My Sister and I are going to Branson and then stoping over in Eureka in Sept. need info for things to see and do thats really does not cost so much, if thats possible. A place to stay too. O We are in our 50 if that makes a differance

Hi!

You'll like Eureka Springs. Why not just visit their web site to see what's going on.
http://www.eureka-usa.com/

Enjoy

My two favorite places in the whole world! I want to go back, wah!! Anyways visit the above website. Beware that Branson looks like Las Vegas of the Midwest. Lots of go cart/entertainment places on the main route for families/kids. I am sure they are on-line by now too. The EXCITE search engine, city.net is a good one. Almost every city is in it. Just type into your browser.."travel to Branson, Mo.". For places to stay they will have that to of course. I don't know how much you want to "rough' it but when we went we always stayed at the KOA Kampgrounds. They have a Kamping Cabin with bunkbeds or a double bed and mattress. You bring your own sleeping bag and put it on the bed. The restrooms are communal, but clean and they have showers etc. Usually a laundromat, grocery store and pool. I like the atmosphere myself. Have fun! Buy a quilt in Eureka Springs. I still have my "wedding quilt" on my bed that I bought there even though it was made by the Amish in PA.

"Don't cost too much"? Don't count on it! Branson became famous after the (excellent) novel "Shepherd of the Hills." At the end, the Shepherd bemoans the arrival of the railroad, saying "soon the tourists will come" and ruin the place. He was prophetic -- a formerly quiet part of the Ozarks is now one of America's most touristy places! Did *I* enjoy going? Yes -- but everything in the town cost money to enjoy (except the shopping -- something I can do just as well ten miles from home). If you want something enjoyable that's low cost, go south of the area to the Buffalo National Scenic River area. Take hikes (free) and rent a canoe for a day (will cost as much as one Branson show). Find out what drew the Shepherd to the hills *before* the railroad and the tourists arrived!

As the saying goes, there is no disputing tastes. When the great jazz drummer Buddy Rich was about to undergo his last surgery, the nurse asked him if he had any allergies. "Yeah," Buddy whispered,
"country and western." Why anybody wants to go to such places completely baffles me.

Don't be put off by the comments made by Al from Arizona. While the "city lights" may not please everyone, Branson and Eureka Springs are two very beautiful towns! The countryside that surround them do a fine job of taking some of the "harshness" out of the cities! Some of the nicest folks you will ever have a chance to encounter are from those parts! If you are ever back that way again, be sure to check out the Passion Play and the Christ of the Ozarks...a beautiful sight for all to enjoy!

Eureka Springs has some very unique exotically painted old victorian homes that I believe you can tour. I've never toured any, but I'm sure you could find info. at the website or by calling the tourism office.

If you like catfish, there is a great all you can eat catfish restaurant in E.R. complete with hushpuppies and coleslaw. Can't remember the name, and I'm not generally a Catfish fan, but loved it. I believe it has "catfish" in the name - imagine that!

Beaver Lake just NE of E.R. is beautiful. If you have time you might at least drive over the dam. In fact, there is an overlook from which you can see the (White?) River which is dammed to form Beaver Lake, a very beautiful view from up high - right adjacent to the damm.

If you get to Eureka Springs be sure and visit the Thorncrown Chapel. It's amazing!!! As for Branson, I agree with Buddy Rich...

Branson is a senior citizen, right wing, religious tourist trap. If that is what you go for, put on your white shoes (they have to be new). Drive your big car an go 20 mph, and you should fit right in.

Merriam, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall seeing anything in Laverne's question about whether or not you thought she should go to Branson or Eureka Springs. Nor did she ask for any opinions of the place. (That goes for you too, Al) Keep your political and religious views and your arrogance to yourself. I am not inclined to be a Branson fan myself, but it doesn't mean someone else might not love it. If you need to vent your insecurities do it where someone might give a ----! Sorry, Laverne.

You didn't spell my name correctly. Go to www.frommers.com and read his article on Branson. Do you think this well know travel expect is insecure? Have a nice day.

Merriem, I don't understand how your 2nd to last sentence. I think you're asking if I think this well known travel expert is insecure. No, I don't think Mr. Frommer is insecure (I've read the article in the past.) To the contrary, I think he is very arrogant and extremely liberal. I'll read his reviews on hotels/restaurants/attractions and that's about it.

That's not the point I was making though. Laverne asked for info on things to see and do and costs and places to stay, period. If you have info. on that your post would probably be more welcome, mine too. Both our posts have wasted space and Laverne's time. Goodbye.

I don't think that the truth about an area is wasting time. Eureka Springs is a lovely place, and Branson on the other hand is not for a lot of people. I would not recommend that blacks would feel comfortable here, and those of us that have certain religious beliefs different than those in the very right wing.I live close by and would not be caught in a show that has no minority groups and preaches religion. That should be left in church. Fortunatly, there are many lovely places in the big world that have more tolerance.

I just have to respond to Merriem's bigoted remarks. Let's see ... You don't like to be around religious people, and you presume to know what black people would or should enjoy! Wow. Archie Bunker would love you.And I just bet you really believe in tolerance...until someone disagrees.

Hi Laverne! Gee there are really some rude people in this forum! I have never been to Eureka so can't help you there. Branson is a lovely town. Although we are not country western fans, we did enjoy the area. A nice place to visit is Silver Dollar City. Also, be sure to drive out to Big Cedar Lodge for lunch, a very nice drive. We stayed at Chateau on the Lake which is absolutely beautiful. They have a great Sunday brunch. If you are into country western there will be a lot of shows I am sure you will like and we found the prices very reasonable. Have a great trip!

Marty, I too agree about the religious right in this bible belt. However, it is a very safe haven for the WASP! I'm sure you can understand that.

Merriem--Mr. Frommer RECOMMENDS the London Dungeon (in London, UK) which has got to be one of the most inane tourist traps I have ever visited. Have YOU actually been to Branson?

Not only have I been to Branson, but I happen to live 20 miles from there. If you would like to have your eyes opened, check out Mr Frommers article on how to write a guide book on a place you do not like. Before you are so critical, read it, and at least you will be informed. On the other hand, Eureka Springs is a delightful place to visit, wonderful restaurants, and a charming place. It is totally different from Branson, and draws a different crowd. I do not mean to offend you, but Branson has a complete lack of taste. I dread even having to get out in my car and go anywhere, just to get to the grocery store, the traffic is horrible. So you ask, do I live here, yes, and would you like to buy my house, it is for sale...and we look forward to leaving. Enough said! But do read that article from Mr Frommer.

These posts aren't only for the people that asked the original question - tons of other people read them to find out about different places when they are planning a trip. So any opinion should be okay - even if you don't agree with it!
I drove to Branson last Sept. and it is not a place I'd ever want to return to for the town itself. It's very difficult to get around (crowded, narrow, hilly streets with no shoulders), ugly, and a total lack of taste. But the Ozark area was beautiful and I'd return there again - if someone else was driving!
We stayed outside of town in a nice cheap condo where they rented by the night - sorry don't remember the name, but I found it online and it was near Silver Dollar City (lots of resorts down that way). I think they also had a AAA discount. Try looking at one of those online discount hotel sites.

Merriem--I read Frommer's article. He was not in the same Branson I visited. I have been to Branson a number of times. Consider myself to be quite a bit to the left, quite tolerant, etc. I like all kinds of music and will enjoy a country show every few years. I just don't remember Branson as being the way you and Frommer describe it. He seems to have a lot of admiration for the late Boxcar Willie--but his show was the most commerical and jingoistic show I have ever been to in Branson. Every five minutes he was trying to sell something. I also saw Merle Haggard in Branson--of course he only lasted one summer. Frommer really got incredibly offended by the Osmonds--give me a break!! It was the Osmonds. I'd never go see Glen Campbell anyway. And I think Frommer said how do you wrote a guide book about a town that has some things you don't like--he didn't say he disliked the entire town. My kids liked the go carts and all the touristy stuff on the strip as well as Silver dollar city. After reading the article and your original post, it seems as though you were just regurgitating what Frommer wrote as the gospel (ha) truth. But you must know the truth since you live near there. Tell me something how did such a cultured gentleman as yourself end up in hillbilly country? Or how did a hillbilly become so cultured?