When you look at the old adage of "location, location, location" the city of Branson, Missouri has hit the nail right on the head. Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, what started as a small lumber town has morphed into one of the most popular tourist destination in the United States. With a focus on musical and dinner-theater entertainment, this booming tourist spot has earned the title of the "Family-Friendly Las Vegas."
Although most people think of Branson as booming recently, the city was actually starting to develop itself into a tourist destination as early as the 1930s. Highway 76, which passes by in the east-west direction, and Highway 65, which runs north-south, provides the steady stream of visitors. In the 1950s, the first of the musical acts came to town. Those first shows, The Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys' Country Jubilee, are still playing today!
Branson's location just happens to place it about a day's drive from nearly 50% of the US population and slowly but surely, more and more entertainers have decided that Branson is the place to be. Over fifty theaters now exist in town, some with artists-in-residence and some hosting rotating or guest performances. Many artists who used to play in Las Vegas came to Branson and built their own theaters. The Branson Tourism Center offers info on travel and show packages, lists show schedules and even offers a gas discount to visitors.
Many musicians who had to actively tour and record to reach their fans have found a permanent home and fan base in Branson. So have acts that the musical mainstream would consider outdated or over-the-hill. Dolly Parton, Andy Williams, Glen Clark, Mickey Gilley, the Osmonds, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Orlando and countless others play regularly to packed houses. You can also find comedians (remember Yakov Smirnoff? he's there too!), magicians, Broadway revues and musical acts that span nearly every kind of musical style.
The town also includes several theme parks, nearly a dozen golf courses, an IMAX theater, and is building a major waterfront shopping area with a boardwalk and extensive shopping options. The Titanic Museum was built in Branson, with full-scale recreations of parts of the ship as well as actual pieces from the salvaged wreckage.
One thing you won't find in Branson is gambling. Even though the addition of gambling is discussed by some nearby towns, locals have continually rejected proposals that would add legalized games of change. However, plans are underway for more hotels and a major convention center.
Rae Schwarz - Born and raised on the East Coast, Rae headed West for her college years and has stayed ever since. After college she attended the Clarion ...
