Tucked in the Ozarks is a sprawling city called Branson, Missouri. Now, Gary and I have been to Nashville, TN at least a dozen times, and it always thrills with its live music access and vivacious vibes. Branson is NOT like Nashville!
Branson is a family friendly, Christian- centered wonderland that has so much to offer. Our favorite part was the large Table Rock Lake that stretched over 43,000 acres. Our campsite was nestled along the shore of the lake at Table Rock State Park. The plentiful hiking trails were unfortunately not all accessible this weekend due to the flooding in some parts. There is a large dam that stretches between the lake and the White River.
The fishing and boating activities are probably what brings locals back each weekend, but it must be the multitude of children’s attractions, like the theme park rides, aquarium, games and arcades, and the downtown outdoor shopping plaza and high-end restaurants and more than 100 live entertainment shows available to tourists that keep this city running. And boy, this place is packed!
We treated ourselves to a show, The Haygoods, a professional singing family that has been entertaining thousands here for over 30 years. Their repertoire was a mix of Country, Blue Grass, and Rock, and the show was awesome. They were extremely musically gifted, playing piano, guitar, the harp, the fiddle and banjo, and they were funny and warm. Their singing in harmony was beautiful. Some of the act was a bit corny and contrived but overall, excellent entertainment.
We hiked and biked and explored the whole area with the dogs. We rested on Sunday, like the Good Book tells you to, but mostly because it’s HOT here in the Ozarks in June.
If Branson has ever been on your radar, I suggest a visit. Bring the kids, and your wallet, see some wonderful live shows, shop, and enjoy all those children’s attractions, or even the Jeep 4X4 trails.
Be on the lookout for Barry Williams (Greg Brady) who lives in Branson. Enjoy!!