks had such a negative image

We are taking our summer vacation in Branson this year. We thought our DD11 would enjoy Silver Dollar City & all the different shows. If you go to Branson.com they can send you a ton of information about things to see and do in the area. Enjoy your trip!

 

[swilphil]

I apologize if I offended anybody with my hillbilly reference. My family vacationed at the Lake of the Ozarks for years and I loved it. I feel like I know Dana fairly well and was writing my response with her in mind.

One thing Dana may enjoy is the outlet shopping. The Tanger Outlet Mall has the following stores: Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Gap, Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne, and others. You may want to call before heading over there. Stores do seem to come and go in the outlet malls around here.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I always had a great time and never knew the Ozarks had such a negative image

Only with the snobby types. Rest assured they wouldn't be so accepting if the tables were turned.

 

[Micca]

Have only been to Branson as a child before it became the Vegas of the Ozarks I agree that you'll find the people will be nice, and the area is pretty. For some people that makes for a terrific vacation.

And just for the record: Unlike Vegas, what happens in Branson will be all over the midwest by the next morning

 

[swilphil]

And just for the record: Unlike Vegas, what happens in Branson will be all over the midwest by the next morning

 

[Professor Mouse]

I think you couldn't pick a better spot for a vacation than Branson, especially if you live in New York. The entertainment is lively and wholesome, a true taste of American heritage. The shows are suited for families, so you can be assured that you won't find anything offensive (I couldn't say the same thing for New York entertainment and their blue state ethics).

 

[rascalmom]

I will stick to my description of Silver Dollar City as a small, themed amusement park. It really doesn't have that many rides & walking around the whole thing won't leaving your tootsies quite as tired as a stroll around any of the Disney or even Six Flags Parks.

Themed- that's a good thing & they do it very well. The craftspeople and artisans perform there tasks in an authentic way to how it would have been done long ago. The attire of the "castmembers" looks authentic & not costumey. Food is good but definitely "countryfied".

The music shows around the area aren't usually to my taste, but Ray Stevens has a hilarious comedy/music act. He's the guy who sang "The Streak".

DH loves fishing in the area, both at the lakes & the White River. My kids love the bumper boats, bumper cars & mini-golf places. D will just be seeing a very different part of the country than the hip NYC environment she is used to. Kitchy can be lots of fun!

Can't wait for the trip report.

 

[DizneyKaren]

I think you couldn't pick a better spot for a vacation than Branson, especially if you live in New York. The entertainment is lively and wholesome, a true taste of American heritage. The shows are suited for families, so you can be assured that you won't find anything offensive (I couldn't say the same thing for New York entertainment and their blue state ethics).

Well, while I won't say I agree with your thoughts on New York, I will agree that Branson has great entertainment for the families and couples alike. When DD knows we have a vaction in the planning, her first hope is we go to WDW... with Branson as a close second. DH and I really enjoy the shows. Sure some may be a bit high in "hillbilly" humor but it's generally good clean fun.

 

[hollydaze71]

I do not ever want to go back.
I hope this is not a great example of our heritage. I grew up there and have to say that every redneck joke you ever heard is true! Especially when you go to this area.

I love the country - it is magnificent and this time of year the dogwoods are in bloom - you will love the scenery.
Just don't drive in Branson.

 

[gina2000]

Send me a postcard. I'll never get there but I'm sure I'd enjoy it if the opportunity ever presents itself.


There's alot to be said about new experiences and nice people.

 

[bigmerle1966]

I'm from Kansas City and have driven through Sedalia hundreds of times on our way down to the Lake of the Ozarks. (My parents had a place there in the 70s, as did my inlaws until a few years ago.) My husband and I have become fascinated with some of the restaurants in Sedalia. I like Dickie Doo's Bar-B-Que, only because as a kid the rhyming alliteration tickled me. Dickie Doo had a houseboat on the lake and you could drive your boat up to it to pick up your food. How cool is that for a 10 year old? I also believe my dad told numerous off color jokes about said restauranteur. My husband likewise has always been intrigued with Joe and Frenchie LeMaire's Cajun Catfish & Seafood House. We stopped to eat there once and it was pretty good. My husband loved his blackened catfish and the shrimp was tasty, as I recall.

Then there's our favorite-- the Wheel Inn. It's an old-fashioned drive-in restaurant where they bring the food out to your car. There's also a counter inside where you can sit. I LOVE the peanut butter chocolate milk shake. They are known for their Goober Burger (peanut butter on a hamburger), but I don't have stomach for that.

WhooHoo someone who has actually heard of the place. I don't ever remember going to Dickie Doo but we used to go to the Wheel Inn Drive In all the time. I loved the Goober Burger, I know it sounds gross, but it is pretty good. I haven't been to MO in about 7 years. We had a falling out with my psyco brother and his mental wife and haven't been back. My father is from there and I have lots of family in and aroung Sedalia.

And to the other poster, yes that is where the State Fair is held. That is what always kind of confused me when I would tell these people I was from Sedalia. Until I graduated from high school I knew the MD State Fair was held in Timonium, couldn't have told you where it was, had never been to the Fair, and still haven't to this day, but I had heard of Timonium.

 

[donmil723]

bigmerle, Count me in as another who knows where Sedalia, MO is located. I live about 40 minutes east of Sedalia. We've been to several swim meets and basketball games in Sedalia over the years. DH buys and sells cattle at the livestock auction on Hwy 65. And of course, we've been to the State Fair many times. It has really grown the past few years and now has one of the nicest movie theaters in central MO. President Bush even made a stop in Sedalia last fall and I was lucky enough to go hear him speak at the state fair grounds.

Donna

 

[Liz]

Don't see anything on the Osmonds schedule for 2005, but they performed in Branson as recently as December 2004.