What to do in Branson, MO.???

[logger]

Hey guys after the awesome infor I got from you last year I had to ask about Branson again.

I am going again this year. And yes the in-laws will be going again also :-/. We have an idea of what we will do this time but was hoping for some other suggestions or opinions or if anything is new within the last year or so. My son is 14 months now and will be much more fun to take this time.

Last trip we saw: Shoji Tabuchi, hit the BPS in springfield, Ate at Rodizzio, fudruckers, and went to the branson landing area. I did not get to fish and am still very sour about it.

This year. we plan to go to BPS for the nature museum (I have a feeling the wife will have the bait monkey under lock and key), tour the Busch  factory when we fly in to St.Louis, dixie stampede, and we would like to go to Dogwood Canyon  but we aren't sure if its worth it (could use some review of this and how's the fishing there??)  we might see the Lord of the dance. There are the 2 "theme" parks silver dollar city and celebration city are they worth going to? is that right? any suggestions on those or any other shows/places to hit in Branson let me know. We are not country music fans (no offense to anyone who is) .We need kid friendly stuff and maybe a few night spots that the wife and I can go to if the in-laws watch my son.

Also I have made the statement to the in laws that I am fishing every morning with or without company so I would also like to know if there are any smaller lakes to hit or good places to shore fish in the Branson /Ridgedale area TRL is too big (unless we are talking shore fishing) and I don't have the time to figure it out or the money to rent a guide. What about Taneycomo?? I went down by the fish hatchery last year and that looked good, I also was down by Skip's at Branson landing but never fished, any suggestions would be great.

Thanks in advance,

Greg

[roadwarrior]

You might catch a few stocker trout from the bank, but I would consider it a waste of time.

[Zel]

Never been to Branson, but whenever I plan a trip, I check out Tripadvisor.com.  It helps me with some ideas of things to do.  And I like checking out the Traveler Reviews to see what people have to say about the attractions, and to sometimes get the inside scoop.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g44160-Activities-Branson_Missouri.html

[Shad_Master]

You might want to see the Shepherd of the Hills play some evening - it may sound hokey, but it really is fun. Also, you can visit the farm area before and get a real feel for the history of the area. If you are into a road trip, you might want to check out Eureka Springs, Arkansas - about an hour's drive - some really nice scenery and there is a place or two there that will take your $$'s if you are looking to part with 'em (mostly antique shops and things) but they also have some cool tourist sites as well.

Your son may be too young for the amusement parks this time, but he might like to "ride the ducks" (check it out).

[BirdNestBen]

I've heard a lot of good reviews on Silver Dollar City... my wife's been there are loved it......

I did go see the Jim Stafford show and highly recommend it for family entertainment........

One thing I wanted to do when I was there was go on the dinner cruise on Table Rock Lake.... my wife didn't want too so I was outta luck on that deal......

I'm sure you'll have a great time....... I sure did when I was there.......

[.ghoti.]

Check out Lilley's Landing.

http://www.lilleyslanding.com/marina.html

You can rent a boat for all or part of a day at downright cheap prices, and sample the trout fishing on the Taneycomo. You may want to call ahead to reserve a boat for the days you want.

Also, check out the Candlestick Inn for the best dining in Branson. A little pricey, but well worth it for a special night out with your sweetie. When you visit the Landing, look across the river and up the bluff. You'll spot it. It doesn't look like much from that view, but I promise you the food, service, ambience and view are unforgettable.

Cheers,

GK

[Teria]

Where to begin. My In-laws manage a hotel in Branson Mo.  I go there several times a year. There is the Titanic it's fairly new. It was there last September. There is also a new com. show. I will have to ask CJ the name of it. Pierce arrow is my all time fav. show. I also like the Kirby Vanburch (Magic Show) show. Your son might enjoy that one. Lots of animals, there is motorcycles that fly through the air, and at the end of the show it snows on everyone. Defiantly one of my top favorites.

The best place to eat is the Outback. It's different from just the steak house. It has unique food. Alligator tail is the best appetizer they have. The Ice cream Shop across from the Grand Palace is all that and some more!

There are two theme parks in Branson. I would suggest that you go to Branson USA vs Silver Dollar City. They have a really cool fireworks and laser light show on the lawn at night. My kids love it. My daughter was just around a year old when we took her and she couldn't keep her eyes off the show. It's also free and when your in Branson free is always a good thing. I like the Dixie Stamped it's a good show. Last time we went CJ and I were picked to go into the middle of the arena and have a stick horse race. REALLY.... embarrassing! I think my fav. part of that show is the food. It's good!

Well I have rambled on long enough. I'm starting to sound like a travel agent for Branson Mo. Hope I could help.

Teria

[Fisher of Men]

Logger,  

Don't miss Shepherd of the Hills this time.  I think the family would really enjoy it.  

[logger]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Keep them coming. A couple of questions

Teria- What kind of show is Pierce arrow?

Fisher of Men- Yes I am going to try to talk them into seeing Shepard of the Hills, they wouldn't go for it last year I'll restate your recommendation to the "others"

Has anyone been to Dogwood Canyon??

[Pencil Pusher]

Contrary to Roadwarrior's statement, Taneycomo has fantastic trout fishing. There are big Rainbows, big Browns and if your real lucky you might catch a Cutthroat. And yes, you can catch them from the bank. I believe that the upper part of the lake (just below the Table Rock dam), is fly fishing or restricted artificial lures only. Check the regs. Now my little secret about Taneycomo: down by Rockaway beach, the are a lot of largemouth bass. The water is warmer down there. Taneycomo is a small lake, narrow and more like a river, especially when the dams are generating.

[roadwarrior]

Contrary to Roadwarrior's statement, Taneycomo has fantastic trout fishing. There are big Rainbows, big Browns and if your real lucky you might catch a Cutthroat. And yes, you can catch them from the bank. I believe that the upper part of the lake (just below the Table Rock dam), is fly fishing or restricted artificial lures only. Check the regs. Now my little secret about Taneycomo: down by Rockaway beach, the are a lot of largemouth bass. The water is warmer down there. Taneycomo is a small lake, narrow and more like a river, especially when the dams are generating.

 

I'm headed to the White River next weekend and just spoke with my guide. The lakes are at the highest level ever recorded, but due to downstream flooding, water release is limited to turbin generation only.  The trout bite is extremely strong with good numbers of rainbow trout and some hefty browns!

However, it has been my observation and experience that shore fishing is limited when water generation is high. You may still catch a few fish, but nothing like you would if you float the river.

8-)

[WIII-60]

Do you already have your lodging set? The bradford inn is pretty tough to beat.

There's a new BPS at the eastern end of branson in the old town right on white river. It's pretty awesome if you're notching the belt with BPS visits.

If you can get away with it, the stone hill winery has a free tour that includes sampling product. My wife and I dug that a lot when we were there last year.

Titanic was very cool, but go in an off hour because you lose alot of the effect when it's crowded. You'll wear headphones and the entire museum is interactive. When they talk about the angles of the boat as it sank, you actually can stand on a section of deck tilted at that angle, etc......

I like silver dollar city but I'm old school. The roller coasters are pretty awesome. I still have a mississipi long rifle cap gun that I got on a trip my family took as a kid. Be warned, the blacktop gets hot in the summer and will be around 15 degrees warmer than regular temp.

[logger]

I am all set for lodging.

WIII-60 are you talking about the BPS at Branson's Landing? I was there last year and will accidentally end up this year too I am sure.

Thanks for the report on the Titanic, it wasn't open yet when I went last year.

RW Please post a report for me or shoot me a PM when you get back. Which guide are you using?

[Teria]

Pierce Arrow is a good clean family show. They sing some, the comedy is what I like about it. It's really funny. Hope this helps.  

Teria

[roadwarrior]

I'm fishing the White River below Bull Shoals with Tim "Hot Dawg" Curtis, June 6 & 7. I have been fishing the first weekend in June over there for about seven years. Last year my partner caught 57 rainbow on Saturday and a two day total just under 100. I, on the other hand, fish for big browns exclusively and had three bites, two hook-ups and one fish landed. However, it was the right one! :

I actually fished a few minutes with Tim's rod during the trip and probably caught twenty or so, but I don't count that for much. I'm after the big girls. Two years ago my 79 year old dad fought a 15-20 lb German brown for 45 minutes before he finally lost it in the prop. We had the fish to the boat several times, but just out of reach. The fish jumped five times during the fight and never gave up. That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

8-)

[Hookemdown.]

RW, stories like that make we want to pack up and head back up there again...

[roadwarrior]

Well...Part II

My dad's best friend was with us. A few months later he and some

other friends hired Dawg for another float. On that trip................

They BOATED a 16.5 lb brown!

8-)

[logger]

No one has been to Dogwood Canyon?? I Would really like an opinion/ review on this place before we go.