Branson, MO - where to stay, what shows to see?

Chris

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Mar 20, 2006
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Looking for ideas as going to be in Branson, MO for four days here in early June. No kids, just me and wife.

What are best places to stay, best shows to see?

What else is there that would be good to see?

Thanks for any suggestions!
 

mramseyISU

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Nov 8, 2006
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Waterloo, IA
I've only been there once, but my advise is to find a hotel close enough to walk to most of the shows you want to see because that town has the worst traffic I have ever seen.
 

CloneIce

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Apr 11, 2006
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Try to stay on the lake if you can. The lake is the coolest part of the town... its like Lake of the Ozarks, but prettier, cleaner, and less crowded (though there are still plenty of boats).

I've only been to one show down there (The Platters, old 60's Mo-town band) but there are tons of them, so you could probably check what will be going on while your there and pick whatever type of shows you like. There is always a show on a big boat that cruises around the lake for the day, I am sure that would be neat too.
 

NebrClone

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Apr 11, 2006
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I have stayed at the Chateau on the Lake several times, very nice but way out of the way. The new Branson Landing area is nice, a mile long mall, hotel and dining area, but a ways from the shows. Traffic will be terrible not matter where you stay.
 

RyCy04

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Sep 26, 2007
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Omaha, NE
Branson, MO is now home to one of the most influential comedians ever. I would highly recommend seeing Yakov Smirnoff.
 

RyCy04

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Sep 26, 2007
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Omaha, NE
Yakov Smirnoff is very good.

I can't actually vouch for that as I have never seen him. I just find it very humorous that Yakov would set his roots in Branson, MO. And the fact that he would have enough material to do multiple shows. I just remember him from when I was a kid and every joke seemed the same.
 

06_CY

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Apr 11, 2006
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Stay at the Table Rock Inn; the parents of a guy I use to work with own it. When you eat there, you will not leave hungry.
 

BigDISU1

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Apr 10, 2006
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I just went last thanksgiving with my wife. It was getting close to Christmas time, so all the shows were Christmas oriented, so i cant comment on the standard shows.

We stopped at the Bass Pro Shops headquarters and the indoor fish and wildlife museum in Springfield on the way down, took about 2 hours, we both had a good time.

In Branson, as far as shows I would recommend: we saw the Haygoods & Kirby Van Burch (magic show), I would recommend both. I heard good things about the riverboat dinner/show & dixie stampede.

Spent a day at Silver Dollar city (basically a branson theme park, roller coasters, rides, shops shows, etc). Went to the lake south of town, saw the trout fish hatchery which was interesting. Spent an afternoon at Branson Landing (the stripmall in the east side of town, renovated and looks very nice)

Went to the Titanic Museum, which was very unique too. Of course we went putt putt golfing at Pirates cove too. Overall, it was a great time, so much to do, it just a matter of deciding what you like and doing it.

As far as traffic, we stayed off the main drag through town when we could and used what they call the blue and red routes, traffic was much better on these roads.
 

bos

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Apr 10, 2006
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I never went to shows, but I did check out the IMAX and caves while I was there. Every time Ive been there it has been off season so shows were not abundant.
 

TykeClone

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Oct 18, 2006
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I have in-laws close by so I "get" to go down there at least once per year.

I'd avoid branson and that whole area like the plague. I think that Iowa City might be a better destination. Everything is geared to old people and the traffic sucks. Badly.
 

mg4cy

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Feb 5, 2007
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No shortage of reminders on what to do with all of the billboards on the way into town...starting north of Springfield (highway 13).
Youll see something like 20 billboards for Fantastic Caverns north of Springfield. I made a car game w my wife, like slug-bug, for the each Fantastic Cavern billboard we saw.

I like to take highway 71 south of KC, and cut east on 7 to Clinton, then south on highway 13 to springfield. They are making that all 4 lane, so it may have road construction. Highway 13 to I-44 east, then south on 65 to Branson.
 

TykeClone

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Oct 18, 2006
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I like to take highway 71 south of KC, and cut east on 7 to Clinton, then south on highway 13 to springfield. They are making that all 4 lane, so it may have road construction. Highway 13 to I-44 east, then south on 65 to Branson.

That seems to be the best way to go. Coming from the north, I just hop on 13 (I think) north of KC and just take that the whole way. North of the interstate, there's a bit of two-lane road, but it's lightly traveled so you can move pretty well.
 

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