– By Megan Dubois –
When most individuals consider Branson, Missouri, they possible consider reside reveals, over-the-top eating places with kooky exteriors, and chain motels. Whereas that is true, on a latest lengthy weekend to the world, I discovered that there’s much more to Branson than the vacationer stops and Vegas-style marquees luring you into eating places and reveals. The midwest metropolis can also be dwelling to loads of outside adventures and one of many coolest theme parks within the nation.
Right here’s how I spent my lengthy weekend in Branson, Missouri, together with Silver Greenback Metropolis
The place to Keep in Branson, Missouri
There are a lot of trip leases within the Branson space, however I opted for a extra conventional resort keep at The Ozarker Lodge. The not too long ago renovated resort combines the service of a standard resort with the look of a historic motor lodge for a singular keep. The foyer is flooded with mild because of loads of home windows. That is additionally the place you’ll discover the on-site bar serving espresso within the morning and slinging drinks within the night. The communal sitting space is a pleasant spot to take pleasure in your drink, learn a e-book, or simply hang around with household and pals.
My double queen bed room was considerably small, however since I used to be touring solo, it match the invoice. The beds had been comfy, although, on late nights coming back from reveals or the theme park, I discovered the room lacked sufficient lighting to make sure I didn’t run into the chest of drawers that was near the door. The lavatory, whereas small, did its job, although, with greater than two individuals, I might see the house being problematic.
What I beloved most in regards to the resort was that it was a couple of 5-minute drive to the principle drag of Branson, so I wasn’t consistently listening to vans or individuals. The resort’s secluded location was additionally nestled subsequent to a creek with Adirondack chairs and fireplace pits lining the waterway, which was a pleasant spot to wind down after an extended day.
Friday afternoon and night in Branson
After arriving in Branson, fill your stomach with nice BBQ at Danna’s Bar-B-Que & Burger Store. There are two within the metropolis, however one is conveniently positioned subsequent to The Ozarker Lodge, so you’ll be able to stroll over for an early dinner. I beloved the pulled pork sandwich, which was succulent and completely smoked. And there are many sauces to select from proper at your desk, so after all, I attempted all of them, and every introduced one thing new to the flavour occasion.
My night began and ended with The Haygoods, a household who has proven off their musical prowess in entrance of over six million individuals over 33 years. The present is full of musical numbers that can have you ever dancing in (or out of) your seat.
Saturday in Branson
Spend a lot of the day on Saturday having fun with the good open air in Missouri. Begin your morning with breakfast on the go from one of many many cafes within the metropolis earlier than heading to Desk Rock State Park. Right here, you are able to do every thing from mountain biking and climbing to having fun with a picnic. However my favourite factor to do is head straight for the marina to lease a ship for a number of hours and take lunch with me from the cafe the place I ordered breakfast. I all the time make some extent to go to Sugar Leaf Bakery Cafe whereas I’m in Branson, and it’s an amazing spot to get snacks and meals to go.
Within the night, you’ll be able to discover Branson by yourself, or head out on the Better of Branson Sundown Tour with Pink Jeep Excursions. Throughout the three-hour tour, you’ll get to see the sundown over Desk Rock Lake from a non-public mountain overlook, see the Historic Downtown Branson Scenic Railway, and extra.
Between adventures, you’ll must gasoline up, so cease in at Señor Clucks. Chances are you’ll suppose it is a fried rooster joint, but it surely’s truly Mexican. You’ll know if you’re in the precise spot if you see the 43-foot-tall rooster subsequent to the Tanger Retailers.
Spend Sunday at Silver Greenback Metropolis
2025 is ready to be an enormous 12 months for Silver Greenback Metropolis, and all of it begins on opening day, March 13. All year long, the theme park hosts enjoyable festivals, together with its Spring Exposition, Bluegrass & BBQ, Summer season Celebration, Harvest Competition, and An Outdated Time Christmas. Irrespective of if you go, you’re certain to have a good time.
Begin your morning at Silver Greenback Metropolis with breakfast at Molly’s Mill Restaurant, the place hearty Southern classics may be discovered within the buffet line. Don’t skip getting among the unimaginable apple butter and biscuits.
Because the park opens for guests, head straight for among the in style points of interest, together with Hearth In The Gap, Outlaw Run, and Wildfire. My favourite trip on the park is Time Traveler, which is a high-speed coaster the place every of the person trip vehicles spins as you twist and switch over the observe.
When the warmth of the afternoon hits, attempt to get a spot in line to tour Marvel Cave, a pure cave that the park is constructed on prime of. The cave excursions final about an hour and present a few of Mom Nature’s most lovely underground designs. It’s additionally a good way to chill off on heat summer time afternoons as a result of the cave’s underground ecosystem is normally round 60 levels.
Cinnamon Bread at Silver Greenback Metropolis. Photograph by Megan Dubois
And no journey to Silver Greenback Metropolis is full with out attempting the enduring cinnamon bread, which may be discovered at Clara Belle’s Cinnamon Bread. After you indulge in a single loaf, you’re going to wish to get one other to convey dwelling. Belief me, cinnamon bread reheats rather well within the oven.
Megan duBois is a contract journey author whose work has been revealed on-line and in print for Conde Nast Traveler, Delish, The Factors Man, FamilyVacationist, Southern Residing, and extra. She covers theme parks, cruising, and household journey. You’ll be able to comply with her adventures on Instagram @minglingwithmegan.
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