My husband and I along with another couple are planning to go to Branson the first week in May. Can you advise us on hotels,fine dinning and must see shows,events or (scenic)points of interest? Also we enjoy country couples dancing (ages range 45-55), where do you suggest we go? Looking forward to your reply. Thanks.

I live in Kansas City and my parents have a house down around Branson. First, Personally, I would not call many of Branson's eating establishments "fine dining." I have not been there yet, but in Roaring River (a must) their resaurant burned down and they rebuilt it beautifully according to my parents ( in the 50's). They recommend it. Roaring river is gorgeous for trout fishing or just looking. There are some chain eating places such as Ruby Tuesday's I believe on the main drag. Some of the theaters have restaurants attached which are o.k. I'm sorry, I just can't think of the names.

Great shows: Jennifer in the morning, Meg Tillis (nice roomy seating for big people), Roy Orboson (and numerous others big name stars. The Monett radio station sells discounted tickets to many of the shows. My mom said she was disappointed with Kenny Rogers, he didn't sing too long. You must see the guy with the crazy last name, he is Japanize, and has a magnicant bathroom. Once again, I draw a blank. If you have brochures, he wears purple.

Go to Silver Dollar City and don't miss the nightly show in the big theater. It's great! Lot's of stars and stripes stuff. Also, a neat shop for dolls at the front. On down, a toy shop for grandkids. Eat before the nightly show, I think it starts at 6pm., because the lines for hamburgars and hotdogs are way too long.
You might as well go to Eureka Springs. They have great shopping, different and you might be there at a good time for sales. I would buy my souvieners there and forget the junk in Branson except at some of the theaters which have pretty expensive things. Places to eat in Eureka, most any but no four or five star joints. They have an Italin place, and an eating place at a fancy hotel there. Infact, I would stay overnight there at one of the pretty bed and breakfasts. If you go there, go see the little glass enclosed church, it's a famous archt. thing.
I have no idea where you could dance.

Whoops, I rambled, 1. theaters (skip the magic show) 2. Silver dollar city 3. Roaring River 4. Eureka Springs 5. Branson Belle show boat (great fun, good food).

Be sure to fill up the car with gas if you venture off the beaten path, and pack some stuff for your stomach if curving hills bug you.

If you go to Eureka, much recommended, drive through the town and park for free up at the top of the main street by the post office and the bubble machine. If you can't find a spot, go ahead and pay for parking.

Eileen,

I'm from Jefferson City, Missouri and have been to Branson a lot. Christmas is my favorite time of all to visit, especially Silver Dollar City, but Spring is great, too. I've stayed at various motels, Mountain Music Inn is one I've been to the most. Contact the Missouri Department of Tourism for lots and lots of free brochures, coupons, etc. Ask for the Missouri Fun Money specifically. (573) 751-4133.

One restaurant you should definitely visit is called the Candlestick Inn, which is away from the strip area, high on a hill overlooking Lake Taneycomo. You'll have to ask the locals for specific directions, I would have you lost.

If you get the chance, either on your way to or from Branson, eat at Lambert's Cafe in Ozark, Missouri (just a few minutes south of Springfield on Hwy 65). You'll likely see lots of tour busses in the parking lot, and maybe a line out the door, but it's a fun dining experience. Home of the famous throwed rolls. They keep throwing them until you catch.

The Dixie Stampede show is a lot of fun. It's dinner and a show combined, very lively, with audience participation. You won't leave hungry.

If you like to window shop, visit the Grand Village, next to the Grand Palace on the strip. They have a Christmas store called Kringles, open all year round, that is awesome! Also, a Thomas Kincaide gallery. Very pricey, but the "village" is nicely decorated and a neat atmosphere.

Appletree Mall is a nice craft place with lots and lots of vendors, very reasonably priced items.

Silver Dollar City is great! There are lots of shows every day at various locations in the park, at staggered times. Try to see The Chosen Few. They are usually also in the Echo Hollow show after the park closes. If you see only one show though, this is the one to see, at the end of the day.

Take a tour of Marvel Cave while you're in Silver Dollar City. There are hourly guided tours, no extra charge. It's a beautiful cave.

Ride the Ducks. Great tour of Branson and just a fun ride in general. Go to the Factory Merchant Outlet Mall. Can you tell I like shopping? I spend a lot of time shopping in Branson. Can't think of anything else to add for now. If I do later, I will post another message. Hope you have a wonderful time, with good weather. Beware of the traffic though. Sometimes it's better/faster to just park your car and walk up and down the strip. Although, it's been my experience many times that if you're trying to make a turn or get out onto the highway, people will stop and let you in.

Be sure to call the Missouri Dept. of Tourism so they can mail you all kinds of great information.

Bye!

We live in Harrison, AR, just 30 minutes from Branson, so we go there and Eureka Springs a lot. Sandi was right about the different things to see. Silver Dollar City is a must! They have some amusement type rides, but their real claim to fame are the music shows. Depending upon how much you like that sort of thing, you might think about arriving at SDC after 3:00 pm. If you arrive after 3:00, you get in the next day free. They had this program last year, so I'm assuming they are doing it this year.

As far as places to eat, fine dining you say? The Candlestick Inn is wonderful, but in my opinion, the swankiest place in town is Dimitris down on the lake. The new place is Chateau on the Lake. A convention center, resort hotel on the lake (obviously). Supposedly, they have a wonderful restaurant and incredible champagne brunch on Sunday mornings. (My husband and I are ditching our 2 young children and heading there for our anniversary in April, so I'll know more about it after then.)

The shows are good. We've seen most. Shoji Tabouchi is good, the Oak Ridge Boys play a couple places in town, and Jim Stafford is a wonderful family show.

As far as traffic goes, be sure and get a shortcut map through the tourist information center ( we keep one in the glove compartment of the car.).

If you go to Eureka Springs, (it's only 45 minutes from Harrison) eat at the Plaza or Chez Charles. I can almost guarantee this will be the best food you will have during your trip! The desserts at Chez Charles are beautiful and you can watch them prepare your food. Be sure and get reservations. The Beef Wellington and Cou-a-vent )sp?)at the Plaza are fantastic! Well I've rambled on too much. Email me if you have more questions.

I almost forgot --- if you go to Eureka Springs and plan on eating, be prepared for the bill! Dinner at Chez Charles will set you back $50-75 at least for 2! But it's worth it! I beg to differ with one of the earlier comments, it's definitely 4-5 star in my book! Also, just south of Branson is Big Cedar Lodge. It's ran by the Bass Pro people and it's beautiful. Even if you don't stay there, (it's off the beaten path, but very private and lush) go eat at one of the restaurant, (our favorite is Top of the Rock for the view) enjoy the waterfalls and flowers.

Stayed at Chateau on the Lake at Christmas and it is a great hotel! Also, their restaurant is the best in Branson (do the Sunday brunch).

Eileen: I live in Springfield, MO, which is 30 miles north of Branson. I would highly recommend a wonderful restaurant called Top of the Rock. It is south of Branson on Highway 65 and is in a beautiful location. From the restaurant you overlook Table Rock Lake and can see for miles.

Chateau on the Lake and Big Cedar Lodge are two wonderful hotels, but very pricy. Even if you do not stay there, it is well worth a trip to both places just to look at the beautiful setting.

Silver Dollar City is a must when you are in Branson. The World Fest is going on through May 9. The park has musical groups from many different countries during this festival. It is very entertaining. You can also purchase a variety of interesting foods
from the different countries. Silver Dollar City is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays at this time. I'm not sure when they open seven days a week.

A few of the shows I have enjoyed are the Shoji Tabuchi show, Jim Stafford show, and Bobby Vinton show. A local show called the Baldknobbers is also very good.

A couple other interesting things to do would be the Showboat Branson Belle, which has breakfast, lunch & dinner cruises on Table Rock Lake on a beautiful paddle boat, and Dogwood Canyon, which is a place where you can
fish, hike, bike,or take guided tours (maybe a picnic) in the beautiful Ozarks outdoors.

E-mail me if I can provide any more information. Have a great trip!

I live thirty minutes from Branson, and trust me, fine dining does not exist. It is just one chain after another, and bus loads of people. Frankly, I wonder why people go there in the first place. There is a nice place to stay called the Bradford Inn, lovely and their # is 1-800-Branson. Branson is full of people in their motor homes, big cars who can't drive and are on the religious FAR right. If this is your cup of tea, then have fun. Their are many more interesting places to go. Try Eureka Springs, Arkansas, charming and they actually have good food.