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Visit Branson – What to do, where to eat & where to stay

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Visit Branson: What to do, where to eat, where to stay in the Ozark Mountains region in Missouri. There is something for everyone.

What to see:

Clay Cooper and his ensemble of singers, dancers, and comedians is a must see show. I don’t think I have laughed that hard in a really long time. For more information about The Clay Cooper Theater, click on the photo below:

The Clay Cooper Theater

The Hughes Brothers show is another must see when you visit Branson. The entire cast is made of one large family and each person is as talented as the next. These are Broadway caliber performances all by one family. For more information on The Hughes Brothers Music Show, click on the photo below:

Beauty and the Beets The hughes Brothers

Take a leap off the 230-ft. tall Inspiration Tower, the tallest point in the state of Missouri. The Vigilante Extreme ZipRider starts at the top of the tower and will take at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour down the half mile hillside. It’s a serious adrenaline rush and a bit intimidating, but worth the hype. It’s actually a seated zipline so it isn’t too scary, you are not having to grip anything with every fiber of your being to save yourself from falling. And if you just want to enjoy the views without jumping off the zipline, you can do that too. Click here for more information on Inspiration Tower.

Zipline Inspiration Tower Branson MO Beauty and the Beets
Inspiration Tower Extreme Zipline harness Beauty and the Beets
Inspiration Tower Vigilante Extreme Zipline Branson MO Beauty and the Beets

The Branson Scenic Railway is a fun way to spend an afternoon enjoying the scenery of the Ozarks. I imagine in the Fall this train is even more beautiful with all the changing leaves. For more information on The Branson Scenic Railway, click on the photo below:

Branson Scenic Railway Branson Missouri Beauty and the Beets

Where to eat:

Imagine overlooking a world class golf course while sitting in a barn from Arnold Palmer’s hometown while sipping a beverage and eating an enchilada. Arnie’s Barn at Top of the Rock is not only scenic, but the margaritas are strong and the guacamole is delightful. The theme is of a Mexican flair which doesn’t exactly match the decor, but the food was delicious. Click on the photo for more information on Arnie’s Barn at Top of the Rock.

Arnie's Barn at Top of the Rock Beauty and the Beets

My most favorite place in the entire Ozark region is Dobyn’s Dining Room in The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks. I have yet to have anything to gripe about there. The food is creative and inspiring, and the menu rotates every few months with the seasons. All the vegetables are grown right on the school farm, and the servers, kitchen staff, and managers are all students at the college. I have never skipped Dobyn’s Dining Room on any trip I have taken to Branson. For more information on The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks, click on the photo below:

The Keeter Center College of the Ozarks Beauty and the Beets

Billy Gail’s Cafe is where you go for a nice hearty breakfast away from the touristy strip. But bring cash because there is no credit taken here. The pancakes, bacon, and fried bologna is where it’s at here. Click on the photo below to learn more about Billy Gail’s Cafe:

Explore Branson: Where to stay

I have personally stayed at two really great places in Branson – Westgate Branson Woods and The Stone Castle Hotel. Both are very different for different reasons, but both are clean, comfortable, and welcoming. Westgate Branson Woods has a variety of accommodations, from cozy cabins to traditional rooms in a high rise. The amenities are plentiful, from an outdoor pool and walking trails to pizza parties and family dining. Click here for more information on Westgate Branson Woods.

Westgate Branson Woods Beauty and the Beets 2
Westgate Branson Woods Beauty and the Beets 6
Westgate Branson Woods Beauty and the Beets 4

For a more modest price, you cannot go wrong with The Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center. It’s clean and the price of a room includes a free hot breakfast. Amenities include an indoor and an outdoor pool, and an arcade room.

You can read more about the Stone Castle Hotel by clicking on the picture below:

Stone Castle Hotel Branson Conference Center Beauty and the Beets 1

Whatever your pleasure, there is plenty to enjoy when you visit Branson and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. The best time for fun is in the Fall and at Christmastime, while you will find smaller crowds in the spring and summer. If you have any suggestions to add to this list, drop me a line and let me know!