You’ve been hearing about it for years, you’ve seen it on TV, you’ve read about it online, and you are finally ready – ready to visit Branson! Your hotel is booked, your bags are packed and you are ready to hit the road to one of America’s number one vacation destinations. But what should you expect once you get there? A first time visit to Branson can be a little overwhelming – there is so much to see and do, and so many twists and turns in the road, and so many hidden attractions. But fear not, first time Branson visitors – we’ve got you covered with the guide below!
Things to Do:
Obviously, the primary goal of any vacation is to do things that are fun and memorable. And with so many fun things to do available to Branson visitors, it is easy to get overwhelmed trying to fit everything in. Here is a Branson secret: you’ll have to make two trips! Unless you plan on moving to Branson full time, it is impossible to see and do everything in one trip. Plan on picking a few things that you know you will really enjoy – that will make your trip much more fun. Here are some of the best attractions in Branson that you will certainly want to see during your first trip! Silver Dollar City is one of America’s premier theme parks, and a first time vacation must. Rides, shows, shops, live demonstrations, food and more await you here! The Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead will give you the best view around of Branson. Branson Landing is also quite the experience – and you will also have the opportunity to view Lake Taneycomo. And don’t forget to stop for lunch at The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks – it’s an Ozarks tradition!
Things to Expect:
While Branson can be a ton of fun, it can also be exhausting trying to get around town and find everything, especially if you choose to vacation in the summer, when everyone else is in Branson too! You should expect plenty of heavy traffic, especially along Highway 76 – Branson’s ‘main drag.’ ALWAYS leave for your shows, rides or reservations early – nothing can ruin a first time Branson visitors’ trip like being late for an anticipated event. To help get yourself around town, stop by a visitor’s center and pick up a map – you will find several back roads that can help you avoid some of the worst traffic. You should also expect to find crowds in Branson, as the traffic indicates – always do a head count and keep ahold of little ones to avoid losing anyone in your group. Weather can be unpredictable in Branson – so expect the unexpected! Always bring raincoats, sweatshirts and sunscreen – the weather can change in a minute.
Things to Bring:
There are a few essentials to bring that first time Branson visitors are not aware of. First, bring all-weather gear – even if you are vacationing in the summer, bring long pants and a jacket. Raincoats, umbrellas, sunscreen and water bottles are also a must. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes will be essential – walking is nearly impossible to avoid in Branson! If you have a GPS or a GPS app on your smartphone, bring it along – it can be helpful when trying to find a hidden restaurant. Lastly, remember to bring a camera to capture all the great memories! Chances are, you’ll want to return to Branson again and again.
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