– By Megan Dubois –
When most individuals consider Branson, Missouri, they seemingly consider stay reveals, over-the-top eating places with kooky exteriors, and chain resorts. Whereas that is true, on a latest lengthy weekend to the realm, 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 be dwelling to loads of out of doors 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 various trip leases within the Branson space, however I opted for a extra conventional lodge keep at The Ozarker Lodge. The just lately renovated lodge combines the service of a standard lodge with the look of a historic motor lodge for a singular keep. The foyer is flooded with gentle due to 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 have been snug, 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 may see the area being problematic.
What I cherished most in regards to the lodge was that it was a few 5-minute drive to the primary drag of Branson, so I wasn’t consistently listening to vehicles or individuals. The lodge’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 may stroll over for an early dinner. I cherished the pulled pork sandwich, which was succulent and completely smoked. And there are many sauces to choose 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 nice outdoor 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 part from mountain biking and mountain climbing to having fun with a picnic. However my favourite factor to do is head straight for the marina to hire a ship for just a few 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 incredible spot to get snacks and meals to go.
Within the night, you may 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 assume this can be a fried rooster joint, but it surely’s really Mexican. You’ll know if you’re in the proper spot if you see the 43-foot-tall rooster subsequent to the Tanger Retailers.
Spend Sunday at Silver Greenback Metropolis
2025 is about to be a giant 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 time Celebration, Harvest Competition, and An Outdated Time Christmas. Irrespective of if you go, you’re positive 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 a number of the unbelievable apple butter and biscuits.
Because the park opens for guests, head straight for a number of the fashionable points of interest, together with Hearth In The Gap, Outlaw Run, and Wildfire. My favourite journey on the park is Time Traveler, which is a high-speed coaster the place every of the person journey automobiles spins as you twist and switch over the monitor.
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 stunning underground designs. It’s additionally an effective way to chill off on heat summer time afternoons as a result of the cave’s underground ecosystem is often round 60 levels.
Cinnamon Bread at Silver Greenback Metropolis. Picture by Megan Dubois
And no journey to Silver Greenback Metropolis is full with out making an attempt 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 deliver dwelling. Belief me, cinnamon bread reheats rather well within the oven.
Megan duBois is a contract journey author whose work has been printed on-line and in print for Conde Nast Traveler, Delish, The Factors Man, FamilyVacationist, Southern Dwelling, and extra. She covers theme parks, cruising, and household journey. You’ll be able to observe her adventures on Instagram @minglingwithmegan.
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