– By Megan Dubois – 

When most individuals consider Branson, Missouri, they seemingly consider stay exhibits, over-the-top eating places with kooky exteriors, and chain resorts. Whereas that is true, on a current lengthy weekend to the realm, I discovered that there’s much more to Branson than the vacationer stops and Vegas-style marquees luring you into eating places and exhibits. The midwest metropolis can also be house to loads of out of doors adventures and one of many coolest theme parks within the nation. 

Right here’s how I spent my lengthy weekend in Branson, Missouri, together with Silver Greenback Metropolis

The place to Keep in Branson, Missouri

There are lots of trip leases within the Branson space, however I opted for a extra conventional resort keep at The Ozarker Lodge. The not too long ago renovated resort combines the service of a standard resort with the look of a historic motor lodge for a novel keep. The foyer is flooded with gentle due to loads of home windows. That is additionally the place you’ll discover the on-site bar serving espresso within the morning and slinging drinks within the night. The communal sitting space is a pleasant spot to get pleasure from your drink, learn a e book, or simply hang around with household and buddies. 

My double queen bed room was considerably small, however since I used to be touring solo, it match the invoice. The beds had been snug, although, on late nights coming back from exhibits or the theme park, I discovered the room lacked sufficient lighting to make sure I didn’t run into the chest of drawers that was near the door. The toilet, whereas small, did its job, although, with greater than two folks, I may see the house being problematic. 

What I cherished most concerning the resort was that it was a few 5-minute drive to the principle drag of Branson, so I wasn’t always listening to vehicles or folks. The resort’s secluded location was additionally nestled subsequent to a creek with Adirondack chairs and fireplace pits lining the waterway, which was a pleasant spot to wind down after an extended day. 

Friday afternoon and night in Branson

After arriving in Branson, fill your stomach with nice BBQ at Danna’s Bar-B-Que & Burger Store. There are two within the metropolis, however one is conveniently positioned subsequent to The Ozarker Lodge, so you’ll be able to stroll over for an early dinner. I cherished the pulled pork sandwich, which was succulent and completely smoked. And there are many sauces to select from proper at your desk, so after all, I attempted all of them, and every introduced one thing new to the flavour social gathering. 

My night began and ended with The Haygoods, a household who has proven off their musical prowess in entrance of over six million folks over 33 years. The present is stuffed with musical numbers that may have you ever dancing in (or out of) your seat.

Saturday in Branson

Views of Branson and Desk Rock Lake. Picture by Megan Dubois

Spend a lot of the day on Saturday having fun with the nice outside in Missouri. Begin your morning with breakfast on the go from one of many many cafes within the metropolis earlier than heading to Desk Rock State Park. Right here, you are able to do every little thing from mountain biking and mountaineering to having fun with a picnic. However my favourite factor to do is head straight for the marina to lease a ship for a couple of hours and take lunch with me from the cafe the place I ordered breakfast. I at all times make some extent to go to Sugar Leaf Bakery Cafe whereas I’m in Branson, and it’s an awesome spot to get snacks and meals to go.  

Within the night, you’ll be able to discover Branson by yourself, or head out on the Better of Branson Sundown Tour with Pink Jeep Excursions. Throughout the three-hour tour, you’ll get to see the sundown over Desk Rock Lake from a non-public mountain overlook, see the Historic Downtown Branson Scenic Railway, and extra. 

Between adventures, you’ll have to gasoline up, so cease in at Señor Clucks. You might suppose it is a fried hen joint, but it surely’s truly Mexican. You’ll know while you’re in the correct spot while you see the 43-foot-tall rooster subsequent to the Tanger Retailers. 

Spend Sunday at Silver Greenback Metropolis

2025 is ready to be a giant 12 months for Silver Greenback Metropolis, and all of it begins on opening day, March 13. All year long, the theme park hosts enjoyable festivals, together with its Spring Exposition, Bluegrass & BBQ, Summer season Celebration, Harvest Competition, and An Outdated Time Christmas. Regardless of while you go, you’re positive to have a good time. 

Begin your morning at Silver Greenback Metropolis with breakfast at Molly’s Mill Restaurant, the place hearty Southern classics may be discovered within the buffet line. Don’t skip getting among the unbelievable apple butter and biscuits. 

Because the park opens for guests, head straight for among the fashionable points of interest, together with Hearth In The Gap, Outlaw Run, and Wildfire. My favourite trip on the park is Time Traveler, which is a high-speed coaster the place every of the person trip automobiles spins as you twist and switch over the observe. 

When the warmth of the afternoon hits, attempt to get a spot in line to tour Marvel Cave, a pure cave that the park is constructed on prime of. The cave excursions final about an hour and present a few of Mom Nature’s most stunning underground designs. It’s additionally an effective way to chill off on heat summer time afternoons as a result of the cave’s underground ecosystem is normally round 60 levels. 

Cinnamon Bread at Silver Greenback Metropolis. Picture by Megan Dubois

And no journey to Silver Greenback Metropolis is full with out attempting the enduring cinnamon bread, which may be discovered at Clara Belle’s Cinnamon Bread. After you indulge in a single loaf, you’re going to wish to get one other to convey house. Belief me, cinnamon bread reheats very well within the oven. 

Megan duBois is a contract journey author whose work has been revealed on-line and in print for Conde Nast Traveler, Delish, The Factors Man, FamilyVacationist, Southern Dwelling, and extra. She covers theme parks, cruising, and household journey. You may observe her adventures on Instagram @minglingwithmegan. 

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