Going to Branson in October...

[Mom2Em]

Is there any must see shows or attractions? It will be my DH, my Mom and DD (7) as well as myself...
Thanks!

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

I don't know anything about Branson but I know I would like to see:
Andy Williams
Osmond Brothers &
Glen Campbell

 

[Planogirl]

We visit Eureka Springs quite often and drove into Branson once just out of curiosity. I remember that there seemed to be a little bit of everything there and that the traffic was awful!

We didn't have time for shows but did take DS to Ripley's. We also visited their old downtown area and I saw a few interesting shops. We noted that they had an amusement park called Silver Dollar City and a waterpark but those may be closed or only open part-time in October.

I know that this isn't much info but you could visit some of the caves in the area if you enjoy that type of thing. There seems to be slews of them throughout the Ozarks.

 

[GEM]

Silver Dollar City (while no WDW) is a really neat park! The landscaping is absolutely beautiful. It's built in the mounains and there are so many trees - more than any other park I've ever been in. It's lots of fun to just walk around and enjoy the scenery and watch the old-time crafts people making their soap, baskets, leather good, etc. There aren't that many rides, but it's still a wonderful way to spend a day. And October is the absolute perfect time - cool weather and beautiful leaves!

There are lots of fun mini golf places, too. Pirates Cove and Lost Treasure are tons of fun!

We also like the Amazing Acrobats of China show. It's awesome and the kids will LOVE it!

There are lots of outlet malls, too. We always enjoy some great shopping.

We're not big into country music or oldies, but if you like that sort of thing there are LOTS of those types of shows.

Have fun!

 

[nativetxn]

Try to see The Shoji Tabuchi Show if you can. It is excellent and his theatre has the most elaborate bathrooms. The men's room has a billiards table in it. My husband told me, honest

 

[speedi-deedi]

- Another vote for Silver Dollar City.

- We went with our boys (now 6 and 8) a couple of years ago, and aren't real into all the music shows. We did however, go to the Dixie Stampede, which is a horse-riding dinner show. It's very family friendly....kind of a north vs. south theme with lots of contests between the two sides. It's owned by Dolly Parton, I think there are Dixie Stampedes also at Dollywood and at Hilton Head.

 

[Mom2Em]

These ideas sound great!! I was not aware of the caves down there... and shopping is always a hit with us We had talked about Silver Dollar City but didn't know if we would like it as we are spoiled by Disney... Thanks!

 

[GEM]

I think you'll have lots of fun. Silver Dollar City is our favorite non-Disney theme park. Like I said before, it is an absolutely beautiful setting and the crafts people are so much fun to watch. Just know that it isn't a park about rushing around to the rides. Enjoy taking your time strolling around and soaking it all up. My mom LOVES it there. Be warned, though, that is very hilly, so if anyone in your party has mobility issues, it could be tough.

Oh, and we also love the Butterfly Place. It's just the coolest experience. Here's some information.

http://www.butterflyplace.com/

 

[Jeafl]

I agree with Silver Dollar City. It's a very nice place to spend a day or two. We did the Dixie Stampede, and while the food isn't stellar, the kids enjoyed the show.

We also saw an illusionist show there that was pretty good. i think the guy's name was Kirby ? something.

 

[pjlla]

We are planning a trip to Missouri next year. I just went to this website the other day...... www.bransonmo.com Lots of information there................P (P.S. don't get your hopes up about seeing Donny Osmond there.... I already found out that he doesn't perform at the theater with his brothers.)

 

[BrerMama]

We only do Disney every 3-4 years, so in our off years, we always go to Branson. We love it and to be honest, I'm already missing not going this year!

Hotel: We have stayed at Grand Country Inn several times. They have an indoor water park that is free to hotel guests. Huge hot tubs, great play area for kids and a nice, relaxing lazy river. There's also a really nice buffet restaurant on property.

Places: Definitely Silver Dollar City if you've never been. I also enjoy Celebration City, but it may be closed when you're there. It's an evening park, open 3-9, and has a bit of a Disney feel at the entry area. We also enjoy the go-kart tracks and Imax theater. We've only been to 2 music shows, but we did do Dixie Stampede and it was a huge hit. We'll definitely do it again next year.

Restaurants: You have to eat at Hard Luck Diner in the Grand Village. The waiters/waitresses will just burst out into song. It's a fun atmosphere.

Have a great trip!

 

[cyiland]

A couple of show recommendations: 1) see Andy Williams. Regardless of your age (I'm 38, DW is 36, DDs 2.5 and 6 yrs old), if you appreciate music, he's a national treasure. We saw his Christmas '03 show, and it was amazing to hear a 30 yr old voice in a 70 (+?) yr old body.

I've heard that Shoji Tabuchi (sp?) may not continue performing too long based on major arthritis problems, so that's a definite possibility of a show to see while it's still around. A disclaimer, though: "I've heard" is all I can say about this. I have NO actual knowledge that this info is accurate.

My experience with the bad traffic: yes, it is heavy. But I don't know whether it is the average age of the crowd, or something in the water... most drivers are VERY courteous, and you can get around without much problem even in busy times... as long as you don't get in a hurry. Get the feel for busy times, and leave EARLY!

 

[jgates]

Yes, see Shoji if you can!!!

We also love Silver Dollar City.

Take a day trip to Eureka Springs and stroll thru the shops.

Mini golf?

Outlet malls?

Lots of stuff to do!

 

[Mom2Em]

This post has been such a help!! I didn't realize there was so much to do down there... Eureka Springs is definitely on our to do list!! Thanks so much!!