Branson, a Great Place for Fun and Leisure

Jun 1, 2012 by david22    No Comments    Posted under: Archive, Itineraries

The famous George Gershwin song “Summertime” starts off by saying, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” Per the usual, Gershwin’s lyrics are spot on. Summer is the fun season for millions of Americans. The children and the young adults are out of school, which for many families means travel time. The question is: Where to go? One of the great things about this country of ours is the wide array of interesting destinations. The vast beaches and exhilarating surfing in Hawaii calls out to many, as do the thrilling rides at Disneyland, and the hustle bustle and innumerable sites in New York City. Those without children may find the bright lights and the scintillating scene of Las Vegas appealing. These are all valid vacation spots. But there are other amazing spots in this country that for one reason or another remain under the radar. Could be due to a lack of advertising, media attention or the size of the town, who knows. Yet many families still find their way to these locations and end up having an amazing time. I would contend that Branson, Missouri is one of these under the radar hot spots, and it’s perfect for family travel.

That’s Entertainment!
When I say under the radar, I mean relatively. The truth is, families have been enjoying this hot Missouri tourist spot for a long, long time. It has even earned the nickname “Las Vegas of the Ozarks.” It’s no surprise as to why; look beyond the surface and you will find that Branson is not just the entertainment capital of the Ozarks, but possibly of the entire Midwest. Highway 76, the town’s equivalent of the Vegas strip, is filled to the brim with glorious entertainment. The dozens of venues and theaters regularly put on energetic and rousing performances. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater is host to the country’s most well-regarded tribute show, “Legends in Concert.” Every week, the most accomplished tribute artists in the world impersonate the biggest music stars of yesterday and today, from Elvis to Lady Gaga. The theater work in Branson is exemplary, from the lavish production of “Noah: The Musical,” to the spectacle and wonder of “Acrobats of China.”

Get Your Spark at the Waterpark
Apart from the performing arts, there are several activities for the family to engage in. This would surprise most, but Branson has a bevy of marvelous theme and waterparks. White Water Park has the largest selection of water rides in the entire region. Children, and those who are still children at heart, love the famed Kalani Towers, a seven story high water slide. Outside of the water park, the Silver Dollar City complex it is a part of contains a multitude of fun musical performances, a showboat tour and even a craft village modeled to resemble those from the 1880s. Grand Country is fantastic destination for the whole family as well. Complete with an indoor 36 hole mini golf course, a large arcade, bumper cars and a wonderful waterpark, it’s fun for people of all ages.

Take a Swing at it
Even on vacation, we all have those days where we don’t feel like taking it easy (I do anyway). As it happens, golf crazed adults tend to salivate when they figure out that Branson is one of the unsung golf meccas of the country. The town is populated with exquisite golf courses, including Thousand Hills, Ledgestone and Holiday Hills. These courses can be challenging to even the most advanced golfers, particularly the last two. But thanks to their unique geographical location, these courses are as picturesque as they are challenging. Ledgestone is surround by the Ozark hardwoods and is built on a hill. Many golfers become confused if they are supposed to take a shot at the hole or take a camera shot of the beautiful surroundings.

Overall, Branson is an undeniable treat. If you’re looking to be entertained or if you’re looking to kick back and relax, Branson is the place to be. Look out Hawaii.

Author bio: David Bryce is travel writer who enjoys writing about travel and family vacations. He currently blogs for Thousand Hills Golf Resort in Branson, MO.

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