Branson, MO

[twhitaker]

My husband is going to be in Branson, MO for November and December of this year. I will be going up to visit him as much as possible during those 2 months. I was going to see if anyone could give me some advice on some shows to see and some places to eat. Any advice would be great!! Thanks!

 

[zaza]

I like Branson almost as much as WDW!! It's a lot different, but we love going to Branson. Christmas shows will be going on then--they all close down after the 2nd weekend in December, so go early! Check websites for the dates--in the winter season, the shows often run just Thursday-Sunday. We've gone to the Andy Williams Christmas Show (yes, he's 100 years old, but it's a great show). Silver Dollar City has lots of lights and fun Christmas shows--it's no WDW but it's fun in a whole different way. Branson has several outlet malls--you should be able to do some good Christmas shopping. Right next to Branson is College of the Ozarks--it's a 4-year college where students all work to pay tuition instead of paying money. They have a wonderful restaurant at C of O, where their hotel&restaurant management students get experience. The food is fantastic anytime, but the Sunday brunch is phenomenal. If you are killing time while your husband is busy, C of O also has a museum that's called the Smithsonian of the Ozarks. It has a bit of everything--I think you'd enjoy it. Also, C of O students do other jobs to make their tuition money--they have a jelly kitchen (where they make and sell jellies and jams); a mill where they have stone-ground flour; they weave placemats, shawls, etc.; they make stained glass and candles. I sound like I own the place, but I don't! I just love going there. Branson also has a year-old attraction called Branson Landing--it's a huge development on the lakefront that has upper end and outlet shops, good dining, etc. We can spend a day messing around there. Check out visitbranson.com to see all the shows. Get a map of the Branson area to learn how to use the back roads--if you drive the main road through town--Highway 76--you'll spend lots of time sitting in traffic. The back roads bypass 76, but there are plenty of access roads so you can easily access 76 if you are going to something on it. Specific questions? I'll try to answer. We are going July 30-August3 for our summer "fix."

 

[twhitaker]

My husband is going to be singing at Silver Dollar City for a Gospel Christmas Show everyday in November and December so I know we will be going there alot. Are there any good shows or restaurants located around that area and are pretty good?

 

[zaza]

We really like a place called Zoe's--it's not far from SDC, but not in the middle of Branson, either. It's not an everyday place because it's a little high (but no more than a TS Disney meal) but good. I don't know if it's open in winter, though. All the chains are in Branson: Olive Garden, Pasta House (a Missouri chain that we love), Landry's, Lone Star, etc. We enjoy a place called Outback (not part of the chain) that serves good steaks, seafood, alligator!, etc. Everything in and around Branson is fairly close--even driving from SDC to Branson Landing (which is about as far apart as you can get) is only maybe 15 miles. In Branson, there's a place called Panera--another Missouri chain that has breakfast pastries; wonderful soup, salads, and sandwiches; great coffee. If you want to PM me, I can probably answer specific questions and I can check things out for you in a couple weeks.

 

[FoundMyPrince]

There is a Disney store at the Branson Landing!

Silver Dollar City will be all decorated for the Christmas season - very pretty.

 

[jstbcuz]

I love Branson, but oh how I hate the traffic.

 

[DisFlan]

Silver Dollar City is GORGEOUS at Christmas, and lots of fun. Well worth more than one trip. Or three or four.

DisFlan

 

[zaza]

There is also a Disney Catalog outlet store at one of the outlet malls in Branson (Tanger, I think--it's NOT the red-roofs outlet) that I find lots of good stuff at. It's right next to a Coleman (the camping/sports stuff) outlet so I go to Disney while my husband goes to Coleman. I get lots of good stuff for me and for the grandPrincesses at the outlet.

 

[Jalva22]

There is also a Disney Catalog outlet store at one of the outlet malls in Branson (Tanger, I think--it's NOT the red-roofs outlet) that I find lots of good stuff at. It's right next to a Coleman (the camping/sports stuff) outlet so I go to Disney while my husband goes to Coleman. I get lots of good stuff for me and for the grandPrincesses at the outlet.

Just confirming: yes it is Tanger that you are referring to.

We live a few hours for Branson and have been alterning WDW years with Branson years. It's nice as we alternate one expensive trip that takes us a lot of effort to physically get to with one trip that is inexpensive and a very easy drive.

 

[tnkr_bell]

If you can make a trip to Springfield (maybe an hour away), you have got to go to Lambert's, Home of the throwed rolls. They've got great food and a ton of it, so go hungry. Here's the link www.throwedrolls.com

 

[MicheleMal]

Actually the Lamberts restaurant is in Ozark MO, which is about 10 miles south of Springfield...so between Springfield and Branson just off Hwy 65. Easy to find. Always a wait. But you will not leave hungry! Another good place in Branson to eat if you like BBQ is a place called Danna's BBQ. I know of two locations---one in Kimberling City on Hwy 13 and one on Gretna Rd just south of the winery. Good bbq, good burgers...try a "Big Big Pig"
At the Landing, there is a Joe's Crab Shack, a Famous Daves bbq, a place called Garfields which is kindof like Applebees/Fridays type place. I have not been anyplace in the Landing to eat that just knocks my socks off...but it is a convenience thing when I am there shopping. There is a new dueling piano bar that is getting ready to open at the Landing called "Ernie Biggs" that is fun--well, at least the one in Springfield is fun.
My absolute favorite place to eat in Branson is the Top of the Rock restaurant at Big Cedar Lodge. It is about 10 miles south of Branson, almost at the Arkansas line. Last time I heard they were closed---it burned and they were remodeling. (but that was nearly 2 years ago...they are probably open by now) A good alternative to Top of the Rock is the Devils Pool restaurant at Big Cedar---the downstairs bar at the Devils Pool is called the Buzzard Bar and they have great entertainment in the evenings---have a singing cowboy named Clay. Not a wild bar by any means---my 4 year old even goes--and their menu is very relaxed and casual and they have good wraps and sandwiches. And great homemade chips. The Devils Pool upstairs has a fancier menu and have a great champagne brunch on Sundays. (a little pricy but good)
I have lived within 30 miles of Branson MO my entire life (now in Springfield) and can tell you about all sorts of places. If you make it to Springfield, I can direct you to some great restaurants here too.
If you need anything else, feel free to PM me! Have a great time.
p.s. the traffic won't be terrible in the time of year you are here----right now it is AWFUL but after Labor Day the crowds subside significantly.
Michele in Springfield MO

 

[staceyfe]

My husband is going to be singing at Silver Dollar City for a Gospel Christmas Show everyday in November and December so I know we will be going there alot. Are there any good shows or restaurants located around that area and are pretty good?

They're aren't really any shows or restaurants extremely close to SDC. You'd have to be in Branson (SDC is just a bit west of Branson). SDC is actually in Stone county, and the city of Branson is in Taney county.

 

[MicheleMal]

to all the other SW MO posters: Have you flown Allegiant out of Springfield to Sanford? We are doing it for the 1st time in Sept and while the general consensus is that it is ok overall, would like to hear some of the responses from Springfield.
Specifically--I did not pay for assigned seats. If I get to the airport 2 hours early, is my family of 3 going to be able to sit together?
And what's up with paying per bag to check in? I assume that is an Allegiant thing, not just a Springfield thing....
Thanks!
Michele

 

[forgetitharris]

Make sure you go to Dixie Stampede. We go every summer for one week to Branson. I have seen the Christmas show at Dixie one time. Please put this on your list to do, I can't imagine you being disappointed.

 

[staceyfe]

Make sure you go to Dixie Stampede. We go every summer for one week to Branson. I have seen the Christmas show at Dixie one time. Please put this on your list to do, I can't imagine you being disappointed.

So sorry--have to throw in my 2 cents here. My son loves Dixie, my DH and I can't stand it! The Christmas show is a touching experience, but I can't get past the fact that I'm trying to eat while all these animals are flinging dirt in my presence. Also, it's hard to eat and watch the show at the same time, and everything at Dixie you eat with your hands or drink (the soup). If you want utensils, stash them in your purse!

 

[tonilea]

So sorry--have to throw in my 2 cents here. My son loves Dixie, my DH and I can't stand it! The Christmas show is a touching experience, but I can't get past the fact that I'm trying to eat while all these animals are flinging dirt in my presence. Also, it's hard to eat and watch the show at the same time, and everything at Dixie you eat with your hands or drink (the soup). If you want utensils, stash them in your purse!

My DH still gripes about the lack of silverware at Dixie! I really enjoyed it - the soup was wonderful.

I like in NW AR but used to work in Branson - back when a 30 mile commute wasn't the issue it is now with $3 gas. In fact we were in Branson Friday and Saturday.

My best Branson advice is to learn the alternate routes, to avoid congestion on the strip.

There are also some very good Chinese places. Springfield also has some wonderful restaurants. BassPro Shops is a fun stop in Springfield.

ETA: There is also an indoor water part at one of the hotels. I can't think of the name off the top of my head it is "Country" something. You have to be a guest at the hotel to use it, but there is no additional charge besides your hotel room.

 

[Butwhyistherumgone?]

ETA: There is also an indoor water part at one of the hotels. I can't think of the name off the top of my head it is "Country" something. You have to be a guest at the hotel to use it, but there is no additional charge besides your hotel room.

The Grand Country Inn ~ It is a fun place. Just an average hotel room but the water park is fun and there is a indoor mini golf and a HUGE and yummy buffet place right there. We really enjoyed it. There is a show too but I have not seen it.
I recommend the Baldknobbers show and have heard the Darren Romeo Magic show is fabulous.

 

[jgates]

Does Shoji still perform there? OUTSTANDING show!!

 

[tonilea]

Does Shoji still perform there? OUTSTANDING show!!

Yes, he is a staple of Branson.

 

[csss31399]

We just got back' from Branson today. We always see the Presley's. My boys like it a lot and so does their dad. We love SDC and they always have the Dicken's Christmas Carol production which is really good for a theme park. Fun, fun. Christmas is my favorite time there. We are off to WDW in Sept and Branson again in Nov for the Christmas lights. It's great. SDC has these big skillets they cook all the these yummy dishes in. We get one with chicken, okra, peppers, onions, corn...Yummy!! Feel free to PM me with any specific questions. We go there a lot. You will have a lot of fun!!