– By Megan Dubois –
When most individuals consider Branson, Missouri, they possible consider stay reveals, over-the-top eating places with kooky exteriors, and chain lodges. While that is true, on a current lengthy weekend to the world, I discovered that there’s much more to Branson than the vacationer stops and Vegas-style marquees luring you into eating places and reveals. The midwest metropolis can be dwelling to loads of out of doors adventures and one of many coolest theme parks within the nation.
Here’s how I spent my lengthy weekend in Branson, Missouri, together with Silver Dollar City
Where to Stay in Branson, Missouri
There are many trip leases within the Branson space, however I opted for a extra conventional resort keep at The Ozarker Lodge. The lately renovated resort combines the service of a standard resort with the look of a historic motor lodge for a novel keep. The foyer is flooded with gentle due to loads of home windows. This can be the place you’ll discover the on-site bar serving espresso within the morning and slinging drinks within the night. The communal sitting space is a pleasant spot to take pleasure in your drink, learn a guide, or simply hang around with household and associates.
My double queen bed room was considerably small, however since I used to be touring solo, it match the invoice. The beds have been comfy, although, on late nights getting back from reveals or the theme park, I discovered the room lacked sufficient lighting to make sure I didn’t run into the chest of drawers that was near the door. The toilet, whereas small, did its job, although, with greater than two individuals, I might see the house being problematic.
What I liked most concerning the resort was that it was a couple of 5-minute drive to the principle drag of Branson, so I wasn’t consistently listening to vehicles or individuals. The resort’s secluded location was additionally nestled subsequent to a creek with Adirondack chairs and hearth pits lining the waterway, which was a pleasant spot to wind down after a protracted day.
Friday afternoon and night in Branson
After arriving in Branson, fill your stomach with nice BBQ at Danna’s Bar-B-Que & Burger Shop. There are two within the metropolis, however one is conveniently positioned subsequent to The Ozarker Lodge, so you possibly can stroll over for an early dinner. I liked the pulled pork sandwich, which was succulent and completely smoked. And there are many sauces to select from proper at your desk, so in fact, I attempted all of them, and every introduced one thing new to the flavour get together.
My night began and ended with The Haygoods, a household who has proven off their musical prowess in entrance of over six million individuals over 33 years. The present is full of musical numbers that may have you ever dancing in (or out of) your seat.
Saturday in Branson
Views of Branson and Table Rock Lake. Photo by Megan Dubois
Spend a lot of the day on Saturday having fun with the good outdoor in Missouri. Start your morning with breakfast on the go from one of many many cafes within the metropolis earlier than heading to Table Rock State Park. Here, you are able to do all the pieces from mountain biking and climbing to having fun with a picnic. But my favourite factor to do is head straight for the marina to lease a ship for a couple of hours and take lunch with me from the cafe the place I ordered breakfast. I all the time make some extent to go to Sugar Leaf Bakery Cafe whereas I’m in Branson, and it’s an important spot to get snacks and meals to go.
In the night, you possibly can discover Branson by yourself, or head out on the Best of Branson Sunset Tour with Pink Jeep Tours. During the three-hour tour, you’ll get to see the sundown over Table Rock Lake from a non-public mountain overlook, see the Historic Downtown Branson Scenic Railway, and extra.
Between adventures, you’ll have to gasoline up, so cease in at Señor Clucks. You might imagine this can be a fried rooster joint, however it’s truly Mexican. You’ll know if you’re in the suitable spot if you see the 43-foot-tall rooster subsequent to the Tanger Outlets.
Spend Sunday at Silver Dollar City
2025 is ready to be an enormous 12 months for Silver Dollar City, and all of it begins on opening day, March 13. Throughout the 12 months, the theme park hosts enjoyable festivals, together with its Spring Exposition, Bluegrass & BBQ, Summer Celebration, Harvest Festival, and An Old Time Christmas. No matter if you go, you’re certain to have a good time.
Start your morning at Silver Dollar City with breakfast at Molly’s Mill Restaurant, the place hearty Southern classics could be discovered within the buffet line. Don’t skip getting a number of the unimaginable apple butter and biscuits.
As the park opens for guests, head straight for a number of the standard sights, together with Fire In The Hole, Outlaw Run, and Wildfire. My favourite trip on the park is Time Traveler, which is a high-speed coaster the place every of the person trip automobiles spins as you twist and switch over the observe.
When the warmth of the afternoon hits, attempt to get a spot in line to tour Marvel Cave, a pure cave that the park is constructed on prime of. The cave excursions final about an hour and present a few of Mother Nature’s most stunning underground designs. It’s additionally a good way to chill off on heat summer season afternoons as a result of the cave’s underground ecosystem is normally round 60 levels.
Cinnamon Bread at Silver Dollar City. Photo by Megan Dubois
And no journey to Silver Dollar City is full with out attempting the long-lasting cinnamon bread, which could be discovered at Clara Belle’s Cinnamon Bread. After you indulge in a single loaf, you’re going to need to get one other to carry dwelling. Trust me, cinnamon bread reheats very well within the oven.
Megan duBois is a contract journey author whose work has been revealed on-line and in print for Conde Nast Traveler, Delish, The Points Guy, FamilyVacationist, Southern Living, and extra. She covers theme parks, cruising, and household journey. You can comply with her adventures on Instagram @minglingwithmegan.