Branson, Missouri
There are two sides to Branson. There is the razzle-dazzle side at the very heart of the city, where the booming Entertainment District endlessly delights with its world-renowned live music shows. And then there is the serene side, just beyond the city, where the natural beauty of the Ozarks unfurls. With rolling hills and more than 200 miles of meandering trails, the Ozark Mountains beckon adventurous spirits looking to explore the road less traveled.
Must-Do: Experience one of Branson’s live shows. Known as America’s Top Live Music Destination, and with more than 100 live performances to choose from, take your pick from genres such as country, gospel, pop, rock, and more. Magicians, comedians, and stunt riders also take to the stage with their dazzling (and daring) acts.
Eat: For breakfast or brunch, it’s got to be Billy Gail’s. This cozy cafe used to be a service station, and is now famous for its friendly atmosphere and generous portion sizes. Try their legendary giant pancake — as in a huge 14-inch sweet-cream flapjack — with equally indulgent flavors, such as banana pecan, blueberry lemon, or decadent double chocolate. Or, if a savory feast is more your thing, choose from the likes of the pork chop breakfast or the build-your-own breakfast burrito.
Day-Trip: Dedicate a full day to roller coaster thrills at Silver Dollar City, a 61-acre theme park with an 1880s mining town twist. With more than 40 rides, highlights include the Time Traveler — the world’s fastest, tallest, and steepest spinning roller coaster (it reaches 50 miles per hour and has a 95-foot-tall vertical loop) — and Fire in the Hole, an indoor, family-friendly coaster that whizzes through the dark.
