Not Your Grandfather’s Branson

Put Away the PS2s

Silver Dollar City has come a long way since the days of its focus on crafts. The amusement park mixes its roots with 21st century bang. Children can still step back into the 1880s and see 100 craftsmen but also zoom in PowderKeg, an explosive-launch roller coaster that has been named the top family thrill coaster on the planet.

The park also hosts six festivals each year:

• WorldFest—America’s largest international festival (Apr. 3-May 3)
• Bluegrass & BBQ—National Touring Bluegrass Bands (May 13-31)
• Kids Fest—America’s largest kid festival with an ice skating circus (June 6-Aug. 9)
• Southern Gospel Picnic—The country’s largest Southern gospel festival (Aug. 28-Sept. 7)
• National Harvest—More than 100 craftsmen create at America’s largest crafts festival (Sept. 11-Oct. 25)
• An Old Time Christmas—One of the top 10 holiday destinations in the world with 4 million lights and a musical 5-story special effects Christmas tree.

Rides are a part of Celebration City, but it’s the Ignite the Night show that leaves audiences awe-struck. Presented after sundown, the high-tech dramatic presentation highlights five-story video projections on a mountainside, 3-D visuals, lasers, a massive water screen, water cannon and pyrotechnics celebrating the American spirit.

• Each summer, Silver Dollar City hosts Kids Fest, the largest festival for children in the United States.
• Courtesy of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB

Whew! Who’s Hungry?

Whether you eat at a chain or local restaurant, the wait is never long for a meal. Servers know they have to move customers in and out quickly in order for them to make the shows—one of the main reasons people visit Branson. Who wants to be late to see Charo or Chinese acrobats especially when the average adult ticket runs $30 to $40?

Many theaters offer lunch and dinner in either buffet or sit-down style. At Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill, I ordered a hearty bowl of baked potato soup and a large salad but was more taken with watching vintage clips of Duran Duran and Prince on American Bandstand.

Andy Williams lives in Branson and was one of the first stars to open a theater there in 1992. Next to his Moon River Theater, Williams opened Moon River Grill in early 2007, a restaurant more expected in New York or Chicago than Branson. The airy restaurant highlights his mother’s recipes –a fantastic chicken pot pie—along with his modern art collection, including a Warhol, and an expansive wine selection.

Some of Branson’s best restaurants enjoyed by locals are tucked away from the touristy hustle and bustle:

• Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater celebrates 1957 and the automobiles that made it memorable.
• Courtesy of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB

• Clockers—A country diner with big breakfasts, vast menu of sandwiches, a daily special and yummy peach cobbler.
  
• Tony Z’s Italian Ristorante & Lounge—A romantic Italian restaurant with a dark lounge with featured musicians. Recommended: Steaks and the pasta with shrimp
• Ruby Lena's Tea Room—A quaint tea room in a renovated house near downtown. There’s usually a wait but the chicken salad, soups, quiche and bread pudding are worth it.
• Danna’s Barbecue—The perfect laid-back spot for a quick barbecue pork sandwich or a sampler platter with ribs, pork and beef.
• Candlestick Inn—Located on a cliff overlooking Lake Taneycomo and Branson Landing serves dinner—try the Roasted Long Island Duckling or Beef Wellington.

Ever Changing Branson

Branson doesn’t rely on the same shows to lure visitors year after year. Each season shows, exhibits and events change. I visited Branson in September and attended a leg of the first annual Tour of Missouri, an elite professional cycling race that drew thousands of spectators and some of the best cyclists in the world. The city’s challenging hills and slopes are becoming a favorite among die-hard cyclists.

I returned in early November and the holiday season was already in full swing with stage shows featuring Christmas songs and lights twinkling throughout the town.

Through the winter months, many of the shows go dark, but there is still plenty to do including renting a cabin and relaxing. On Valentine’ Day, the Titanic Museum hosts actors portraying Jack and Rose who recreate scenes from the movie.

• Day three of the 2008 Tour of Missouri will once again take place in Branson, where there will be an 18-mile time trial.
• MoBikeFed

A Roster of Classic Personalities

Andy Williams revolves talented legends at his theater. Country legend Glen Campbell and Las Vegas star Charo performed last year. In 2008, Ann-Margaret sings and dances across the Moon River Stage.

Some of my friends still think I am bonkers for loving Branson, but a few are coming around. Their only request: If they go, I go with them. Their fear? They will get sucked into buying a corn cob pipe. But such souvenirs are quickly becoming a relic of the past.

This article was originally published in January 2008 as part of the TravelMuse alpha release. It has been recently updated.