Maiden voyage

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and visit Branson for the first time. There's so much to do - so what should you do first?  Since I’m a Branson veteran visitor (this year marks our 11th annual trip to Branson), I thought I would post some suggestions as to what a Branson newbie should put on their itineraries.  Click on the titles and a link to the attraction/show’s web page will open in a new tab. 

Ride the Ducks – How do you ride a duck?  It sounds like something invented by the Duck Dynasty guys. Don't worry - you will not be riding an actual duck, but you’ll be riding in a DUKW, otherwise known as an amphibious vehicle.  There are 2 tours - the original tour, which leaves from a building on Hwy. 76, takes you on Table Rock Lake.  The other tour leaves from Branson Landing and takes you on Lake Taneycomo.  Your driver will point out some of the attractions and tell you about some of Branson’s history. Each rider will get a yellow “quacker” to wear and to quack when the driver tells you to.  Be sure you hang on to and wear your quacker – certain businesses will give you a discount if you show them your quacker. The tours run from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  

Baldknobbers Jamboree show – This show was the very first show in Branson, and in 2009, it celebrated its 50th anniversary. The show was started by the Mabe brothers on the Branson riverfront. The second and third generations of the Mabe family entertain you with song and comedy. 

Dixie Stampede - Dixie Stampede is a combination dinner/show created by Dolly Parton.  There is no silverware with your dinner, so you eat with your hands.  The show features a battle between the North and the South (think Civil War) and other special effects.  If you go to the pre-dinner show, you can visit with the horses.  

Silver Dollar City - The catchphrase for Silver Dollar City is "You've got a great future ahead of you!"  There's something for everyone at SDC - rides for the kids and the kids at heart, shows for all ages,  food for every set of taste buds, and you can even watch craftpersons make all kinds of items.  The admittance fee is very reasonable, compared to Six Flags and Disney World.  When you check in at your Branson lodging, ask if they have 2 days for the price of 1 tickets to SDC - it will take you 2 days to do everything!  Alternatively, if you arrive at SDC after 3 PM, you can visit the next day for free.

Shepherd of the Hills - The tourism industry in Branson began after Harold Bell Wright's book of the same name was published and people wanted to visit the places Wright wrote about.  Up until last year, you could see a drama production of Wright's book.  You can still visit the homestead.  In addition, you can go up in Inspiration Tower and see for miles in all directions, as well as ride the Vigilante Extreme Ziprider (a/k/a a zipline).

Historic downtown Branson - When Branson was founded in 1912, it wasn't the size it is now - it was a small Midwestern town, named after postmaster Richard Branson.   Walk around historic downtown Branson and visit the small stores and restaurants.  A visit to historic downtown Branson isn't complete without a visit to Dick's 5 and 10 Store.  Their catchphrase is "If we don't have it, you don't need it," and I believe it because I have never seen so much merchandise in one place in my life.  If you get tired of walking, you can hitch a ride on the trolley that not only takes you around downtown, it will take you to nearby Branson Landing as well.  The trolley is air conditioned, which is really nice in the summertime.

Dewey Short Visitor Center/Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery -  Visits to these attractions can be combined into one excursion, since they're located not too far from one another.  You will learn about the origins and the flora and fauna of Table Rock Lake at the Visitor Center, as well as learn about the Ozark rivers heritage.  There is a small gift shop with souveniers and books.  There is a deck at the rear of the Center that looks out over Table Rock Lake.  You can also take tours of the Table Rock Dam.  The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is where trout are raised to be released into Lake Taneycomo.  In the facility's building, there are some aquariums where you can see some large trout up close.  There are other displays to look at as well.  You can visit the troughs where the fish are raised and buy fish food to feed the trout.  Bring along some small plastic cups to put the fish food in - it's kind of smelly.  

I have started a Facebook page for this blog, where I'll be posting links to new blog posts and links to special deals for you to take advantage of.  Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/BransononYourBudget.  Thanks for reading!   See you next time!

Diane