For those about to experience the town of Branson for the first time, you may think you have an idea as to what you should expect, but we at Mighty Tree Properties want to tell you that you there is no way you could imagine it all and that we envy you for this first time visit. Life moves at both a slower and quicker pace, and if that sounds impossible, just wait, you will soon understand. In the meantime, this ultimate first-time visitor guide to Branson, a city once described by 60 minutes as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, will give you a peek into your vacation of a lifetime while also offering up tips and hints that will fill in the blank spots in the itinerary you may have already started compiling for the first time you visit Branson.
It’s All About the Music
It’s hard to believe that once upon a time, Branson was nothing more than a small river town offering a general store and post office that were considered the hub of the town, places residents went to connect with neighbors and catch up with the latest gossip. Once the first theater opened and the curtain rose on the first variety show, Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers, life changed with a standing ovation. One by one, more theaters began opening, more shows hit the stages, and even as the first show still performs today at the Hughes Brothers Theater and we believe no Branson visit would be the same without it, today, over 37 theaters later, the glitz and glamour has changed our small town forever. The shows listed below are some of the shows we feel will offer an authentic Branson experience for any first time visitor.
The Duttons, The Dutton Family Theater, 3454 W 76 Country Boulevard
Just as Branson was once a humble small town, the Duttons, performing for over 20 years in our town, the Dutton Family had their own humble beginnings, beginning as a talented married couple that shared their love of music with their children, starting a legacy that we hope will continue forever. Today, the original couple, their children, and their grandchildren all perform together in a family friendly show (of course) that has become one of the top 7 shows to see in Branson.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede, 1525 W 76 Country Boulevard
Featuring a herd of horses, the music of the leading lady of country music, and a delicious and hearty meal, this dinner theater performance doesn’t have the lady herself performing but you will feel as if she is and will enjoy every minute of the story playing out on the stage. Western themed and offering rodeo events, trick riding (yes, the horses are real), and a fun battle between the north and the south, it really is a show you won’t want to miss.
Shanghai Circus, Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theater, 3455 W 76 Country Boulevard
Ok, although there is music that plays in the Shanghai Circus, it’s not the primary focus of the show. Instead, it is the talented and incredibly flexible group of acrobats performing amazing high flying aerial feats, colorful dances, comedy, magic, comedic moments, and interactive activities that will make you want to join the circus yourself. The ornate 1600+ theater in which all of the above takes place is an integral part of the show, offering a golden dome roof which is responsible for the theater’s nickname, the Golden Pineapple.
More Than Theaters and Music
Branson is famous for its theaters, but that isn’t all that you will see during your adventures in our mountain town. There are many other attractions that first time visitors should explore and we have listed a few of our favorites below.
World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex, 3609 W 76 Country Boulevard
Remember your favorite toys as a kid? The Easy Bake Oven, the cast iron fire truck, even that telephone pull toy you never left home without, all of these wonderful mementos of the past are exhibits on display in the World’s Largest Toy Museum complex located right here in Branson. Also offering the Harold Bell Wright Museum, the author of the Shepherd of the Hills a story that made Branson a tourist hot spot, the National BB Gun Museum (self-explanatory) the World of Checkers Museum (again, self-explanatory) the Stearnsy Bear Museum, and the Paul Harvey, Jr. Museum, this complex will take more than a few minutes to thoroughly explore. The Stearnsy Bear is a popular stuffed animal that has been made in Missouri since 1981 and Paul Harvey, is a radio personality known for telling the rest of the story, with the museum, started by Paul Harvey Jr, tells his life story. In case you were wondering, this is one museum that the entire family will enjoy!
Silver Dollar City, 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway
Sometimes we wonder who thinks up half the things that go on in Branson, with Silver Dollar City offering the perfect example. This 19th century themed amusement park (yes, you read that right) isn’t like any other theme park you have ever visited while also being exactly like other theme parks. Offering rides, carnival games, and food, rides like the Fire Wagon Frenzy, the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train, and Grandfather’s Mansion, guests can also experience what life was like in a 19th century Ozark mining town. Silver Dollar City also offers over 100 craftsmen and women demonstrating baking, glass blowing, blacksmithing, and 97 other activities, all completed in the manner it would have been done in the 1880s. We really can’t choose a favorite craftsperson, but Phoebe Snapp’s Taffy Craftsman is pretty special, as are the Valley Woodcarvers Craftsmen.
The Titanic Museum, 3235 W 76 Country Boulevard in Branson
It might feel like a strange idea to turn a tragedy into a museum experience, but once you explore the Titanic Museum we know you will think it really works. Offering renditions of the ship, authentic movie memorabilia, and more than a few artifacts from the Titanic, guests can sit in a life-sized lifeboat, touch an iceberg, and walk along a bridge that slopes in just the way the decks would have been on that fateful night. There is one last surprise that takes place as you leave the museum, but we think that it retains more importance if you discover it yourself, so just be sure to continue your museum explorations until the bitter end. The final surprise will perhaps be the most impactful.
Events You Will Love When You Visit Branson
The events and festivals of Branson offer another way to enjoy your Missouri vacations, giving travelers an insider’s view to some of what makes our Ozarks town special.
Branson Music Fest, April, Clay Cooper Theater, 3216 W 76 Country Boulevard
For two days in April there are more reasons than ever to celebrate the music that never stops playing in Branson, and the Branson Music Fest is how we do it. You might think that after spending most every day and night with music and the stars that perform it so well, we wouldn’t be able to top that, but you would be wrong. The Clay Cooper Theater hosts a fantastic event that encompasses the acts of over 20 performers in just 48 hours. Performed by some of Branson’s top performers, the festival also offers a sneak peek into upcoming shows that you will definitely want to see, perhaps deciding to come back to Branson once they open, falling in love with more of the music that makes our town unique.
Veterans Week, November, Various Venues
Branson is many things to many different people. It is a glitzy entertainment mecca to some, its natural beauty is what attracts others, and underneath it all, it is as American as apple pie, the Empire State Building, and a summer baseball game. And we know that without our veterans, our active duty military personnel, everything we love would be in danger, and so on Veterans Day, we don’t just celebrate a single day, we dedicate an entire week to our heroes, with Veterans Week offering discounts, ceremonies, and other special events as various venues around town.
The celebrations begin with a concert at the Clay Cooper Theater, of course, and from then on, veterans can enjoy military movies shown at local theaters, can experience an emotionally impactful visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, a half scale replica of the real one in Washington DC, participate in a Vietnam Veterans reunion and celebrate at the Sandbox Party commemorating those who served in the Gulf War. The week culminates with a moving and exciting Veterans Day Parade, and the moments in between the opening concert and ending parade will be filled with even more events that pay homage to our American heroes!
Christmas at Silver Dollar City, 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway
Christmas is another holiday in which we go all out, celebrating in town with decorations, lights, and of course holiday themed shows, but for an extra special holiday celebration, we suggest spending some time at Silver Dollar City. Offering a theme, Old Time Christmas, and a variety of events and activities that will transport you back in time in all the best ways, there is a Living Nativity for those who truly appreciate the reason behind the season and a sparkling, glittering, parade, Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Light Parade, that will thrill all the members of your traveling part, not just the littlest ones. Also offering a festive selection of holiday themed shows, this thrilling event is celebrated from November 1st through December 30th, so those who don’t like to travel over the holiday won’t have to and they will still have the opportunity to enjoy an old fashioned Christmas in Branson.
A First Time Guide to Restaurants in Branson
Vacation meals are often the most memorable part of your getaway and to make sure you get an authentic taste of Branson, we suggest visiting the restaurants listed below.
Mel’s Hard Luck Diner, 28 W 76 Country Boulevard, Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner
Offering a menu filled with all-American diner favorites and featuring a 50s diner décor, the singing servers take Mel’s Hard Luck Diner to the next level of Branson excellence! Open for 25+ years, the casual and fun vibe makes this restaurant a popular one for families with young children, relieving parents of the burden of having to worry about rambunctious young ones.
Level 2 Steakhouse, 200 E Main Street, Open Daily for Breakfast and Dinner
When in need of a special occasion restaurant, Level 2 Steakhouse is where we love to celebrate. Offering an elevated surf & turf menu, and if your occasion is REALLY special, you may want to invest in their Wagyu Tenderloin, but only if you have deep pockets. That steak will run you $180, and sides are extra!
Farmhouse Restaurant, 119 W Main Street, Open Daily for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
And there will always be those times when you just crave good old fashioned comfort food. Everyone knows that Southern mamas really know their stuff when making food that makes you feel better, and Farmhouse Restaurant must have ALL the Southern Mamas in their kitchen cookin’ up goodies such as fried catfish and chicken fried chicken.
Living the Comfortable Life with Mighty Tree Properties
The best moments of your unforgettable first time visit to Branson, may be the ones you enjoy in the comfort of our Missouri sanctuaries. Built for families and filled with all sorts of amenities, including hot tubs, arcade games, and enclosed patios furnished with dining tables so guests can enjoy al fresco meals, even if a storm has blown in. State of the art televisions, high speed internet, and high end appliances add luxury to your vacation experience and allowing you to work from our homes if you just can’t stay completely out of the office. Every attention is paid to every detail in our Mighty Tree Properties Branson sanctuaries; reserve your favorite today!