Twice is nice

Branson has so much to do that you can’t possibly fit it all in one trip.  (That is, unless your trip is at least a month long.)  But there are some things in Branson that we enjoy so much that we’ve done them more than once.  Click on the names highlighted below and you’ll be taken to its website, which will open in a new page.  You wouldn’t want to leave this page, would you?  :)

Attractions

About every other year or so (if we have the funds), we go to Silver Dollar City.  The admission fee to SDC is more expensive than Six Flags, but SDC is a much better experience than Six Flags.  SDC’s tag line is “You have a great past ahead of you,” and you won’t find a better place to learn about how things were done in the old days.  Watching the glass blower and the blacksmith work is fascinating.  There are rides and shows for young and old.  Food prices are more reasonable than Six Flags, and with a season pass, you can get a discount at some food places inside and outside of SDC.  Be sure to get there for the park opening in the morning when the U.S. flag is raised and the veterans are honored.  It always brings tears to my eyes. 

A fun and free activity is the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.  There are aquariums with all sorts of fish that you’ll find in the Ozarks.  Presentations are given by the rangers. You can take guided hatchery tours.   Make sure you bring quarters for the fish food vending machines (and small cups to put the food in) and feed the hungry fish outside.  There is trails that you can hike on too.

Another great place to visit is the Ralph Foster Museum located on the campus of the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, which is about 5 miles south of Branson.  This museum contains items from the collection of Ralph Foster, a radio pioneer in southwest Missouri.  The museum contains Indian artifacts, an extensive firearms collection, and the car from the Beverly Hillbillies TV show, among other things.  There are 3 floors of this museum to explore. 

Shows

We enjoyed seeing the Duttons so much that we saw the show 2 years in a row.  This family act is not only extremely musically talented, there are some funny skits as well. 

We hope to see the Haygoods for the second time this year at their new venue, the RFD Theater.  The Haygoods are young, enthusiastic, and very musically talented.   People of all ages enjoy the Haygoods’ show. 

Dining

We love dining at McFarland’s Restaurant in the IMAX complex on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.  It’s down home cooking at reasonable prices.  The food is delicious and the portions are satisfying.  If you go to McFarland’s, be sure to ask your hostess to seat you at the “special table.” 

The Grand Country breakfast buffet can’t be beat.  If you leave there hungry, it’s your fault, not theirs.  There is a wonderful selection of all types of breakfast food to suit everyone’s tastes, including a made-to-order omelet station.  You could eat so much at this breakfast buffet that you wouldn’t need to eat lunch.  

We enjoy dining at the Steak ‘n Shake on Highway 376, across from the old Celebration City location.  The prices are right, the restaurant is clean, and the service is fast and friendly. 

We have also been to the Denny’s on the Strip for breakfast twice.  The service was fast and friendly and the food was great.

If you've been to Branson, what are some of the places you've visited more than once?  Leave a comment below and let me know!  Until next time -

Happy travels!

Diane