By Brenda Cotter

The seat belts in our car are working overtime as they struggle to restrain the bouncing bundles of excitement my children have become. Heads pivoting wildly from side to side, their eyes, ears and brains try to absorb the sensory assault that is Branson, Missouri.

Shouts from my son of, “Mom, look at that cool mini-golf course, and wow...go-carts, too,” are nearly drowned out by the squeals of my daughter, who’s been checking out billboards for area attractions like Silver Dollar City and White Water. And as my husband and I soak in the passing parade of megawatt marquees that line “The Strip,” more formally known as 76 Country Boulevard, we begin to realize that we may have seriously underestimated the offerings of this entertainment capital. Of course, we knew about the shows—everybody knows about the shows. But what we hadn’t realized was that Branson isn’t just about music. The town and the surrounding lakes are brimming with all kinds of theme parks, attractions, annual events, shopping and outdoor activities—way more fun than we could possibly hope to cram into our too-brief visit. But “cram” we do.
With over 40 theaters, the sheer number of shows and diversity of talent ensure everyone will find something to love in Branson. In keeping with the informality of the town, a short drive along 76 Country Boulevard reads like a laundry list of first-name favorites from the entertainment world. There’s Jim (as in Stafford), Andy (as in Williams), Bobby (as in Vinton), Mickey (as in Gilley) and Yakov (as in “Only in America” Smirnoff—the ever-popular Russian comedian). Interspersed among these familiar marquees are equally inviting entertainment options like Shoji Tabuchi’s world-renowned spectacle featuring gorgeous costumes, eye-catching set design, elaborate production numbers and a cast of highly talented performers.

Baldknobbers Jamboree, credited with being Branson’s first show, offers slapstick comedy and toe-tapping country music in a fast-paced revue. And the likes of The Osmond Family, Presley’s Country Jubilee, Branson City Lights and Country Tonite round out this town’s eclectic mix of internationally known stars and local talent.

As much as we’re enjoying the indoor offerings of Branson, we realize the town’s picture-perfect location in the Ozark Mountains means we get to enjoy scenic splendor in addition to sequined starlets and spangled spectacles. Our breathtaking accommodations at Chateau on the Lake Resort—perched regally on a hill overlooking Table Rock Lake—have us perfectly poised to take in the beauty of our surroundings.

Table Rock, Bull Shoals and Taneycomo lakes all offer inviting outdoor pursuits such as fishing, swimming, boating and scuba diving. We take to the waters of Table Rock Lake aboard the classic Showboat Branson Belle. This 1800s-style paddle wheel riverboat squires us around the lake as its staff serves up a delicious meal and its cast of talented performers entertains us with acts of magic, dance, acrobatics, comedy and song.

Henning State Forest, Table Rock State Park, Busiek State Forest and Conservation Area, and Drury-Mincy Conservation Area all beckon with miles of self-guided nature trails ideally suited for day hikes, bird watching and nature studies. But it’s Silver Dollar City, the 1890s-style theme park set amidst the 2000-acre Ozark Forest, that the kids can’t stop talking about. With rides bearing names like Thunderation, Fire-in-the-Hole, BuzzSaw Falls and the brand new Wildfire, who could blame them? The park also features plenty of entertaining shows and talented craftsmen displaying their skill and wares, so that even those of us not keen on hair-raising rides are guaranteed a good time.

Our final afternoon has us boarding a Duck—or rather DUKW, a World War II land and sea craft—for a highly unusual and thoroughly entertaining tour of the entire Branson area. We go from the streets of the city to the waters of the lake in this single unique vessel, and the kids even get a chance to drive once we’re waterborne. We quickly discover one of the most coveted souvenirs from a trip to Branson is a bright yellow Ride the Ducks “quacker.” With its distinctive duck call, we hail fellow Duck riders and grab the attention of passing pedestrians.

With an hour or so left to our visit, my sights are set on another favorite pastime of visitors to the Branson area—shopping. Unfortunately, with youngsters in tow, my shopping excursion turns out to be limited to souvenir shops along the Highway 76 strip. True shopping enthusiasts, however, should check out the area’s four factory outlet malls; The Grand Village, which boasts a unique collection of shops set amid quaint cobblestone streets; and historic downtown Branson, with its old-fashioned five and dime.

Branson is open year round and plays host to a number of annual festivals and special events. Celebrations like Branson Fest, Branson’s Veteran Homecoming and Ozark Mountain Christmas fill the calendar from January to December.

In just a few short days, we’ve come to see why Branson has been dubbed the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World.” Lucky us, Branson has dedicated itself to delivering top-quality entertainment and wholesome family fun on a grand scale—with down-home simplicity.