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10 Things that are Awesome about Branson Missouri

April 14, 2018 by Jill 9 Comments

Have you ever been to Branson Missouri? I have and I’m here to tell you 10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri and that you need to pack up your family and head on down. Or up. Whatever. I’m bad with directions but that is another story.

I used to live within spitting distance of Branson. Well…not exactly spitting but I did live on the Missouri-Illinois border (on the Illinois side) for almost five years and my husband and I had it on our list of places to visit. I can spit pretty far but not quite that far.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

We left the Midwest to live in England where we adopted two Chinese children and then moved our whole loud family back to Texas, where I’m from…also another story…and never made it to Branson. But, I finally got there and this lovely city did not disappoint. 

Table of Contents

  • 10 Things that are Awesome about Branson Missouri
    • 1. Silver Dollar City
    • 2. Track Family Fun Park
    • 3. The Titanic Museum
    • 6. Hughes Music Show
    • 7. The Clay Cooper Theater
    • 8. The Awesome Ozark History and Heritage
    • 9. Good Eats
    • 10. Amazing Hospitality
    • 11. All the amazing things I didn’t do…
  • You might also like:

10 Things that are Awesome about Branson Missouri

1. Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is the most naturally beautiful theme park I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. I’ve heard tell the Christmas celebration is pretty amazing. We visited Silver Dollar City in the early spring and we definitely want more.

Do you want to check out some thrill rides? No problem. The Time Traveler is the world’s tallest, fastest spinning coaster.

There are so many things to do and experience and eat at Silver Dollar City. Please subscribe or follow my social feeds to see more. I will definitely be sharing what we did in the coming weeks.

The folks that own Silver Dollar City also own Showboat Branson Belle, which is a paddle boat that offers lunch or dinner cruises, and White Water Water Park.

2. Track Family Fun Park

The Track Family Fun Park consists of an awesome ferris wheel that was transplanted from the Navy Pier in Chicago, go karts, bumper cars, bumper boats, arcade games and more. This is a great place for kids of all ages to play. My favorite was the Heavy Metal High Rise go kart track.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

 

I am not a super-huge ferris wheel fan but this one is pretty stable and it’s a no-stop…which means that it just slows down long enough for people to get on and off, which also means that you’re not dangling up on top.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

3. The Titanic Museum

I’ll admit, a museum dedicated to the famed, fated ocean liner seemed out of place among the country music shows and family fun parks, but The Titanic Museum was one of my favorite stops during my tour of Branson. If you’re a history buff like me (and, fine…I admit it…a fan of the James Cameron film) this is a don’t miss. We spent about two hours in the museum, although you could definitely spend more time if you wanted to read all the exhibits.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

When you enter the Titanic Museum, you get a card with a real passenger’s name on it. At the end, you find out whether you survive. Good news – I lived!

We have been to the Titanic Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland where the Titanic was built. I honestly didn’t think a Titanic Museum in the Ozarks would compare but it did. The Titanic Museum in Branson is dedicated to the passengers and their stories whereas the Titanic Museum in Belfast was more focused on the building of the ship. I enjoyed both, although I probably enjoyed the one in Branson more since I love stories about people more than I love stories about construction.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

“I’m the king of the world!”

The Titanic Museum in Branson is very interactive. You can touch an iceberg, stick your hands in water that is the same temperature as the water the Titanic sunk in, walk on sections of deck that were sloped like the Titanic was at various points before she sank…and more.

6. Hughes Music Show

The Hughes Music Show was one of the five shows I saw while in Branson. The Hughes Brothers are four brothers from Taylorsville, Utah and they head up the largest family in the world that performs together. There are actually five Hughes Brothers but only four of them currently perform in the show.

The Hughes Music Show has a little bit of everything: country, pop, show tunes, strings, dancing, and lots of kids. I mean lots of kids. The costumes, choreography and lighting are Broadway show quality. Like all five shows I saw in Branson, there’s a gospel element and a patriotic element.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

7. The Clay Cooper Theater

The Clay Cooper Theater is home to several shows, including Clay Cooper’s Country Express, which is what we saw. I’m told that historically, Clay Cooper’s shows have been mostly country, but I’d say this show was about 50 percent country and 50 percent other stuff. There was a little bit of pop, gospel, and patriotic. There was also a lot of tribute to old-school country singers like George Jones, Glenn Campbell, Hank Williams Junior and Jerry Lee Lewis.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

There is also a healthy dose of humor in Clay Cooper’s show. Clay is a funny guy but the real comic relief in this show is Matt Gumm. Clay performs with his beautiful wife Tina and his two sons, Colt and Caden as well as a host of other singers and dancers.

I saw five shows in the three days I spent in Branson (crazy, right?) so I’ll definitely have more to tell you..stay tuned!

8. The Awesome Ozark History and Heritage

Your visit to Branson will be so much more meaningful if you take the time to learn a little bit about Ozark history and heritage. If you don’t research this before you go, that’s okay! You can learn while you’re there.

The best way to learn about the history of any place is by talking to people but when you’re in Branson, you can see an amazing film that gives you a great snapshot of Ozark history…and it’s free! The Branson IMAX complex offers a film titled Ozarks Legacy and Legends. This 55 minute film follows a fictional family throughout history. Although the characters are fictional, there are real-world events are woven in and it’s a real treat to watch.

Although Ozarks Legacy and Legends is free, you still need to reserve a ticket. The Branson IMAX complex also has regular, first run movies and a small theater that offers a selection of live music shows.

9. Good Eats

The food in Branson is awesome. If you like comfort food and good country cooking, this is the place for you. While I was there, I ate at McFarlain’s Family Restaurant, Florentinas (Italian food), and Fall Creek Steak and Catfish House, They also have the world’s largest CiCi’s Pizza, which has an incredible attached arcade. Silver Dollar City and Showboat Branson Belle also have incredible food.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Food on board the Showboat Branson Belle. All of the food was amazing but this was, I think, the best meal I ate while in Branson.

Fall Creek Steak and Catfish House is home of the “throwed” rolls. They have delicious, homemade yeast rolls and if you want one, be prepared to catch it. There’s also a little bit of a joke that might be on you at McFarlain’s but I’m going to keep that one a secret for now. It’s more fun if you don’t know it’s coming.

Out of all the meals I enjoyed while in Branson, I loved the fried green tomatoes at McFarlain’s the best and the pecan crusted trout on board Showboat Branson Belle is a close second. Also worth a mention is Andy’s Frozen Custard. Andy’s is a chain located mostly in the Midwest, although I found out they have locations in the Austin area. Come to San Antonio, Andy.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

This was my delish homemade soup and turkey sammie from McFarlain’s Family Restaurant. I ate almost none of this (although it was good) because I was stuffing my face with fried green tomatoes. I didn’t take a picture of the fried green tomatoes because…well, you know. I was too busy eating them.

I’m sure there are a lot of great places to eat breakfast in Branson. Our breakfast was included with our room at the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center. They offer a daily hot breakfast buffet with sausage, eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy and all sorts of other goodies.

10. Amazing Hospitality

From the staff at the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center, to the staff and entertainers at all of the shows we went to, to everyone we met at Silver Dollar City and on board Showboat Branson Belle to the servers in all the restaurants we went to…I didn’t meet one cross or cranky person.

Everyone we met was invested in making sure we had a good time and was more than willing to bend over backwards and answer questions about Branson. Branson is a tourist town but it’s also a very loving, close-knit community and that shines through in absolutely everything. One of my fellow bloggers who was on the tour with me summed it up best when she said “this place has made me realize that there are good people in the world.” I don’t know that I’ve lost faith in the goodness of people but it was very heartwarming to see so many of them in one place…and the people are definitely part of what makes Branson extra-special.

11. All the amazing things I didn’t do…

…but will on my next visit. Or maybe the next one after that. Yes, I know this is a list of 10 but I cheated a little bit. I know you’ll forgive me because there are some really amazing looking attractions we saw in Branson and I found myself exclaiming “Oh, my family would just love that” that we didn’t have time to do. The average visit to Branson is about four days, so relax, enjoy the time you have and put your “didn’t get to’s” on your to-do list for next time.

Because there should be a next time.

10 things that are awesome about Branson Missouri|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

You might also like:

Things to do at Silver Dollar City besides ride the rides

 


9 Comments

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Comments

  1. Crystal says

    May 8, 2018 at 9:21 pm

    I saw that “Welcome Blogging Branson” sign the last time I drove past the Stone Castle and wondered what it was about (and why I wasn’t invited – ha!). You’ve solved the mystery for me!

    Reply
  2. Michelle Preiser says

    June 11, 2018 at 9:08 am

    The Titanic Museum looks awesome!

    Reply
    • Jill says

      June 11, 2018 at 4:38 pm

      It was one of my most favorite-ist parts of our trip.

      Reply
  3. Crystal Radke says

    June 11, 2018 at 3:57 pm

    So many fun things to do! I love a good roller coaster but Ferris wheels freak me out. Ha. I’d love to go to the Titanic Museum.
    #BloggingBranson

    Reply
    • Jill says

      June 11, 2018 at 4:37 pm

      The older I get the more I get freaked out about all the rides. This ferris wheel wasn’t bad as ferris wheels go.

      Reply
  4. Pam Wattenbarger says

    June 13, 2018 at 11:47 am

    There are plenty of good eats in Branson for sure. I love Andy’s Frozen Custard. One of the best things about Branson is the family friendly atmosphere.

    Reply
  5. Pam Wattenbarger says

    June 24, 2018 at 8:47 pm

    I’ve visited Branson before and there are so many things for the entire family. I know my kids would enjoy a day at the Track Family Fun Park and I’d love Andy’s Custard next door!

    Reply
  6. Heather Pfingsten says

    June 24, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    I had NO idea there was so much to do in Branson. After hearing about all the fun, I would love to take my family on an adventure. This could easily fill a week of vacation with still plenty left to do!! #BloggingBranson

    Reply

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All About Jill

I'm a digital content creator and essayist who copes with parenting and most other situations with humor and snark. Just so you know, if this weren't the internet, I'd be smiling awkwardly and answering simple questions like "How are you today" with gems like "I like pockets."

I really do love pockets, though.

I spent 26 years in the USAF, which went by really, really fast. I'm very proud of my service but I'm loving my second act even more. Writing gives me the opportunity to flex my creative muscles and that's what makes me happy. Welcome.

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rippedjeansandbifocals

Freelance Writer & Travel Expert
Producer, Listen to Your Mother SA
💜 Mom via birth & #adoption
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Jill Robbins
Here’s something you’ve probably never seen be Here’s something you’ve probably never seen before: my bottom teeth.
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I always hide my crooked bottom teeth in pictures and I’m super self-conscious when I talk. So I did something about it.
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I wore braces as a kid and my top teeth are straight but my bottom teeth are shifting and one tooth is traveling into the back of my mouth and I have some crowding. My orthodontist said it’s very unusual to put braces on just half your mouth but my bite is still aligned so they didn’t have to put them on my top teeth - my wallet is thankful.
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Questions I’ve already been asked:
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1️⃣ At your age? Yes, at my age. I still care about my smile. 
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3️⃣ How long do you have to wear them?
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6-9 months.
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3️⃣ Do they hurt? 
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My teeth are sore and my mouth is tender but not to the Tylenol level so I guess the answer is “Not too much.”
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Other questions? Advice?
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#braceface #adultbraces
Little things can really be big - do you agree? M Little things can really be big - do you agree?

My husband gets up with our kids twice a week and does their breakfast and morning routine and takes them to school so I can sleep in. I don't laze away the morning in bed - it usually amounts to about an extra hour of sleep for me and a little more peace and quiet as I start my day. 

This probably seems like a little thing but this is huge for me. The mental benefits of not having to set my alarm on a schoolday is truly my love language. I would rather have sleep than flowers or presents. 

On those morning where my husband takes my kids to school, I will inevitably find the kitchen not "just so." There will be spills on the table or something that didn't get put away. I resist the urge to be sarcastic or to ask "Um, is there a reason we have four boxes of cereal just sitting on the counter?" or point out that it would take less than 30 seconds to wipe a tabletop or put a box back on the shelf. I resist saying stuff like "I guess if I want it done a certain way, I have to do it myself." I don't even say that to myself. 

My husband isn't "doing me a favor" by taking care of our kids. When I talked about being stressed and tired during an argument last year, he offered to take some things off my plate and giving me two mornings where I don't have to set an alarm was one of his ideas. It's part of the give and take of marriage and even though it makes me clench a little when I see spilled milk or stuff that hasn't put away, I appreciate having a partner who shares the load with me. 

My marriage definitely is not perfect and I'm in no position to give relationship advice. But for us, this one little thing is a really big deal. 

And, as I've recently discovered, a cereal box can sit on the counter for several days and the world doesn't explode. Who knew.

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Anyone else having massive “This time last year” moments?
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2020 started out so fine. We extended our kids’ winter break to take them on a Disney Cruise- no better reason than that, amiright- and I was excited about all the Disney Cruise blog posts I was going to write. Disney Cruises are (errr...were?) one of the most searched terms on my website and how a lot of people found me.
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Early 2020 was such a time of hope and light that pretty much everyone took for granted.
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While it’s become glaringly obvious the change in the calendar isn’t a magic potion, I still have hope for this year and still believe there magic yet to happen.
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You know...the good stuff.
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#believe #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneycruiselife #disneywonder #disneymagic #disneycreators #disneycreatordays #mondayxmhe #disneymagicmoments #nowmorethanever
We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the holidays and finally dug into it this weekend. Our box had a cold-weather theme which was perfect for this cold weather we're having (flurries in San Antonio can you believe it?!)

Each box contains three recipe cards, a culinary tool, an iron-on patch and Table Talk conversation starter cards. A shopping list is included and also emailed to you in advance in case you want to be ready to cook as soon as your box arrives. You buy all the groceries yourself. 

We made homemade chicken and dumplings this weekend and they turned out amazing. If you need modifications (i.e. gluten or dairy free) you can hop on to the @raddishkids website and go to the "Bonus Bites" section. You'll find modifications, food videos, extra recipes, parent info and more fun stuff. 

The price ranges from $20-$24 per box depending on what type of subscription you choose. Boxes are designed for kids 4-14+ with varying degrees of supervision needed depending on your child's skills and age. Kyle and i have done two meals from this box - we still have cookies left to make - and worked together about 50-50. It was a lot of fun. 

To order yours, here's my affiliate link https://raddish-kids-monthly-delivery.sjv.io/edoAr or read my full review (link in bio)

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I think today would be better if I could hang out I think today would be better if I could hang out with donkeys all day. 

There's a reason animals are used in therapy - they are both comforting and fun. This picture was from our October outing to Wassermann's Wranch outside of Alpine (in West Texas.) I love my beautiful state and the landscape of West Texas fascinates me because it's so different than what I see every day here near San Antonio.

Wassermann's Wranch is located just a few miles outside the city. It's a private hobby farm that sees visitors by reservation. It's absolutely worth planning your day around and you can check out more in my blog post linked in my bio.

I didn't realize I liked donkeys until I got to know these guys. The owner, Heidi, told me "I think you might be a donkey chick."

I think I'm OK with that. 

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