Branson-isn’t that just for older folk and those who love country-western? That was my thoughts when I recently had an opportunity to be there. It was not a place I ever thought I would go to on my own, or with my family. After spending some time there I realized my perceptions about it being for the senior population, and for country-western lovers was all wrong.

If you decide to fly to Branson, you will be flying into the Springfield-Branson Airport. It is a small regional airport and easy to get around. You will need to rent a car, and then it is about an hour’s drive south to Branson. Along the way you will see beautiful rock outcroppings along the road, and you will get the opportunity to drive some very steep hills.

Branson claims it is less than a day’s drive from half the country’s population and many people do drive to Branson. There is one major road (Hwy. 76) going down the strip of Branson. In summer you can spend a couple of hours of your vacation stuck in a car trying to get to the next stop down the road. By listening to the locals you can learn to take the back roads of Branson known as the red, blue, and yellow routes. At local information booths they have maps showing the various loops, along with the 76 strip.

There is a variety of accommodations in Branson, and I was quite surprised how reasonably priced many of the hotels and motels were. Some of the lodging options offer tickets to different shows with your stay. You can stay on the strip or on one of the quieter loop roads. I chose to spend the night at Best Western Music Capital Inn on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, and it was the nicest Best Western I have ever stayed at ( I am usually not a fan of Best Westerns). It was exceptionally clean, had an indoor pool, and offered a continental breakfast. There were lots of families staying there. My room was around $80 which I thought was a good value. Grand Country Inn offers fun for the family with an indoor and outdoor water parks, a lazy river, toddler pool and even indoor mini golf.

So, what does Branson have to offer families? Plenty, and there is a lot more to do than just the country western music scene. There is a tremendous variety of shows including pop, 50’s rock and roll, magic, and slapstick comedy. Some of Branson’s more popular shows include the Shoji Tabuchi Family Show (get your tickets ahead of time), and Legends in Concert featuring impersonators of Elvis, Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe and the Blues Brothers. At the Dixie Stampede you are entertained while you eat a feast with your fingers at the same time. The Kirby VanBurch show offers exotic animals and magic, a popular show for families. And for those country western fans there is the well known Country Tonite show featuring music, comedy, dance and even rope tricks. Other variety shows include 50’s shows and the acrobats from China. If your time is limited some of the shows have matinees and a few even have breakfast shows.

Many families spend the day at Silver Dollar City theme park. In 2002 they are open March through December 22 and advertise Mondays and Tuesdays as their off days each week. Silver Dollar City is a theme park where one can experience traditional Ozark food, music and costumes along with thrilling state-of-the-art rides. You might want to plan on going early and spending the entire day.

The Branson area has plenty of outdoor recreation. Missouri has more than 5000 caves including Marvel Cave in Silver Dollar City and Talking Rocks in Branson. Nearby are the Ozark Mountains with hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. There are also lakes and rivers in the region.

Branson says it has five seasons-spring, summer, fall, winter, and the Ozark Mountain Christmas season. Whatever time of year you decide to visit Branson your family will have plenty of options. I can’t wait to return with my family.

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