I was invited by Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center as part of a media FAM to explore Branson, Missouri. All opinions are 100% my own.
Where Are the Ozark Mountains?
If you are a Netflix subscriber, then you are familiar with the reference to the Ozarks. But have you ever been to the Ozarks yourself? I have not, so when I landed in Springfield, Missouri, I did not know what I was going to expect. When I arrived in Branson, Missouri, it was already dark out. So I really didn’t know what the landscape looked like. But I did get a sense for the “hills” in Branson as I was traveling along the Interstate with long winding hills and no street lights.
The next morning as I met the members of the #BloggingBranson group I would soon learn about the beauty, hospitality, loyalty, and patriotism that this little city can offer on top of its entertainment, lodging, attractions, and restaurants!
What Is There To Do In The Ozark Mountains?
Over the next several weeks I will share with you what I have experienced from my visit to the locations listed below. But that’s not all that Branson, Missouri has to offer.
- The Showboat Branson Belle and Silver Dollar City
- Clay Cooper Theatre, The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, and the Baldknobbers
- Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, Montana Mikes, and McFarlains Restaurant
- The Titanic Museum Attraction and the Branson Ferris Wheel
- Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
- Pasghetti’s
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction
In addition to the several locations that I was able to enjoy during my three-day tour of Branson, the bloggers also had the opportunity to find an adventure of their liking. I selected zip lining and snow tubing (without snow) at Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain.
My family and I love adventures so I knew I wanted to try something that I think we all would enjoy. There’s no doubt that my family won’t love zip lining. We took one ride down the mountain and ended our journey with a 100-foot free fall. And-I-Loved-Every-Minute-of-It!
How To Get Into The Christmas Spirit In Branson
That’s not hard to do! Once I exited the main highway and drove towards Branson, I saw the twinkling of some Christmas lights. Then I slowed down as I went around the corner and started to take in the signs and lights everywhere, the theaters and mini golf parks, the shops, the entertainment complexes, and the hotels. They were all decorated for the Christmas holiday!
So I’ve been told, on November 1, a switch it clicked and Halloween is only a distant memory as the holiday lights flood your view along the streets, hotels and theaters. And it sure does look beautiful!
Visit the Live Christmas Shows
Even if you just see one holiday show, it will be enough to put you in the mood for the holidays.
There’s more than one to choose from and the Branson partners that we had the opportunity to visit were:
- Clay Cooper
- The Hughes Family
- The BaldKnobbers
- The Showboat Branson Belle
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction
I’ll be sharing in more detail my experience at each of the shows listed above in future blog posts. They all have a unique story to tell and I want to be sure I give you the true essence of what each show offers. But I can guarantee you that there is not one bad show.
See The Holiday Lights
There are several places where you can see the holiday lights, but no other place has over 6.5 million! Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas features the Christmas in Midtown Light Spectacular once again.
Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade winds through the streets of the City twice each evening. A 5-story special effects Christmas Tree with a light and sound show also “performs” throughout the evening.
You can also catch two Broadway-style original musicals, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, and It’s a Wonderful Life during your visit to Silver Dollar City.
Dining in Branson, Missouri
There is no shortage of places to eat in Branson. And it wasn’t hard to find a great place to eat as well! I enjoyed every meal I had while touring Branson. We ate our first group meal at Montana Mikes, famous for their great steaks and burgers! We had the pleasure of meeting the Sales Manager Tom who told us the story of how the current owners are 90 years old but still enjoy running the business.
Ninety percent of people who are on vacation want a great experience. You will get that when you visit Montana Mikes. Montana Mike’s is also owned by Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex.
Lunch on Monday was at McFarlains Restaurant inside Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, where I had my first experience trying fried green tomatoes! I liked them and would consider making them at home since many times my tomatoes stay green for quite a long time! You can add to your experience at the restaurant by asking for a round table in the dining area. I’ll share what makes that seating arrangement so special in my recap of the restaurant.
The Perfect Ozark Christmas Itinerary
From booking your room at the Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center, to finding the right entertainment and activities for your family. You can do as much or as little as you want when you prepare your trip to Branson. With so much to do there, you have to leave options open for future visits.
Don’t forget, when you stay at the Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center, you can enjoy a full hot breakfast every day, the convenience of a location in an area where you can avoid the traffic, themed rooms, two indoor pools, and an amazing staff!
Veteran’s Appreciation Week
I had no idea how supportive Branson is to the veterans. During the week prior to Veteran’s Day Branson supports the veterans with various events, special shows and a parade. I had several opportunities to talk with veterans, be an outlet for them to share their story and to just listen.
Include Branson As A Must Do For Your Upcoming Vacation
Everything in Branson is family or privately owned. So when you are coming into town to see the shows and eat your meals out at restaurants. You are helping the families and owners support their business and keep their doors open for another season.