Missouri

Branson, Missouri: Entertainment and Inspiration in the Ozarks

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Missouri

Branson, Missouri: Entertainment and Inspiration in the Ozarks

2 of 5

Missouri

Branson, Missouri: Entertainment and Inspiration in the Ozarks

3 of 5

Missouri

Branson, Missouri: Entertainment and Inspiration in the Ozarks

4 of 5

Missouri

Branson, Missouri: Entertainment and Inspiration in the Ozarks

5 of 5

States:
Missouri

I arrived in Branson, Missouri, early in the morning having stopped off briefly at the scenic overlook off Interstate 65.

The sight is spectacular from this point, with views of Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo as well as Chateau on the Lake, a stunning resort, spa and conference center. Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by the beautiful Ozark Mountains. However, I would soon realize that natural beauty is not the only reason to come to Branson, and I was about to experience firsthand what draws people from all over the world.

Live Theatre in the Ozarks

Branson is home to over 100 live shows, with performances daily. You’ll find music of every genre, comedy, dancing, acrobatics, theatrical plays and more. After checking in to the Hilton Convention Center, we started our visit at the Sight and Sound Theatre only 10 minutes away. The theatre is beautiful and generally puts on biblical productions. “Jonah” was showing at this particular time and getting rave reviews! We left the theatre and drove to Inspiration Tower, home of the outdoor drama, “Shepherd of the Hills.” Inspiration Tower is the second highest point in Missouri, offering incredible views of the raw beauty of the Ozarks from the glass-enclosed observation deck.

Looking out at the view from Inspiration Tower

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Experience

Branson Family Fun: Planes, Boats and Go-Karts

Exploring the Branson ‘Strip’

A deliciously fresh lunch at Vasken’s Deli was followed by hitting the “strip,” where you’ll find places like the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Believe it Or Not, Grand Country Music Hall, Liverpool Legends (a Beatles tribute band) and many more extraordinary places to visit.
After exploring for a few hours, we met back at the hotel for dinner at Level 2 Steakhouse. Wow, the restaurant was superb. My filet mignon was cooked to perfection and my friend’s ahi tuna looked amazing. The service was top-notch, and the wine lovely!

The Hollywood Wax Museum on the vibrant Branson strip

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Evening Entertainment

In the evening, with the neon lights ablaze and the buzz of the crowds pumped up to see the shows, Branson was alive! Many of the shows are family affairs with up to 30 family members of all ages performing in the show. The Dutton Family and the Hughes Brothers are two of those examples, and what struck me as truly special is that you actually get to meet many of the cast members after the shows and they couldn’t have been any nicer – what a delightful treat!

The Baldknobbers Jamboree is one of Branson’s traditions and you have to see it – what a trip! Shoji Tabuchi, the Japanese fiddler, is well worth a seeing as are SIX, Pierce Arrow and The Acrobats of China. And don’t forget America’s sweethearts, the Lennon Sisters.

The amount of talent in Branson, along with the nighttime atmosphere is simply wonderful. I came to Branson with an open mind and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this quirky town and all of the stars I have been blessed to meet.