Pickin' and choosin' in Branson,Missouri
Apr 6th, 2009, 11:18 AM
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Pickin' and choosin' in Branson,Missouri
We are a small group of senior friends travelling through Branson in June, stopping for a country/bluegrass music weekend. What are the must-see's/dos? Are the "packages" worth-while or is it just as economical to book your own lodging/shows? Any outstanding "package" companies you were happy with?
thanks -
jenjay
thanks -
jenjay
Apr 6th, 2009, 12:11 PM
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I've been to Branson a few times since it is an easy day trip from my town. The most popular attractions would be Silver Dollar City and The Showboat Branson Belle. The most popular shows are probably Dixie Stampede, Jim Stafford and Shoji.
I've heard good things about the new Titanic Museum and the new Branson Landing area.
You are right about it being just as economical to book on your own. There is a website www.ReserveBranson.com that is a live site that can package everything together if you would like. It is a good site to browse all the lodging and attractions offered.
I've heard good things about the new Titanic Museum and the new Branson Landing area.
You are right about it being just as economical to book on your own. There is a website www.ReserveBranson.com that is a live site that can package everything together if you would like. It is a good site to browse all the lodging and attractions offered.
May 20th, 2009, 12:00 PM
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We were in Branson a couple of weeks ago and had a great time.
We are not really "show" people, but we did end up going to two shows on rainy days. We went to Bill Haley and the Comets and Jim Owen-we enjoyed both shows.
We really liked the Branson Landing-lots of good restaurants and shops. We ate at Cantina Laredo, Texas Land and Cattle
and Joe's Crab Shack-we enjoyed all.
We are not really "show" people, but we did end up going to two shows on rainy days. We went to Bill Haley and the Comets and Jim Owen-we enjoyed both shows.
We really liked the Branson Landing-lots of good restaurants and shops. We ate at Cantina Laredo, Texas Land and Cattle
and Joe's Crab Shack-we enjoyed all.
May 22nd, 2009, 09:43 AM
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we live in Dallas, but go to that area frequently (my inlaws live about an hour or so east of branson...in northern arkansas.
As RBCal said..if you can swing it, be sure to go to Eureka Springs...very cool town (we took the kids there a few months ago for Spring Break)
As far as Branson is concerned, the one thing it's lacking, for sure, is QUALITY hotels. The Hilton Promenade/Hilton Convention Center are the two "best bets in town. VERY nice. The Radisson isn't bad. And, there is a NEW Hampton Inn (the Branson Hills location). Other than those, the hotels are VERY "hit and miss"...mostly "miss".
FYI...The Hilton Promenade hotel rooms CAN be kind of noisy, because it's right there along "The Landing", and in the summer people hang out until very late and can get loud.
Dixie Stampede? Most people who go say they liked it. Me? Very pricey, and while you do get "dinner", it's mediocre at best.
We love going to Silver Dollar City...great park for the kids. Very nicely kept up (but, the walking is VERY hilly)....IF you're an active/adventurous bunch (like my parents are), be sure and ride the "THUNDERATION" coaster. It's a great ride that goes back into the woods..and weaves in and out amongst the trees.
Certainly, for dinner...Branson Landing is the place to go. Cantina Laredo, Texas Land & Cattle....and Bass Pro Shops has the White River Fish House...though, I haven't been there yet.
I agree with the comments on the "packages"...by doing it yourself you have control over who you see, where you eat, and where you stay...and WHEN you do it. And, to me, that's all very important.
As RBCal said..if you can swing it, be sure to go to Eureka Springs...very cool town (we took the kids there a few months ago for Spring Break)
As far as Branson is concerned, the one thing it's lacking, for sure, is QUALITY hotels. The Hilton Promenade/Hilton Convention Center are the two "best bets in town. VERY nice. The Radisson isn't bad. And, there is a NEW Hampton Inn (the Branson Hills location). Other than those, the hotels are VERY "hit and miss"...mostly "miss".
FYI...The Hilton Promenade hotel rooms CAN be kind of noisy, because it's right there along "The Landing", and in the summer people hang out until very late and can get loud.
Dixie Stampede? Most people who go say they liked it. Me? Very pricey, and while you do get "dinner", it's mediocre at best.
We love going to Silver Dollar City...great park for the kids. Very nicely kept up (but, the walking is VERY hilly)....IF you're an active/adventurous bunch (like my parents are), be sure and ride the "THUNDERATION" coaster. It's a great ride that goes back into the woods..and weaves in and out amongst the trees.
Certainly, for dinner...Branson Landing is the place to go. Cantina Laredo, Texas Land & Cattle....and Bass Pro Shops has the White River Fish House...though, I haven't been there yet.
I agree with the comments on the "packages"...by doing it yourself you have control over who you see, where you eat, and where you stay...and WHEN you do it. And, to me, that's all very important.
May 31st, 2009, 07:08 PM
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We just returned from Branson; 1st visit. Saw 10 shows and their Brannson appreciation show which gave us 15 more acts of about 3-4 songs each. Only happens once or twice a year so you won't be able to do this.
Here is how I would rank shows:
Red Hot & Blue 10 am great and best show we saw.
Shoji Better than I expected and right up there with RED hot and Blue
Rankin Brothers - very talented. 3 PM show 2008 new show of the year.
Oak Ridge Boys but not back until the fall
Above are must see.
Two acts you do not want to see:
Bob Anderson: ok but not up to other acts we saw.
BROADWAY - very disappointing. Lip syncnded and no live band. One of the worst shows I have seen in 10 yrs. anywhere.
We saw SIX and most people loved it. We thought it was good but did not measure up to the other shows as far as "enjoyment goes". But they are very talented.
Restaurants - Landrys is a higher end s far as normal Branson price goes m(3 of us with wine $100) but very good and ranked as my favorite eating experience during the week.
Fun must see - in Old historic Branson next to Bransons landing. Dick' 5 & 10.
Oh forgot one thing: Saw 12 Irish tenors during the 15 show special and they were impressive. Afterwards, during the week talked to many who went to their show and loved it!! If we go back we will see this show. Also be aware that the theatres have3-4 shows that perform at each of these theatres at about 10am. 3 pm and 8pm. We found that all theatres said when inside one show that we could have gone into another performer at same theatre ant half price or $10 off. We could have seen Irish tenors for $20 but did not have time.
You will have a great time!!!
Here is how I would rank shows:
Red Hot & Blue 10 am great and best show we saw.
Shoji Better than I expected and right up there with RED hot and Blue
Rankin Brothers - very talented. 3 PM show 2008 new show of the year.
Oak Ridge Boys but not back until the fall
Above are must see.
Two acts you do not want to see:
Bob Anderson: ok but not up to other acts we saw.
BROADWAY - very disappointing. Lip syncnded and no live band. One of the worst shows I have seen in 10 yrs. anywhere.
We saw SIX and most people loved it. We thought it was good but did not measure up to the other shows as far as "enjoyment goes". But they are very talented.
Restaurants - Landrys is a higher end s far as normal Branson price goes m(3 of us with wine $100) but very good and ranked as my favorite eating experience during the week.
Fun must see - in Old historic Branson next to Bransons landing. Dick' 5 & 10.
Oh forgot one thing: Saw 12 Irish tenors during the 15 show special and they were impressive. Afterwards, during the week talked to many who went to their show and loved it!! If we go back we will see this show. Also be aware that the theatres have3-4 shows that perform at each of these theatres at about 10am. 3 pm and 8pm. We found that all theatres said when inside one show that we could have gone into another performer at same theatre ant half price or $10 off. We could have seen Irish tenors for $20 but did not have time.
You will have a great time!!!
